KDBookOnline
Share Us
“Someone brought a pianoforte to the stone jug and played it for us once,” George said. “I liked it. I’ll learn that.”
Emmeline blinked. “I hadn’t planned on instructing both of you.”
“I don’t want that. I want to sword.” Rose picked up her fork and stabbed it into the air.
“That sounds grand, of course, but we only have a few weeks until we leave for the Lake District. Fishing for George because boys enjoy that sort of thing, and dance for Rose because you’re already very good at twirling. You’ll have fun with those.”
“What about horses, though?” Rose insisted, pressing her palms together. “Mr. P—Papa said horses. Please?”
“We didn’t have a riding habit made for you.”
“But if I’m to be a lady, I need to ride a horse,” Rose pressed. “All the other ladies ride horses, I wager.”
“Ladies don’t wager.”
“What about horses, though?”
“I—”
“Rosie, don’t be a baby. We’ll do what they say. It’s for our own good.”
Will took another swallow of port, his glance at Emmeline’s exasperated expression nearly making him choke. Never one for flights of fancy, she’d become a book of orderliness and purpose over the past eight years, and he would have been willing to wager that she hadn’t put “arguing with children” on her well-organized list of tasks for the day.
“I suggest we all consider our choices tonight, and we can begin tomorrow,” he said.
“I’ll consider about sword fighting,” Rose said. “And riding.”
Emmeline sent them off upstairs, then finished her glass of ratafia and stood. “Good evening, Mr. Pershing,” she said, inclining her head.
“You’re annoyed I didn’t take your side regarding Rose and fencing. And riding.” Will swirled the glass in his hand and sat back.
Her shoulders rising and falling with her deep breath, she sat again. “Yes. You might have said something. I know we want them to have some fun, but we also have a finite amount of time. If we take on those extra recreations, when will we have time for geography for George and embroidery for Rose, and manners and conversation and dancing lessons for both of them, and—”
“They don’t need to be perfect,” he interrupted. “Only passable. And if we don’t give Rose her fencing lessons and teach George a song or two on the pianoforte, they will never have a chance to learn them. What did you mean to add to the mix to give them those fond memories? One day of fishing or a single afternoon playing tea party?”
“So as usual, you set an impossible task and expect me to see to it.”
Will blinked. “You’ve managed every one of them thus far,” he said. “And done so with elegance, efficiency, and, if I may say so, brilliance. If I’ve come to rely too much on your expertise, I apologize for not realizing how difficult I’ve made it for you. In my defense, you unfailingly make it all look effortless.”
She opened her mouth and snapped it shut again. “I forget sometimes how effective you are at wielding words and soothing ruffled feathers.”
“I’m not trying to manipulate you, Mrs. Per—Emmeline,” he countered, for the moment ignoring the fact that she’d suggested at least half of the events they’d hosted. “For God’s sake, I would never place you in the category of a simple vote or a banknote.” She was far too complicated, and too important to him, whether she would ever feel the same way about him, or not. “I am very aware that I would not have the position I currently enjoy without your tireless efforts. That was therefore an apology.”
The silence stretched for a good number of seconds. “We have a partnership,” she said finally. “You allowed me to have Winnover Hall, and I’ve hopefully aided your career. This muddle… I’ll see to it, and things will return to normal. So I also apologize.”
That was it, then. The tit for tat. Eight years, and it hadn’t changed a whit. “I have Winnover as well, you know.”
“Yes, of course.” Emmeline sighed. “Generally, we work in parallel, the two sides of a coin. This will be… different.”
“Yes, it will. And I’m certainly willing to enter the fray at your side.”
“You still have your work, Mr. P—Will. That must come first.”
“I am on leave, with Lord Stafford’s permission. I am free to wade into the muck with you.”
“But—”
“As I said, Emmie, we are in this together.”