Read Online Colors of a Lady by Chelsea Roston - Free Book Online Page B

in England throughout the
Season so she would not bother him on the Continent.
    The fighting had died down since Napoleon’s
defeat at Leipzig, deeming it safer to travel around the Continent.
Anyone familiar with the events was expecting an official end to
the wars this year. Thomas was a bit doubtful considering how great
a military power Napoleon had proved to be. Whatever the outcome,
Lord Hartwell found himself selfish in hoping it did not interfere
with his plans.
    “Oh! I think we have arrived,” Emma
announced. She yawned angrily, belatedly covering her mouth with a
gloved hand. “Excuse me,” she murmured.
    A footman pulled the carriage door open
letting in the frigid air that Emma had almost forgotten. She
shivered and pulled her cloak closer around her.
    “Thank you for the ride home, Thomas. Have a
pleasant night.” She gracefully moved to exit the carriage. She
took great care to not snag her delicate skirts.
    “Shall I call upon you later this week and
take you to the museum? You mentioned before you had not been
yet.”
    “That sounds like an excellent idea!” she
exclaimed, hopping out of the carriage. She lost her footing on the
icy sidewalk and slid a bit. Thomas lunged forward to offer some
assistant, his arms reaching out. “I am quite alright.” Emma
assured him as she steadied herself. “As I was saying, that sounds
wonderful. I cannot wait to see the Rosetta Stone! When shall we
go?” Emma paused, a sudden frown pulling at her lips. “I do not
have a chaperone though. My aunt has not yet arrived. Perhaps we
can postpone. I have not any clue where she is at this point.”
    “I am sure I can a chaperone. I believe I
have some matronly relatives in town. Surely one will suffice as a
chaperone?”
    “I suppose they must. I shall scarcely sleep
for thinking of our outing.”
    “Do try to get some. You want to be alert
for the museum. A good friend of mine will give the tour. He has
worked there for many years.”
    “Wonderful! Now, I need to go inside. It is
quite late and this is perhaps improper.”
    “Naturally.” Thomas moved to leave the
carriage as well. He took her hand in his. “Have a good night.” He
placed a quick kiss on her palm.
    Emma desperately wanted to ask if she would
see him before their trip to the British Museum. It would not do to
seem clingy. He would see her when he was free. He was not
required. Barely a day had passed where she had not been on the
receiving end of one of his charming smiles. She did not want to
miss them for a single moment. Then, there was that kiss.
    “I do not believe I can call on you
tomorrow, but I will see you at the theatre, yes?”
    “Wednesday night? Yes, of course. I heard
this one is really good.”
    “Well, go inside then. Sleep well,
Emma.”
    Inside the house, the butler Lewis stood
waiting in the foyer. He had been part of the household since the
girls were in nappies. He rose from a lowly footman to the exalted
position of butler. Lewis knew all of the intricacies of the
households, including their darker secrets. As such, he was quite
protective of the Wren family. Emma was a favourite of his for she
had a kind heart, always inquiring after his health. Caroline too
was kind but in her own particular way. The sort of discreet
kindness that resulted in a prepared basket to take to his ailing
mother.
    Never before had he stayed up to await the
arrival of young Emma. Normally it was her sister who stayed out
late, cavorting until the sun began to rise on the distant horizon.
She had returned home with her parents and immediately retired to
her room, claiming to be intensely tired. Tonight, it was Emma who
twirled in after hours, winter at her heels. She pulled off her
cloak, depositing it into the waiting hands of her maid.
    “Good evening, Lewis,” she announced, ever
cheerful. Her smiles never failed to brighten up even the dourest
of servants. That quality coupled with her ability to render Lady
Sheridan speechless made