Page 48 of The Unfortunate Debutante
“We arrived together so, it’s logical that we would be related.”
“Good point,” she said as someone brushed past her. “Should we tarry any longer?”
Simeon’s alert eyes scanned over the room. “I think we got all that we came for.”
“I can’t wait to attend the demonstration tomorrow,” she said, heading towards the door.
Increasing his stride, Simeon arrived at the door first and opened it up for her. In a hushed voice, he asked, “How do you propose leaving Caddington Manor during the middle of the day without detection?”
A wry look of mischief crossed her face. “I am practically a spy, remember?”
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Simeon drawled, “No, you are not. I’m concerned that you truly believe you are.”
Laughing, she replied, “Call on me tomorrow at ten, and we will go on a carriage ride.”
“A carriage ride?” he asked, giving her a puzzled look. “That is your genius plan?”
Accepting Simeon’s proffered arm as they headed down the pavement, Emma remarked, “I haven’t worked out all the details yet, but I’ll find a way to go to that demonstration.”
“Perhaps it’s best if you sit this one out,” he asserted. “After all, a rally is no place for a lady.”
Emma admired the gas lights along the pavement before saying, “Mr. Hatcher says it is a peaceful demonstration, and I have no doubt that other women will be attending. Women desire change too, not just men.”
“Fine, but after tomorrow, no more sneaking out or attending demonstrations,” Simeon grunted. “Just write your blasted article and be done with it.”
She smiled at his brash tone. “Thank you, Simeon.”
“For what?” he asked, stopping on the pavement.
“For being my guard,” she hesitated, “and my friend.”
“I hate to disappoint you, but we are not friends.” Simeon resumed leading her along the pavement. “My job is to guard you, not befriend you.”
What a stubborn, vexing man, she thought. Keeping pace with his increasing stride, she attempted again. “Fine. Thank you for accompanying me to the meeting this evening.”
“You are welcome,” he said, barely sparing her a glance.
Taking a moment to admire his handsome face, she boldly asked, “Why am I not your friend?”
“What?”
“I said ‘why am I not your friend’?” She stopped on the pavement and removed her arm from his. “I consider you a friend.”
With a clenched jaw, Simeon turned to face her. “Friends are liabilities.”
“I disagree. Friends can be your greatest assets.”
“They are,” he hesitated, shifting his gaze over her shoulder, “until they die.”
She stepped closer to him. “Who did you lose, Simeon?”
An enraged look came over his features. “No! You have no right to ask me those questions!” he exclaimed, earning a few scowls from people passing by. “My life is my own. I have a right to maintain secrets!”
Taking a step back, Emma stared at him with wide eyes. “I am sorry… I… uh…”
“You are an infuriating chit,” he declared. “I would never have a friend like you.”
Tears pooled in her eyes, and her lower lip started to tremble as she murmured, “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
