Runaway Hearts by J.L. Jarvis

Author:J.L. Jarvis [Jarvis, J.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780985855413
Publisher: Bookbinder Press

Emma awoke to the murmur of voices, but they were too far off in the fog to make sense of. Her lids closed as she drifted off.

“You’re all compassion, aren’t you?” said Fletcher.

“Did Benjamin Stark ever lose sleep over me?”

“Nor under you. So, it turns out wishes don’t come true,” Fletcher said with a snide glance.

“Those were your wishes, Fletcher.”

He glared.

Gwendolyn said, “I’m just joking, darling. We both know you’re a man’s man.” She chuckled.

Fletcher stared at the road with narrowing eyes.

They rode in uncomfortable silence for a couple of miles before Fletcher asked, “Just what were you doing this morning?”

“Trying to save Emma’s marriage.”

“By whacking the groom on the head—”

“Wrong groom, darling.”

“Not Clayworth?” He frowned skeptically.

She nodded, pleased with herself. “I was sure we’d lost him. Anyone else would have boarded the next boat to England. But it’s really quite sweet. The Earl has grown very fond of our Emma.”

Her syrupy smile made Fletcher’s lip curl.

Gwendolyn went on, proudly. “When I told him what the trial had put poor frail Emma through, he was moved. I saw tears in his eyes. Anyone else would have fled from the scandal, but our Count, it turns out, has some bollocks.”

“That makes two of you,” Fletcher said, glancing sideways at her.

Gwendolyn looked at him coyly. “Now who’s dreaming?”

She slid her hand up his thigh, but he swatted her away. She burst into laughter.

When they grew quiet, Fletcher said, “I’ve been wondering why you would go to all this trouble to get Emma a title. You could have married someone titled yourself.”

She gave him a curdling look. “I was lonely.”

His expression went from confusion to skepticism.

Unexpected peals of laughter burst forth from her. “Fletcher, you silly romantic! A girl has to prioritize. Prince Charming’s no good without money. If I’d been able to find a rich count, I’d have married him. But I found Henry Farlowe instead. Jute may not feel like ermine, but it buys plenty of it.” So amused was she by her supposed cunning, she continued to laugh all alone.

“Poor Henry Farlowe. He believes that you care.”

“Why should I care? Don’t kid yourself. Henry bought me, just like he buys everything else in his life.”

“You’re a cold piece of work.”

“We all tell our own little lies to get what we want. Don’t we, Fletcher?” Her condemnation bore through him.

He despised her, most of all because she was right. He said, “And what about Emma?”

“I’m doing what’s best.”

Fletcher looked at her blankly.

“What Emma needs is to think a little bit less about what Emma needs. This will give her time to get Benjamin Stark out of her system.”

“I can’t believe the Earl went along with this.”

“He thinks she was deeply wounded by the scandal.”

“Which she was.”

“So now she’s taking a rest cure, after which he’ll be there to comfort her. They’ll get married soon after, of course.”

“And somehow, it will all work out in your best interest.”

She looked pointedly at him. “Henry needs that marriage as much or more than I do.

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