“I know. That’s precisely why my father wanted me to come to England. He knew that the business would fail if I ran it, even though I could do a better job than most men.”
Sophie rubbed her chin. “But you know, a gently-bred woman can run a charity.”
“A charity?”
“Yes, and if you go about it the right way, I don’t really see how running a charity would be very different than running a business.”
“You’re right,” Emma said slowly, her eyes beginning to light up. “First one has to figure out how to raise the money, then collect it. And after that one must manage it properly and see that it is spent wisely.”
Sophie smiled, feeling as if she had done a very good deed that day.
“And if one undertook, say, the building of a school or a hospital, then one would have to oversee all of the workmen and expenses. It would be very stimulating. Not to mention quite beneficial for the community.”
“Good,” Sophie said, clapping her hands together. “I shall be the very first one to sign up for your committee to build whatever it is you decide to build. You’re going to build it near Westonbirt, aren’t you? I’d be quite helpful, actually, if you build something there. The tenants are quite fond of me, I think. I always brought them baskets at Easter and Christmas. Although I cannot really be too much help right now.” She patted her stomach. “But I can help you with planning and all that once you get started, and—”
“Sophie,” Emma cut off her sister-in-law’s ramblings in a laughing voice. “You shall be the very first one I call upon.”
“Good. I look forward to it.” Sophie poured Emma a cup of tea. “Now then, how long are you going to stay? I imagine you’re eager to get back to my brother now that you’ve solved your problem, but I really don’t think you should set back tonight. It is getting rather late, and the rain doesn’t seem to be letting up.”
Emma took a sip of her tea, letting it warm her throat. “Actually, I told Alex that I would be gone for a week.”
“Goodness, whatever for? You’ve only been married a month. Surely you don’t want to be gone a week?”
“No,” Emma said with a small sigh. “But he did speak to me in the most awful condescending voice when I told him I was bored, and—”
“Say no more,” Sophie said, putting up her hand. “I know exactly what you’re talking about. You needn’t stay a week, but you might want to try to hold out for about four days. He needs to learn not to underestimate you.”
“Yes, I suppose, but…” Emma’s voice trailed off as she glanced up at Sophie. All of the blood had rushed from her face, and she let her teacup clatter noisily in its saucer. “Sophie?” Emma questioned, twisting her head to follow Sophie’s line of vision. An attractive man with warm brown eyes and sandy hair stood in the doorway.
“Oliver?” Sophie said in a whisper. “Oh, Oliver! I’ve missed you so!”
Emma blinked back an unexpected tear as she watched Sophie launch herself into her husband’s arms. Keeping her eyes discreetly downcast, she waited while the couple kissed and hugged and told each other with words and looks how much they had been missed during the last few months.
“Sophie,” Oliver said finally, drawing back but refusing to let go of her hand. “Perhaps you should introduce me to your friend.”
Sophie laughed gaily. “Oh Oliver, you’re never going to believe this, but Emma’s not just my friend, she’s my sister-in-law. Alex got married!”
Oliver’s mouth fell open. “You’re joking.”
Sophie shook her head, and Emma smiled sheepishly.
“Well, I’ll be damned. Ashbourne got himself married. You must be quite a lady, your grace.”
“Oh please, call me Emma.”
“And American to boot,” he added, noting her accent. Emma exchanged a few pleasantries with the Earl of Wilding, but much as the reunited couple tried to hide it, it was obvious that they wanted some time alone together. So, mumbling something about being desperately tired from the ride, Emma asked if she could have her supper sent up to her on a tray. Bidding the couple goodnight, she headed up to her room, stopping on the way at the library, where she made a beeline for the Shakespeare section and plucked Hamlet off the shelf.
The next morning, Emma once again donned her traveling dress, already freshly laundered and pressed. Sophie appeared at the breakfast table in her dressing gown, somewhat bleary-eyed but looking indescribably happy.
“Under the circumstances, I think I’ll cut my visit short and go see my cousins for a few days,” Emma said.
“You don’t have to do that,” Sophie said quickly, stifling a yawn.
Emma smiled knowingly. Sophie hadn’t gotten very much sleep the night before. “No, believe me, I’d rather. You deserve some time alone with your husband and son. If you could just send a messenger to Alex with this note informing him of the change in plans, I’d appreciate it very much.”
“Oh, yes, certainly. But make sure that you don’t go back before the four days are up. And if you can, you should try for five.”
Emma just smiled and ate her omelette.
Chapter 23
The skies had cleared considerably since the previous night, so Emma opened all of the carriage windows as she made her way to London. The trip passed quite quickly, for the Wilding estate was much closer to town than Westonbirt, and Sophie had generously lent Emma the copy of Hamlet that she had started to read the night before.