Page 78 of The Unfortunate Debutante
Emma’s hand was still shaking as she reached for her teacup. “Why is Peter tormenting me?”
Slipping the note into his jacket pocket, Luke declared, “We are leaving for Eliza’s townhouseimmediately. She will keep you safe.”
“How is that possible? She is increasing with child!” she asked in dismay.
It was obvious that Eliza was involved in the Crown’s affairs, but how could a pregnant marchioness keep her safe?
Luke pulled back her chair. “If not Eliza, then I can assure you that Benedict, Adrien, Jonathon, and Larson can keep you safe. They will protect you against Peter.”
Turning to look up at him, Emma said, “But I don’t want to put anyone else at risk.”
Rachel smiled reassuringly at her. “Don’t fret. The most important thing is keeping you safe now.”
“Perhaps it would be best if we sent a missive to Simeon…”
Luke spoke over her. “Absolutely not. I will personally escort you to Eliza’s townhouse. She was expecting you later today, anyway.”
Emma nibbled her bottom lip. “Would it be possible to send Simeon a note to let him know I’m safe?”
“Emma,” Luke huffed, “Simeon won’t be able to protect you like the men in the Beckett family can. I have seen these men in action.”
“True, but…” Her words trailed off. Emma didn’t know why she wanted to write a letter to Simeon, but she thought it would be a good idea to let him know that she was all right. At least, she hoped he cared enough to want to know that she was in a safe place.
Rachel gave her a knowing look and shifted towards Luke. “Why don’t you go make the arrangements to depart? I would like a moment to speak to Emma alone.”
“As you wish.” Luke leaned down and kissed his wife’s cheek. “But your woman talk must be brief. The only way to keep Emma safe is to deliver her to Eliza’s.”
Emma watched as Luke departed from the room, closing the door behind him.
“May I ask why you are so insistent on writing a note to Simeon?” Rachel asked with an uplifted brow.
She shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t rightly know.”
“Could it be that you have developed feelings for your protector?”
Turning her gaze towards the window, Emma said, “It’s ridiculous, really. He’s in love with another.”
A moment of silence descended over them before Rachel asked, “Is it Martha?”
Emma nodded, reluctantly. “How did you know?”
“Martha is one of my dearest friends, and is married to my cousin,” Rachel pointed out. “Besides, she is Matthew’s godmother. I know of her past, including Simeon.”
“Simeon said they were betrothed, but she disappeared when he went to secure a special license. He searched for her for five years,” she explained. “Even if I have developed feelings for him, it wouldn’t matter. Simeon’s heart still mourns her loss.”
Rachel leaned closer to her. “I’ve seen the way Simeon looks at you. It’s not the way a friend looks at another.”
“He says we aren’t friends,” she admitted softly.
“Do you believe that?”
She shook her head. “No, but he’s afraid to admit it.”
“It’s been my experience that love can soften the hardest soul and heal the wounds of the broken heart,” Rachel replied encouragingly.
“But we don’t love each other,” Emma argued.
Rachel gave her a smug smile. “Don’t you?”
