Angel of Mercy

Chapter 31

Peter was waiting for Emma when she arrived at breakfast the next morning.

"Darling, you look wonderful!" he said, kissing both her cheeks. She wore one of the new gowns Ethan had purchased for her. It was an emerald green with white buttons down the front and a drop skirt.

She saw Ethan scowling behind his back.

Peter looked as she remembered him. Tall with thick blonde hair pulled back into a neat queue and changeable hazel eyes. And yet there was something different about him, but Emma could not put her finger on what. Then it occurred to her. He was happy. The Peter she knew was a dour sort. Which made his current behavior very suspicious!

"Peter what an unexpected surprise." She wasn't going to say she was pleased to see him, because his appearance was not a welcome one.

"We have much to discuss but later when we can speak in private." he informed her.

Based on the look on Ethan's face later would not be for a very long time.

Emma nodded then deliberately took a seat next to Ethan.

If Peter was affected by this move, he was quick not to show it and sat on Emma's other side.

Shortly thereafter Aunt Isabelle and Reggie arrived. 

Breakfast consisted of coddled eggs, bacon, fruit, and toast.

"It's good to have decent food again. That inn was horrible," Aunt Isabelle complained, piling eggs on her plate.

Ethan ignored her and turned to Peter.

"Tell me Mr. Camden, how long do you plan on remaining a guest at Lavender Hall?"

"That depends on how long it takes me to convince Emma of my intentions."

Ethan smiled back but Emma could see he had clenched his hand into a fist under the table. Emma covered his hand with one of her own and squeezed gently until she felt his tension ease.

"Well, I shouldn't take too long about it dear. You're not a young girl anymore, now isn't the time to be choosy." Aunt Isabelle advised adding honey to her tea.

"Emma knows what's good for her," Peter said.

Emma looked at the man she had intended to marry. Has he always been so arrogant and controlling? What had she been thinking? Marriage to him would be a nightmare.

"I thought we weren't discussing it now," Emma interjected.

"That's right," Peter agreed. "Let's talk about you. How is your family?"

"You mean you don't know?" Emma asked surprised, "Don't you still live in the village?"

"Well...yes," he answered slowly. "But you know I'm not one to gossip and I didn't feel I'd be welcomed at the Rhodes home after our.... falling out."

Peter looked nervous. As well he should. Falling out? That's an interesting way to say he abandoned her.

"Well, if you want to know. Things have been difficult. With my father gone it was left to me to provide for the family. We managed for a time but the taxes on the farm kept rising. If not for Lord Salisbury's intervention, we would have lost it."

"What?" Peter said, startled looking at Ethan who merely smiled back complacently.

"WHAT?" Aunt Isabelle exclaimed, putting down her fork. "You gave her money?"

"She is in my employ." Ethan pointed out.

"That's different from paying her debts. Did that accident addle your brain in addition to damaging your leg?"

"Excuse me," Emma interrupted. "I can assure you as Lord Salisbury's nurse his cognitive function is fine. As for my debts I did not ask him for help, he did that on his own."

"And an idiotic thing it was to do!" Aunt Isabelle declared angrily.

"Aunt why do you care? It's my money." Ethan reminded her. 

"You mean the families." She corrected him.

"And I provide you with a generous stipend, don't I?" Ethan inquired.

Aunt Isabelle faltered.

"There will be no more discussion of this." Ethan decreed lowering his tone to emphasize his point.

"So, to answer our question, Peter. My family is fine." Emma said, answering his earlier question.

"Can someone please pass the marmalade?"

All heads turned to Reggie who until this moment had remained silent.

Aunt Isabelle grabbed the jar and shoved it at her son.

"Thank you, mother."

They continued eating in silence, but Emma kept her hand in Ethan's until they finished.