Read Online His Dark Enchantress (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Victoria Chatham - Free Book Online

didn’t.”
    “Anything I can help you with, Miss?” Annie’s voice was full of concern.
    Emmaline shook her head. “No-one can help me, Annie, but thank you for asking.”
    Going to her dressing table, Emmaline picked up her brush and began to draw it through her sleep tangled hair. Her reflection in the mirror showed dark circles under her eyes and pallor under her natural tan. This would not do. Lucius’ perceptive eye would recognize the turmoil she was in, if not the reason for it.
    Annie helped her into a periwinkle blue kerseymere riding habit with frogging at the collar and cuffs. It showed off her trim figure and shapely legs a little more than Emmaline could have wished, but she complimented Annie on her taste. The maid glowed with the slight praise and fussed over Emmaline’s hair until she had it pinned neatly in place.
    “There, Miss, by the time you have some bread and butter and tea you’ll be right as nine pence again.”
    “Thank you, Annie, I am sure you are right.” Getting to her feet, Emmaline smoothed the skirt of the habit over her hips.
    Dealing with Annie was one thing. Now she had to deal with her aunt. She walked along the landing and went down the stairs to join Mrs. Babbidge in the breakfast room where she knew she would face a barrage of questions.
    “And how was your evening, Em?” Mrs. Babbidge crossed her arms across her ample waist. “You made an impression, I’ll be bound.”
    “I don’t know about that, Aunt, but it was very exciting.”
    “You’re looking a mi te peeky this morning. A little too exciting perhaps?”
    Giles came quietly in to the room and placed a plate of hot bread in front of Emmaline. He poured tea for her and left as silently as he had come. Emmaline, aware of Mrs. Babbidge’s penetrating gaze, added a little sugar and milk to her tea and slowly stirred it. There was nothing for it, she would have to confess.
    “Yes, indeed, Aunt. So much so that I felt fevered and requested to be brought home early.”
    “ And spoil his Lordship’s party?” Mrs. Babbidge looked at her disapprovingly.
    “He was so kind in procuring the vouchers, and Juliana and Mr. Beamish were enjoying themselves so much, I did not want to break up their party but I felt most unwell.”
    “Hmph.” Mrs. Babbidge settled herself back in her chair. “I’ve never known you to act like a schoolroom miss, y oung lady. Now, tell your Great-Aunt Babbidge what’s amiss. Might it be that you do not welcome his Lordship’s attentions?”
    Emmaline jerked upright. “Welcome his att entions? It is nothing like that. And he is not paying attention to me.”
    “That’s not what it looks like to me.” Mrs. Babbidge watched as Emmaline sipped her tea. “Give him the nod and you’d have a ring on your finger in no time. And what could please your grandpapa more than to engage yourself to a member of the ton ?”
    Emmaline pushed her chair back and got to her feet, her fists clenched.
    “Aunt, I cannot do it. It is monstrous that I should have to look for a marriage that I do not want, simply because I cannot inherit Baymoor. I do not understand why Grandpapa put the property in trust.”
    Mrs. Babbidge got out of her chair and took Emmaline in a comforting embrace.
    “You know why, my love. Your father showed no interest in managing the estate. Your grandfather did what he thought was best, and now that he hasn’t much time left he wants to know that you are settled and will be cared for.”
    “It is so unfair!” Emmaline was close to tears again. “I have managed Baymoor for three years. It is my home, Aunt, I have the right to it.”
    “No, Em, you don’t. Not under the terms of the trust.” Mrs. Babbidge took her by the arms and gave her a gentle shake. “The only way for you to maintain your status is to marry and to have a son, you know that.”
    Emmaline set her jaw and raised her chin.
    “Which gives me the same status as my mare,Sadie.” Bitterness echoed in her