Read Online A Country Mouse by Fenella Miller - Free Book Online Page A

no more; she would have to take the chair beside him. He allowed her to settle before he spoke. 'What were you thinking of child? Your display yesterday is the talk of Westerham and by this evening will be the topic of conversation in every house in the neighbourhood.' Emily had expected him to rant and rave and this quiet enquiry made her blush with shame.
    'I am sorry, my lord. I was provoked. I know that is no excuse, but it could not have happened without Viscount Yardley's assistance. He is more culpable than me. It is to him you should apportion blame. I thought he was a diplomat. Is he not supposed to know how to behave in all circumstances?'
    'Exactly, my dear girl. Yardley accepts the fault was his, even if the actions were yours. He is ready to take the necessary steps to save your reputation.'
    'I do not understand. How can he do anything? It's too late, the damage is done.' Emily choked back a sob. 'Mama will be destroyed by this. She had such high hopes for me, and I shall never be received in society now, shall I?'
    'You will, if you except Yardley's offer.'
    'His offer…' she stammered. 'Are you saying I must marry him in order to put things right?' She gazed at her grandfather; her eyes widened and the colour left her face. 'Surely not? There has to be another way. I have no more wish to marry Viscount Yardley then he has to marry me.'
    'Nonsense! You will deal admirably together. If you do not accept it will not just be your good name that will be lost. His will be gone also. Do you wish to ruin him as well as yourself?'
    'Of course not.' She hung her head. Whatever she decided, her moment of foolishness was going to cause a lifetime's misery. She had no choice, but at least this way her sisters, her mother and her grandfather would be happy. After all, only yesterday she had been contemplating marriage to Sebastian as the solution to her family's problems. Her position now was no different, really.
    She raised her head and pulled back her shoulders. Nobody would ever know how she felt about the situation.
    'I shall accept Viscount Yardley's offer, when he makes one. I shall be honoured to become his betrothed, whatever the circumstances that promoted it.' Her smile was pitiful but he beamed back, delighted he had achieved his objective so soon.
    'Good girl. You will not regret it. Sebastian can be a little stiff necked but never doubt his intelligence and his good heart.' He wiped his mouth on his starched white napkin. 'Now, run along, my dear. I am sure you wish to see your mother and deliver your good news. I expect
    you to be the library at eleven o'clock sharp.' Still smiling brightly Emily rose gracefully to her feet, curtsied, and went, not to see her mother as suggested, but back to her room to find the privacy she craved.
    Jenny was in the dressing-room mending her torn dress. 'I'm going to ride. Please find my habit right away.'
    Less than fifteen minutes later Emily had escaped outside and was hurrying, head down, towards the stables. Sebastian was going the same way but from the rear of the house. He had been striding round the garden perfecting his plan.
    Emily walked straight into him. Instinctively he closed his arms around her, protecting her from harm. The impact of their collision caused him to stagger backwards into the thick yew hedge that bordered the path. Its bulk prevented a second fall.
    'Good grief, Emily! You almost had us over.' Sebastian said, as he carefully straightened and replaced her feet on the path.
    'I beg your pardon; I was not looking where I was going. I hope I did not harm you?' Her voice was high and strained. She tried to smile and relax her rigid pose. 'I am hoping to find a mount; do you think there is one suitable for me?'
    He stepped back, brushing the leaves and debris from his person. 'As long you do not wish to ride Sultan, as I am about to go out myself. Will you accompany me? I can show you the estate, if you wish to see it?'
    Emily took the olive branch.