with it.
“We shall be wed before Season’s end,” Lord Smithton finished, grandly, as though Emily would be delighted with such news. “We shall be happy and content, shall we not, Miss Taylor?”
The lump in Emily’s throat prevented her from saying anything. She wanted to tell Lord Smithton that he had not even asked her to wed him, had not considered her answer, but the words would not come to her lips. Of course, she would have no choice in the matter. Her father would make certain of that.
“You are speechless, of course,” Lord Smithton chuckled, as her father grunted his approval. “I know that this will come as something of a surprise that I have denied myself towards marrying someone such as you, but I have no doubt that we shall get along rather famously.” His chuckle became dark, his hand tightening on hers until it became almost painful. “You are an obedient sort, are you not?”
“She is,” Emily heard her father say, as she opened her eyes to see Lord Smithton’s gaze running over her form. She had little doubt as to what he was referring to, for her mother had already spoken to her about what a husband would require from his wife, and the very thought terrified her.
“Take her, now.”
Lord Smithton let go of Emily’s hand and gestured towards Lady Chesterton, as though she were his to order about.
“Take her to seek some refreshment. She looks somewhat pale.” He laughed and then turned away to speak to Emily’s father again, leaving Emily and her mother standing together.
Emily’s breathing was becoming ragged, her heart trembling within her as she struggled to fight against the dark clouds that were filling her heart and mind. To be married to such an odious gentleman as Lord Smithton was utterly terrifying. She would have no joy in her life any longer, not even an ounce of happiness in her daily living. Was this her doing? Was it because she had not been strong enough to stand up to her own father and refuse to do as he asked? Her hands clenched hard, her eyes closing tightly as she fought to contain the sheer agony that was deep within her heart.
“My dear girl, I am so dreadfully sorry.”
Lady Chesterton touched her arm but Emily jerked away, her eyes opening. “I cannot marry Lord Smithton, Mama.”
“You have no choice,” Lady Chesterton replied, sadly, her own eyes glistening. “I have tried to speak to your father but you know the sort of gentleman he is.”
“Then I shall run away,” Emily stated, fighting against the desperation that filled her. “I cannot remain.”
Lady Chesterton said nothing for a moment or two, allowing Emily to realize the stupidity of what she had said. There was no-one else to whom she could turn to, no-one else to whom she might escape. The only choices that were open to her were either to do as her father asked or to find another who might marry her instead – and the latter gave her very little hope.
Unless Lord Havisham….
The thought was pushed out of her mind before she could begin to consider it. She had become acquainted with Lord Havisham over the few weeks she had been in London and he had appeared very attentive. He always sought her out to seek a dance or two, found her conversation engaging and had even called upon her on more than one occasion. But to ask him to consider marrying her was something that Emily simply could not contemplate. He would think her rude, foolish and entirely improper, particularly when she could not be certain that he had any true affection for her.
But if you do nothing, then Lord Smithton will have his way.
“Emily.”
Her mother’s voice pulled her back to where she stood, seeing the pity and the helplessness in her mother’s eyes and finding herself filling with despair as she considered her future.
“I do not want to marry Lord Smithton,” Emily said again, tremulously. “He is improper, rude and I find myself afraid of him.” She saw her mother drop her head, clearly struggling to find any words to encourage Emily. “What am I to do, mama?”
“I – I do not know.” Lady Chesterton looked up slowly, a single tear running down her cheek. “I would save you from this if I could, Emily but there is nothing I can do or say that will prevent your father from forcing this upon you.”
Emily felt as though a vast, dark chasm had opened