Of Night and Dark Obscurity

She cocked an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“You are wrong about one thing.”

“Which is?”

“It’s not a competition. We simply both admire you. There’s nothing wrong in that.”

Taking the bottles and lantern, Emmeline made her way upstairs. She had always liked the Carey brothers since she had first met Nigel and then, through him, his older brother, Ev

erett. Nigel was softer and kinder around the edges. A true gentleman with the sweet face of an angel. But If Nigel was an angel, then Everett was a demon. Dark and mysterious, she had always been a little afraid of him.

What she had said was true. As the heir to the title, he was often written about, and his female companions were well known. He had not yet married, but it was only a matter of time. Not only was he extremely good looking and sure of himself, he knew how to command attention. She had watched him many times enter a room and be immediately the center of attention and completely at ease. The women watched him covetously while the men smiled and coolly acknowledged him. She had always felt awkward around him.

Nigel was the exact opposite. In Nigel’s presence, she felt more at ease.

When she rejoined the parlor, Nigel immediately came to stand by her side.

“There you are. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“I was speaking with your brother.”

“Yes, I saw him. I didn’t invite him. Did you?” he asked suddenly.

“No, I didn’t. Perhaps my father did, or he invited himself.”

Nigel smiled at that. “That sounds like Everett. He probably invited himself.”

Just then, her aunt came to stand beside her.

“Emmeline, that color is most becoming. Don’t you agree, Nigel?” Verbena asked.

“I do agree. But then Emmeline looks good in most things,” Nigel said shyly.

“Thank you.” Emmeline smiled at him.

“I think the party has been a success,” Verbena said as Nigel excused himself.

“Aunt Vee, why do you have to embarrass Nigel like that? He’s shy.”

“He takes his time,” she admonished. “If he wants to make you an offer, he should do so. Neither of you are getting any younger.”

“Why does everyone seem to think a marriage offer is imminent?”

“Who else said so?”

“Everett.”

Verbena said nothing to that. “Nigel is not the demonstrative type. You’ll have to force his hand, my dear, if you want a match with him.”

“I don’t wish to force any man’s hand, especially where marriage is concerned.”

Verbena’s gaze was diverted, and she groaned under her breath. “Well then, you are unlike your friend in that regard,” she muttered.

When Emmeline looked to the door of the parlor, Maude Thomas was framed in it. She was the daughter of a colleague of Cyprian. She was a year younger than Emmeline but scheming and devious, intent on making a good marriage to secure money and prestige.

“Emme,” she greeted her hostess, kissing both her cheeks.

“Maude. That dress is stunning,” Emmeline said, appreciating the contrast of the emerald-green gown with her dark red hair and brown eyes.