Neferet's Curse (House of Night Novellas #3)(30)

I hadn’t been able to sit calmly as I should have. I’d leaped up and on feet that did not seem to touch the spring grass, hurried to the edge of my willow curtain to meet my lover, my savior, my rescuer.

“Arthur!”

His arms were around me and his dear voice sounded like a symphony in my ears. “My sweet Emily! Are you well? Unharmed?”

“I am completely well now that you are here!” I’d laughed and tilted my face up, offering my lips to him. Arthur had kissed me then, and even pressed his body against mine, but as I’d begun to feel an increase in the tension of his body, he’d broken our embrace and, with a shaky laugh, bowed formally to me and offered me his arm.

“My lady, may I escort you to your seat?”

I’d swept my thick hair back and curtseyed, smiling teasingly up at him. “Oh, please do, kind sir. And, though I do not want to appear too forward, you should know that I have saved every dance tonight for you.”

My words had made him laugh again, less nervously than before, and I did not cling too tightly to his arm, but gave him a chance to collect himself as he guided me to the bench. We sat, holding hands. I’d sighed happily when he, shyly, lifted my hand and kissed it gently.

“Tell me how you have been. There has not been one moment since last I saw you that you have not been on my mind,” he’d said, sounding so earnest and young that he’d almost frightened me. How could anyone as good and kind as Arthur Simpton ever stand up to my father?

He wouldn’t have to! I’d reminded myself as quickly as I do now. Arthur only need make a public declaration for me—Father’s fear of scandal and ridicule would do the rest.

“I have been missing you,” I’d said, holding tightly to his strong hand.

“But your father—he has not…”

When Arthur faltered and could not complete his question I continued for him, “Father has not often been at home for the past several nights. We have rarely spoken. I have kept to my chamber, and Father has kept to the business of financing the exposition.”

Arthur had nodded in understanding. “Even my father has roused himself from his sickbed and has been dining and conducting business beside Mr. Pullman.” He’d paused, and appeared uncomfortable.

“What is it?” I’d prodded.

“Mother and Father were completely pleased when I announced my intentions toward you. When I further explained your circumstances Mother, in particular, was concerned, especially after Father returned home Tuesday evening from a meeting and reported how very drunk your father had been, as well as impolite and belligerent, before the meeting had even come to a close.”

I’d felt a thin ribbon of fear. “Oh, please, Arthur! Tell me your parents do not hold my father’s excesses against me. It would break my heart if they did!”

“Of course not.” He’d gently patted my hand. “To the contrary. Because Father witnessed Mr. Wheiler’s behavior himself, he and Mother are even more determined that our courtship be short, our engagement formally announced, and you be rescued from such an undesirable situation as soon as is proper. If all goes as planned, this time next year you and I shall be wed, my sweet Emily!”

He’d pulled me gently into his arms then and hugged me. I’d been glad that I could bury my face in his chest because it had stopped me from screaming in impotent frustration. One year! I could not stand to be in this abominable situation for another year!

I’d slid closer to Arthur, secretly pulling at the sash which held Mother’s dressing gown closed.

“Arthur, one year seems such a very long time from now,” I’d murmured, lifting my face slightly, so that my breath was warm against his neck.

His arms had tightened around me. “I know. It seems long to me as well, but we must do things properly so as not to cause gossip.”

“I’m just so afraid of what Father will do. He’s drinking more and more, and when he is drunk he is frightening. Your father even said he was belligerent!”

“Yes, sweet Emily, yes,” he’d said soothingly, stroking my hair. “But once we are betrothed, you will belong to me. Though it is impolite of me to say so, the truth is that my family has more social connections and is wealthier than yours. I want you to know that matters not at all to me, but it will matter to your father. He dare not offend my family, which means once we are engaged, he dare not offend—or harm—you.”

Of course Arthur had spoken truthfully—or spoken as truthfully as he knew. The problem was that Arthur did not understand the depth of my father’s depravity or the force of his desires.

But I could not enlighten him with such shocking information. All I could do was to be certain that Arthur Simpton was eager to marry me as quickly as possible.

So, I’d untangled myself from his embrace and stood with my back to him, my face in my hands, and sobbed softly.

“My Emily! My darling! What is it?”

I’d turned to face him, being sure that my movement caused my loosened dressing gown to open and expose the sheer chemise underneath. “Arthur, you are so good and so kind, I do not know how to make you understand.”

“Simply tell me! You know we were friends before we were aught else.”

I’d swept back my hair and wiped my cheeks, all the while watching how his honest gaze couldn’t seem to help flickering downward to take in the curves of my body.