called from the hall.
“Come in.” So much for hiding today. At least she didn’t have to eat breakfast with him. Since today was the anniversary of the last duke’s death, she hoped Kingsley would spend the day with his brother.
The maid entered the room with a smile. “Good morning, Miss Drake.”
“Good morning, Bridget.” Emma looked down at her breakfast and smiled, seeing the strong coffee her sister knew she loved. “This looks heavenly.”
“The duchess was very particular with your breakfast.”
Emma picked up her cup of coffee and inhaled the delightful aroma. Just the smell of it made her believe she could survive the day. As she sipped her drink, she closed her eyes and savored the flavor.
“Is the striped yellow muslin good for today? Or would you prefer the blue?” Bridget asked as looked inside the linen press. “I thought the yellow would be lovely on such a gloomy day.”
“Yes, that would be perfect,” Emma replied before taking a bite of a strawberry pastry. Her sister knew her weaknesses far too well. Strong coffee with a sweet pastry, and Emma could face almost any day.
Once finished with breakfast and dressing, she crept downstairs, hoping to avoid Kingsley for as much of the day as possible. A day without his handsome face might help break this strange spell he seemed to have woven over her.
As she reached the last step, the footman said, “Her Grace is waiting for you in the salon.”
“Thank you.”
Emma walked into the salon, and her hopes for a day without the gentlemen were dashed. “Good morning, everyone.”
Harry and Kingsley sat near each other, both looking rather somber, which she supposed was to be expected on the anniversary of their father’s death. Louisa sat near the fireplace with a book in her lap. The men rose as she entered the room.
Louisa smiled over at her. “Come sit near me and the fire. Dratted weather. I had hoped for a beautiful day to have a picnic and maybe a good ride. Now we shall be stuck inside all day. Whatever shall we do to take our minds off the gloominess that seems to be surrounding us today?”
“Drink,” Kingsley replied.
Louisa giggled. “I don’t think you mean your coffee, do you?”
“Hardly.”
“I believe you and Harry should wait until at least three before you drink yourselves into oblivion. And thank you for bringing the coffee with you,” Louisa added before looking at Emma. “Did you enjoy the blend? I found it far too strong for my taste.”
Kingsley's gaze turned to Emma. “You drink coffee, not chocolate in the morning?”
“Yes, and you must tell me where you buy it, so I can have our cook order some. It was absolutely delicious.” Then she turned to her sister to avoid the scrutiny of the man with whom she least wanted to have something in common.
“Perhaps we should have a treasure hunt,” Louisa said as she tapped her fingers on the edge of the chair.
Emma rolled her eyes before sneaking a glance at her brother-in-law. The poor man looked completely miserable today, and she couldn’t help but wonder if her presence was adding to his unhappiness today. Her family had indirectly caused his father to commit suicide.
“Perhaps a quiet game of cards,” Kingsley suggested.
“I need a walk,” Harry finally said. “Simon?”
“At your service,” Kingsley replied. “I suppose cards will have to wait until after luncheon.”
“In this rain? You’ll catch your death,” Louisa exclaimed.
“Not today, Duchess,” Kingsley commented as he followed his brother out of the room.
Louisa sighed as the men left. “I wish I knew how to comfort Harry. He’s barely said two words to me today.”
“He will be out of this mood in a few days. I know he invited me but having two of the Drake sisters here can’t be helping.”
Louisa nodded. “I was rather surprised when he told me that he’d invited you.”
“Surprise? That sounded like anger to me.” Emma walked to the coffee service and poured herself another cup.
“I must apologize for my behavior two days ago. Nurse believes George is starting to teethe already. I was sleepy and out of sorts.”
“Already? Is four months early?”
“A bit, at least according to Nurse. But she said some babies are more bothered by teething more than others, and he still might not break through a tooth for a couple of months. He is so he irritable, and nothing soothes him.”
Emma smiled. “Is he any better?”
“Not really. And I must feed him soon. Will you come up to the nursery with me?”
“Of course, I