Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

you will think upon what really makes you happiest. Knowing Christopher, he will support whatever you decide. But the Americas is a long journey from here. I’d not want Landon to be that far from me.”

“Was it not ye who slept in me bed but a few months ago, after runnin’ away from yer husband?”

“Oh aye, that was me, and I’m telling you don’t make the same mistake I did. If you love Christopher, which I suspect you do—you had best be ready to board the ship alongside him.”

Emma tucked her stubborn chin to her chest and left her friend's side. Marching out of the Hadfield townhouse, Emma concluded Bronwyn was right, but her heart ached at the thought of leaving her family. She needed to return to the shop. Sorting buttons would detangle the knots in her brain.

* * *

His sister-in-law entered the drawing room with a dark scowl upon her face. He wasn’t ready to discuss matters with her and turned back to look out the window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Emma before she hopped into the faux hack his brother had purchased for Emma’s use. He didn’t blame Emma for not wanting to leave. There wouldn’t be anyone across the ocean willing to take such preposterous actions merely to see to their safety or well-being. They would be in a strange land with few acquaintances and a small contingent of supporters. Except they would have each other, but only if Emma agreed to accompany him.

Bronwyn came to stand next to him. “You’re going to charm Emma into going with you, aren’t you?”

Christopher continued to stare out onto the street. “Don’t you ever tire of meddling in others’ lives and of others interfering in yours?” He certainly did.

His sister-in-law leaned a little further to peer out the window. “All my life, it is how things have been done. The Network attempts to only involve themselves for the benefit of the whole, not one individual. However, I can’t say I’ve seen PORFs behave in the same manner throughout the years.”

“Ha. This coming from a PORF.” His breath caught in his chest, hoping Emma would turn to see him in the window. Without a backward glance, she bounded up into the vehicle that would see her safely delivered to her shop. He exhaled, releasing his disappointment.

“A PORF who only received the mark seven weeks ago.” Bronwyn rested a hand upon his arm. “You know the council would not have requested your assistance if they didn’t believe it imperative.”

“But would they have sought out my aid if I hadn’t been seeking their permission to marry Emma?”

Bronwyn left his side to resume the seat she had occupied earlier. “I have no idea what would or could have been done if circumstances had been different. However, I’m certain the council will not be happy to hear you are willing to leave Emma behind.”

He wasn’t thrilled about the idea of Emma remaining in London either, but he wouldn’t force his betrothed to accompany him. Christopher meandered over to the table and slipped the box that contained Emma’s ring into his pocket. Taking a turn about the room, Christopher contemplated all that must be done prior to the wedding and his departure.

Pausing to stand before Bronwyn, he already regretted what he was about to ask of his sister-in-law, but it had to be done, “Will you assist me in ensuring Landon stays out of Lord Weathersbee’s way and allows the man to handle matters at Neale & Sons while I’m away?”

Bronwyn nodded. “How long do you expect to be gone?”

“Mayhap six months, but it’s questionable whether I’d survive that long without Emma.” Damnation, the truth was he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving without her. But what was he to do?

Chapter Twenty

Mounted upon his horse, Christopher slid a glance at his brother, who sported a rather nasty gash above his right eyebrow. Having already spent most of the day away from the office, Christopher decided to write the entire day off and accepted Landon’s invitation for a ride. He’d hoped a hard ride and some fresh air would help provide clarity as to how best to go about declaring his love for Emma. He did not expect to be trotting along the crowded path in Hyde Park. “Why are we here?”

“I’m attempting to gain intel, and I needed to speak with you.”

Christopher wasn’t in the mood for one of his brother’s lectures, nor was he ready to even attempt to discuss the Network’s requests.

Landon’s brows angled sharply down. “Waterford informed me you have sought out the Network Council’s approval to wed Emma.”

Lips thinned into a straight line, Christopher held in the expletive that threatened to burst from him in a roar. Waterford had no right to tell Landon. He’d planned to tell his mama and Landon at supper later that evening. However, he’d not have the pleasure of sharing the good news with his own family. His chest constricted. How to explain to his mama that he was to marry, receive the mark of a PORF, and then set sail for America—mayhap without his bride. His mama had always provided sage advice, and he’d hoped she’d be able to guide him. The knot about his heart tightened. Half a world away, he’d not have a family. But he’d also not have the meddling of well-intentioned friends like Waterford.

Landon stroked his horse’s neck to settle the beast as they were forced to come to a halt. “Are congratulations in order or not?”

He wasn’t ready to answer. Christopher asked, “Who are we spying on today?”

“Lord Markinson.”

“Whatever for?”

“The scoundrel apparently has been acting out of character of late and even paid a visit to Rutherford’s.”

Good gracious. To think the Head PORF had nothing better to do than gallivant about town to conduct investigations into the behavior of a gentleman. The ton rumors were far more extravagant than Markinson could ever possibly achieve, but the man had never bothered to attempt to squelch