Page 39 of The Unfortunate Debutante
He heard her whisper, “That is Peter Lockhart.”
Emma placedher half-eaten bowl of lemon ice onto the bench of the carriage and forced a smile onto her face as she watched Peter cross the square. She noticed that Mr. Martin had stepped closer to her, trying to shield her from Peter’s view.
Peter had an unassuming smile on his face as he approached her. “Emma…” His words trailed off when Mr. Martin took a commanding step forward and placed his hand onto his chest, stopping him.
Mr. Martin leaned closer to Peter and growled, “Stay away from Miss Pearson.”
Turning his head to look at her, Peter asked, “Who is this man?”
“That is Mr. Martin,” she replied. “Lord Downshire hired him to guard me.”
Peter’s face grew slightly pale at her admission. “Is someone attempting to hurt you?”
“You should know,” Mr. Martin interjected.
His mouth gaped. “How dare you make such an outlandish accusation? I grew up with Emma, and I am still her solicitor.” He turned his gaze back towards her. “Tell him, Emma.”
Emma’s eyes darted between the two men, and she noticed that their interaction was starting to draw unwanted attention. Knowing she must act quickly, she said, “Mr. Martin, please release Mr. Lockhart. I would like a moment alone to speak to him privately.”
“No,” Mr. Martin replied, but lowered his hand. “Absolutely not.”
“Then at least step to the side so I may converse with him.” She hesitated before adding, “Please.”
With his gaze firmly set on Peter, Mr. Martin stepped to the side, leaned against the side of the carriage and crossed his arms. To some, it might appear that he was relaxing, but Emma could tell he was alert and poised for a fight.
Peter stepped up to the carriage and smiled at her. “Are you well, Emma?”
“Yes, I am. Thank you.” She turned her attention towards the pavement.
He placed his hands on the sides of the carriage, eliciting a low growl from Mr. Martin. “You look beautiful.”
Ignoring his compliment, she asked, “Why are you here?”
“I work in town now.”
Her eyes scanned the bustling crowd of the square and the stream of carriages driving through the center. How had he seen her? Rather than question him about that, she asked, “When did you seek out new employment?”
He shrugged. “It was a recent change, but I needed a break from the drudgery of living in a small village.”
“Won’t your family miss you?”
“I suppose, but I hope to return soon,” his gaze grew intense, “assuming I find what I’m looking for.” He was silent for a moment before saying, “My mother misses you.”
A smile came to her lips. “Please tell Mrs. Lockhart that I said hello.”
“You could tell her yourself,” he urged. “Come back to Totternhoe with me… just for a visit.”
“No, I am here for the Season.”
Peter watched her for a long moment before changing the subject. “Do you remember fishing in the stream on your property?”
Her smile grew. “I do. I also remember when you pushed me in and laughed.”
“I recall it quite differently.” He chuckled. “You were trying to catch a fish with your hands.”
She brought her gloved hand up to cover her laugh. “David was furious and challenged you to a duel.”
“A duel with tree branches,” he joked. “We had such fun together.”
