55

"You still haven't told Her Grace?" James shouted angrily as he followed his friend down the stairs. Seeing his friend wear that mask not only surprised but infuriated him. "Why haven't you told her?"

"I don't have the guts to, James," Edward replied as he hastily walked down the stairs and ran towards the door.

"You don't have the what?" James shouted. "She has every right to know of this, Edward."

"I will let her know when the time is--" Edward stopped on his step as he saw Emily walk down from the carriage and walk towards the door of the manor, where he stood. He quickly adjusted the mask on his face and tried composing himself.

Edward had somehow expected Emily to greet him but she didn't even pay attention to his presence. She instead turned and walked past him, leaving him still standing by the door entrance with a look of shock on his face.

To tell the truth, Edward had expected this kind of reaction from her but he hadn't expected it this way and certainly not in front of h