Ashes of Pride by Tracy Cooper-Posey

Author:Tracy Cooper-Posey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Victorian Era Historical Romance
Publisher: Stories Rule Press
Published: 2019-07-12T16:00:00+00:00

The Wakefield Townhouse, St. James Square, St. James, London

EMMA WINCED AT THE BRIGHT light shining through the big arched window over the top of the stair landing. She gripped the banister rail tightly as she descended to the main floor. At the bottom, she tugged her wrapper more firmly around her, only now aware of the lateness of the hour. The only sound in the house was the murmur of men discussing legal matters in the library.

Then she heard the chink of china. A cup being returned to a saucer. Emma’s throat contracted at the thought of strong tea, with cream and sugar. A great deal of tea.

The sound came from the dining room, so perhaps the hour was not as late as she thought. Emma moved swiftly across the hall and turned through the arch which gave on to the long dining room with its narrow table. She came to a halt under the archway, astonishment rippling through her, as Mama Elisa and Papa Vaughn looked up.

Emma’s cousin Lilly sat beside Mama Elisa, too. Sharla was at the end of the table, as usual. Everyone was reading. The women all had books open in front of them. Papa had the Times newspaper spread before him.

Everyone drank tea. The table was bare of everything but a small tray with the big teapot on it.

“Mama! Papa! What on earth are you doing in London?” Emma said. “Why didn’t you warn me you were coming?”

Sharla got to her feet and smoothed down the green silk morning gown. “I will leave you to your affairs. The children need me.” She rested her hand on Lilly’s shoulder. Lilly looked up at Sharla and smiled as she squeezed Sharla’s fingers.

Sharla gave Emma a small smile as she passed her in the archway. Emma thought her smile was somewhat strained. Given the odd domestic arrangements in this house, a little strain was understandable.

Her father lowered the newspaper and turned in his chair so he was facing her. “Perhaps you should have a seat, Emma. It is time we spoke frankly.”

“More than time,” Mama Elisa said. She shut her book with a small thud and put it down.

Emma’s middle squeezed, with a distinct sinking sensation. The disapproval in their eyes warned her the conversation would not be a happy one. But then, most of the conversations she’d had with members of the family had been unhappy ones, lately.

Emma pulled her wrapper back into place, even though it was already laying correctly. “May I please have a cup of tea?” She lowered herself gingerly into the chair.

“If you would like tea, you must pour it for yourself,” Mama Elisa replied.

Emma didn’t want to get to her feet again. She stayed where she was. “Why is Lilly here, if this is to be a frank conversation?” She glanced at Papa Vaughn. He was always the one to speak for everyone in the room.

“I am here because Aunt Elisa and Uncle Vaughn have kept me informed about your behavior lately and I did not like what I heard,” Lilly said.

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