Proper Secrets

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Authors: Rachel Francis
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from you.”
    “Then you are more concerned with what I did not do.”
    “It is what you did do, by keeping my punishment from me,” said Mr. Wingrave.
    “Why would I punish you?   You have done nothing wrong,” said Emily.
    “But I have, can you not see that?”
    “No, I cannot.   However much of yourself you choose to conceal is your business.   You’ve made me one promise, and last I counted it remained unbroken.”
    “One can promise without using words, by their actions,” he said.
    “That is the fault of the observer if they assume an obligation that has not been verbally given,” said Emily.   He advanced on her, gaining admittance to the personal sphere in which no one ventured unless they could be certain of acceptance.
    “That is all well in theory, but once again your naiveté shows through the hard and fast principles which you hold.”   Emily saw movement from the window, curtains moved, and she caught a glimpse of Miss Morley’s dress before it vanished.
    “Have it your own way, Mr. Wingrave.   Feel all the accusations you think I should be giving you, I give you leave to speak for me in this instance,” she said.
    “That will not be enough.”   Mr. Wingrave wavered, leaning forward, then back.
    “Elijah!   Miss Worthing!   I would have you play a song for us,” called Mary, “I’m afraid poor Genevieve’s fingers are exhausted from sketching.”
    Emily did not allow herself to be alone with Mr. Wingrave after that, but always he watched her, dark eyes cataloguing her movements and expressions.   She relented and visited Reddester with her siblings under the stern command of herself to keep him at a distance.   His frustration was at times, visible and heart-wrenching, but Emily had no other options.   Without a proposal, their friendship has reached its plateau.

5.   The Barham Ball

    “Elijah, I would speak with you privately,” said Mary after seeing the Worthings off.   She had seen more affection today than she had ever witnessed on her brother’s part.
    “Is it very important, Mary?”
    “Yes, to the library, where we can be alone.”   She led him, weary and impossibly unhappy, to the book-lined room.   The collection did not come close to rivaling the Worthings’, but it had a respectable selection.   Through the pain, Mr. Wingrave noted that he should go about improving it for the pleasure of Emily.
    “I fear you are getting too close to Miss Worthing,” said Mary, “You know that is not wise.”
    “Then why are we here, sister?   Was it not to see the Worthings?”
    “Yes, but too much intimacy is unadvisable, given our purpose here.”
    “I did not see you exercise restraint when familiarizing yourself with Peter Worthing,” said Mr. Wingrave.   Her face glowed bright pink.
    “I know.   I am sorry.”
    “Do not worry about me, sister.   Miss Worthing and I understand one another.”
    “You cannot be good friends with her.   We will always have to keep our distance.   You do know this?”
    “I do not see the harm in friendship,” said Mr. Wingrave.
    “I know, brother.   It would not stay a friendship,” said Mary.
    “You ask too much,” he said.   She closed her eyes against the flow of saltwater, but sadness prevailed and it splashed on her dress.   Mr. Wingrave cursed at himself and held her until she could cease crying.

    “A few more weeks and I feel Mr. Annesley will ask me to marry him,” said Bridget.   She and Emily arranged each other’s hair the day of the ball, and made endless changes to the accessories of their gowns.
    “That is definitely the course he’s on,” said Emily.
    “I am frightened, Emily.”
    “Why?   Do you not love him?”   Alarmed, Emily leaned to the side so that she might see Bridget in the mirror.
    “I do.   He laughs with me and delights in the same things.   I miss him terribly when he is gone.   His family is so high in social circles though, how will I cope?   I hate

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