Proper Secrets by Francis Rachel

Author:Francis, Rachel [Francis, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Rachel Francis
Published: 2013-01-31T22:00:00+00:00

Emily shut her door, and breathed in the sweet air of solitude once more. She had a few weeks to steel herself against constant company or risk frayed nerves. Bridget’s joy would come first over any melancholy moping of hers.

Later, after Mr. Annesley’s invitation, Lady Worthing knocked on Emily’s door.

“Come in,” called Emily. She set her book aside. Her mother floated in, and rested her back against the doorframe.

“Close the door,” sighed Emily.

“Will you talk to me, love?” said Lady Worthing.

“I suppose it is time,” said Emily. Lady Worthing sat on the bed and motioned for Emily to join her.

“Will you stay up here forever?”

“No. Didn’t I agree to travel to Dunbarrow with Bridget?”

“That is a place with no memories. I meant, are you lost to our family?”

“Of course not, Mama. I will not dramatically perish of a broken heart in my room. The depth of these feelings are incalculable, but it does not follow that my affection for Capt. Wingrave usurped my person so wholly that I would pain this family any longer with my malaise. I cannot guarantee that which you seek, a full return to spirit, but I will make an effort to be present,” said Emily.

“That compromise, while not soothing, will have to do. Do you know why he left?”

“We were becoming too close, too linked together. He would not propose, could not, he said. So, he left. I’ve never felt more abused,” said Emily. Lady Worthing closed her eyes.

“My poor children. You ache so. I would not have wished you to experience love this way,” said Lady Worthing.

“I can hardly complain after the bliss I’ve given up to this point. If Capt. Wingrave had not come to Tripton, I would still be merrily unaware that not all love is good, certainly when shrouded,” said Emily, “I’ve been put on my guard.”

“That is the point, dearest. I would not have you treat love with suspicion. But… it cannot be helped after a disappointment like this. He is a good man, Emily, I am sure of it. Capt. Wingrave must have had a good reason.”

“You’ll excuse me if I treat your assertion with derision, Mama. What reason in the world can there be for abandoning one you love to a lifetime of speculation about a future that could never be? I conclude two possible truths from this question. Either he did not love me as I thought, or Capt. Wingrave is so concerned he might injure me when he changes into a werewolf during the full moon I must be kept at a safe distance. Hazard a guess at which one is plausible?”

“Oh Emily, don’t be absurd! Of course he loves you!”

“You are then suggesting that Capt. Wingrave is a lycanthrope and of the highest danger to my person. All is solved, as I would not be torn to shreds on my wedding night for lack of planning around the phases of the moon,” said Emily. Lady Worthing laughed despite herself when she saw Emily’s teasing grin.

“All

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