Chapter 282

Emmeline opened her mouth, then closed it again. No excuse came to mind, and Minnie didn’t give her time to think.

Minnie’s gaze dropped to Emmeline’s body, her lips curling into a sarcastic smile. “I’d suggest taking a look at what you’re wearing,” her tone was sharp. “Maybe seeing me here shocked you so much that you forgot about it.”

Emmeline didn’t need to look down to know what Minnie was referring to. The silky, revealing nightgown she was wearing felt like a burning weight against her skin.

She wrapped her arms around herself instinctively, as if she could shield herself from her besties’ piercing gaze.

“You come out of Mr. Blackthorn’s suite, wearing that—a nightgown that only a woman wears for her lover and you expect me to believe this is all innocent?” Minnie’s voice rose slightly, anger creeping into her tone. “What were you doing with him so early in the morning? Praying together?”

Emmeline’s eyes darted away, unable to meet Minnie’s.