Page 99 of The Unfortunate Debutante
Adrien piped up, “I think that will do.” He glanced over at Simeon and Benedict. “Shall we?”
As they rose from their chairs, Lord Revett said, “A word to the wise, gentlemen. By allowing Hatcher and Blackmore to go free, there will be more resistance against the Corn Laws. I’m afraid you’re doing more harm than good here.”
“I disagree,” Simeon started. “The landowners have too much power in Parliament. Eventually, the people will take back what is rightfully theirs.”
“And what is that?” Lord Revett scoffed.
Simeon grew serious. “Their voice.”
Emma hada bright smile on her face as she entered the dining room. Last night, she’d taken a long soak and then slept peacefully, dreaming about being wrapped up in Simeon’s arms.
“You seem happy this morning,” Rachel commented from her seat at the table. “Is there a particular reason?”
Walking over to the buffet table, she said, “To begin with, I’m alive, and Peter can’t hurt me anymore.”
Luke spoke up from the head of the table. “I am relieved, as well.” He placed the newspaper on the table. “Hatcher is being released from prison today.”
“Is he?” Emma asked in a surprised tone. “I thought the Crown was going to make an example of him.”
“Apparently not,” Luke replied.
“That’s good,” Emma remarked, walking over to the table and sitting down next to Rachel. She couldn’t help but notice the pointed look that Luke and Rachel exchanged. “What’s going on between you two?”
Luke wiped the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “Do you intend to seek out your grandfather now that you know he’s alive?”
She nodded. “I do.”
“Would you like me to send a missive to Sir Alymer’s townhouse to inform him that you intend to call on him soon?” Luke asked. “I have made some inquiries, and his townhouse is across town.”
“That would be wonderful,” she replied. “Do you think he would mind if I call upon him today?”
Rachel reached out and placed her hand over hers. “Any grandfather would love to see his granddaughter, at any time.”
Luke cleared his throat, and he appeared anxious. Which was odd, she thought.
“Rachel and I were talking earlier, and if you decide to live with your grandfather, we will respect your choice,” he said. “Regardless, your dowry and inheritance…”
“Inheritance?” she questioned. Her inheritance had been spent by Peter.
Rachel smiled. “Luke and I have made provisions for you. We set aside £30,000 in an account for you to access on your twenty-first birthday.”
Touched by their generosity, Emma found herself speechless.
Luke gave her a tentative smile. “The money is yours. We just want you to be happy, Emma.”
Jumping up from her chair, she gave Rachel a quick embrace before she embraced Luke. “I’m not going anywhere. You are my family.”
“You say that now, but…” Luke began.
She spoke over him. “No buts. I’m happy here, and I always will be.”
“There’s one other thing I want to give you,” Luke said, reaching into his jacket and pulling out a gold locket. “Jonathon found this when he was searching your cottage.”
“My mother’s locket,” she murmured as she accepted it. “I’d wondered where it had gone.” She admired the locket as the memories of her mother came flooding back to her.
So distracted was she, that she didn’t hear Munro knock. “Miss Pearson, where would you like all your flowers?” he asked, holding a bouquet in his hands.
“Wherever you see fit,” she replied, slipping the locket into the pocket of her gown.
