Chapter 80: The Brooch II

"I was?" Emmeline squeaked, her face the very picture of confused innocence, but Matteo could detect the faint hint of panic in her eyes. 

To her credit, Emmeline let out a delicate sniff and crossed her arms. She recovered fairly quickly, her momentary surprise quickly melting into sadness.

"Funny you should say that, Matteo. I didn't think you were paying much attention to my clothes, since you were spending so much effort trying to get me out of them!" She pretended to wipe a tear from her eye, but her eyes were still glassy as she looked between Matteo and her grandfather.

"Besides, if you find me so abhorrent, to begin with, I highly doubt the objectivity in your words." She let out a sniff. "You could be framing me, just so you can protect Amelia!" Then, Emmeline looked at Horace with puppy eyes as though she was waiting for him to say something that proved he bit the bait.