''And what makes you think Lady Wallace will marry you after the deed is done?''
''She’ll be lonely. She's twenty five, and after her husband’s funeral, she will be twenty six. Nobody will want such an old widower. I'll come along and provide her with company and understanding. After that, she won't want to be lonely, and she'll be bound to marry me.''
''Alright, Sir John. We will do it. Now I must get back to the ball, people will be missing me.''
Emily hid around the back of the tree as Miss Pemberly came from behind the bush and went back into the building. Sir John followed at a discreet distance.
*****
Emily looked out of the bedroom window and saw Peter getting into the carriage. He was going to London again, and again she was going to spend the night alone in Sedgefield House.
After breakfast she put on her coat and walking shoes and went into the garden. Milly and Flossy almost knocked Emily over in their haste to get outside. Emily headed for the gate and after the two dogs had visited the flower beds, they joined her. Emily wondered whether she should be out at all because there was a bitterly cold wind blowing from the north. She persevered and eventually reached the village. After the wooden foot bridge, the two dogs turned left as they always did. They were quite confused when Emily walked the other way. They soon caught her up and bounded past her. As Emily walked up the main street, she didn't see a soul. It must be the quietest village in England, she thought.
At the end of the village she turned right, and walked up to Bead House. Milly growled at the man who was chiseling a piece of stone into shape and Flossy chased the fat cat around the back of the house. Emily knocked on the door and waited. After and age Patterson appeared and showed her inside.
Sir John appeared. ''Emily,'' he exclaimed, pleased to see her.
''Sir John, can I come in and talk to you?'' she asked.
''Of course, it's very nice to see you.'' Emily walked inside and into the drawing room. Sir John made an attempt to clear away some bottles but gave up when he realized there too many.
''What can I do for you?'' he asked.
''Please, may I sit down? I have a delicate matter to discuss with you.''
''Of course,'' Emily sat on the moth eaten sofa, and stared at the empty fireplace.''
''Sir John, I come on the most delicate of missions. I want to apologize to you. I have been rude and inconsiderate toward you. When you visited my house the other evening, I sent you away. I now regret having done so. Will you please accept my apology.''
''Naturally. Please don't speak of it.''
''But I feel so bad. Please let me make it up to you. My husband will once again spend the night in London, and I will be alone. I would like you to come and visit me this evening. Come to dinner,'' Emily smiled at him.
''That would be lovely. Thank you.''
''And after dinner, please do not feel in any hurry to go home. I will have all the time in the world for you. If you understand me,'' Emily tried to look as seductive as possible in her winter coat and hat.
''Yes, I understand perfectly. May I ask what has brought about your change of heart towards me?''
''You are a very attractive man, and you were correct when you told me my husband treated me badly. He only has eyes for Miss Pemberly. I feel so alone, and I have found my thoughts turning to you more and more often. Please, Sir John, help me to feel a man's desire again.''
''My dear lady, of course I will do as you ask.''
''Alright then, I'll be off. I look forward to seeing you this evening.''
Emily whistled and the dogs came running from different corners of the garden. When she was out of view of the house, she leaned against a fence and began to cry. Milly came to her and put her head against her leg in a comforting gesture. When she felt able, Emily walked back through the village and up the lane to Sedgefield Hall.''
*****
Before dinner, Mary was surprised when Emily asked her to get out a summer dress. It was the most revealing dress Emily possessed. It had no back and a décolleté that just covered her nipples. The bottom half of the dress clung to her buttocks and thighs, showing of her feminine shape. ''Are you sure, my lady?'' Mary asked.
''Quite sure, Mary,'' Emily replied.
When Sir John knocked on the door, the dogs barked and Joesph opened it. When he showed Sir John into the room, Sir John stared at Emily's over flowing bust. Joesph tried not to, but he found it impossible.
''Joseph, please bring us a whiskey each. I told cook we'll be eating a little later this evening. I want to enjoy a drink or two first.''
''Yes, my lady. I see,'' Joseph said as he headed off to get the drinks.
When he returned, Emily lifted her glass and downed her drink in one. Sir John raised an eyebrow, and not wanting to feel left out, did the same.
''Simply delicious whiskey,'' Emily remarked. ''Let's have another.'' In all Joseph walked backwards and forwards six times before dinner.