Free Proper Secrets by Rachel Francis

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    When Emily could see her sisters in the distance and Mr. Wingrave had not yet departed, she went out to meet them.
    “Hello dears!   Did you enjoy yourselves?” called Emily.
    “Very much!” said Genevieve, “But I worried about you.”
    “No worries, it was nothing.   Bridget, what did you find?” said Emily.   Bridget held books tied with twine.
    “An adventure for you and Papa, a romance for myself and Genevieve, botany for Mama, and a memoir for Peter.”
    “I have never seen two ladies with more of an interest in books.   I am quite impressed,” said Mr. Annesley.   Mr. Wingrave came out of the house, and upon seeing the gathering,   joined them.
    “How was town this day?” he asked.   He gave Emily a sidelong glance.
    “Wingrave, may I speak with you for a moment?   It won’t take but a second,” said Mr. Annesley.   Mr. Wingrave excused himself and led Mr. Annesley a fair distance away.   Emily kept a close watch on Mr. Wingrave’s countenance as Mr. Annesley delivered whatever news he felt urgent.   It changed dramatically when Mr. Annesley ceased speaking, going from anxious to a glimpse of the temper he’d displayed at the public dance.   He came back to the group quickly.
    “I must away, forgive my suddenness.   I had a lovely day,” said Mr. Wingrave.   Emily felt the loss of his presence, even if she did not want to be directly with him until she could sort things out.   Mr. Annesley left shortly thereafter, citing business at Reddester.   Bridget gushed even more about him as the girls went inside.   Emily reveled in thinking of her sister’s romantic interest instead of her own.   It seemed that Mr. Annesley was less complicated than Mr. Wingrave.

4.   Growing Pain

    The Worthings did not see either man at Charlton for several days.   Emily took the time to meditate on what she had discovered.   Had Mr. Wingrave been about to confess feelings for her, or would it be more smoke and mirrors?   Regardless, she had to work through what she would do now.   The end result of love was marriage.   Logic and fledgling emotions told her that Mr. Wingrave was the man she didn’t think existed, but fear held her back from relinquishing independence.
    “I have to wonder why they’ve not come,” said Mrs. Worthing, “I’m convinced they are both in love.”   The Worthing women gathered in the parlor when food for their thoughts had run out and the absence of any visitors except the Barhams left them lonely.
    “There is much we don’t know about Mr. Wingrave, and I daresay even Mr. Annesley,” said Emily.   Bridget bristled at the mention of him.
    “Mr. Annesley has been perfectly open,” she said.
    “What is his business here then?” inquired Emily.   Bridget flushed.
    “I’m sure it’s nothing scandalous,” she said.
    “Who mentioned a scandal?   Even seemingly innocuous quests can define character,” said Emily.   For once, Bridget fell speechless, Emily was correct, though it would not be admitted aloud.
    “I would be happy to see Mary,” said Genevieve, “She knows everyone in Dunbarrow, tells the best stories.”
    “I agree.   We are stagnating,” said Emily.   From her seat by the window, for she had been advised to get light sun, Mrs. Worthing exclaimed.
    “Here comes the Wingraves’ carriage.   Thank goodness for I could slice the melancholy in here with a knife,” sighed Mrs. Worthing.   She rang for Peter, who arrived just before their guests were presented.   Their housekeeper, Velma, entered the parlor.
    “Mr. Wingrave, Miss Wingrave, Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Annesley, and Miss Morley, ma’am,” she said.
    “Thank you, Velma.   Good day!   Do come in and sit,” said Mrs. Worthing.   They filed in and greeted the Worthings.   Peter seated Mary between himself and Genevieve, while Mr. Annesley took up station near Mrs. Worthing and Bridget.
    “How fare you Miss Worthing?   It has been a week at least since last I saw