Page 52 of Prescription for Sin

“Indeed. Now then, shall we plot your true revenge, or would you rather discuss Lord Kincaid’s obvious pursuit of Lady Amy? I saw your matchmaking attempts.”

Emma barely heard her friend’s words, transfixed by how effortlessly Everett commanded his audience’s attention and how desperately she wished she could be immune to that same magnetism.

“Good Lord,” Michael muttered as he approached Emma. “If looks could kill, half the debutantes in that circle would be dead where they stand. Your eyes are positively blazing.”

“They are not,” Emma said, trying to look anywhere but in Everett’s direction and failing.

“You must truly love him.” His voice held gentle understanding rather than jealousy.

Emma tore her gaze away. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Care to dance? We could attempt to make him jealous.”

“That would be petty and beneath us.” She paused. “Yes, absolutely.”

But as Michael led her through an elegant waltz, Everett never once looked their way. His apparent indifference stung more than his betrayal, if that was possible.

Not far away, Helen held court with her own impressive circle of admirers. Young ladies clustered around her like eager butterflies, hanging on her every witty observation while several gentlemen hovered nearby, trying to catch her attention. She was in her element, effortlessly commanding the room with her sharp humour and dramatic flair.

“So,” Michael said casually as they turned, “what exactly happened when you followed him out during the concert?”

Emma nearly missed a step. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Come now, Emma. I saw you leave shortly after him. And when you returned…” His eyes twinkled. “Well, let’s just say your hair wasn’t quite as tidy as when you’d left.”

Heat flooded her cheeks. “I simply needed air.”

“Is that what they’re calling it these days?”

“Michael!”

“You’re blushing.” He grinned wickedly. “The unflappable Emma Brown, blushing like a—”

“If you finish that sentence, I shall tell all the debutantes you have syphilis.”

“Noted.” But his knowing smile remained. “Though I must say, watching you pine after someone is rather refreshing. Makes you seem almost human.”

“I do not pine.”

“No?” He spun her so she faced Everett’s group again. “Then why do you keep looking at him as if he’s simultaneously the answer to all your prayers and the bane of your existence?”

Emma moved through the steps in silence, Michael’s observation striking too close to her heart’s turmoil. The familiar patterns of the waltz became a meditation on her feelings for Everett, each turn bringing her closer to love, each retreat pulling her back to betrayal, until the music itself seemed to echo her internal struggle.

The dance drew to a close just as Alexi glided toward them, Arthur at her side. With them stood an elegant older gentleman whose aristocratic features could have been carved from the same marble as Everett’s, the same commanding presence, the same dark eyes, though his held none of his son’s warmth. Here, Emma thought, was the architect of her current predicament, wrapped in the polished manners of the ton. She quickly grabbed a flute of champagne from a passing tray and took a few gulps before the party arrived.

“Emma, dear,” Alexi said sweetly, “may I present Dr Moreland? He’s been most eager to meet you.”

“Miss Brown.” Dr Moreland smiled tightly. “Your reputation precedes you. Such unconventional methods for a nurse.”

“I find conventional methods often fail those most in need,” Emma replied evenly.

“Indeed. Though one must be careful. Straying too far from accepted practices can lead to unfortunate consequences.”

“How fortunate then,” Arthur interrupted smoothly, “that my sister-in-law practices under my protection. I take great interest in her work.” His pleasant tone carried steel beneath. “As does Her Majesty’s Physician whose son she has saved with her unconventional methods.”

Dr Moreland’s expression shifted. “Of course. I must thank you, Miss Brown, for saving my son’s life. Your dedication to nursing is admirable.”

“Speaking of your son,” Alexi said as Everett approached. “Arthur, you haven’t been properly introduced.”