come on, my little protected one

Henry

I 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