Weeks past, and Barkis became a frequent gentleman caller. Lord Bowett kept his opinions of the match to himself, though Emily could tell something was bothering him. Lottie was enthusiastic. Emily hoped that her mother would be just as pleased as Lottie was with Barkis.
Emily, drunk on happiness and naïveté, had no idea her courtship was the talk of the town. There were many mixed feelings. Even from her close friends. Emily made the trip up to the Turner's Manor, to visit Nellie one week. She was greeted at the door by her close childhood friend. Nellie beamed when she saw her, and hugged her tightly.
"Emily! It is so wonderful to see you!" Nellie hesitated before she continued on with her sentence. "Shall I go and get Mr. Bittern?"
"Oh, no," Emily said. "I am here to see you!" Nellie's smile brightened once more. The two linked arms and walked across the manor grounds. Nellie regaled Emily with stories of her marriage, both happy and sad. But, Nellie, unable to resist, quickly turned the conversation around.
"Emily," she said a little more serious than before. "You are my dear friend, and you must tell me. Are you and. Mr. Bittern to be married?" Emily smiled, blushing a little.
"I would hope so," she said.
"You don't think you're rushing things, do you?" Nellie asked.
"No. We're both in love. We just have to talk to my father. But I think the sooner we wed, the better," Emily smiled. She was surprised to hear Nellie gasp. "What is it Nellie?" she asked her.
"I didn't think it was true, I-"
"What are you going on about? You didn't think what was true?" Emily asked. Nellie was nervous, but she managed to reply.
"Mr. Bittern didn't come home one night. August said he knew Bittern went to your house… he didn't come until morning. Emily-"
"Nellie!" she chided. "You've been my dearest friend since we were both little! How could you think such things of Barkis and me?"
"I'm sorry, Emily," she apologized. "I'm so sorry! It's just, there are so many people talking about you two, I don't know what's true and what isn't! Forgive me!"
The fact that people were talking behind her back surprised Emily, but was also expected. She hadn't met Barkis more than a month ago, but they were both serious. But what difference does time make when you're in love? She prayed her father didn't suspect her of these sins, or it would be so much harder to get his permission and his blessing.
"I don't blame you, Nellie," Emily said, patting her hand. "Now you know it isn't true." She smiled at her lifelong friend.
"Well in that case," said Nellie, brightening, "I am very happy for you and Mr. Bittern." Emily and Nellie both broke out into girlish giggles and began fantasizing about the wedding.
