The Journey to Mm

7/28/2019 The Journey to Mm

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Erty

CbnmThe Journey to Welbourne Manor

by Deb Marlowe

Orphaned by the sudden death of

her father, abandoned by her suitor,

heiress Emma Lawson now finds

herself at the mercy of her greedy

uncleand about to be sold into

marriage to the highest bidder!Rather than submit to a match with

a man she loathes, Emma decides to

travel to Welbourne Manor, home of

her scandalous aunt, Lady Ramsden,even though she knows the path

leads to almost certain ruination! But

the road to Welbourne is fraught

with surprisesincluding her

wayward former beau, Robert


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Marchwell, who is on a mission of his

own...

Chapter One

And you say shes chaste? Lord

Bainbridges voice burbled in the

back of his throat. Behind her, outof her uncles line of vision, the

horrid old baron stroked a gnarled

finger across Emma Lawsons

shoulder blade. Ill not take her

unless shes a virgin.

Emma shuddered even as her uncle

bridled in indignation. By God, the

girl is granddaughter to an earl,gently born and raised, Bainbridge.

Uncle George sneered down at the

older man. If you doubt my word,

well have the doctor in to prove it.


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such a match.

Who do you think first approachedme, missy? Lord Bainbridge flashed

his stained teeth at her in a grin.

Quite a logical thought, it was. Poor

womans got two chicks of her own toconsider. Launching them into

society will prove expensive. He

raked his gaze down the front of

her. Itll also prove to be a sight

easier once shes removed a beauty

like you from their proximity.

Desperate, Emma grasped at her

only straw of hope. If money is theissue, Uncle, then you know Ill be

happy to help! In fourteen months

Ill reach my majority. If only we

wait, I could


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Enough! Her uncle had gone a

brilliant shade of red. Bainbridgehas an ancient title, a respectable

estate and deep pockets. Its a fine

match. Youll make it and be

grateful. He turned away. Wevedetails to discuss. Go on to your

room now.

But

Go! In the six months shed lived

with him, Emma had never heard

such a tone from her mild-mannered

uncle. Noit usually fell to his wifeand occasionally to his daughters to

torment her. Fighting tears, she

backed away.


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Ill have your answer now,

Bainbridge, she heard her uncle say

as she reached to pull the doorclosed behind her. Ive need of the

money. If you dont want the chit,

Im sure Ill find someone willing to

agree to my terms.

Emma froze. Leaving the door

opened a crack, she strained to hear

the barons reply. Oh, Ill have her,

he avowed, once were sure shes

intact. There was a slight pause and

she could imagine the twisted

anticipation on the old mans face.

Id heard the rumors about yourtroubles. Whispers of bad

management and failed investments

are circulating, but no one is quite

convinced. He gave a rusty cackle.


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This ought to do it, though. You

must truly be in a mess, to be in such

a hurry to sell the girl.

Footsteps sounded in the room and

the door was pushed decisively

closed. Shaking, Emma turned away.Her legs gave way and she pressed

her spine against the door frame,

sinking slowly to sit on her heels.

How had her life come to this? Not

long ago shed been happy, the

pampered daughter of a doting

father, with a prominent position in

local society and prospects of a finemarriage. Her eyes closed. Even now,

she could not think of Robert

without pain, even though shed

endured far worse since his


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abandonment.

Her father, though, had been givenno choice. His heart had failed and

hed slipped away inside a week.

Roberts heart had failed, too, but in

an entirely voluntary manner. Hedchosen the pleasures of Town over

her, left her alone and waitingand

look where she had ended. Tears

began to flow. Now she was only a

poor relation, and her futureit did

not bear thinking about.

A sharp tug on her arm shook her

from her reverie. Emma? Whateverare you doing, girl? Her aunt

glanced at the closed door. Is there

someone with your uncle?


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Emma looked down at the fingers

gripping her tightly, then up at the

crafty look on her aunts face as shelistened at the doorand something

inside of her shifted. Roberts

desertion had torn her heart, but

thisthis betrayal by the verypeople who were meant to love and

protect herit was turning her soul

to stone. Faith and hope withered

even as understanding grew. The

painful truth shone clear at last. She

was alone in this world. There was no

one to help her, to save her. It was

all up to her.

Her aunt looked down. Something

she saw in Emmas face gave her

pause.


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bother to marry Lady Ramsden

now? Danae asked her sister in a

deliberately loud tone. She rustled apaper. After hes lived with her so

scandalously all these years?

Daphne shrugged. It seems theladys every breath stirs a scandal.

They say you could paper all of

Carlton House with the broadsheets

that have been printed of her. And

now she leaned in to her sister

its rumored that one of her cicisbei

is so distraught at the idea of her

marriage that hes casting off all of

his mementos in a private auction.And the grand centerpiece... Her

voice lowered to a whisper, but

Emma was scarcely attending. She

was too absorbed in her own misery.


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But Danaes screech nearly startled

her out of her seat. No! Upon a fan?How?

Never mind, Ill explain later.

Daphne glanced at Emma. Do youthink Emma will be invited to the

wedding? Danae asked in a loud

whisper. I swear, it will be the

event of the year. They are talking

of it even in the village. And Lady

Ramsden is her mothers sister.

Of course not, you ninny, Daphne

scoffed. Mama would never permitit. She gave a snort. You can be

sure that she checked to see if

Emma had any contact with her

notorious family before she


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consented to take her in. I heard

Papa tell her that all connections had

been severed years ago, whenEmmas mama died.

Its still rather exciting, isnt it?

Danae said wistfully.

Its shameful, thats what it is,

Daphne insisted. Catherine Ramsden

is not the sort of woman you claim as

a relation, even if she was once a

countess. Moreover, Welbourne

Manor is the most infamous estate

in England. It would be the ruination

of any young woman to even set footin the place.

The scornful declaration caught

Emmas attention. She sat up. Her


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cousins words echoed in her head. It

would be the ruination of any young

woman to even set foot in the place.

And just like that, Emma had her

solution. Somehow, someway, she was

going to Welbourne Manor.

* * *

They were nearly upon him. Robert

Marchwell did not look over his

shoulder. By some miracle Rowlands

hirelings hadnt spotted him yet. He

knew he must make himself less

conspicuous. He removed his finebeaver hat and ducked into an alley.

At the end he emerged into a back

lane, startling a laborer unloading a

cart.


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A fair trade, good man? he asked.

My hat for yours? He tossed thefellow a coin. And a little something

extra to ensure that you never saw

me.

Bemused, the laborer handed over

his worn hat. Robert placed it on his

head, pleased to find it too large and

hanging low over his forehead. He

nodded his thanks and entered the

open door at the mans back.

Eh? Hed found a storeroom and

surprised another chap. This one,swathed in a large apron, was

shelving the supplies as they came in.

Whore you? the clerk demanded.

Whatre you doing?


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A nice brisk business, thank you,

Robert answered affably. Thats afine apron, with nice deep pockets.

He tried to wiggle out of his tightly

fitted coat. Will you take this coat

in trade, sir? Sewed by the finestLondon tailors. He grimaced. But

youll have to help me out of it.

Hed only just got the apron wrapped

around him and his precious cargo

stored in one those deep pockets

when a ruckus sounded outside.

Hey, now! the laborer protested.Thats mine! I made a fair trade for

it.

Robert was through the storeroom


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to the front of the building in a

flash. He erupted into a busy general

store, where several of its patronsstared in disapproval of his haste.

Smoothly, he stepped behind a

fabric counter. He snatched off the

hat, hefted a bolt of cambric from ashelf and pretended to start in

surprise along with the rest of the

room when two large men burst

through the door behind him. The

pair moved through the storefront,

cursorily inspecting the clientele

before heading out onto the street.

Robert grinned. Rowlands bullieswere proving easier to elude than

hed feared. He slipped back into the

storeroom.


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Here now, you cant just come and

go back here, protested the clerk.

Im off, I promise. Robert grabbed

a pair of stacked crates. Might I

have use of these, though?

The man waved a weary hand and

Robert was gone. He kept to the

alleys until he was forced to make

his way back to Maidenheads main

street. Keeping the crates raised

carefully before his face, he made

his way east toward the edge of

town.

A carriage accident outside a

posting house delayed him. A crowd

had gathered to cheer the shouting,

sparring drivers. With careful steps,


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Robert worked his way through the

happy spectators. Hed nearly

reached the middle of the crushwhen he felt an ominous tingle at the

back of his neck.

He lifted the crates higher andsurreptitiously glanced about. No

sign of Rowlands men. The

coachmens argument had degraded

to angry, inventive name-calling and

everyone about him appeared both

interested and amused. His gaze

swept the inn, and suddenly he

caught the gaze of a young woman

standing alone in the yard. She waseyeing him closely, a strange

expression on her face.

She might have been pretty,


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beneath the travel dust and under

her limp bonnet and creased brown

cloak, but Robert had no time toinvestigate. He shifted the crates to

block her view of him and resumed

his crawl through the crowd.

She was there when he broke

through, closer than she had been,

standing at the edge of the cobbled

yard. Her hands gripped a

portmanteau and a large umbrella, a

scowl contorted her smooth brow

and sent a twinge of panic racing up

from the base of his spine. Did he

know her? He dared not look closerto find out. He kept his gaze lowered

and the crates lifted high, for the

last thing he needed was to be

recognized.


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Robert quickened his pace. Another

quick peek as he drew near provedthat she was still staring avidly in his

direction. His head down, he moved

to the edge of the road and rushed

past.

Hed just inhaled deeply, the better

to expel his relief, when something

struck the back of his knee. His legs

tangled, the crates tilted and the

ground rushed up at him. He hit the

pavement with a painful thud even as

the crates launched into the air.

Almost before theyd landed, he wasover and on his feet, cursing

Rowlands bullies and clutching at his

apron pocket and the object they

sought.


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But there were no hired villains.

Instead he stared, incredulous, atthe mangled object at his feet. The

chit had tripped him with her

umbrella!

Robert Marchwell! He winced as

his name rang out. I knew it was

you!

He looked up, past mud-stained hems

and wrinkled skirts, over arms

clenched tight to a slender frame

and into the face of the girl who had

gotten him into this mess in thefirst place.

His mouth fell open. Not half a year

past, Emma Lawson had jolted him


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awake. Shed stirred him up, made

him painfully aware of his own

emptiness and given him an incentiveto change. For her sake hed

undertaken this insane missionand

shed nearly broken his kneecap in

return.

Emma? His vibrant, golden girl

looked a travel-weary and

bedraggled mess. He climbed to his

feet and clutched her shoulders.

Whats happened? Where is your

uncle?

Her open and sunny countenance hadgone tight and dispirited. On his

way to debtors prison, I hope, she

said bitterly. She crossed her arms

and scowled at him. What are you


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doing here? The Season is still in

swing. Arent you fearful youll miss

something?

Robert shifted, suddenly unsure of

his footing in a multitude of ways.

Emma was fixed in his mind as sweetand sure. Her generous and giving

nature had struck him powerfully.

Theyd spent an idyllic autumn in

company together and hed found

that her presence shone a light on

his rakish, fast-paced existence.

Hed seen his life for the pitifully

shallow thing it was and in her eyes

hed seen what it might be. But hedidnt know the dusty, resentful

Emma in front of him now, and was

unsure how to answer her.


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Before his silence stretched too

long, a deep voice sounded nearby, a

barked order that stood out fromthe cheerful urging of the crowd.

Robert looked up to find one of his

pursuers pushing his way toward him.

Oh, damn it all to hell, he cursed.

The man gestured and Robert

spotted another one closing from

the street.

He fumbled in the apron pocket.

Emma, tell me quicklywere you

meant to be leaving on one of those

carriages?

Sudden tears shone in her eyes. No.

Ive no money


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Good, he interrupted. Take this,

then. He pulled out the thin,

precious package, and using her bodyas a shield, tucked it inside her

cloak. Theres an inn on the east end

of town, the Hoof and Horn. Meet

me there, upstairs in room twelve, inan hours time. He clutched her

hand and stared into her startled

eyes. God, but he wanted to crush

her to him and kiss her senseless.

But Rowlands men must not connect

them. Im sorry.

For what?

He shook his head. If they ask, you

dont know me.

What are you talking


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He gripped her shoulders again and

scowled. Watch where you arestepping, he said harshly. Move!

The men were nearly upon them.

Roughly he shoved her aside and

sprinted away.

Chapter Two

Stunned, Emma watched RobertMarchwells rapidly disappearing

form. He was leaving? She was

stranded, dirty, hungry, alone and

pennilessand now had a strange

object poking her sideand he wasleaving?

Again.


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She pushed away from the low wall

surrounding the posting yard.

Disbelief twisted in her gut,exposing burning anger underneath.

Deliberately she embraced it, as it

made a fine shield against panic and

despair. She straightened hershouldersand was struck between

them as two men rushed past.

Out of the way! The words were

nearly as rough as the wall she hit

once more. Neither paused or

apologized. She stared as they raced

off after Robert with deadly intent.

Now fear was the emotion erupting

inside her. What had Robert got

himself into? She pulled her cloak

tight and was poked once more by


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the object inside. What had he got

her into?

Furtively Emma glanced around, but

no one paid her any attention. The

drivers had given up their fight and

turned to untangling their coaches.Around her the throng had begun to

disperse. What she needed was a

moments privacy to examine this

mystery object. She picked up her

portmanteau, abandoned the ruined

umbrella and eased away with the

melting crowd.

Emma found an apothecary shoptucked amidst the rows of taverns

and posting inns lining Maidenheads

main street; it boasted a front lined

with plants and herbs and a tiny


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bench tucked amongst them. She

took a seat, angled her body toward

the building and pulled out herunwanted acquisition.

The package was long, thin and

wrapped in linen. Emma tore thecloth away to reveal a fan of aged,

polished ivory. Reverently, she

opened it. The pierced ivory was

beautifully detailed and adorned

with three small vignettes. She

peered closelyand stilled. The

lovingly painted portraits were of

her mothers sister, Lady Catherine

Ramsden, who was soon to becomethe Duchess of Manning.

Her gut clenched. Daphnes words,

uttered on that fateful day at home,


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too, had three detailed portraits,

but they were of a decidedly

differentthat is to say, risqunature! Emma caught a glimpse of

long, naked limbs and a bounteous

bare bosom before she snapped the

thing shut, her face flaming.

Fumbling, she wrapped the fan up

again, and felt a little more of her

faith in mankind slipping away as she

did. Who would commission such a

thing? And why, she wondered

darkly, would it be in Roberts

possession? Try as she might, she

could not dredge up an innocentanswer, or even one that made a

particle of sense.

Emma stood and strode away again


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down the street, her mind awhirl.

She knew the stories. Her mothers

sister had thrown her life away, lefther husbandan earl, no lessand

their young son to run away with her

lover. The world scorned her as a

fallen woman, but Emma had heardher parents whispers, had heard

bitterness in her serene mothers

voice as she laid at least part of the

blame on the earl, using words like

cold, distant and inflexible. And

Lady Catherine had not, as so many

had predicted, been abandoned and

left to drift from man to man.

Instead shed lived with her dukefor many years, had a family with

him and in the end shed extracted

the best revenge on all of her

detractors; shed lived her life as


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she chose, and had been blissfully

happy doing it.

Emma had known the story, but it

had always been just dim music in

the background. Shed never felt it

touch her own life. Until her fatherdied and her aunt began to talk of

the taint in her blood. Until the ugly

afternoon in her fathers study,

when her uncle had bartered her

future away. Then Lady Catherines

example had risen before her like

the sun, and shed decided to follow

it. Emma might ruin herself by

running to her relatives atWelbourne Manor, but shed be living

her life on her own terms.

Her eyes welled. Blissful happiness


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was beyond her reach. Her chance

had run off with Robert, fallen along

with her father. But ruination and aplace in her relatives fast society

appeared far more comfortable than

life as Lady Bainbridge. And whether

Robert had meant to treasure thefan or make mischief with it, he was

not getting it back.

Lady Catherine was finally marrying

her duke. Emma could picture her

happiness, but she could also imagine

how the knowledge of an object like

this out in the world might taint it.

Well, the thing was in Emmaspossession now. She would take it

with her to Welbourne and offer it

up as a wedding present to Lady

Catherine. It might ease the brides


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mind and it just might sweeten

Emmas own welcome.

The decision made, her steps grew

brisker. Really, there was no need to

meet up with Robert Marchwell again

at all. What could come of it? Only aresurrection of old pain and the

birth of new humiliation. Shed come

this far on her own; it would be

wisest to continue on that way.

Her head was convinced of it. Her

heart reluctantly agreed. Yet for

some reason her feet were carrying

her steadily toward the east end oftown. Almost before she knew it, she

found herself in the dusty foyer of

the Hoof and Horn, asking after

room twelve. She shifted uneasily as


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the innkeeper eyed her with a

knowing grin. He led her upstairs,

knocked on the door and swung itopen.

Emma stopped on the threshold and

stared. A stunningly beautiful ladygazed back at her, her mouth

quirked into a quizzical smile. Well,

hello, she said. Are you the

package Robert meant for me?

* * *

Robert was late. The last thing he

wanted was for Emma to show up atthe Hoof and Horn before him, but

Rowlands hired men were more

determined this time, and he had

begun to tire.


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A horn blew and traffic scattered

before a fast-moving post chaise.Quickly, Robert swerved toward it.

A burst of speed, a lucky jump, and

he caught hold of the back end.

Vainly his pursuers tried to matchspeed with the vehicle. Robert

grinned and saluted them as they

were left in a cloud of dust.

Breathing deeply, he hung on as he

was carried through town, and

jumped off as the chaise swept past

the inn. Anxiety dogging his steps,

he sped upstairs, flung open the

doorand pulled up short.

At a tiny table sat Cora DeLane, a

sleek and gleaming vision from his

past. Good morning, Robert. Thats a


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lovely apron. Are you trying a new

look? His former mistress shot him

a look of tolerant amusement beforetransferring her gaze across the

tableto a rumpled, decidedly

uncomfortable image of his future.

Roberts heart began to pound. Even

bedraggled and stiff, Emma was the

most beautiful sight hed ever seen.

Smiling, he ripped off the apron and

started toward her.

Hello, Mr. Marchwell, she said in a

cold voice. I almost did not accept

your invitation, but just think what Imight have missed. Your...friend...has

been entertaining me with tales of

your exploits in society.


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Cora laughed. And I had only just

begun to tell her how least-in-sight

youve been for the past few months,Robert, dear. Your timing is as

atrocious as ever.

Thank you for keeping her safe,Cora. Robert knew every moment of

peril had been well worth it as he

knelt and took Emmas hands. She

held herself rigid, but he ducked

down until he could look into her

eyes. So much has happened since

last I saw you, Emma. Ive a

thousand things to tell you. But first

will you talk to me? Whatshappened? Why are you here alone?

His fingers gripped hers tighter.

And do you have the package I gave

you?


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Her eyes bright and hard, Emma met

his gaze. Yes, I have your preciouspackage, Robert Marchwell, and I

know what it is. Though try as I

might, I cannot think of a good

reason for you to possess it. Herlips pinched together. Or even why

someone would think to paint such

images on a fan. She shuddered.

Its positively lewd.

Fan? Coras catlike lethargy

disappeared. Lady Ramsdens fan?

She stared at Robert. You did steal

it from Rowland?

He didnt answer. Emma was jerking

her hands free of his. You shant

have it back, she said sharply. Ill


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be taking it on with meto

Welbourne Manor.

To Welbourne? Robert ignored the

issue of the fan for the moment.

Every part of him rebelled at the

thought of Emma being exposed tothe fast and jaded society that

would be gathering now at

Welbournethe very society he was

striving to leave behind. Why are

you going to Welbourne? Whats

happened to your uncle?

Ive no notion. She sniffed. But it

could not be worse than what he hadplanned for me.

And what was that? Coras languid

amusement was back in place.


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Sale to the highest bidder, Emma

replied bitterly. He got himself intofinancial trouble and decided I was

his way out of it. Her chair scraped

as she pushed back and away from

him. He found a disgusting,lecherous old baron who agreed to

split my dowry with him. Her chin

lifted. I ran away instead. As to

your question, Im going to

Welbourne for a very specific

reasonto be ruined.

Robert reared back. Ruined?

Indeed. Lord Bainbridge will only

accept a chaste maid. Just visiting

with my scandalous family and their

guests at Welbourne ought to give


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him sufficient reason to doubt. She

stepped back as he stood. And no, I

was not so foolish as to leave alone.

She crossed to the window to gaze

down upon the courtyard. I brought

my maid along. Weve been makinggood time, but yesterday we

discovered that we were being

pursued, and last nightshe left

me. She tossed a hard look over her

shoulder at him. Like so many

others, she stole away. A rattle

sounded outside and she turned

back. Likely so she wouldnt be

blamed for helping me. She took allof my money with her. No doubt she

means to lead my uncle straight

here.


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Robert swallowed a surge of fury.

Her uncle had turned him away as a

useless fribble? It was beyondhypocritical. He took a step toward

Emma. Hed known she was quick-

witted and kind, with a generous

heart. Now he watched her battleweariness and worry and he knew

she was so much more. She was

strong, full of fire and resolve. He

drew a steadying breath. Yet she

seemed so distant, so different.

Hed realized last autumn that he

wanted her by his side. Hed been

empty, aimless until he met her. Athird son, hed lived his life with no

occupation other than to stay within

his means and refrain from shaming

his family name. He, Cora and the


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others in his circle drifted from one

pleasure to another and wondered

why they eventually ceased tosatisfy.

Emma, hed learned, was disarmingly

different. She lived with joy andpurpose and he wanted to wake

every morning to the light in her

eyes. But the obstacles before them

were numerousand multiplying.

Cora was staring at Emma with a

calculating gleam in her eye. Might

I see the fan, dear?

Emma flushed. Im sorry, Miss

DeLane, but I cannot allow it. Lady

Ramsden is my mothers sister.

Although Ive never met her, I can


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imagine her dismay at the thought

of this object in unknown hands,

being ogled and evaluated anddiscussed by strangers. She shot

another cold look toward him. Or

even acquaintances. She shook her

head. No, the thing is in mypossession now, and there it will stay

until I turn it over to her myself.

Robert stared at her and wondered

how this situation had become so

damnably complicated. Months ago

hed had nothing more pressing on

his mind than whose bed he would

end up in next. Meeting Emma hadshifted his outlook and changed his

desires, but hed been at a loss until

the Duke of Manning offered him

the means to do something about it.


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It was a simple enough bargain: a

small but prosperous estate inexchange for the fan. Not so easy in

reality, but hed come so close. He

must get that fan to the duke, but

did he want Emma to end up atWelbourne? He didnt have the

means, or the right, to stop her. Not

yet. But not only would it be harder

to dodge Rowlands men with her in

tow, hed have to be on the watch

for her uncle. He also had enough

experience with Cora DeLane to

know that the cat-and-mouse game

she was playing with Emma bodedwell for neither of them.

I dont believe you know what you

are getting into, Cora told Emma,


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watching her closely. Rowland was

furious when the fan disappeared.

With all the talk, that fan hasbecome notoriousand notoriety, my

dear, can be a valuable commodity.

She sent a twinkling smile in

Roberts direction. Rowland wantshis commodity back. Its rumored

that hes hired a small army to chase

it down. She tilted her head at

Emma. Perhaps you will want to

reconsider your course of action.

Emmas face tightened. No. I would

not.

Cora breathed deeply. She relaxed

in her chair and the air of

assessment left her expression.

Good for you, dear. She sat a


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And Robertyour apron has

inspired me. I think that you shall

make a splendid footman.

Chapter Three

Here was another first. Since thatfateful moment when shed stepped

into her uncles study and

encountered Lord Bainbridge, Emma

had experienced a distressingnumber of uncomfortable firsts.

This one, however, might just be her

favorite.

Miss DeLane had transformed her.With a scant thirty minutes, a

borrowed gown and the help of one

of the inns maids, shed altered

Emma completely. Oh, she knew


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shed always looked passably fair

and exactly like what she was, a

simple countrywoman of comfortablemeans. Men had watched her with at

least a degree of appreciation.

But this was different. With herskin scrubbed and glowing, her hair

elaborately coiffed and her bosom

displayed by a fitted bodice with

elaborate embroidery, she felt

somehow changed. At once stronger

and more vulnerable. The attention

she was receiving from the men

milling about the inns taproom had

changed as well and become...intense.

Last week she might have been

uncomfortable with such notice.

Today she merely tossed her head


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and watched impatiently for Robert

Marchwell. The new, cynical part of

her soul wished him to have a tasteof what hed so easily left behind

and to choke on it. She had to wait

until Miss DeLane had finished her

business with the innkeeper. At lastit was done and Emma followed her

new mentor out into the courtyard.

And immediately had to swallow a

burst of laughter.

Robert stood stiffly near Miss

DeLanes open carriage, the stain of

embarrassment cast across his face.

Or perhaps it was merely areflection from his new costume.

Miss DeLane had worked her magic

on him as well, with an entirely

different effect. The apron was


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gone, but somehow she had

unearthed an old set of livery. Once

a rich, vivid red, time and wear hadfaded it to an odd pinkish-orange.

Stretched tight across his shoulders

and not quite closed in front, it lent

Robert the unfortunate aspect of aripening pomegranate.

Emma knew the moment he caught

sight of her. His pained expression

melted into a blank look of shock. He

took an involuntary step toward her.

Ah, Jenkins, Miss DeLane said

smoothly. How prompt you are. Asyou can see, my young friend and I

are ready to leave at last.

Emmas mouth twitched as Robert


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recalled his role. Woodenly he

turned to assist them into the

barouche. She could not help a surgeof satisfaction as his hand gripped

hersharder and longer than was

strictly necessary.

The moment stretched on. Miss

DeLane cleared her throat and

announced her desire to depart.

He let go. Emmas amusement faded

as, instead of climbing up beside the

driver, Robert stepped onto the

perch at the back of the vehicle.

She sat in the backward-facing seatand he stood staring straight down

and across at her.

The barouche lurched to a start, and


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eased from the courtyard into the

street. The London Road stretched

ahead, wide and even. The trafficheading toward Town moved briskly.

He couldnt have noticed any of it.

His eyes never left her for amoment. At first Emma kept her

chin high and her own gaze fastened

on the countryside, on the farm

carts they passed, or the riders

moving smartly past them. But she

saw none of it, either. The intensity

of her focus matched his. An

unnatural silence held sway as the

heavy weight of his regard left herskin tingling in its wake. She felt the

path of his gaze, as tangible as the

touch of a hand as it traveled from

the luxurious ribbon entwined in her


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hair to the dainty slippers peeking

from beneath her skirts.

At last her resolve weakened, and

slowly she turned her head to meet

his eyes. And there it was, that look

that had so captivated her lastautumn. Their odd situation, the

presence of Miss DeLane, even his

ridiculous liveryit all faded into

the background. She was caught up

once more in the connection that

they had shared.

Their attraction had been

immediate, their conversation open,candid and amusing. Shed been

intoxicated, her senses drunk with

him, her thoughts filled with his

teasing laughter, his stolen kisses


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and whispered promises. After

several glorious weeks, Robert had

left Somerset with the extendedhouse party that had brought him,

but hed pledged to return for her.

And then Emmas father had died.Her world had broken apart. In her

grief she had waited for Robert

but he had never come. Heartbreak

had proved to be as terrible a

burden as grief. And shed endured

it alone.

Perhaps that had been the most

painful part of all of this. Evenamidst her uncles family, shed

never been more isolated, or more

terribly lonely. And that still had not

changed, she realized suddenly.


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Mere chance had brought Robert to

her again. Shed be a fool to expect

any different sort of outcome fromthis meeting than shed had from

the last.

It was enough to break the spell.Her heart twisted as she turned

away. Shed been right all along. Her

best chance for safety and perhaps

a small measure of happiness lay at

Welbourne. Though her heart might

be damaged past repair, at least she

would not suffer alone.

* * *

The sun was setting behind them,

the last rays radiating warmth on

Roberts back. It had been a long


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and eventful day; one hed never

imagined would end with him

playacting as Cora DeLanes footman.

But then, hed never imagined he

might encounter Emma today, either.

As the barouche swayed, he watchedher, his frustration slowly turning to

irritation.

She looked incredible. In the past

their time had been spent in country

pursuits; riding and picnicking, in

afternoon visits and informal

dinners. Shed looked beautiful then,

of coursefresh and happy, glowingwith health and good humor.

Cora had dressed her as a

sophisticate and she looked even


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lovelier powdered and pampered. His

chest tightened at the thought of

her reception by the type of menlikely to be gathered at Welbourne.

And yet the internal changes to

Emma distressed him even more.

Shed been through so much; of

course she was due a measure of

bitterness and anger. Yet a good

deal of it appeared to be directed at

him. Though Coras help was

undoubtedly proving invaluable, he

cursed her presence. He needed to

get Emma alone, to explain all that

hed been trying to do for them, tellher how important that fan was and

explain his bargain with the Duke of

Manning.


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Do you know that I purposefully

changed into this high-necked frock

before we left, Cora announced idly.But now I see that it was a wasted

effort.

It took a moment for her meaning toregister. It wasnt until Emma

blushed and he looked down over

Coras shoulder that Robert realized

his unique position on this cursed

platform. Though he was several

feet behind Cora, he stood a good

deal higher. Had her gown been cut

low and revealing he would have been

in an ideal spot to appreciate it.

In fact, I feel quite cheated, Cora

continued. Had I known that the

two of you were only going to


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blanket this trip in layers of silence

and...tension, I might have declined

to help you after all.

Neither he nor Emma had an answer

to that.

And my earlier conversation with

Miss Lawson proved so entertaining,

too, Cora said, sighing. I told her

all manner of stories about your

exploits in our circles, Robert, and

she turned several charming shades

of red.

Above her, Robert clenched his jaw.

You were always entertaining, she

said sadly. I meant to ask dear Miss

Lawson if she might have known why


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wed seen so little of you in the last

monthsbut then you arrived. She

angled her jaw and smiled up at him.And now I may ask you directly.

Just what has been occupying you

and keeping you so busy and quiet?

At least Emma had looked at him

again. She raised an arched brow as

if to echo Coras question. Robert

swallowed. Ive been engaged in

some business with the Duke of

Manning.

Ah. Cora sat quietly for several

minutes. I begin to see. The duke isa generous man. Ive known him

to...adopt a person now and again.

She shuddered. Youd think hed

have no time for it, what with the


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need of a...favor...from the Duke of

Manning?

Emmas head jerked up again.

But enough about you, Cora said

decisively. I wish to hear moreabout Miss Lawsons dilemma.

She paused, her head tilting. Robert

stiffened as a shout echoed from

behind them.

Ho, there! Hold the carriage!

Robert twisted around to see twohorsemen coming up quickly behind

them. Fury and alarm battled within

him as he recognized Rowlands hired

men. He spun back to glare down at


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Cora.

Davies, pull over to the side of theroad, she called to her driver. But

take your time about it. She

reached across the barouche to grip

Emmas arm. Wipe that look offright from your face, Cora

commanded. You are a coquette, do

you here? You will be demure

except when I am not lookingand

then you will glance flirtatiously,

enticingly, at these men. She sat

back and arranged her features into

a slight frown. Robert, she hissed

without looking at him. You will tryand look like a footman!

Robert met Emmas terrified gaze

with a reassuring one of his own


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before the men drew abreast and he

straightened, staring blankly ahead.

Miss DeLane, the biggest man said

in a reproachful voice. You left

Maidenhead without checking in. We

lost Marchwell. Did he keep yourappointment?

Roberts fists clenched along with

his gut. He should have known better

than to trust Cora!

She stared at the hired henchman,

her smile gone to ice. He did. But he

was as nervous as a cat and notinclined to trust me with your men so

close on his heels. She waved a

dismissive hand. I told you to leave

him to me, but you bungled it. And


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now you delay me. She narrowed her

eyes. Marchwell mentioned his

family estate in Gloucestershirebefore he became suspicious. I left

word for you. Why are you not after

him?

Robert saw the second man eyeing

Emma. She stared at her hands, only

the flutter of long eyelashes

betraying her obedience to Coras

instructions. None of them spared

Robert a glance.

I received no word, the first

hireling said.

Did you check at the inn?

No.


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Idiot, Cora huffed. And now he is

several hours ahead of you. LordRowland will not be pleased. She

scowled. I must return to him in

London before my protg and I

depart for the wedding.

The mans horse danced nervously

beneath him. Miss, about Lord

Rowland...

I shall tell him exactly what has

happened, Cora said spitefully.

Were I you, I would be in

Gloucestershire as fast as I could.

Wait! she called as they both spun

their mounts around. I assume

there are men posted ahead?


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Yes, the first man said, impatient.

How many?

He shrugged. A great many, Id say.

Rowland wants his property backbefore that wedding.

I shall send a few of them after

you, should I encounter them. Youre

going to need reinforcements.

The henchman nodded and they were

gone. Road dust hung in the cooling

evening air. Cora asked hercoachman to drive on. She sat back,

seemingly at ease. Do not look at me

so, Robert, she ordered.


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You cannot know how I look right

now, Miss DeLane, he answered

tightly.

I do not have to, I can feel the

indignation pouring from you. She

patted Emmas hand. Its not whatyou think, dear. True, Rowland is

my...

Protector, Robert spat.

Yes. She sighed. But Catherine,

your aunt, is a very dear friend.

When Rowland asked for my help, I

decided to do what I could to getthat fan myself. She laughed. And

while I would have had no

compunction in taking it from you,

Robert, I do not feel the same about


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Emma. She smiled at the girl. I

believe you do have Catherines best

interest at heart.

Cora craned her neck to look back at

him. Hounslow is just ahead. I have

friends there. I will makearrangements for you to stay for

the night. Ill have to go on or

Rowlands men will begin to suspect

something. Her gaze lifted to the

countryside. It is a few trifling

miles overland to Welbourne from

there. I trust you, Robert, to act

the gentleman. You must leave first

thing in the morning and get Emmaand that fan to Lady Catherine.

Impotent fury nearly stole Roberts

breath. It was quickly replaced with


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a burning determination to get this

job done. He suffered the

uncontrollable urge to grab Emma,leap from the barouche and tell Cora

DeLane to go to hell. He didnt. He

balanced on his precarious perch, his

mind awhirl, all the way to Hounslow.Night had fallen when the driver

turned down a lane and followed a

narrow track to an inn tucked

beyond the main village drag. Robert

jumped down and pulled Emma from

the vehicle.

A stout woman with a lantern

emerged from the run-downbuilding.

Plans have changed, Cora told her

grimly, climbing down. This one


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needs to change back into her own

clothes. She smiled at Emma. Youll

be less conspicuous as a dustytraveler.

Robert flinched when she touched

his arm. Different clothes for him.Perhaps a tenant farmer?

And you? the lady innkeeper asked.

Ill be going on. But theyll need to

stay hidden for the night.

She nodded. The hay barn out

backll do.

For the first time since theyd been

stopped by Rowlands men, Emma

spoke. No, she said flatly. It will


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not.

Cora took her hand. Your cynicism isentirely understandable. Your uncle

used you ill indeed. Its just a hunch,

dear, but I think you must wait

before painting Robert with thesame brush.

Wait for what? Emma asked. She

sounded exhausted.

Cora glanced his way. Perhaps until

you can discover if your lecherous

baron was the only man to ask your

uncle for your hand.

Roberts breath caught. Could it be

so simple?


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Of course he was. Emma sounded

bitter now.

No, Robert contradicted her

clearly. He was not.

Chapter Four

He was not. Roberts innocuous

statement had set Emmas worldaskew. Bainbridge hadnt been the

only man to ask for her hand.

Numb. She concentrated fiercely on

feeling nothing, showing nothing, asthe inns mistress tugged her inside,

past a noisy taproom and up to an

empty chamber. Emma accepted her

help in changing out of her borrowed


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finery and back into her travel-

stained garments.

Had Robert asked for her? Had he

kept his promise? Her heart

pounded, ready to soar at the

possibility. Some part of her wasscreaming in happiness. Another

huddled small, sobbing in relief. She

squelched them both, along with

myriad other wildly erratic

emotions.

Her lessons might have come late,

but shed learned them well. She

struggled to keep her expectationslow and her walls high. She didnt

think she could survive another blow,

another disappointment. How would

she bear it if it were not true?


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Outside, night had settled and Cora

DeLane was ready to continue on. Inthe murky light of the innkeepers

lantern, Robert was nowhere to be

seen. Cora huddled with the older

lady a moment, their whispers nomatch for the good-natured

rowdiness emanating from the

taproom.

Numb, Emma reminded herself as

Cora left the woman with a last,

urgent-sounding admonition. She

held herself aloof, unfeeling as

Roberts ex-mistress hugged herclose and then held her at arms

length, searching her face.

Whatever she was looking for was


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not to be found. Emma started when

Cora cupped her face in both hands,

her stern gaze boring into her own.You will not do this. You will not be

afraid, Cora whispered. Youve

come too far to give in to fear now.

She let go and turned to climb intoher vehicle. Emma, dear, she said,

settling into her seat. You can be

happy if only you will allow it.

Emma swallowed a surge of emotion

and did not respond. The barouche

began to move. Cora leaned forward.

Stay hidden tonight. Robert will

take you on to Welbourne beforefirst light. Get that fan to your aunt.

Its the best wedding gift you could

give her. Gravel crunched beneath

the vehicles wheels. Give my


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regards to Catherine, Cora called.

Emma nodded and waved. She stood,staring after the vehicle, until the

innkeeper called her to attention.

This way. The older womangestured with her lantern. The

taprooms full of locals, she

whispered hoarsely. The main

coaching inns are full tonight and

Ive several rooms let to the

overflow. She looked over her

shoulder. Even here theres endless

talk of the wedding at Welbourne,

Rowlands auction and that missingitem. Theres a reward out for that

thing, although folks is split on whod

pay more to have it, the duke or the

jilted lover. Itd be best if no one


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ever knew you were here.

Emma clutched at the thin bulk ofthe fan, tied safely into a pocket

under her skirts. But it was not

concern over the fan that had her

anxiety escalating as she followedthe bobbing light past the stables,

to an even smaller, older barn.

Robert was in there. Whatever was

she going to say to him?

The hay barn, the innkeeper said.

Nobody comes here at night, though

theres an empty grooms loft with a

cot for you. Spose it wont hurt thegentleman to sleep the night in the

hay. She cracked the door open.

Theres supper in there, and a bit

of traveling supplies. I expect youll


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offer. Robert didnt know if he was

angrier with her despicable uncle, or

with her.

Shed believed hed abandoned her.

She hadnt trusted him to keep his

word.

Come in and eat, he said, gesturing

to the bread, cheese and wine atop a

crate.

Shed left her bonnet off. Even the

dim light of the covered lamp set

alight the sunlit streaks in her tawny

hair. He stared at them, unspeakingas she slowly crossed the tiny space

and sat upon a crooked stool.

Robert, she whispered. Her gaze


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was cast downward.

Eat, he ordered. He should avoidthis now. It would be better to wait,

to have this conversation when they

werent so isolated, when hed had

time to gather sufficient control.Were leaving early, you should

sleep.

Im sorry. She looked up then. I

must apologize. Its true, I didnt

know, but I should never have

believed...

That I was a worthless fribble? hebarked. Thats what your uncle

named me, when I had the audacity

to ask for your hand. Perhaps I

should have waitedit was right


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after your fathers death and I

wished only to see you, comfort you.

But he made it clear he had otherplans for you.

She reached out a hand but he

moved away. Dont. I cant reallyblame either of you, for he was

right.

No, she denied. He wasnt.

He was. At that time I had nothing

to recommend me save a close

acquaintance with the fast and loose

set of the ton. He met her darkeyes. But Ive changed. You inspired

me. The Duke of Manning noticed,

and encouraged me. Ive worked

closely with him, and learned much


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about business and land management.

I hoped to make something of

myself, to become worthy of you.

She rose and crossed to him, slipping

her hands around his waist. Youve

always been worthy. But Ive let youdown.

A terrible tension eased within him

at her words and with her touch. He

gripped her tight, breathing in the

scent of her hair before he took her

seat upon the stool, bringing her

along to sit in his lap. When the

furor about the auction and the fanarose, the duke asked for my help. I

agreed to do anything I could.

Of course.


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And then do you know what he

offered? He promised me an estate,should I succeed. Its small, but it

will be all mine. He squeezed her

waist. Its an unbelievable

opportunity.

She smiled and laid a hand across his

cheek. Suddenly he grinned. When

she shifted hed felt the press of a

long and narrow object against his

hip. Is that where youve been

keeping the damned thing?

She laughed. Its safe there. Shesobered. Such a small thing to

cause so much trouble.

Robert sighed. Rowland


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commissioned it years ago, after

your aunt left her husband to live

with her duke. He ran a finger alongher jaw. Terrible things were said

about her, then and since.

Assumptions were made about her

character and awful predictions ofher complete ruination abounded. I

suppose Rowland thought owning

such an object would be a lark. If

she really had been as wanton as

some said, perhaps he would have

enticed her to his bed. He smiled

grimly. But she and the duke have

proved loyal to each other and are

still very much in love.

She wasnt afraid to be happy,

Emma whispered.


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He shrugged. I know Rowlands

taunted her for years with the

existence of that fan. ButCatherines a strong woman. She

flushed and he stared into her dark

eyes. Like her niece.

She smiled and arched slightly. He

almost shouted his relief. Emma was

here, in his lap, smiling at him again,

her luscious mouth positioned just

right for his kiss.

God, but he wanted nothing more

than to oblige her. Every fiber of his

being ached to snatch her close andtaste her once more. He wanted to

kiss her senseless, until all the

turmoil and trouble about them

disappeared and there was only her


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and him, and the sweet spiral of

their desire. Instead, Robert

groaned and did the hardest thinghed ever done in his life. He set his

love off of his lap and stood.

Thrusting a hand in his hair heoffered her a grimace of apology.

Im sorry, Emma, but this is not our

time or our place. I started this

crazy journey meaning to prove

something to your uncle. And then I

wanted to prove myself to the duke.

He could only hope she would

understand. But now I mean to

finish this for me. For us.

He set his hands on her shoulders,

and allowed himself one quick,

tantalizing kiss on her lips. Im going


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to get you and that fan safely to

Welbourne. Were going to outwit

Rowland, leave your uncle and histreacherous baron high and dry, and

set your aunt at ease at last. He

leaned down and rested his forehead

on hers. Tomorrow well be at thegates of Welbourne. And there well

decide our own futures.

* * *

They left the barn early, before the

birds had even begun to stir. Robert

shook her awake and then climbed

back down out of the loft. Hehitched a nag to the rickety old cart

hed hired from the innkeeper and

they were off; a farmer and his wife

moving slowly along backcountry


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lanes.

Emma huddled beneath her cloak,lost in contemplation. Shed thought

herself so brave, following in her

aunts footsteps, leaving her uncles

house to follow the path of herchoosing. But shed acted nothing

but a coward since the first moment

shed glimpsed Robert on the street

in Maidenhead.

Her aunt was courageous,

withstanding the censure of the

world to follow her heart. Robert

was brave, daring to change thecourse of his life. But shed been

weak. She should have been

forthright and asked him where hed

been, if he still cared for her and


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how and why hed come to possess

that fan. Instead shed hidden,

afraid of the answers. Shed letcynicism and bitterness color her

perceptions.

But no longer. She knew Robertwanted to wait until theyd finished

this, but suddenly Emma wanted him

to know everything she was feeling.

Now. Before theyd reached the end

of their journey and without the

distractions that would inevitably

arise at Welbourne.

Robert. Emma placed her hand onhis, where he held the reins loosely.

Theyd passed through the village of

Twickenham. Robert had just begun

to take the turn that would shortly


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bring them to Welbourne.

Robert, she repeated, insistent.

He pulled the horses up in the

middle of the intersection and eyed

her questioningly.

I have something to say, and I do

not wish to wait.

His brow furrowed, he waited.

Emma gathered her courage. Ive

been a terrible coward. She

shushed him when he stared toprotest. Its true. The moment I

saw you, in that silly apron, carrying

a stack of empty crates, I closed

myself off from you. Id been hurt


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and I was afraid it would happen

again. So I pushed you away, looked

for reasons to be angry and toldmyself Id be happier without you

when really I just wanted to be

safe.

She scooted closer to him on the

bench and leaned into his reassuring

warmth. But youve shown me what

it means to be brave, to risk failure

in search of happiness. I see now

that if I wall myself off from the

negative or difficult things in life,

then Im closed to all of the good

things as well.

She breathed deeply. So Im going

to tell you, right now, that Im not

going to give in to fear any longer. I


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want to be happy. I choose to be

happy. With you.

Robert transferred the ribbons to

one hand, and trailed the fingers of

the other along the line of her jaw.

She tilted her head to him and thistime, at last, he leaned down and

pressed his mouth to hers.

A torrent of emotion surged through

Emma. Joy and pride and a great

swell of love for this man unfurled

inside of her. She opened beneath

him, and daringly touched her tongue

to his. He moaned in response andkissed her deeply, his heavy hand

settling at the small of her back and

urging her closer.


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Emma was lost, awash in a haze of

pounding hearts and communing souls

and rising desire. Gradually, though,the rumble of wheels and the jingle

of harness began to pierce the

sensual cloud that surrounded them.

Robert pulled away, his grin rueful,and they both looked over their

shoulders to find a coach and four

come to a stop behind them.

The coachman sat atop his box,

watching them with a commiserating

grin, but the occupant of the coach,

a wizened old man, had poked his

head out of the window.

Out of the way! he shouted. He

shook a cane in their direction.

What do you think youre about,


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blocking the public roadand with

such vulgar affrontery!

Aghast, Emma shrank back. Its

Bainbridge, she whispered. She met

Roberts questioning stare with

horror. The baronmy uncle!

Robert stiffened, but before he

could react, they were all hailed by a

call from ahead. Emma cringed

further when she caught sight of

her uncle on horseback, coming from

the direction of Welbourne.

Might as well turn around. Theyvehad no sign of the chit, he called to

Bainbridge. He passed Robert and

Emma with barely a glance at their

worn clothes and ancient cart.


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The maid! Bainbridge exclaimed.

That lying jade...

No, the girl spoke the truth.

Emmas uncle sighed. We must have

missed her on the road. Letsretrace our steps a bit and stop to

think. He waved impatiently at

Robert. Well, go on, good man, and

quit blocking the road.

Fighting a grin, Robert shrugged at

Emma and shook out the reins,

urging the nag to continue. Emma

clutched his leg tightly until thecoach and her uncle had turned

about and headed back toward the

village. She stared openmouthed at

Robert as he pulled the horse up


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again. He bit his lip. She giggled

and then they both dissolved in a

flood of hilarity and relief.

* * *

Soon after, they stopped before thegleaming gates of Welbourne Manor.

Robert helped Emma down and

soberly they stared at the gorgeous

gardens beyond and the twinkle of

the Thames in the distance.

Weve fought hard to get here,

Robert mused, and now I feel

strangely reluctant to enter.

I feel the same.

He turned and took her in his arms.


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You journeyed here to become

ruined. In a way, I came to save

myself. But I dont think either ofthose goals fit us any longer.

No. She sighed.

What do you say we take the fan to

the doorstep, with instructions for

it to be delivered to the duke and

his soon-to-be duchess, compliments

of her niece

And of you, too, she insisted.

He nodded and kissed her nose. Andthen shall we just continue on?

Her eyes lit up. Where shall we

go?


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I was thinking of Gretna Green.

Emma stood on tiptoe and wrapped

her arms about his neck. Its

perfect. Lets go and be happy.

THE END

The Journey to Mm

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