He had brought a parcel of books from a publisher in London.
He also carried an invitation to a winter gathering at Westmere House.
Emily examined the embossed card.
“Will there be people who remember what happened at Oak Haven?”
“Almost certainly.”
“Will they whisper?”
“Without question.”
“Then I shall come.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
“I expected more hesitation.”
“I am tired of allowing other people’s whispers to choose where I may stand.”
He looked at her with unmistakable admiration.
Emily felt warmth rise to her face, but she did not look away.
The gathering was smaller than she expected.
There were neighboring landowners, two physicians, a schoolmistress, and several people involved in Daniel’s charitable work.
A few guests stared when Emily entered.
One woman remarked that she had heard extraordinary things about the Harrington family.
Emily smiled politely.
“Then I hope you will allow me to tell you something ordinary about the new reading room.”
She described the children, the lessons, and the repairs still needed.
By the end of the conversation, the woman had offered a box of books and forgotten her intended insult.
Later, Emily overheard a gentleman suggest that Daniel’s interest in her was a passing charitable enthusiasm.
Daniel answered before Emily could decide whether to intervene.
“Miss Harrington has never asked me to rescue her,” he said.
“She has asked me to respect her decisions.”
The gentleman laughed awkwardly and changed the subject.
Emily found Daniel beside the conservatory doors.
“You did not need to defend me.”
“I was defending the truth.”
She considered that.
“Next time, allow me the pleasure.”
Daniel bowed his head.
“Gladly.”
They walked through the conservatory, where citrus trees stood beneath glass panes silvered by moonlight.
For a while they spoke of the coming spring and the possibility of reopening Eleanor’s old school.
Then Daniel stopped beside a bench.
“Emily, I have something difficult to say.”
She waited.
“I have come to care for you.”
Her heart gave a painful, unmistakable leap.
Daniel continued before she could answer.
“I know that my title and fortune make such words complicated.”
“I know you have spent years being treated as if your consent could be arranged by someone else.”
“I will not ask for an answer tonight.”
Emily looked at the rows of green leaves beyond him.
She had imagined a declaration like this during the lonely years at Oak Haven.
In those dreams, a wealthy stranger arrived and carried her away from every hardship.
