Emma's not, I know. You know. But they'll say it anyway. And some people will believe it. Thornhill looked between them. I need you both to be prepared for that. For the ugliness that's coming. Emma straightened her shoulders. I've survived exile and disgrace. I can survive gossip. And you, Thornhill asked Charles.
Charles looked at Emma. At her determined expression. Her fierce eyes. Her refusal to back down. Then back at Thornhill. Let them come. The announcement appeared in the Times 3 days later. The Duke of Winterborne regrets to inform society that his engagement to Lady Beatrice Harrington has been dissolved by mutual agreement. Both parties wish each other well in their future endeavors.
Mutual agreement. As if Beatrice had agreed to anything. The scandal sheets were less polite. By evening, Emma had been called everything from opportunist to adventuress to significantly cruder terms. Charles was labeled unstable. Irresponsible. Unfit for his position. And that was just the first day.
By the end of the week, invitations had dried up. Friends became scarce. The Winterborne name, already precarious, became openly mocked. Emma bore it with quiet dignity. She held her head high when walking through markets. Ignored the whispers. Refused to hide.
Charles found her one evening in his library. She'd moved into the Dower House with his mother for propriety's sake, but spent her days helping with the investigation. She stood at the window, staring out at the winter gardens. Emma. She turned. Her eyes were red but dry. They threw eggs at the carriage today when I was returning from the solicitors.
Charles's jaw tightened. Who? Does it matter? They were children. Probably paid by someone to do it. Emma wrapped her arms around herself. I just, I thought I was ready for this. For the cruelty. But Charles, they hate me. They hate us. And I'm starting to wonder if, don't. Charles crossed the room, pulling her into his arms. Don't doubt. Not now. Not when we're so close.
Close to what? Winning? Losing? I can't even tell anymore. Close to being free. Charles tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. Emma, listen to me. This is the worst part. The part where they try to break us. But we don't break. We bend. We survive. And we come out stronger.
How can you be so certain? Because I have you. And you have me. And together, he kissed her forehead gently. Together, we're stronger than anything they can throw at us. Emma closed her eyes, leaning into him. I love you. I love you, too. More than I thought it was possible to love someone.