Page 23 of A Foolish Flirtation

“You must look to rebuild your strength,” Emmie said gravely, for clearly Master Teddy had a mind to play up to his convalescent status.

“You must take my egg, Master Edward,” Pinky fussed, pushing her plate his way. “No, I insist. They are most nutritious, and I am sure it will do you good.”

“Hannah, Teddy has already breakfasted,” Emmie protested, and she thought she heard another grumble of disapproval from Colfax.

“I could not eat a thing,” Pinky assured her, and noticing her agitation, Emmie believed her. It did not take much to spoil her friend’s appetite.

“It is too bad, you must certainly eat a cake for elevenses, Hannah.”

Pinky made a quick dismissive gesture, her eyes on Teddy, who, despite his previous words, was now tucking into her boiled egg. She looked gratified. “There now, that’s a good child.”

Emmie was not so sure.

“Do you not eat butter?” Teddy asked, eyeing next the piece of dry bread.

“Oh, er,” Pinky twittered in confusion.

“I’m afraid we are out of butter today,” Emmie interjected smoothly.

“Butter and sugar,” Teddy commented in his high childish voice. “I think you need to go shopping, Miss Ballentine.”

Emmie turned a deaf ear to Colfax’s hissed breath.

“I was so sure we had some butter left,” Pinky said, shaking her head as she passed her piece of bread to Teddy. “Those Startrites…”

“What’s a Startrite?” Teddy asked, picking up the bread and taking a bite of it.

“They occupy the floor above us,” Emmie said, pointing a finger to the ceiling. “We all share the kitchen and bathroom facilities, you see.”

Pinky’s cheeks turned even pinker at the mention of this. “So vexing,” she muttered. “Things wander so. That cake of rose hip soap, my dear,” she said, turning to Emmie, then clearly decided it was highly improper to discuss such things before a gentleman, even if he was only nine years old. She coughed.

“Did they pinch it?” Teddy asked through a mouthful of bread.

“I think I misplaced it,” Emmie said tactfully. “It was my own fault for not putting it away.”

“I bet they did pinch it,” Teddy said darkly. “When I was at boarding school, someone stole my best dip pen. It was made of mother-of-pearl and my godfather gave it to me for a present.”

“That is a good deal too bad,” Pinky clucked.

“Yes, for Lord Atherton said he would not buy me another,” Teddy recalled bitterly. That particular name from the past gave Emmie quite a jolt. Tall and arrogant, Lord Atherton had been Jeremy’s closest crony in those days. Of course, he would be Teddy’s godfather. “He said I probably lost it and would not even listen to a word I said.” His voice rose with indignation.

Pinky looked shocked and dismayed by this. “I am sure you would never be so careless with a treasured possession, dear boy,” she said firmly.

Teddy looked smug. “Never,” he agreed, and took a sip of unsweetened tea. Emmie saw him struggle to conceal his grimace. She was impressed he made the effort. “Will you come around to call on us this afternoon?” Teddy asked. “We are staying in The Royal Crescent.”

Emmie opened her mouth to decline this kindly, if improper offer, but Colfax was already clearing his throat portentously.

“Miss Ballentine has an appointment this afternoon,” he said uncompromisingly.

“An appointment?” She turned in her chair to look at the footman in surprise.

“You have not read your letter, miss,” he said with some reproach. Oh yes, the letter. Emmie cast about for it, before remembering she had placed it in the corner cupboard. She went to retrieve it and wondered once more at its thickness.

No sooner had she broken the seal than the mystery was solved. The envelope was stuffed with banknotes. Emmie stared down at them uncomprehendingly. It looked to be a small fortune! She looked up and met Colfax’s impassive gaze.

“His lordship said you would need to purchase bride-clothes,” he said.

“At such short notice?” Emmie objected faintly. “Wherever could I find—?”