Ruining the Duke by Sophia Wilson

Author:Sophia Wilson [Wilson, Sophia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-02T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

June 1814

Collier Manor

Bathampton

Kent, England

Nearly a fortnight had passed since their visit to Cheltenham, but the duke still could not manage to forget about Emma. She was constantly present, and having her so close, yet so far, was both infuriating and heartbreaking to the duke. The duke had ensured he saw her as often as he could by stopping by his sister’s chambers more often in search of her. Many times Lady Sarah was present, but on the odd chance Emma was alone, the duke took the chance to speak to her.

At first, and quite understandably so, Emma was reluctant to engage in conversation with the duke, and simply answered him with the necessary words. She did not elaborate much with regards to her answers, and did not tell him anything he did not ask.

The duke was well aware she was wary of him, and it pained him to see her distance herself from him. The duke even noticed that Emma’s interaction with Lady Sarah was also somewhat strained. Emma did not accompany Lady Sarah while she and the dowager duchess traveled into town, and Emma was only to serve Lady Sarah by maintaining the tidiness of her bedchamber, as well a dressing her. While she was not fulfilling those duties, Emma was sent to the kitchen to assist.

One sunny morning in June, the duke made his way to Lady Sarah’s bedchamber, hoping Emma would be there. He was well aware Lady Sarah was having tea with a group of young women who were roughly the same age as she was, and she would not be back for many hours. As hoped, Emma was changing Lady Sarah’s sheets when he stepped into the bedchamber.

“A good morning to you, Emma,” the duke said brightly, hoping his cheerful demeanor would allow Emma to engage more.

Reluctantly, Emma greeted him in return, without glancing at him. “Good morning, Your Grace.”

The duke approached the bed and leaned against the bedpost.

“My lady is not here, Your Grace.”

“I am aware,” the duke answered with a small grin. “I believe she is having tea with the daughters of the noblest men in town.”

“My lady will certainly feel as if she belongs there,” Emma muttered, while continuing to strip the bed. A pile of fresh sheets was stacked on the pedestal beside her, waiting to be spread across the bed.

“Indeed she would. She certainly behaves as a nobleman’s daughter.”

“The highest of the highest, Your Grace,” Emma answered blankly, a hint of annoyance in her tone.

“It is a lovely day, is it not? A perfect day for a stroll through the gardens,” the duke said as he glanced through the large window overlooking the lush green gardens of the estate, scattered with bright colors of the flowers in full bloom. Hues of pink, yellow, and orange contrasted perfectly against the greenery.

“Perhaps Your Grace could call upon Lady Laura. She would certainly find that delightful,” Emma retorted as she whipped the fresh sheets into the air, allowing them to float freely down over the bed.

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