Free Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen

parents, who both deliberately looked away. He tried not to smile. “And do you sketch, too, Emily? I thought you told me you were not a true artist.”
    “Oh, she doesn’t sketch,” Susanna said matter-of-factly. “She studies.”
    He looked between them, watching the blush that suffused Emily’s cheeks.
    “I know it is not quite the thing for a young lady to do,” Emily began slowly, “but I am fascinated with learning, and the professor’s knowledge is impressive.”
    “You’re studying anatomy,” Matthew said.
    “It’s a shame Emily cannot attend university,” Professor Leland said cheerfully. “She would be an excellent student.”
    Lady Rosa rolled her eyes. “This isn’t helping, Randolph.”
    Matthew wasn’t surprised by Emily’s intellect. But he’d thought they had an agreement to help Susanna change her behavior and become a happier person.
    Hamilton, the butler, rounded the corner and came to a stop as he saw the family talking outside the dining room. Behind him, Matthew saw Reggie, and a young man, tall and blond, his gaze fixed eagerly on Emily.
    After a moment, Matthew recognized him: Peter Derby. He’d grown up in a neighboring manor, theyoungest son of a squire, and had spent much time at Madingley Court. Peter had even been tutored with them—he and his cousins—since the Derby family could not afford more than a governess. He was intelligent, and when only his older brother had been allowed to attend Eton, Peter’s disappointment made him work even harder to educate himself.
    To Matthew’s surprise, his parents gave him a swift, almost guilty look.
    Peter grinned at Emily, who stiffened.
    “Mr. Derby has arrived,” Hamilton said, speaking to Matthew’s parents. “Forgive me for not realizing that luncheon was being served.”
    “I can return at a later time,” Peter said, not taking his eyes off Emily.
    “But you will wish to be here, Mr. Derby,” Emily said. “Did you not see the Times today?”
    “I’ve been out riding.”
    At last he lifted his gaze to the rest of the family. When he saw Matthew, his smile disappeared as abruptly as a candle flame in a sudden wind. Matthew, being no fool, realized why. Reggie looked from one of them to the other, and frowned as he obviously controlled his amusement.
    Peter had become Emily’s suitor. Was he one of her “causes” in the village? Matthew felt an unfamiliar tightening in his stomach, and told himself it couldn’t be possessiveness—could it?

Chapter 6
    E mily looked between Mr. Derby and Matthew. She knew they’d grown up together, had been friends for many years, but now things were…different. She’d been politely trying to dissuade Mr. Derby’s interest in her since she first emerged from mourning, but he always implied he knew what was best for her. Eager, arrogant man. He’d gone from claiming two dances at every party, to “accidentally” meeting her on a country lane, to recently calling on her—to the Leland family’s surprised pleasure.
    “Matthew?” Mr. Derby said, his eyes wide in his pale face.
    Gradually, the man began to smile, but he wasn’t quite able to conceal his…disappointment? But he and Matthew had been good friends.
    And yet he’d been making his intentions toward her very clear, and now Matthew’s presence would obviously put an end to that.
    Smiling, Matthew put his arm around Emily’s shoulders. “Peter, it is good to see you.”
    So he remembered his friend, at least. But she hadn’t thought he would be the sort who needed such a masculine display.
    Something within Peter seemed to ease, and his smile became more genuine. “How did this miracle occur?”
    Between Rebecca and Lady Rosa, the entire story tumbled out.
    “That is incredible,” Peter concluded. “I will write to my family about your good news.”
    “Do have luncheon with us, Mr. Derby,” Lady Rosa said, taking his arm and steering him into the dining room. “Are your mother and brother in