Of love and deceit

Chapter Four

Breakfast and lunch passed swiftly, and Jane was relieved that the meals had gone off without incident. Eager to avoid any further awkwardness with her family, she retreated to her room as soon as she could. Settling into her favourite chair, she picked up a book from her nightstand and began to read.

Her father had always indulged her love for literature, bringing her countless books from his trips to London. Just as Jane was becoming absorbed in her reading, the door burst open with a dramatic flourish, followed by an enthusiastic squeal. Jane looked up, a smile forming as she recognised Emily’s voice.

“Hello, dear sister!” Emily greeted, her entrance as lively as ever. Jane set aside her book and turned in her chair to face the petite brunette, her expression softening.

Emily pouted playfully. “Why didn’t you come down to greet me?”

Jane rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile. Emily, though noticeably more mature, was still the same sister she’d always known. The debutante’s elaborate gown was a vision of  elegance: a blush pink fabric with a high empire waist, trimmed with delicate lace. Her bodice was adorned with intricate lace trim, and her puffy sleeves ending in satin bows. The full skirt flowed gracefully to the floor, complemented by a subtle train that trailed behind her. Her dark brown curls were styled in an elaborate updo, with soft tendrils framing her face, marking a new chapter in her life, but her spirited personality remained unchanged. Emily eyed Jane with a mock glare, but Jane only smiled at her.

Her own gown, a contrast in its serene elegance. She wore a soft blue dress with a high waist and flowing skirt that fell gracefully to the floor. The bodice was adorned with subtle embroidery, and her gown was complemented by a delicate lace shawl draped over her shoulders. Her blonde curls were pinned up in a simple, yet refined style, with a few loose tendrils framing her pale face.

“I trust you enjoyed London?” Jane asked with a teasing tone.

“Oh, it was marvellous!” Emily replied, flopping onto Jane’s bed with unrestrained enthusiasm. “The ball was everything I’d dreamed of.”

Jane chuckled softly. There went the debutante. Emily’s return was as animated as ever. With her large, expressive brown eyes and wild curls, Emily had always resembled their mother. Yet today, her sophistication was evident.

“So, how was your first ball?” Jane enquired with interest.

Emily’s eyes sparkled.

“It was splendid. You should have been there,” she gushed, then paused, her face lighting up. “Mrs. Agatha was fantastic, as always.”

Jane nodded, smiling. “Of course. She’s exceptional.”

“And the Lady of Ashwood was a true delight,” Emily continued, her excitement palpable. “And David—oh my! He was the perfect gentleman.” She fanned herself theatrically.

“David? Who’s David?” Jane asked, her eyebrows raised in amusement.

A blush crept up Emily’s cheeks. “He’s the next Earl of Ashwood,” she admitted, avoiding Jane’s gaze. “I met him at the ball.”

Jane’s smile widened. “Ah, so that’s the gentleman who made an impression.”

Emily tried to stifle her blush and snorted. “At least I don’t bury my nose in books all the time.” She glanced at the volume in Jane’s lap.

Jane shook her head with a smile. “I suppose some things never change.”

“I’ll go prepare for dinner,” Emily announced, but Jane grabbed her arm with a hopeful look.

“Actually, I was hoping you’d do my hair for dinner,” Jane requested, her tone sweet.

Emily’s face softened. “Of course, I’d love to.”

Moments later, they made their way downstairs, hand in hand. As they reached the dining room, they greeted their parents with affectionate kisses and took their seats.

Their father looked at Emily with a warm smile. “I’m delighted to see you home, Emily.”

“I missed you all terribly,” Emily replied, eagerly filling her plate with the cook’s delicious fare.

“The cook has truly outdone himself!” Emily exclaimed.

Jane suppressed a chuckle. Emily’s enthusiasm for food was as legendary as her charm. The pleasant atmosphere at the table was interrupted when their father cleared his throat.

“There’s something important you need to know, Emily.”

Emily looked up, her fork pausing mid-air. “What is it, Papa?”

Her parents exchanged a tense glance before their father spoke, his voice heavy. “Jane is not our biological daughter.”

Emily’s fork clattered onto her plate, her face a portrait of shock. She stared at her parents, unable to grasp the revelation. How?

Beth, noticing Emily’s confusion, added, “What your father means is that Jane came to us as a child, brought by Lord Hadley Eckhart,”

“She is Lord Hadley’s.” She concluded.

Emily’s face turned crimson with anger.

“That insufferable old man?!” She exclaimed, her voice rising.

Beth looked at Emily sternly.

“Emily, your manners, dear,” her mother cautioned.

But Emily slammed her first on the table angrily.

“Be bloody damned, Mother,” she growled.

“Emily Miller!” Papa yelled, and she looked at him, surprised that he had called her full name.

Jane, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, stood abruptly.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need some air,” she said, her voice trembling as she hurried from the room.

“Jane, wait!” Emily’s frantic call echoed after her.

She turned to see Emily’s distressed expression.

“I’m so sorry.” Emily said.

Jane managed a weak smile, her emotions raw. “It’s not your fault, Emily.”

She walked over to her sister, and they embraced.

“We’ll be alright,” she whispered, holding her close.

Whoops!😂There goes another chapter. I so much love Emily 🤭😂. What fiery spirit!😂. Vote and Comment guys😘. Love the Millers❤️.