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burst into tears. “I love my
hair, Jane. I just need to see his lordship.”
    Jane’s expression relaxed. “He is likely in the library at
this hour.”
    “Thank you.” She hugged the maid impetuously. The poor girl
seemed completely at a loss for what to do.
    Emma dashed out of the room. She meant to run down the steps
and confront John. She reasoned that she should call off this madness before it
went too far.
    The nursery door was slightly opened and she could hear
Oliver talking. She peeked in. His little brown head was bent over a book and a
young girl sat next to him.
    The maid acting as nanny looked up and smiled brightly.
“Miss Trent, you look beautiful.”
    Oliver looked up. “Are you going out, Sissy?”
    “I am. What are you doing?”
    “Beth and I are reading a book.” He made the announcement
with a great deal of pride.
    Emma entered fully into the room. “When did you learn to
read, Oliver.”
    He grinned happily. “Beth does most of the reading. I just
pretend.”
    “I see.” Her brother looked happy. He was rested and
healthy. He had not woken up with the terrors the night before. It was the
first full night’s sleep the child had enjoyed in nearly a year. She could not
remember the last time she had seen him play. Her eyes grew moist with tears she
would not allow her brother to see.
    How could she deny him a happy childhood? The Earl of
Compton would provide a safe place for Oliver.
    She inhaled deeply. “I will see you in the morning, Oliver.”
    He ran over and she leaned down for a kiss. It was wet, but
she dared not wipe off his affection. “See you, Sissy.”
    * * * * *
    John’s head was bent over his desk. The library door had
been left open. In fact, she had noticed since arriving in the Scarborough
townhouse that most doors were left ajar. In her own home, her uncle was
constantly secreted away behind a locked door.
    She didn’t even know if her fiancé had a temper. Did he mind
being disturbed while working? She cleared her throat nervously.
    His head came up and his mouth turned up in a smile that lit
his eyes up with joy. “You are the most stunning thing I have ever seen.”
    Obviously, he doesn’t mind being disturbed . Her heart
beat wildly from the effects of his gaze. “I’m sorry to disturb you.”
    “Nonsense. You are always welcome. Mother will be down shortly
and we can leave for the Treechery ball.”
    The room started to spin. Everything that had happened in
the last twenty-four hours swirled around Emma’s mind. The edge of her vision
darkened. I’m going to faint. That’s something new.
    “Emma?” John’s strong hands gripped her arms firmly. She had
no idea how he’d gotten across the room so quickly, but he lifted her as if she
weighed nothing at all. Before she could say anything, he had placed her on a
soft sofa and was sitting beside her.
    “I’m all right.”
    “Clearly, you are not.” His voice was composed, but she
could hear strain behind the calm.
    When had she learned that his voice became slightly higher
when he was upset?
    The butler appeared in the doorway.
    “Dorsey, lady Emma is feeling a bit under the weather. Can
you call for some tea?”
    “At once, my lord.”
    They were alone again.
    “Do you faint often, Emma?”
    She looked up into his eyes and she could clearly see his
worry. Reaching up, she touched his freshly shaven cheek. He was dressed for
the ball. His white cravat had been intricately tied.
    “I have never fainted before. I supposed it is all the
excitement.”
    “I see.” He frowned and a small crease marred the space
between his eyes.
    Her hand seemed to move of its own accord when it reached up
to smooth his brow. “I’m sorry to be such trouble, John.” She didn’t know how
to continue. She’d never been good at small talk, so she would have to go
forward directly. “I’m not at all sure we should be getting married.”
    “I feared that might be the case.” He made a move to leave
the couch. She