Page 54 of The Unfortunate Debutante
“My last friend, who was also, coincidentally, my partner, was murdered while on assignment with me,” he shared solemnly.
“Oh, I am so sorry,” she murmured.
Emma heard Luke whisper to Rachel, “Wentworth won that argument.”
With a grateful look, Simeon once again extended her the flowers. “I was hoping we could go on that carriage ride we previously talked about.”
“Absolutely not!” Luke declared. “Emma is not allowed to leave this house for any reason.”
Rachel turned towards her husband. “Darling, I think it would be permissible for them to travel to Hyde Park, which is only a short distance away by carriage.”
“Fine. But only to Hyde Park and back,” Luke declared.
Simeon leaned closer to her. “If you say yes, I would be willing to be interviewed again.”
“How could I refuse, then?” she said, accepting the flowers.
“Good. Then I shall pick you up within the hour.”
They sat there, looking at each other, saying nothing. But Emma felt something shift between them.
“Pardon me, but I am late for a meeting.” Luke rose and kissed Rachel on the cheek. “You will stay and chaperone.”
“It would be my pleasure,” Rachel answered with a smile.
The moment that Luke walked out of the door, Rachel turned back towards them with a questioning brow. “What’s going on between you two?”
“Nothing,” Emma replied innocently.
Rachel let out a huff. “Do not patronize me, Emma. I know you snuck out of your room last night. Did you meet up with Wentworth?”
With a side glance at Simeon, Emma lowered her voice and shared, “We did meet up, but only so he could guard me while I went to a meeting for the Anti-Corn Law rebels.”
“For what purpose?” Rachel asked.
She clasped her hands in her lap. “For research on my next article for The Morning Post.”
“And the carriage ride today?” Rachel prodded.
Simeon cleared his throat. “I promised to escort Miss Pearson to a peaceful demonstration in Templeton Square.”
Rachel was silent for a long moment, and Emma could see the indecision cross her features. “I would be a hypocrite if I attempted to stop you, but you must use caution. There are dangerous men afoot.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I can’t keep this secret for long from Luke. Go to the rally, return home unharmed, and write your article. Then, no more of this sneaking out. Do we understand each other?”
Emma let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Rachel.”
Turning her piercing gaze towards Simeon, Rachel said, “You will keep my Emma safe. Understood?”
“Yes, Lady Downshire,” Simeon replied in a firm tone.
Rachel’s eyes roamed her gown. “You can’t wear that to Templeton Square. You’ll stand out.”
“I’m borrowing Peggy’s drab gown again,” she informed her.
Giving her an exasperated look, Rachel stated, “No more climbing down walls. Change your clothes and walk out the main door. I will ensure that Luke is occupied.”
“Thank you,” Emma said.
“Your brother would not have been amused by your antics. That’s for sure,” Rachel remarked with a shake of her head.
