Seek out Emily… and Blackwood

The image refused to leave your mind.

Even after Blackwood had disappeared from sight, you could still picture the way he had looked across the lake.

Something about it had felt deeply wrong.

You followed the shoreline until you reached the opposite bank, where several servants were beginning to gather the remains of the hunting party's luncheon.

Emily stood alone beside a stack of wicker baskets.

She was placing folded tablecloths into one of them.

Before you could call out, another figure approached her.

Nathaniel Blackwood again.

He removed his gloves with a pleasant smile.

"Miss Carter, allow me to interrupt yet again."

Emily dipped into a polite curtsy.

"My lord."

"I trust you've been enjoying the day?"

"Yes, my lord."

"You and the other servants have done remarkable work."

"Thank you, my lord."

Blackwood stepped a little closer.

"I confess, I've rarely seen such dedication paired with such a pretty face."

Emily smiled politely, though you noticed her fingers tighten around the edge of the basket.

"You're very kind."

"I merely speak the truth. I was wondering whether you might accompany me for a short walk along the lake."

Emily hesitated.

"I'm afraid I still have duties to attend to."

"I'm sure they can wait a few minutes."

"They're expecting these supplies back at the kitchens."

Blackwood's smile remained perfectly composed.

"Surely someone else could manage."

Emily lowered her gaze.

"I... don't think that would be appropriate."

You had heard enough.

"There you are, Miss Carter."

Both of them turned.

Emily's eyes widened ever so slightly.

"Mr. Thomas?"

You walked towards them as though nothing were amiss.

"Mrs. Wilcox has been looking everywhere for you. She said the remaining silver must be packed before the wagons leave."

Emily understood immediately.

"Oh... Of course. I'd nearly forgotten."

Blackwood regarded you for a long moment.

"I wasn't aware the matter was quite so urgent."

You offered an apologetic smile.

"Neither was I, my lord. Mrs. Wilcox was rather insistent."

For the first time, Blackwood's pleasant expression faltered.

Only slightly.

"Then I shall not keep Miss Carter from her duties."

He inclined his head towards Emily.

"Perhaps another time."

"Perhaps, my lord."

He gave you a courteous nod before walking back towards the woodland.

You waited until he was well out of earshot.

Emily released a slow breath she had clearly been holding.

"I wasn't lying."

She looked at you.

"I really did have work to do."

"I know."

"I just wasn't sure how to make him understand."

"You shouldn't have needed to."

She looked down at the basket in her hands.

"...I always feel relieved when he leaves."

You lifted the basket from her hands.

"I'll carry this."

"You don't have to."

A small smile appeared.

"Thank you."

The two of you began walking back towards the field kitchen together.

After a few moments, Emily spoke again.

"My father always told me that kindness costs nothing."

"I've tried to live by that."

"But sometimes..."

She laughed quietly.

"...I think people mistake kindness for permission and weakness."

You nodded.

"I've seen that happen."

She looked ahead.

"I don't like upsetting people. I worry too much about disappointing them."

"Martha says it's a terrible habit."

"She may have a point."

Emily smiled.

"She usually does. I wish I had even half her confidence. Instead I spend hours afterwards wondering whether I've said the wrong thing."

"I don't think you did."

She glanced towards you.

"You really don't?"

"No."

"I think you handled yourself as well as anyone could."

Her shoulders relaxed.

"That means a lot."

The roofs of Kingsmere Hall came into view beyond the trees.

Emily smiled to herself.

"I suppose I owe you another thank you."

"You've already thanked me once."

"Then you shall have to accept another."

She laughed softly.

"I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't arrived."

"You won't have to find out."

Emily met your eyes for a brief moment before looking away again, a faint blush colouring her cheeks.

"I hope not."

Together, you continued towards the waiting servants, talking easily about far lighter things than either of you had expected only a few minutes earlier.