Emily

Chapter Two

A/N: The attached image is Heath Ledger, who plays Nate.

Emily sat beside Cassandra in the drawing room as her friend scribbled frantically on some paper, dripping the ink from her quill all over her pretty, pale pink dress. Alexandra, or Allie as she'd asked Emily to call her, was reading on the chaise lounge on the other side of the room. Christopher had Juliette at the moment and had taken her off his wife's hands so she could work in peace.

"Did you know," Allie began, shutting her book loudly and setting it down on the table before her with a loud, resounding thud, making Cassandra jump as she looked up, distracted. "That Nate has invited Mary Smithson to stay with us for this season?"

Emily looked up in interest, this piece of information being previously unknown to her. She'd been at Somerhall for a week and no one had told her that there was to be a Miss Mary Smithson to visit, too.

"Yes." Cassandra said absentmindedly, and put the quill aside, sighing as she looked at her sister. "I know you can't abide her, but you mustn't be rude. Mr. and Mrs. Smithson were very dear friends of our parents and helped us after they'd passed. They specifically requested Nate to keep her here for the summer so that she doesn't get into any trouble in London. Last season, I am told, she made quite a mess of herself."

"Serves her right." Allie scoffed, and Emily bit back her smile. She did not know this girl at all, but Allie's abject dislike of her was quite amusing indeed. "She was always awful when we were younger."

"She is your age, Alexandra." Cassie said firmly, and Emily couldn't imagine the last time she'd heard her speak in that tone. Cassandra was, by nature, a gentle person. "The Lord knows just how many foolish things you have done. Mary, I am sure, is exactly the same. I expect she has matured in the years since we've last seen her."

"She'd better." Alexandra muttered, just loud enough for Emily to hear but not Cassie. Then, in a much louder tone, she asked, "Have you decided on a date for the ball yet?"

"I thought we could have it two weeks from now. I believe that is more than enough time for everyone we know to come to Sheffield. If we only invited those from the county, I fear we would not have many in attendance. Quite a few families have ventured to London for the season." Cassandra explained. "This is far from an ideal time for a ball, but Nate suggested that one be held and I thought it was a wonderful idea. Clearly, it was not."

"Cassie, don't worry." Alexandra soothed, stretching her arms out in front of her. "It shall be a splendid success. We know a healthy number of people who do not have daughters that require a season. I am sure people will arrive from far and wide to attend one of the Countess of Hawthorne's famous balls. And just think, even if they don't, we'll have enough sweet treats to last us a week."

"That isn't very reassuring, Allie." Cassandra said, rolling her eyes at her sister. "But thank you for the effort. Now, who all do you think we should send out invitations to? I've made a list but I don't know if it is perfect."

"Whatever you've prepared is perfect, of that I am convinced." A new voice announced, drawing the attention of all three ladies present in the room. When Emily glanced over her shoulder, she saw Nathaniel standing in the doorway of the drawing room, smirking knowingly at his sister.

"Still, come see the list and tell me if it's alright." Cassandra urged her brother, who groaned jokingly before walking forwards and taking the paper from her outstretched fingers.

"You've left off the Marquess and Marchioness of Hampstead." Nate mused after perusing the paper for a moment, making Emily freeze. "Wouldn't people talk?"

"Considering they are Em's awful parents who don't deserve to be invited, I don't care if the ton talks." Cassie said fiercely, and Emily felt an instant surge of gratitude and adoration for her friend.