for Diana and the relationship they were cultivating. “It’s… different.”
“I can understand that,” Emma murmured, looking down at her fingers. “I never had the frantic part of love. The breathless, unable to sleep, romanticized and publicized version of it. I did not even marry for love, but I found it all the same.”
Michael took her hand, squeezing gently. “I hoped you would.”
She smiled up at him, her eyes and smile warm. “There is more than one way to love, and to feel love; even romantic love. Some feel it loudly and cannot contain it. Others find it quietly, deep into their souls. And all can be everlasting.”
He released her hand and sat back, nodding. “I’m beginning to see that. But it makes me glad to hear that you found love in your own way.”
“My sister thinks you’ll propose within the week.” Emma turned her body to face him more. “Will you?”
Now he laughed, finding the prying edge that he was accustomed to with the Asheley sisters. “Not this week.”
Emma snickered beside him. “What, do you have a previous engagement?”
“As it happens, yes,” he replied with a jaunty smile. “I’ve an errand to see to in Derbyshire this week. Very important, very secret.”
“To whom and for whom?” Emma pressed with a grin. “Yourself, I hope.”
Michael pretended to consider his answer. “In a way, I suppose it is. It has more impact on another person’s happiness, however, but their happiness should promote my own.”
“Very gallant.” Emma nodded her approval, then leaned forward just a little. “You won’t give me a further hint, will you?”
“I cannot,” he said firmly, still amused by her interest. “Far too much work has been done with my solicitors and other important men to risk word getting out before all is settled.”
Emma shook her head in apparent disappointment. “Very well. Shall we see if one of the card games is free? My husband, bless him, is still in conversation with Mr. Chadwick, and I am in need of a partner.”
Michael rose and offered a hand to help her up. “Yes. Let’s.”
“Mama, have you seen my blue spencer?”
“Lottie, my lamb, you have at least three. Which one are you seeking?”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “The one I’ve worn this year, Mama! Honestly, I am not hoarding endless amounts of clothing in the same shade.”
“Sure about that, are you?” her brother quipped as he passed, flicking at her ear.
Charlotte lashed out a quick smack of her hand against his upper arm, the tips of her fingers whipping sharply there.
“Ouch!” he bellowed, the cry echoing through the house. “Mama!”
“I do not want to hear it!” she bellowed back. “One of you started it, and the other retaliated, and that is the end of it!”
Charles looked nearly affronted at the statement and turned to Charlotte in shock. “I think we broke her.”
“Children!” their father hollered. “Don’t make your mother yell!”
Charlotte scowled, shaking her head. “We broke her years ago. That she no longer cares is the greater issue, I think.”
“Agreed. Can’t see what did her in, though. We’re such angels.”
“Probably my courtship. Too much of a change, she simply cannot adapt.”
Charles moved to the wall and leaned against it, fiddling with the end of an unlit cheroot. “How is that courtship, Lottie? Accepted his proposal yet?”
Charlotte looked at her brother rudely. “He has not asked, I’ll have you know.”
“Can’t say I blame him.”
Plucking up a vase nearby, Charlotte held it in the air. “So help me, Brutus, I will chuck this at your head and pummel you thereafter.”
He winked at her, grinning cheekily. “I know. Put it down. Truce.”
Charlotte gave him a warning look as she slowly lowered her weapon to the console table beside her. “We have not discussed the subject of marriage, Jonathan and I. And I don’t mind it. I am enjoying being courted, learning more about him and he about me. He is… he is a good man, Charles.”
“I know,” her brother said, surprising her. “I’ve tried finding all of the negativity in his reputation I can, and damned if I can find a single thing.”
“He’s not perfect,” Charlotte assured him with a laugh. “He simply keeps his sins and errors small.”
Charles shook his head, smiling. “He’s a better man than I am.”
“We knew that.” Charlotte returned his smile and shrugged. “At any rate, I’m content.”
“Good. And Michael?”
Charlotte’s smile vanished. “Michael has sins.”
Charles rolled his eyes, his head rolling dramatically in accompaniment. “Yes, I know, Lottie. I was present for many of them. What I mean is what will