It was a beautiful summer day. There was a slight breeze that broke through the smothering heat, making it bearable, and birdsong filled the garden that surrounded the cosy set up of tea tables and tents.

Emily occupied a small table and waited for Isabel to join her. She should have felt excited about the news she was going to share—so why did she have a minor ache in the pit of her stomach?

She looked about the garden to take her mind off of her growing nerves. Most of the ladies had gathered under the shaded tents for high tea and a spot of gossip. Those who found the heat too obscene stayed indoors in the library or drawing room.

The men were away doing various things. She had not seen Oscar or Lord Westwood the entire morning and assumed they would be absent most of the day.

Oddly, Aunty Prue and Cecily were nowhere to be found. Normally, a herd of wild horses could not keep them away from a gathering of the ton elite with a penchant for gossip, so where could they possibly be?

Isabel had stopped to greet Lady Lockhart on her way towards Emily. As they chatted, Emily could not help but notice how elegantly they presented themselves. Something she herself could never aspire to. Such poise and both so beautiful. Emily knew how lucky she was that they were both married. Even her aunt at her more advanced age was still very much a beauty. There would certainly have been no men left for the young ladies had they been unattached.

As Isabel sat, she smiled and looked her new friend up and down. "Good morning, Emily. You look lovely today. That dress is beautiful, and the yellow looks gorgeous against your skin."

Emily blushed at Isabel's generous words.

"You remind me of a buttercup, a flower often overlooked but stunning when you pay close attention."

"Stop, please, I beg of you. I feel I shall soon burst into flames at such compliments. My cheeks must resemble tomatoes as we speak," Emily said, her hands splayed across her cheeks, trying to cover her blush.

Isabel laughed and nodded as she reached for the newly arrived teapot.

"Let us enjoy a spot of tea and talk about last evening," said Isabel.

The night before was the last thing Emily wanted to talk about. The way Oscar and Cecily had laughed and smiled at one another. Her heart had cracked a little watching them together. But it had, in a way, given her more clarity about what came next for her future.

"Actually, Lady—Isabel,” she corrected after receiving a pointed look. “I have made a decision that I am sure you will be most pleased about," Emily said.

Isabel placed the teapot back on the table after pouring and clapped her hands in excitement.

"I am eager to hear every word," she replied.

Emily looked about to ensure no one was close enough to listen in. But she need not fret. All the other ladies were so engrossed in their own conversations they paid her no attention.

"It is my intention to encourage the affection blossoming between Lord Westwood and I, and if he were to propose, I would most certainly accept him."

Isabel smiled. "If you are happy, then I am happy for you."

Emily was happy. The thought of never returning to her home of the last eight years filled her with a newfound joy, but that small crack upon her heart made it impossible for her to be fully rapturous.

Isabel cleared her throat. Emily blinked into her teacup, realising she had been stirring it for a good minute at least.

"Would this distracted contemplation have anything to do with a certain viscount?" Isabel asked.

Emily looked up at Isabel wide eyed.

"I'm sorry?" She replied.

Isabel looked at Emily with pity in her eyes.

"I know a yearning look when I see one, my dear." Isabel reached over the table and squeezed Emily’s hand. "I am sorry you had to witness such a debacle last evening, but if he cannot see how wonderful you are, then he is a fool and you are better off with the Duke."

Emily tried to convey a genuine smile, but it could not quite meet her eyes.

"It was a childhood crush. I am too long in the tooth for romantic gestures and wistful daydreaming. An opportunity has presented itself and I would be a simpleton to scorn it."

"You are hardly a spinster, and your time spent out of doors has done wonders for your complexion. You look quite lovely, Miss Emily Hollyford, and do not let others make you believe otherwise. Especially that dreadful aunt of yours.”

Emily felt teary suddenly at Isabel's kind words. Then, as she was about to thank her, she looked up to see Henry walking towards their table. She quickly dabbed at the corner of her eyes with her handkerchief as he drew closer.

"Excuse the interruption ladies, but Emily, I have not seen Oscar all day and was wondering if you might know where he has gotten to?" Henry asked.

"Oh, I am sorry Henry, but I have not seen him since last evening. Perhaps he is still out riding?"

“Yes, that must be it. Not to worry, I shall catch him later. Sorry to take up your time, I shall leave you to those delicious-looking cakes. Perhaps a walk past the kitchens is in order," he said with a wink and crooked smile.

"That is quite alright Henry. And if you have no luck in the kitchen, then let me know. I shall sneak a treat for you from our table," Emily said.

Henry laughed and nodded as he walked back towards the house.

"Does it not seem odd that Lord Trentham should still be out riding?" Isabel asked once Henry had turned a corner.

"I suppose, although he enjoys riding very much." Emily frowned. "I hope he hasn't come into any trouble."

"I do not wish to cause you hurt, Emily, but is not your cousin Cecily also missing?"

Emily indeed found it strange and felt very uneasy. But if something were finally happening between them, it was none of her business.

Picking up her teacup to take a sip, she looked up at Isabel and said, "forget them, let us talk of more pleasant things, like a certain handsome Duke who at this very moment is making his way across the lawn from the stables."

"Yes, you are quite right. Let us admire his muscular legs as he walks back to the house.” Isabel smiled.

"Isabel, I am shocked," Emily said in mock horror.

"I am married, Emily, not blind." Emily raised an eyebrow. "I would not dare act on it. A rule I highly recommend as a wife. You can look, but you cannot touch," Isabel said and joined Emily when she started laughing.

"Wise advice indeed, thank you Isabel. But I thought you were happily married and in love? And Lord Madden is a very fine-looking gentleman."

"Of course, I am all those things and my husband is a wonderful man, but I am only human, Emily, and I do admire pretty things."

Emily watched as Lord Westwood disappeared inside. He was indeed very handsome and could easily be admired. She pushed all thoughts of Oscar and Cecily from her mind and continued to chat with Isabel about Westwood's many fine qualities.

He could be good for her, and she knew it could be a lot worse. It was time to stop wallowing over something that could never be and time to start focusing on her future. She couldn’t and wouldn’t go back to the life she had previously known. It was time to make her intentions clear.

Once Emily had finished tea, she left Isabel with the other ladies and went in search of a certain handsome Duke.