by Lucy Langton
“My hand to god,” Gina said, puckering her lips and raising a hand. “They were discussing some kind of financial matters and the earl became so frustrated with what the regent had said, he picked up a plate that held half a pickled herring sandwich and threw it at the regent’s head. The Earl of Dennaby has not been invited to the palace since.”
“I should think not,” Emilia replied.
“Also, he once shot his own horse.”
“Gina, why ever would he do such a thing?” Emilia asked, no longer associating any truth with her maid’s words.
“It was a fine and rare Spanish stallion, and Lord Joshua Pembroke shot it square in the eyes, merely because he could.”
“Merely because he could?”
“Indeed, there was no purpose to it whatsoever. He simply wanted to prove that he could buy another one.”
“What a ghastly thing to do,” Emilia said, shaking her head.
“One more piece of information, but I must admit that this one might just be conjecture.”
“There is a very strong chance, yes,” Emilia replied.
“The Earl of Dennaby keeps ...” Gina said, leaning in and hushing her voice. “A harem.”
“A harem?”
“Of women, yes. He keeps a harem of women at his country estate.”
“Gina, you know how much I love you, but this is far too absurd.”
“I only speak of what I hear,” Gina replied, raising her hands in the air to wash herself of blame.
“It’s strange how Roderick never spoke of the dish of pickled herring, the Spanish stallion, nor the harem when he mentioned the earl,” Emilia said in mock confusion.
“He doesn’t speak to the same sources that I speak to,” Gina replied in an aloof manner. She began to clear the porcelain china, signifying that their little talk was coming to an end. “It’s time for you to rest now. I have said all that I know of the Earl of Dennaby and I hope that you will take heed.”
“I will consider your words in all seriousness,” Emilia said light-heartedly, walking to her bed.
Gina stopped at the door and turned to say one last thing. “You know how much I care for you, sweet girl,” she said, her voice turning tender. “All of this may sound ridiculous to you, but it comes from deep concern...and love.”
“I know, Gina. And I thank you,” Emilia replied with a smile.
As soon as Gina left the room, Emilia lowered her head to her pillow and fast fell asleep. Even though there were high points and low points to the evening, the overall experience was pleasurable. Emilia was finally coming out into society, and although it didn’t rule her entire world as it did for other ladies, it still caused a great deal of excitement within her. Whether or not the Earl of Dennaby was as Gina explained, it was still a thrill to garner his attention. And Emilia was sure that, in due time, the truth of his character would be revealed.
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