Page 31 of The Unfortunate Debutante
She frowned. “Men, women, and children are starving because of the high price of bread. The poor are suffering so the landowners can line their pockets. Whom, may I ask, is the guiltier of the two?”
“Are you saying the ends justify the means?”
Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she clarified, “I’m saying, that there are two sides to every story, and it’s important to know both sides before casting judgement.”
He stiffened a little, his face settling into hard lines. “Your logic isn’t entirely faulty.”
“Was that a compliment, Mr. Martin?” she mocked.
A brief smile came to his lips, but it happened so quickly that she feared she’d imagined it.
“I propose a bargain,” he stated.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she replied, “I’m listening.”
He took a step closer to her, bringing him within arm’s length. “We go to this meeting…together,” he hesitated, “and I will allow you to interview me.”
Emma studied his blue eyes as she attempted to gauge his sincerity. Could she trust him? Or would he betray her at his first opportunity? He appeared genuine, which irked her for some unknown reason.
“I will agree,” she paused, holding her hand up, “but I request five separate interviews.”
“Two,” he countered.
“Three.”
“Deal.”
She held out her gloved hand, ignoring the blood splatter on the white fabric. “It appears that we have struck a bargain, Mr. Martin.”
He accepted her hand. “It does, indeed, Miss Pearson.”
Mrs. Morton’s voice came from the other side of the stone wall. “Emma… it’s time for you to come back to the garden party.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Morton,” she acknowledged, dropping his hand.
Mr. Martin eyed her with suspicion. “Mrs. Morton knew that you were leaving?”
Emma laughed. “I expect better from you, Mr. Bow Street Runner.”
She walked over to the stone wall and quickly climbed up it. Once she dropped on the other side, Mrs. Morton whispered, “Did you have a good adventure?”
“I did,” she confirmed. “I truly did.”
6
Emma watchedin frustration as her dagger sailed past the target… again. She let out a loud, unladylike grunt. What was she doing wrong? How did Eliza make it look so easy?
Adrien’s jovial voice came from behind her. “Perhaps she doesn’t see the large, chalked circle on the tree.”
“I fear that she might be partially blind,” Benedict replied in a concerned voice.
Standing next to her, Eliza glanced over her shoulder and gave the men an exasperated look. “Your commentary is not appreciated.”
“Well, I never!” Adrien declared in a haughty tone.
Turning around to face the men, Emma asked, “What am I doing wrong? My throwing stance and grip are perfect.”
“You’re too tense,” Benedict observed.
