“Good heavens, my boy, this is an early visit. What has brought you here in such a pucker?”
Sebastian gestured impatiently for the footman to leave them before he spoke. His voice was controlled but his fury quite apparent.
“How can you accuse me of ruining Emily's life, sir, when you have allowed the poor girl to slowly starve these past two years? It is unpardonable. If you were a younger man I would call you out.”
The Earl recoiled and grasped a chair-back for support. He appeared to crumble and suddenly he was no longer a wealthy, powerful aristocrat but a vulnerable old man. Sebastian realized, too late, he had allowed his anger at Emily's treatment to overcome his common sense. What sort of diplomat was he? Why he was behaving like a veritable greenhorn he had no idea. A stripling straight from school would have better manners.
Instantly remorseful his anger evaporated. “I am sorry, grandfather; I did not mean to distress you.” He came forward and helped the old man to a chair, waiting until he was seated and comfortable before he spoke again. “Emily's half starved; how could you have allowed this to happen?” His enquiry was mild this time.
The old man shrugged. “I did not know how bad things were. I know that is no excuse but I intend to make amends for it now. Those girls will want for nothing, I promise you. I want to give Emily a season, if that is what she would like.”
Sebastian could sense a reprieve. If Emily went to London, it was possible she would meet someone more to her liking. She had made it patently obvious that she held him in little regard.
“That sounds like an excellent idea, sir”
“I am glad you approve, my boy.” He had now recovered his composure and was once more in control. “As your fiancé she will have entrée to all the best homes. A young lady needs to see the world a little before settling down.”
“I have not asked her yet, Grandfather. Have you considered the very real possibility that she will refuse me? We do not suit you know.”
“Stuff and nonsense! Emily will do as she is bid, once things have been explained to her.” He paused, lost in thought. “I will speak to her after I have broken my fast. Then you will make her an offer. I expect you to appear at eleven o'clock sharp, in the library, is that understood?”
“Yes, sir. I shall be there.” He had no option, he had given his word and he was now obliged to ask a most unsuitable girl to be his wife. He shuddered as he considered the mayhem she could cause in the refined world of international diplomacy. But he had promised. He was obliged to marry her unless she could be persuaded to cry off. His mobile mouth slowly curled at the corners. What if he made himself so objectionable Emily decided that his wealth and title would not compensate her for being shackled to him. Sebastian bowed.
“If you will excuse me, sir, I will speak to you later, when all is settled between my cousin and I.”
“See that you do.”
Emily swallowed the last two morsels of ham and placed her cutlery on her plate. She pushed back her chair and looked longingly at the remaining food still spread out on the sideboard. Did she have room, perhaps, for a hot muffin with bramble jelly?
The door opened and her grandfather was bowed in. Immediately she curtsied, dropping her eyes politely.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning, my dear Emily. Please do not rush off; you can keep me company. Will you take a dish of tea whilst I break my fast?”
Emily straightened, her eyes widening. Whatever she had been expecting it is not such a convivial greeting. “I would love to, thank you,” she added with a smile, “I can highly recommend the ham and coddled eggs and the muffins look delicious also.”
He chuckled, his faded blue eyes almost disappearing in the creases. “You may serve me, child, with whatever you enjoyed yourself. I have a devil of a job deciding.”
The footman retreated once the earl was safely seated. Happily Emily selected a variety of tempting items, but did not overfill the plate. She felt sure that an elderly gentleman would not wish to consume the same amount of food she had managed. He appeared satisfied with her choices and commenced his meal whilst she fetched him a mug of porter and poured tea into a delicate porcelain cup for herself.
She could delay no more; she would have to take the chair beside him. He allowed her to settle before he spoke. “What were you thinking of child? Your display yesterday is the talk of Westerham and by this evening will be the topic of conversation in every house in the neighbourhood.” Emily had expected him to rant and rave and this quiet enquiry made her blush with shame.
“I am sorry, my lord. I was provoked. I know that is no excuse, but it could not have happened without Viscount Yardley's assistance. He is more culpable than me. It is to him you should apportion blame. I thought he was a diplomat. Is he not supposed to know how to behave in all circumstances?”
“Exactly, my dear girl. Yardley accepts the fault was his, even if the actions were yours. He is ready to take the necessary steps to save your reputation.”
“I do not understand. How can he do anything? It's too late, the damage is done.” Emily choked back a sob. “Mama will be destroyed by this. She had such high hopes for me, and I shall never be received in society now, shall I?”
“You will, if you except Yardley's offer.”
“His offer...” she stammered. “Are you saying I must marry him in order to put things right?” She gazed at her grandfather; her eyes widened and the colour left her face. “Surely not? There has to be another way. I have no more wish to marry Viscount Yardley then he has to marry me.”
“Nonsense! You will deal admirably together. If you do not accept it will not just be your good name that will be lost. His will be gone also. Do you wish to ruin him as well as yourself?”
“Of course not.” She hung her head. Whatever she decided, her moment of foolishness was going to cause a lifetime's misery. She had no choice, but at least this way her sisters, her mother and her grandfather would be happy. After all, only yesterday she had been contemplating marriage to Sebastian as the solution to her family's problems. Her position now was no different, really.
She raised her head and pulled back her shoulders. Nobody would ever know how she felt about the situation.
“I shall accept Viscount Yardley's offer, when he makes one. I shall be honoured to become his betrothed, whatever the circumstances that promoted it.” Her smile was pitiful but he beamed back, delighted he had achieved his objective so soon.
“Good girl. You will not regret it. Sebastian can be a little stiff necked but never doubt his intelligence and his good heart.” He wiped his mouth on his starched white napkin. “Now, run along, my dear. I am sure you wish to see your mother and deliver your good news. I expect you to be the library at eleven o'clock sharp.” Still smiling brightly Emily rose gracefully to her feet, curtsied, and went, not to see her mother as suggested, but back to her room to find the privacy she craved.
Jenny was in the dressing-room mending her torn dress. “I'm going to ride. Please find my habit right away.”
Less than fifteen minutes later Emily had escaped outside and was hurrying, head down, towards the stables. Sebastian was going the same way but from the rear of the house. He had been striding round the garden perfecting his plan.
Emily walked straight into him. Instinctively he closed his arms around her, protecting her from harm. The impact of their collision caused him to stagger backwards into the thick yew hedge that bordered the path. Its bulk prevented a second fall.
“Good grief, Emily! You almost had us over.” Sebastian said, as he carefully straightened and replaced her feet on the path.
“I beg your pardon; I was not looking where I was going. I hope I did not harm you?” Her voice was high and strained. She tried to smile and relax her rigid pose. “I am hoping to find a mount; do you think there is one suitable for me?”