Page 18 of Scarlett

Chapter Six

“Tomorrow?” Emmett stood by the bed and looked about the bedroom. “I am not sure I can remain standing longer than a few moments without becoming ill. It won’t do for me to pass out at my own wedding.” He glared at Evan. “Tell Pastor Ward it will have to wait at least until the end of the week.”

“I won’t do that,” Evan replied, and sipped from whatever was in his glass. Emmett suspected brandy. “Everything is set up and besides, you won’t have to stand up for long.”

In confirmation to his brother’s words, his legs wobbled and he sat down. “The timing is bad. She shouldn’t have come so soon.”

“Why are you even doing this?” Evan asked in a low tone so not to be overheard. “You were against Elias’ and my marriage, then suddenly you place an ad.” He waved toward the door. “And now you act as if the entire thing is a bother.”

“I didn’t plan to be ill. I am not in the best of temperaments for meeting a woman and marrying her in such quick order.”

Emmett let out a breath. “I didn’t place an ad, I sent Lady Price a letter.” The reply was stupid as it brought the same result. A wife.

“It’s done brother. May as well make the best of it. All you need is more rest and some fresh air. You’ll be recovered in no time. At least the period of any possible contamination is over. You should be able to join us for tonight’s meal since you are out of bed.”

Instead of a reply, Emmett nodded. It was a bad idea from the start. Why had he replied to Lady Price’s telegram? She’d caught him in a moment of weakness, probably on the verge of becoming ill. Yes that was it. He’d been about to get sick, so he wasn’t thinking clearly.

* * *

Dinner conversationbetween the others at the table kept at a steady pace. Mostly it was Aurora asking questions and guiding them to subjects where Emmett and Scarlett would get to know one another. He had to admit his soon to be wife was a good conversationalist and listened intently when someone else spoke. It was obvious she came from good breeding.

Although he’d yet to learn much about her background, he was sure something having to do with the ways of society back east was the reason for her being there.

She met his gaze for a moment, the dark eyes holding his for just a couple seconds before she looked away. “I am glad to see you are up to joining us this evening.”

“The poor thing has been abed for almost three weeks,” Aurora piped in. “If you knew him better, you’d understand it makes him quiet restless.”

“Restless?” Emmett looked to his sister-in-law. “I’d think you’d have a stronger word to describe my mood since being ill.”

“I prefer to keep those to myself,” Aurora replied with a wide smile. She turned to Scarlett. “Doctors make the worst patients. Too ill to do for themselves, but constantly wanting to be in control.”

When Scarlett studied him, Emmett ensured a neutral expression.

“It seems you are recovering now, so your disposition should improve,” Scarlett said.

There was a hard cough and water blew out of Evan’s mouth all over his dinner plate.

Aurora gasped and then began laughing. Evan chuckled, his gaze moving from Emmett to Scarlett, who was trying to figure out what happened.

Emmett set his teeth and pressed his lips together to keep from cursing at his brother.

“I’ll pour tea for us,” Aurora told Scarlett and looked pointedly at her husband. “Bring your plate to the kitchen dear. Your food is...wet.”

They left and Emmett studied Scarlett who followed their progress. There was a light blush on her cheeks as she followed the couple’s progress.

“Did I say something wrong?” she asked him.

“Not at all.”

He began to eat. The pot roast was delicious, the flavors perfect. After not eating much for many days, Emmett was quite hungry. “Please eat. Your food will get cold before those two make it back.”

Following his lead, Scarlett began to eat. Every move she made, from cutting the meat to bringing the utensil to her mouth was graceful. She reminded Emmett of a time he wished to forget, of someone he never wanted to think of again.

The food on his plate lost its appeal and he was grateful when Evan and Aurora returned. Both were flushed and kept their gazes from him. No doubt, they’d been in the kitchen laughing at his expense.

While the women drank tea, he decided it was time to retire. Although he was sick and tired of being in the bedroom, he was not in the mood for civility and small talk.

“Why don’t you sit outside for a bit?” Evan redirected him to toward the front door. “The fresh air will help you feel better.”