[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] free to choose. But how? Her conscience having at last mastered pure self-interest, Emily was determined to settle on the best course of action before she finally retired. Her resolve not to involve Sebas- tian remained firm. Living without him playing any part in her life was a risk she was prepared to take; she was not prepared to place his life in jeopardy by revealing what she knew. Fortunately there was one other in whom she could confide. But would Sir Giles Osborne act on what might easily be perceived as mere coincidence? He was an astute, very careful man, and perhaps would require more proof before he could arrange for Sir Courtney Farrington to be taken into custody. After all, a wife could not give evidence against her husband in a court of law, and without Caroline s testimony there was precious little to link Farrington with the crimes. Therefore more proof was needed, Emily decided, at last climbing into her comfortable bed. Her stay in the capital was swiftly drawing to a close, and time was not on her side, but somehow she must find a way of attaining the proof needed to enable Sir Giles Osborne to act. Chapter Fifteen Although Emily woke the following morning with no very clear idea of how to set about exposing Sir Courtney Farring- ton and bringing about his downfall, her resolve to do so had not diminished. Nor had her determination not to involve Se- bastian unless totally unavoidable lessened either. It wasn t merely a matter of not wishing Sebastian to place his life in jeopardy, but also a desire to protect him from scurrilous, wagging tongues. Her experience of the polite world might not have been vast, but she knew enough to be sure that the tattle-mongers would have a field-day, wondering if there were more behind his determination to see Sir Courtney brought to book, most especially if he betrayed an amorous interest in the Baronet s widow soon after justice had been served. As she completed her toilette, and then made her way downstairs to the breakfast parlour, Emily chose not to dwell on the possibility that Sebastian s undeniably tender regard for her might prove wanting should he be offered the oppor- tunity to marry his first love. Although blissfully unaware of the fact himself, Sebastian could not have done more to try to dispel that niggling un- certainty lurking in the corner of her mind, when he rose to Anne Ashley 213 his feet the moment she joined him in the parlour to brush his lips lightly across her cheek. Emily could not fail to note the look of tenderness which accompanied the chaste salute. All the same she knew herself well enough to be sure that mis- givings would return to plague her if she denied him the op- portunity to form an alliance with his cousin. Unwittingly she had deprived him of that chance years ago. For her own peace of mind she must right that wrong, no matter how heartbreak- ing the outcome might turn out to be for her.  You re very quiet, sweetheart, his lordship remarked, after resuming his seat and helping her to coffee.  I noticed you appeared a little subdued from time to time yesterday evening. Nothing troubling you, is there? Emily managed to effect a careless shrug, but the mild query was a timely reminder. No one knew her better than the man seated beside her. It was uncanny the way he could almost read her mind on occasions. She would need to be so very careful from now on, for just one careless word, one un- guarded look might alert that large brain of his to the fact that she was plotting something. Her lack of response only served to stoke the fires of sus- picion.  I hope you are not peeved because I chose to dance twice with my cousin last night. Emily almost choked, but recovered in an instant, and found herself immediately on the defensive.  Is there reason for me to be?  No, certainly not. He could not have sounded more sincere.  And might I remind you that it was you who sug- gested that I should pay Caroline more attention. That, Emily was forced silently to acknowledge, might yet prove to be a grave error of judgement on her part.  I don t object to your dancing with your cousin, Hawk. In fact it was a pleasure to see her looking so happy. Five minutes in your company and the old sparkle was back in her eyes.  I cannot accept the credit for that, he countered, his lips 214 Lord Hawkridge s Secret curling into a secretive half-smile, before he changed the subject by revealing that he would be unable to accompany her out for a ride that day.  I ve received an urgent summons from Sir Giles Osborne. He wishes to see me without delay. Sebastian observed slender fingers tremble slightly, as Emily reached for her coffee-cup and raised it to her lips.  Are you sure nothing is troubling you, my darling? You do seem a little on edge this morning. She forced a smile.  I m fine. I was just wondering what Sir Giles can have to tell you that s so urgent.  I ve no idea. Finishing off the dregs in his own cup, Se- bastian rose to his feet, and then paused by her chair to capture her chin and raise her head.  But whatever it is doesn t concern you. I ve already told you I don t want you involv- ing yourself further in the business. The delicate lids lowered, but not before he had glimpsed a wary look in those strikingly lovely blue eyes.  And I shall be most displeased if you do. Torn between guilt and resentment at the high-handed tone he was adopting, Emily risked a fleeting look up at him again.  Must I attain your permission before I do anything? I shall be heartily glad when your guardianship comes to an end and I can do as I please.  Don t raise your hopes too high, he warned, releasing her chin to flick one cheek gently with a careless finger.  I shall make a far stricter husband. He went over to the door, thereby missing the wistful expression flitting over her delicate features.  How, by the way, do you intend occupying yourself until my esteemed aunt decides to leave her bedchamber? he turned back to add. She managed with a reasonable amount of success to affect an air of innocence.  Oh, I thought I might just pay your cousin a visit.  Do so by all means. I ve absolutely no objection, he assured her with infuriating superiority.  Good. Because I have every intention of doing so, with Anne Ashley 215 or without your permission, Emily muttered, the instant he had closed the door behind him. Remaining only for the time it took to consume a buttered roll, and swill it down with a second cup of coffee, Emily returned to her room to collect her bonnet and, after securing Skinner s services as chaperon for the proposed visit, returned downstairs in time to see Clegg admit Mr Tobias Trevenen into the house. 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