Calvin returned to the room and clasped his hands together. “Dalby assured me that the tea would be up momentarily.” His gaze shifted between Emilia and Clarissa. “Did I interrupt something?”
Clarissa responded with a tilt of her chin. “Not at all,” she replied. “We weren’t discussing anything of importance.”
Emilia wanted to contradict that point, but she recognized the look in Clarissa’s eyes, silently urging her to remain quiet.
Calvin’s attention turned to Emilia. “Well, I was hoping tomorrow that we could all go on a carriage ride through Hyde Park, assuming you have no objections.”
“I have many objections!” Clarissa exclaimed. “Did you forget that we were declared illegitimate? We are on the outskirts of high Society. Why would we draw attention to ourselves by going on a carriage ride in Hyde Park?”
Calvin appeared to consider his sister’s concerns. “I understand what you are feeling, but it would be best if we were seen around Emilia, and often,” he suggested. “If we are seen together, enjoying one another’s company, thetonmight see that we are united as a family.”
“That is a big ‘might,’” Clarissa argued. “Our friends have abandoned us, almost taking great pleasure in our downfall. Why would anyone wish to be seen with us now?”
“What say you, Emilia?” Calvin asked.
Emilia contemplated the situation, feeling the weight of her decision. She didn’t want to let anyone down, and she was also aware of the challenges that Calvin and Clarissa were facing. They had lost everything when they were declared illegitimate. Shouldn’t she at least try to help them when they asked?
“I will do it,” Emilia announced.
Clarissa’s face fell. “I do believe this is a terrible mistake. I have no desire to be a public spectacle of any kind.”
“We will hardly be a public spectacle,” Calvin countered. “As far as thetonis concerned, we are just one big happy family going on a carriage ride.”
“But we are not a happy family, are we?” Clarissa demanded.
Calvin’s expression grew stern as he responded, “I understand your anger, but I promise you, things will become clearer in time. You must trust me.”
Clarissa narrowed her eyes and directed her anger towards Emilia. “Nothing we do will change the fact that the life we knew is over, and it is all because of our newfound sister.” She pointed her finger at Emilia, her voice rising. “I don’t know why I bothered trying to be friends with you. You ruined my life.”
“Clarissa, that is uncalled for,” Calvin chided.
Her mouth dropped. “You are siding with Emilia?” Clarissa asked.
Stepping closer to his sister, Calvin placed his hands gently on her shoulders. “Perhaps it’s best for us to retire and allow you to rest.”
Clarissa shrugged off his hands. “You are unbelievable, Brother. I shall wait for you in the entry hall.”
After Clarissa stormed off, Calvin turned to Emilia, his expression apologetic. “I am truly sorry about what Clarissa said. She has just been overwhelmed lately.”
“There is no need to explain Clarissa’s actions because I find that I have great sympathy for her,” Emilia said. “Everything she said was true, but I hope to change that by returning her dowry of twenty thousand pounds.”
Calvin’s eyes grew wide. “Are you in earnest?”
“I am,” Emilia confirmed. “I had hoped to tell her myself, but I think it might be best if it came from you. I have already spoken to Mr. Rymer and he is seeing to the arrangements.”
“Thank you,” Calvin said.
“I hope that by restoring Clarissa’s dowry, she may have a chance at finding a suitable match this Season, if that is what she desires.”
Calvin beamed with gratitude. “I cannot thank you enough, Emilia. With her sizable dowry, you have given her a chance for a brighter future.”
“That was my intention,” Emilia said.
He gave her a slight bow. “I am going to tell my sister the good news, but I do hope to see you tomorrow for our ride through Hyde Park.”
“I shall be looking forward to it.”
Once Calvin departed from the drawing room, Emilia walked over to collect her needlework, hoping that Anette or Fredrick might come to call on her today. She always welcomed their company, but more so, Fredrick.