Engaging the Earl by Mandy Goff

Author:Mandy Goff
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2011-08-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Emma was still trying to digest Lord Westin’s earlier words when a servant told her the man occupying her thoughts was waiting for her downstairs. Her hands trembled as she reached for the door handle. But before walking into the hall, she checked herself in the mirror. The reflection staring back at her was wan. A touch too pale. A touch too nervous-looking.

She stopped her hands before they could rise to pinch her cheeks or push back the tumble of black hair that was falling around her shoulders. They would all only be temporary fixes anyway.

Lord Westin was waiting for her in the yellow parlor.

“You wished to see me, my lord?” she asked as she walked into the room. Her heart beat harder, and her hands trembled.

He turned quickly, obviously surprised at her entrance even though he was supposed to be waiting on her.

“Emma,” Marcus said, his voice rough.

They faced each other. Both unsure and wary. Emma had thought she would have time to prepare before seeing him again. She’d wanted to understand what his words had meant…what he had meant, before having to look in his face again.

Marcus broke the silence first. “I’m sorry for what I said to you,” he said simply.

Why didn’t she feel any better hearing that he regretted his tirade? It should have put her at ease…lessened her anxiety.

But it only made her sad. If he truly were sorry, were his words, his jealousy, the insinuation of his feelings meaningless?

Before she could tell him he was forgiven, Marcus continued on, “I won’t lie to you and tell you I didn’t mean what I said, but I was wrong to have said it aloud.”

Emma hated herself for the thrill and anticipation she felt at that confession.

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to do here.” Excitement warred with her confusion.

Marcus pushed his hand through his hair, mussing the strands. And when he looked back at her, Emma’s heart lurched. Never had she seen the earl look so…vulnerable. Conflicted.

“I’m not an impulsive person,” he said.

Emma had discerned that much, but it seemed as though he was waiting for some recognition of his statement, so she nodded.

“So I don’t normally do things without thinking about them thoroughly first.”

Another nod. Slower this time.

“But you…” he said, halting after the word. “You…upend me.” And Marcus shrugged helplessly.

How was she supposed to take that statement? It didn’t sound particularly flattering. Should she apologize for doing so? For goodness’ sake, she didn’t even know what Lord Westin meant, so how could she possibly apologize?

“We might not have known each other long…” Marcus continued, “but…” Then he stopped.

Emma couldn’t say anything to either encourage or discourage him. It was as though all breath and words had been stolen from her.

“I’m not very good at this sort of thing.” Marcus halted and then laughed at his own statement. “Actually, I

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