What was Ethan thinking?

When he requested her presence at supper she hadn't thought much of the invitation. That is until they finished tea and she went back to her room for a bit of a lie down only to discover her things had been moved! Eleanor was in a tizzy. Apparently, Ethan had ordered Emma be moved to a different room, a guest room. Away from the servant quarters.

The room Eleanor showed her to was large. With a four-post bed draped in plum curtains, a window facing the gardens (she was sure this was by design) and a welcoming fire.

"I can't stay here!" Emma gasped.

"But his lordship insisted!" Eleanor said excitedly.

"But it's not right when the rest of you are in the servant's quarters. I'm no different."

She wasn't any different, she repeated to herself. She couldn't be. Or all of this would mean more than she was willing to believe.

"Oh, Emma, you know you're more than just a nurse to him." Eleanor pointed out as if it was so obvious.

"No, I'm not." She retaliated.

"Then why has he asked you to supper?"

"For company?" she asked nervously though even to her own ears it was a weak suggestion.

"He's never asked anyone else before." Eleanor was quick to mention.

"Yes, well that's because...because...." She faltered. Why had he asked her to supper?

"Because we're not the ones he wants. And look at this!"

Eleanor went to the wardrobe and pulled out a gown.

"He's asked that you wear this tonight. I'm to assist you in your preparations." Eleanor said happily.

But Emma was no longer listening to Eleanor; she was staring at the gown she held in her hands.

It was peach.