you because of the talk from our marriage.”
“It was the excuse his mother needed to separate us. Besides, I had already decided I wouldn’t marry him,” Emma lied. “I should have called it off before he did. Then the repercussions would have been lessened.”
The pain of his betrayal returned with the mention of his name. She had given her heart to him, only to see his mother break it into pieces. Putting the blame solely on Lady Bolton was far from fair. Bolton had been a spineless ninny, and she should have noticed that trait long before she had. Emma had learned her lesson.
No man would touch her heart again.
She would live her life as she desired. Completing her list became a mission instead of an amusement. She would finish every item on her list, including the elusive number 10. Then she would consider her future.
But for now, let the ruination begin.
“We want to do this for you,” Louisa added. “I want you to find a man to love as both Tessa and I were able to do.”
Emma nodded with a feigned smile. “I understand.” She looked over at Harry, who gave her a kind look. Unable to hurt their feelings, she said, “Thank you, Harry. You are most generous.”
Her sisters left not long after to pay some calls on people. Her mother raced off to call upon Lady Huntley and tell her the news of Harry’s generous gift. Once Lady Huntley learned of the marriage settlement, the entire ton would hear of it in a matter of days. Then all the impoverished lords would be knocking on her door.
A light rap on her bedchamber gave her a start. “Yes?”
“Miss Drake, Lord Ainsley is here,” a footman said from the corridor.
Speaking of impoverished lords. She’d forgotten he told her that he would pay a call on her. Had he learned the news of her hefty dowry already? He was a friend of Harry’s, so Ainsley might have been privy to the information even before her. It might have prompted the dance at Lady Leicester’s ball and the call today.
As much as Emma would have preferred to refuse him, Ainsley was a lovely man. She could afford him the standard fifteen-minute call.
“Thank you, and please bring tea to the salon.”
“Of course, miss.”
Emma strolled down to the salon, where Ainsley stood staring out the window. He turned when she walked into the room.
“Good afternoon, Miss Drake. How lovely you look today.” He gave her a quick bow.
“Thank you, my lord. I have called for tea.”
“Excellent.” He waited for her to sit before taking a chair across from her. “Did you enjoy Lady Leicester’s ball the other night?”
Not terribly, but she couldn’t say that. “Yes, her parties are always quite enjoyable.”
“Yes.”
They both fell silent for a long moment. The silence was soon broken by the footman bringing in the tea. As he departed, Emma reached for her cup.
“How do you like your tea, my lord?”
“Milk and sugar, please.”
After fixing his tea and handing it to him, she finally sipped hers. At least that act consumed a few minutes.
“Will you attend the opera this evening?”
“My mother has another engagement.”
As he fell silent again, Emma stared down at her tea. Her mother had taught her that it was imperative to help a gentleman with the conversation if he was quiet. “The weather has been unusually pleasant for April, has it not?”
He nodded. “Yes, quite pleasant.”
Another long silence filled the room. “Will you be racing your carriage again this year?”
He looked over at her with brows raised as a smile lifted his lips. “You know about that?”
Emma laughed softly. “I saw you all last year. I happened to be returning from visiting a sick friend and noticed you and the other gentlemen racing toward St. Albans. It looked like great fun.”
“Oh, it is, but it’s not without danger, Miss Drake. The horses travel with great speed. Sometimes you hit a rut and lose a wheel. Many of us have been injured because of racing.”
“Then why do you continue?”
“Most women wouldn’t understand, but it’s the thrill of it. Putting your life in danger and surviving is exhilarating.”
“I am not certain I agree with your statement that women wouldn’t understand. I believe it would be exciting to ride at such great speeds.” She paused and sipped her tea. “So, will you race this year? I should love to watch you all depart if possible.”
“Yes, I will race.” He leaned closer. “On the last Saturday of May, we start