“Flown!” Lady Charles declared, her voice ringing with excitement. “She ran off with Sir Robert, sometime during the night.” Joy stole through Julia, overriding her surprise. Deep in her heart, she’d hoped Sir Robert was her cousin’s secret love. He was a fine man and had the capacity to make Emmaline happy. Though he’d carefully concealed his feelings, his sentiments were oft times reflected in his eyes, Julia realized now in retrospect. She warmed at the thought of the love they would share in their lives. “Your aunt is in an absolute furor,” Lady Charles confided, replacing her cup on its saucer. “She should be the first to inform you of Emmaline’s disappearance, I know. But I felt I must warn you. Your aunt blames you for your young cousin’s actions.” Julia’s brows rose at that, but somehow the disclosure did not really surprise her. Lady Charles continued. “I was present at breakfast when she received Emmaline’s letter.” “Emmaline left a letter?”
