Joanna Maitland – Marrying The Major (страница 11)

Her papa seemed to have convinced himself. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘I’ll write to your aunt today. And I may tell her that you will be returning to London immediately, Emma?’ His raised eyebrows demanded a precise answer.

‘In a day or two, Papa,’ Emma said. ‘I should like to spend a little time with Jamie before I go.’ Her eyes lit up with sudden mischief. ‘If I try really hard, I might even persuade her to join your Surrey house party, Papa. Would that not be delightful? It was so clever of you to think of it.’

Papa—who had a very soft spot for the lovely Countess—agreed that his daughter might remain in the country for a few days more, in hopes of adding the Hardinges to his guest list.

Emma kissed his cheek. ‘Thank you, Papa,’ she beamed. ‘I had better ride over to Harding at once to begin to work on her, do you not think? And, before you mention it, I will take a groom. I am resolved to prevent you from worrying about me any more.’

Sir Edward sighed contentedly and patted her arm. ‘Thank you, m’dear. You are a good girl.’

Emma left the room before he could remember that any visit to Harding must provide yet another opportunity to meet the unmarriageable Major.

‘Good morning, Miss Emma.’ The butler beamed at her. ‘You will be pleased to know that my lord has driven over to the Dower House to visit his lady mother.’

Emma’s spirits lifted at the news. The Dowager Countess had been almost like a mother to Emma for as long as she could remember. Emma resolved to ride on to the Dower House as soon as she left Jamie. It would be a happy duty to welcome Richard’s mother back home.

‘That is splendid news, Digby,’ Emma said. ‘I will go to pay my respects to her ladyship this very day.’ She picked up her trailing skirts, turning to make for the stairs and Jamie’s sitting room.

Behind her, Digby coughed discreetly. ‘I believe her ladyship is in the conservatory, Miss Emma.’

‘Oh.’ Emma turned quickly on her heel. ‘Yes, of course. It is such a lovely spot when the sun is shining. Don’t trouble to announce me, Digby. I know my way very well.’

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