บท 28: Chapter 28: Leonard and Emily II
When Leonard mentioned the word marriage, Emily knew that she had to take a step back. Though she liked him more than she lets on, she still wanted to hold on to her career rather than tie herself to the fate of a married woman. Besides, that didn't mean that they can't go out or continue dating. They haven't even made their relationship public in the first place. Maybe he should start there rather than just directly thinking of marriage.
The next day, at another tea party hosted by some other noble that she can't remember who anymore, he ignored her and though she understood that it might just be because that's the usual, she still hoped that he would take a step forward or something.
The next few days proved to have the same result and though he did contact her privately, he never mentioned the word marriage again. Ok, so it was her fault, but he could have tried again, or maybe attempted to woo her for everyone to see. But he didn't. It hurt her thinking that maybe he was only taking her as his dirty little secret, not remembering that she was the one who demanded it in the first place.
Thus, like a stupid pubescent girl, she thought of showing him that she was desirable to other men too and she had options. She didn't know what to expect but it was in the lines of him fighting for her or telling everyone that she was his, something to that effect. However, instead, he balked away.
She doesn't even know what went in his nor her head that time. It was stupid. Because he did not approach her, she decided to forget all about him. Besides, Lord Christopher Cross, vice minister of justice, a marquis, heir to the dukedom of Brenford, and the most sought-after gentleman given that he's a real blue blood, was quite the catch. She would instantly be the envy of all the ladies of the ton. So, she thought, why not?
Well, her relationship with Christopher did not end well. Though he did not say the words directly, she was no idiot and quickly understood that he was only fooling around with no intention other than to get under her skirt. What a cow.
Now, don't get her wrong. She was not some weak girl who couldn't live without a man. In fact, she had a line of suitors vying for her attention. However, after some time, she still couldn't get over Leonard. She missed him, and well, he's the only man of his stature who took her that seriously (save for Geoffrey, the crown prince, but that was not even worth mentioning anymore), and she would loathe for any other girl to get their paws on him. So, there she was.
--
Leonard cleared his throat feeling a bit awkward with the silence before gently pushing Emily off him. Though he thought that it would be dastardly of him, it's better to break it to her now rather than leading her on.
From the start, he already knew at the back of his mind that Emily's offer was too good to be true. However, he let it happen because he was thinking with his other head and… fine. He admits. There was a part of him that's not totally over her yet and wants to see where this would lead them. However, this past month made him realize one thing. And that was, things could never go back to the way it was.
Where he used to find Emily's quirks as cute, now he just finds them annoying. Then, there's the smoking which he could not even tolerate.
"Emily. I know what you're trying to do and I'm telling you now, it's not going to work. I'll be frank. We should stop this, whatever it is we have now, while things between us are still amicable." Leonard finally said.
Emily frowned. "I was only playing with words. No need to take them too seriously, Leonard. Besides, what have we to lose in this?"
Leonard sighed. "Perhaps not now, but soon enough. The Season is about to commence, and I am thinking of finding a good match this year. My adoptive parents are already in their 60s, and they have been persuading me to get married and have a child of my own. Emily, I am not saying this just for myself but for the both of us. You too should consider marriage. You're not getting any younger."
Emily wanted to say, 'You don't have to find one. I'm still here and this time, I'm ready.' but she knew that now was not a good time to say it. If she does, she'll just humiliate herself. After all, it was her fault that things fell apart with him, and by the way he's acting now, he still hasn't forgiven her.
The good news was, he has not completely closed his doors on her and was still being honest. So, making him realize that she was still his match can be a work in progress. Now, she just had to know her competition.
Emily widened her eyes and smiled pitifully before asking, "Do you already have a lady in mind?"
Leonard took a deep breath. He knew that look and loathe was he to admit, it still has some effect on him. But no. He was not going back there and make his own life miserable. So he answered, "Yes…"
Emily felt like she has been slapped on her face left and right. She may have the tendency of being a great actress at times but that truly hurt. So, for the first time in a long while, she didn't have to act and let her tears blur her vision. "I don't believe you. Is this because you're still mad for what I did? Leonard, I admit I was wrong, and I'm sorry. However, you don't have to lie just to drive me away."
Leonard pursed his lips. Was this real or was she acting again? "Emily, I have already forgiven you for what you did then. I wouldn't have allowed this to happen if I haven't. However, the now is different from the past. Also, I'm not lying. There's another woman in my heart and I want to give wooing her a try."
Emily hearing his words let her tears fall. If Leonard was saying the truth which she doubts he was, then she'll just have to do something about it. Besides, by the way that he's still gently informing her, she believes that he still have feelings for her. Anyhow, wiping her tears and with some determination in her eyes, she looked at Leonard straight in the eye, then she dared, "then, give me a name. I would only believe it if you can give me one."
Leonard swallowed. Honestly, there's no one in particular, but wouldn't it be easier if he could just mention a name in passing? But who? "Ah…"
*Kring Kring Kring!!!!!
The telephone suddenly rang saving Leonard from answering immediately. "Let me get that first." He stated, as he stood from the bed.
--
TBC
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