HenryI left Emma's room feeling disoriented, how could I lose control like that? I tried in vain to forget that kiss, but it was impossible to ignore the feeling of having her in my arms. I was using all the restraint I had left not to return to that room and claim her for myself.I decided to leave the house while I still had some resolve to distance myself from Emma. I walked through the garden for a while, thinking about everything that had been happening in my life since I saw her dancing in that town.I hadn't realized the extent of my feelings until our argument in the carriage; I couldn't even consider the possibility of her being away from me. But what could I do about it?She is under my protection, lives in my house; I am responsible for her and will mold her into an exemplary woman. No one would ever suspect her past, and then I could...I could what?I took a deep breath, resuming my way home. I am exaggerating. As I told George, I admire Emma, that's all. I also desire h
HenryI went to the library, occupying myself with answering some business letters for the rest of the afternoon. According to my mother's letter, she would arrive before dinner. As the hours passed, my mother started taking longer than I expected. I tried to distract myself by reading a book, but worry began to consume me."Mr. Dashwood," Jerkins entered the room, "Mr. Thorpe is here to see you."George... I completely forgot about him. I had assured him that I would notify him before bringing Emma to Casterly Park. He will probably disapprove of my actions."George," I stood up as soon as he entered the library. "I didn't expect you.""I'm sorry, Dashwood," he smiled, "but I couldn't help but come after meeting Mr. Crawford in town.""You met him?" I sighed, putting the book aside."How is she? I didn't quite understand what happened, but it seems Mrs. Crawford considered some of her behavior improper.""She's fine," I reassured, thinking of Emma. I haven't seen her since our outing
EmmaI withdrew immediately from the room, leaving the entire family there. A whirlwind of emotions grew inside me; I felt frustrated with Henry, irritated with Lady Kinghley, and disconcerted by being introduced to his mother and sister in that manner. They didn't understand the reason for Henry's bad mood; George and I were just teasing him.Maybe we're not as close as I thought. For a moment, I thought we were making progress in our relationship after the walk this afternoon, but I guess I was mistaken.I headed towards the stairs, wanting to get as far away from Lady Kinghley as possible. I didn't have the opportunity to interact with the rest of Henry's family, but it was clear that that woman would not make my life easy, and certainly, I couldn't even dream about my origins." She thinks I'm taking advantage of her nephew's goodwill " I murmured to myself as I approached the stairs " as far as I know, it's exactly the opposite that's happening, and..." Are you crazy? " A voice
EmmaI woke up earlier than usual the next day, probably feeling strange in the new place. I went down to breakfast, and the place was completely empty, only the servants were busy with their chores.I returned to the library where my unfinished drawing from the previous night lay under a table there. I picked it up and walked to the garden, deciding to occupy myself for a while.I sat on a bench, observing the landscape around me; this place is stunning. Am I really living here?A memory of my father hit me hard as I tried to sketch the mountains behind Henry's eyes.We were walking through the woods of an unfamiliar village to me; I was just over fifteen, and we spotted a beautiful building nearby. Our custom was always to stay away from houses, but that day my father guided me to the location. I was annoyed because I had just turned down his first attempt at arranging a marriage, and he had called me for a lecture on my responsibilities."Look at that," he said when we got close to
Mother, have you seen Christopher?" I asked as I met her in the corridor after leaving Emma in the music room with Kitty."I'm sorry, dear, I haven't..."I didn't wait for her to finish her sentence, heading towards the garden. He's crossed the line this time. Proposing to Emma? I could kill him.Unfortunately, he wasn't in the garden anymore, so I went back into the house to look for him."Mrs. Jerkins, have you seen Mr. Kingsley?" I intercepted my housekeeper, who looked at me surprised."I'll look for him immediately," she suggested."Not necessary, I'll find him," I assured her before walking away.Where is he?I went to his room, knocking on the door insistently until I was convinced he wasn't there. When I find him...I locked myself in my room, trying to calm down. I can't kill my cousin for proposing to Emma. But I still need to make sure this doesn't happen again.I went to the window, looking out over the inner courtyard of Casterly Park. My room was the only one in the hous
HenryI ran towards the stairs, seeing Emma finishing climbing them with determined steps. I hurried my pace in an attempt to catch up with her, and I succeeded as we reached the door to her room, preventing her from closing it. I entered, closing the door behind me, while Emma went to the window, deliberately ignoring me."Emma.""If you're waiting for an apology, give it up," she turned towards me with a furious look."I'm sorry...""Don't you dare," she stepped closer, "don't you dare apologize again.""I didn't want you to hear any of that, she went too far, but you need to understand.""Understand what?" She raised her voice, "That my place isn't here? I got it already.""Your place is here!" I held her arms, feeling desperate as I tried to make her understand the danger that defending the gypsies represented. "But if you keep acting this way, they'll find out about you... How could I explain everything?""Sorry..." She pulled away from me, giving me a sad look, "I didn't mean to
EmmaI walked to the bed feeling my legs trembling and something churning inside me. The sensation of Henry's lips on my skin still sent shivers down my spine.What were we thinking?Although I had kissed a boy before in my life, I had never felt this way. It had never been so intense, and I had never wanted someone as much as I wanted him. My body desperately longed for Henry; I couldn't think of anything else."This can't be happening," I lay down on the bed, burying my face in the pillow.It's okay, Emma, you need to calm down right now.I decided to undress and try to get some sleep, even though it was still early. I needed to get rid of those thoughts somehow, I needed to be able to. A knock on the door caught my attention as I finished loosening my hair, having just put on the long nightgown.Is he back?I walked to the door with anticipation, but to my disappointment, it wasn't Henry who was there.I stared at Kitty for a moment, not knowing what to do. She was pleasant company
EmmaI was about to respond to that teasing when Henry appeared at the edge of the stairs. I couldn't help but admire his beauty as he patiently waited for us to finish descending the steps."The carriage is waiting for us," he announced with a slight bow."Henry, you must praise us immediately," Kitty scolded."You two don't need my praise to know that you look beautiful," he assured. "Although I...""Miss Ferguson," Christopher interrupted as he emerged from one of the rooms, taking my hand in a swift motion and bringing it to his lips. "You look divinely charming.""It's very kind of you, Mr. Kingsley," I returned, trying not to ignore the young man in front of me, while Henry gave his cousin a stern look."You should learn how it's done, brother," I heard Kitty tease him."Allow me to escort you to the carriage," Christopher offered his arm, leaving me unsure how to react.I couldn't refuse and expect Henry to take his place.Kitty linked her brother's free arm while I accepted Mr