“I will gladly assist with that.” Fredrick glanced down at her plate and asked, “Are you not hungry?”
“I must admit that I am feeling rather anxious about the carriage ride with Calvin and Clarissa,” she shared.
Fredrick’s eyes held compassion. “You need not fear. I will be by your side the entire time.”
Emilia bit her lower lip. “You seem to believe that Calvin and Clarissa’s intentions are not genuine. Why is that?”
“It is just a feeling that I have.”
“I hope you are wrong, because it would be nice to be a part of a family again.”
Fredrick reached for her hand and encompassed it. “I truly hope I’m mistaken, as you deserve the very thing you are longing for.”
He spoke his words with such sincerity that she believed them.
Dalby stepped into the room and Fredrick quickly withdrew his hand. “Mr. Livingston and Miss Clarissa Livingston have arrived. They are assembled in the drawing room, Miss.”
“Thank you,” Emilia acknowledged.
Fredrick rose and offered his hand. “Allow me,” he said.
Emilia took his hand, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “You are most kind,” she said before releasing his hand.
They walked side by side towards the drawing room, and Emilia found herself at a loss for words. Fredrick came to a stop by the open door and gestured for her to enter first.
Stepping into the drawing room, Emilia saw Calvin and Clarissa were waiting for her, as the butler had indicated.
Calvin smiled broadly, but it dimmed as Fredrick came to stand behind her. “What is Lord Chatsworth doing here?”
Turning towards Fredrick, Emilia replied, “He has kindly agreed to accompany us. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Yes, that is delightful news.” Calvin’s response was less than enthusiastic, clearly displeased by the unexpected turn of events.
Clarissa curtsied. “My lord, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
“My lord?” Fredrick asked with a raised eyebrow. “When did you start addressing me as such?”
A smile came to her lips. “Fredrick,” Clarissa said. “I didn’t wish to presume since our fortune has changed.”
Calvin, however, seemed less at ease. He clasped his hands together. “Shall we depart for Hyde Park?”
“I brought my finest coach for the occasion,” Fredrick said. “It is waiting out front.”
“There is no need. Our circumstances may have been reduced, but we still have a carriage,” Calvin said, his voice curt.
Fredrick graciously put his hand up. “My apologies. I did not mean to overstep my bounds. I would be more than happy to ride in your carriage.”
Clarissa leaned closer to her brother, her voice lowered. “Fredrick’s carriage is much more luxurious than ours. Perhaps we should take his?”
“No, Clarissa,” Calvin snapped. “We will take ours.”
“Very well, Brother,” Clarissa responded in a soft voice, taking a step to the side.
Fredrick offered his arm to Emilia. “Allow me to escort you to the coach.”
As Fredrick led her towards the main door, Emilia couldn’t help but notice that Clarissa’s gaze was downcast, and it was evident that Calvin’s harsh words had affected her more than she had let on.
Fredrick must have noticed it, too, because he directed his comments towards Clarissa. “You are looking well.”