Horlock didn’t seem to know what to make of that. He drew back, thick eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Really? I thought you hated it? That Eugene Partridge is far too possessive of you.”
So was he, but Emily didn’t say so aloud. “He is, but there’s something attractive about it. Both of you are so desperate for me - I love it.” She smiled coyly, hoping this was working. She might not want to marry him, but since he wasn’t leaving her alone she could use that to her advantage. Enjoy herself, play with him. Why not?
“You like that we fight for your affection?” The surprise in his voice was clear. “And who of us will you chose?”
“I don’t know. Whichever of you is most loyal I suppose.” She smirked, leaning forward so their foreheads almost touched. “I might not choose either of you. It all depends.” She leaned back, but Horlock followed her, almost entranced.
He stared at her for a long time. Silence filled the room, thick and almost tangible. Eventually, he said, “You’re a strange woman Emily - I like it. I suppose I can play your game - I can prove I love you the most.”
She had to force herself not to grin. The tables had turned now - making them fight had not made them lose interest, so perhaps if she made them fight for her affection, she could crush them even more when she turned them down. After all, Eugene had been incredibly upset when she refused his proposal - but she knew that would not be the last she saw of him.
There was a heavy knock on the door, urgent and quick. From outside, Eugene called to be let in.
“Oh, him again?” Emily muttered. If nothing else, this would give her the chance she needed to put them to the test. “I suppose I should answer,” Emily told Horlock, batting her eyelashes, “please excuse me.”
When she opened the door, she let in a flood of cold air that made her shudder even underneath her thick dress.
Eugene stood on the other side, pale skin pink from the chill. “Hello Emily.” He looked at her a moment before letting himself in. “I know we didn’t leave on good terms yesterday, but I feel I still have a chance of winning you over. Please, let me try.”
“You cannot, Mister Partridge. I have already promised to do the same.”
Eugene grimaced as he turned to face the door to the living room. “Duke Horlock is here? Oh, this is worse than I thought. Do you love him, and not me?”
Emily resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I do not love either of you, nor do I wish to marry you. As I told the Duke; I will marry whomever I chose, and I will chose whoever I feel is most deserving and loyal to me.”
His eyes brightened, and all of a sudden he looked like a delighted puppy. “It is a fact, Emily dear, that I love you most. I shall prove it.”
Oh, she had them wrapped around her little finger. Why were men so easy to deceive? With a smile, she nodded, standing on her toes to press a light kiss to Eugene’s forehead, a hand against his muscular chest. She cringed as her lips touched his icy skin. “I look forward to it. Now, I think it’s best you leave - we wouldn’t want the Duke to become jealous, would we?” Her hands lingered on his chest a moment too long before she broke away.
“Of course, Emily,” he stuttered, grinning so wide his face might break, “goodbye for now.”
With him gone, Emily went back to Horlock. Eugene had been easy to seduce in only a few minutes. Now she had to work on the Duke.
She sat down, brushing stray blonde locks from her eyes. “Duke Horlock,” she spoke with a sickly sweet smile, “it seems Eugene is determined to win me over. How will you retaliate? You could prove your love to me now. Intercourse before marriage is a sin of course, but that does not mean we can’t do… other things.” Intercourse was too much even for her - but she could keep up the game, keep him wanting more.
“That will prove my love for you? Then yes, of course.” He placed a soft kiss on her lips, leaning into her.
In response, Emily kissed him just beneath the jaw, pulling him closer. He was a good kisser, she gave him that. Not good enough for her to marry him, but enough that this wasn’t so much of a trial.
His hands gripped her by the hips, and he swung a leg over the sofa so he straddled her. “You’re eager, aren’t you?” he laughed.
Emily continued trailing kisses down his jaw, reaching the top of his collarbone. She deftly unbuttoned the top of his shirt, her small hands working quickly. She was even starting to enjoy herself, believe it or not.
*****
It was two days before Emily saw any of the three men again. She had just came home, and the door was barely closed before her mother was there, grinning widely.
“Eugene is here,” she said joyfully, “I told him I didn’t know when you would be home, but he insisted on staying. He’s a keeper, he is.”
Emily simply rolled her eyes, nodding absently. “Yes, mum.”
Once her coat and shoes were off, Emily entered the living room to see Eugene sitting there, looking very prim and proper in the tiny room. “Hello Eugene,” she said, forcing a smile, “it’s good to see you.”
“And you,” he replied, his smile much more genuine. “I’ve missed you.”
It had only been a few days! Still, perhaps his eagerness to see her would work in her favour. “I’ve missed you too. It seems we don’t spend nearly enough time together.”
He smiled, showing his neat white teeth. “I agree. That Duke Horlock spends far too much time with you - he isn’t deserving. And that Roland fellow, who does he think he is?”
Emily’s heart skipped at the mention of Roland’s name, but she ignored it. Why was she annoyed at the way Eugene spoke about him? Roland meant no more to her than him or Horlock.
“They both are rather demanding,” she agreed, sidling over to him with a grin, “but then, so am I. I suppose you will just have to fight even harder for my affection, right?”
He shifted closer, brushing a strand away from Emily’s slender face. “I suppose I will. You are worth it, Emily dear.”
She smiled coyly, putting on a light laugh despite the way she wanted to cringe at his soppy words. It was no wonder his father had disinherited him - he was no man; too soft for his own good. It made him easy to lure in, though.
Emily was all but sitting on his lap, one leg thrown over his knee, the other curled underneath her. She leaned forward, placing a chaste kiss to his lips. She would have to be careful with him, less flirtatious and more innocent. He was not like Horlock.
His lips met hers again, light and hesitant. Then he ran a hand through her hair, caressing her thick curls. “I love you,” he told her.
“I know,” was her only response. She couldn’t make herself say those words - for if she did, surely he would catch her lie and realize her plan. “I know you would do anything for me.”
“I would.”
Which was exactly what she wanted. How far could she take this game?
Her mother knocked on the living room door and the two jumped apart as if struck by lightning. Adele might have wanted to marry off her daughter, but being caught all but on top of each other would not work in her favour.
“I haven’t interrupted you two, have I?” she asked, clueless. She glanced between them both, as if trying to read their minds.
Emily looked at Eugene, putting on her best flirty smile. “Of course not, mother,” she replied, trying to sound like someone embarrassed at nearly being caught. Apparently her acting was good, as Eugene did not seem to notice anything odd about her. Or perhaps he was too head over heels to care if she acted a little funny – that was the most likely reason.
“Well good. I just came in to grab my book. Don’t mind me.” Adele strode over to pick up a small paperback, then left without another word.
Once she was gone, Emily turned back to Eugene, tracing a hand down his arm. “So, how far are you willing to go to prove your l
ove for me?” she questioned.
“As far as I have to,” his voice was eager, genuine. He really would do anything for her – pathetic, really. How could someone really bare so much of their soul to another, risk everything just to make them happy? Emily had never met anyone that could make her want to do that.
The name Roland drifted through her mind, but she forced it back. Of course Roland wasn’t that person; he was just a friend. Besides, he had a terrible reputation with women – every woman for miles had either courted him, or knew to stay away for fear of being played.
“Good.” Emily placed another kiss on his lips, trailing down his neck. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Already you seem more promising than Duke Horlock and Roland combined.”
His smile was blinding. He looked like a small puppy who had just been offered extra treats. This time when he kissed her, it was more forceful, more passionate. Their lips met, fast and eager.
Emily pulled away, face flushed. “Well,” she said, “you certainly are intent on winning me over, aren’t you?” Her voice was smooth, calm - but her gut rolled with disgust. “I’m glad, Eugene, but why don’t we tone it down? We don’t want mother coming back in and finding us like this, do we?
*****
Emily pulled her hat further down as she wrestled through the thick layer of snow with her basket from the grocer’s. Heavy boots tapped against the ground, scuffing up the snow.
She threw open the door to the house, edging her way into the cramped hall and dumping the basket of food onto the little side table by the door. She turned around, cardigan half way off her shoulders - and slammed right into somebody.
“Oh! Sorry mother,” Emily apologised, only to realise Adele was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Roland stared at her, lip curled. “Oh, hello.” Her heart skipped as she noticed his dark hair was damp with snow. She just wanted to wrap him up and put him by the fire.
Wait, why did she care?
He smirked, moving away from her to lean against the wall. “Hello Emily. I stopped by to see you - your mother said you would be back soon. And here you are.”
Emily pursed her lips, turning her head to the side. “Talk to me about what?” He was always turning up unannounced - why did this sound so serious?
“The ball. You know what I’m talking about - bringing me into your squabble with the Duke and Eugene Partridge.”
Emily frowned. She hadn’t brought him into anything - well, not intentionally. So what if Horlock was a little annoyed with him? Now he knew how all of his women felt - he messed them around constantly, courting a new woman every week and dropping them when another man was involved.
“I think it’s best if our friendship comes to an end. I don’t want anything to do with a woman who thinks she can do what she likes with a man.”
Emily’s heart stopped. He was leaving her? Over something as small as that? Ridiculous! “Roland, please, I didn’t mean anything by it. I simply don’t want to marry them, and they wouldn’t leave me alone so I-” she cut herself off, a revelation suddenly skipping through her mind. She didn’t want to marry them - she wanted to marry Roland. Oh.
“I do not want to hear it, Emily.”
She frowned, feeling her eyes begin to sting. What was this? She was crying? “Roland, listen. I’m playing with them, not you. What does it matter how Eugene and Horlock fare?” She took a step forward, hand out as if to take his.
“This game has gone too far. Once, I had thought you were a kind woman, one who I could enjoy myself with. I had wanted to court you once too.” He paused, shaking his head. Damp hair fell in his eyes. “I now see it was stupid. You’re a cruel woman.”
She opened her mouth to respond, but there was nothing to say. She pursed her lips, small hands clasping tightly around the fabric of her cardigan. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you I - I love you. Seeing you with all those women, it made me jealous. I suppose I felt just how Eugene and Horlock must feel now.” She bit down on her lip, feeling a hot tear dripping down her cheek.
“Trying to win me over with pity? I hope you find happiness with Eugene, or Duke Horlock or whoever you chose. It certainly won’t be me.” Roland regarded her for a long moment, hands clenched into fists. “I don’t know why I came here, it hasn’t helped. I suppose now you’re out of my life I can stop pining over you and make do with another girl.”
So his way of fixing things was to abandon her and carry on his rakehell ways? Childish - but then, she was being childish too. She had treated her two suitors so badly, and he had opened her eyes to that.
“Roland-”
He was out the door before the name had even left her lips. It slammed closed behind him with a definite thud.
*****
For the next week, Emily refused to anyone - not a single soul. Horlock stopped by, demanding to see her - but she ignored him, even when Adele came to her room and demanded she came downstairs.
She spent most of the time in her bedroom, under a tower of sheets and pillows. Most of that time was spent sleeping or reading - though her mind refused to focus on the words.
“Emily!” Adele shouted from just outside her room, “this has gone on for too long. You can’t spend your whole life crying - apologize to Roland, and call off this childish game you are playing with the Duke and Mister Partridge.”
She ignored Adele, sinking lower into her bed. “Go away mother,” she stated, voice muffled by the layers of sheets.
“No.”
She groaned, pushing herself into a sitting position. Her hair was a tangled mess, though she made no attempt to smooth it down. “Mother, please. I’m not interested in anything you have to say. Leave me alone.”
“Why should I? I brought you up better than this, Emily. Did I teach you to act like a sulking child; to hide away from your mistakes in the hope of them disappearing? I think not. Now own up to your mistakes and do something about them.”
“I’ll do as I wish, and that happens to be staying here, in my room,” Emily shot back, biting her lip to keep from shouting profanities.
Her mother snorted, and without another word disappeared back downstairs, boots clapping against the wood. She paused, as if considering going back to have another word, but carried on down regardless.
Even though she was alone - just as she had wanted - Emily found that it only made her feel worse. Roland had left her, and even Eugene was losing interest now as she was refusing to see her. It was only a matter of time before Horlock left her too. She wanted them to stop pursuing her - but not like this.
*****
Another two days and Emily was finally convinced to come downstairs. She still looked and felt like the recently deceased, but what did she care? There was no one to see her.
She sat in the kitchen with a measly bowl of soup - she had no appetite, but still she knew eating was important. The very act of eating distracted her, at least for a while.
Someone knocked impatiently at the door - three quick raps and then silence.
Then Eugene appeared in the hallway, his usually perfect hair mused with the wind. Horlock was there too, face creased with concern.
“Emily? We need to speak with you,” Eugene called, voice a little more hesitant than usual.
“Now.” Horlock was much more impatient, more demanding.
Emily peeked her head around the door frame, eyes wide. What were they doing here? More importantly - why were they here together? This was very odd indeed.
“Fine,” she stated, ushering them into the living room. She didn’t bother with formalities or small talk. Get right to the point - let them state their business. Then, perhaps, she should apologize for being so cruel to them. Her actions might have been directly because of them, but that did not mean they deserved such cruelty. Ruining Horlock’s night had been bad enough - putting them through so
much emotional stress was another thing all together.
“Emily,” Eugene began, voice soft and tinged with worry, “we haven’t seen you in over a week, and it has given us time to think.” He took her hand, but she deftly slid it away. “Roland told us of your intentions. You never intended to marry either of us.”
“A cruel joke - and it came at your own expense, I see,” Horlock interjected. His smile was almost mocking as he looked at Emily, taking in her pale skin and chaotic hair.
She knew she looked a mess, but she was too tired and resigned to care. If she looked at all how she felt, Emily was a nasty sight indeed - but in the end, it didn’t matter.
Eugene shot Horlock a disappointed look before continuing, “My point is that what you did was cruel and unnecessary. I - we - see now that you were only toying with us.”
“We won’t pursue you any longer, and we feel it is best that we cut all contact with you. I feel it was silly of me to pursue you so eagerly - especially now I see now you didn’t love me back. That, and now I understand how childishly you reacted.”
Emily’s heart skipped. They were going to leave her be? She relaxed marginally, though the knowledge didn’t bring as much relief as she had expected. Instead there was only emptiness. His words cut her like a knife, and she realized for the first time how ridiculous the whole situation was.
Besides, there was still no point, not without Roland. Typical that she discovered she loved him, only for him to leave forever.
“I also think that if you apologize to Roland, he might be willing to listen,” Horlock informed her as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. “He really was quite distraught when he spoke to me. Understandably - less understandable is how much he wants to see you again.”
With a sigh, Emily smiled faintly. “If you think so.” She was not so convinced herself - Roland had every right to never want to see her again, to hate her for the rest of his life. Just like the two men in front of her did. “Just so you know, I really am incredibly sorry for what I did. I never should have taken it so far but…” they just wouldn’t listen to her when she told them no. Looking back on it, they were both at fault - but Emily’s retaliation was unforgivable.
Romance: Detective Romance: A Vicious Affair (Victorian Regency Intrigue 19th England Romance) (Historical Mystery Detective Romance) Page 24
