Belle said excitedly. “I have a feeling I’m going to live to regret it,” Emma responded. She and her cousin were sitting in the Blydons well-sprung carriage on their way to return the earrings that Sophie had pressed into Emma’s hands the day before. “Nonsense,” Belle said offhandedly. “Besides, you might need me. What if you don’t know what to say?” “I’m sure I’ll think of something appropriate.” “What if Sophie doesn’t know what to say?” “Now, that’s unlikely.” Emma said wryly. She glanced down at the diamond and emerald earrings in her gloved hand. “Too bad,” she said with a slight grimace. “What?” “These are awfully nice earrings.” The carriage came to a halt in front of Sophie’s elegant townhouse. The two young women alighted and quickly ascended the stone steps leading to the front door. Emma gave the door a decisive knock. It was opened within seconds, and Emma was treated to the sight of Sophie’s comically thin, excruciatingly imperious butler.
