Chapter 13: Facing forward III

Serena waited for Emily outside Leonard's room. She was not sure if Emily can convince Leonard to at least accept her decision. It's not that she herself really needed his approval, but Emily was different.

Emily was Leonard's lover. So, she should be on his side than hers, at least superficially given the situation. If Leonard says no, Emily should not help Serena. She should not provide her with clothes and her connections, and doing so behind Leonard's back might jeopardize their relationship.

Serena sighed. After her argument with Leonard the other night, he has been ignoring her completely.

She tried making amends the next day by bringing him food and peeling him apples. She also tried to explain about the prices of her songs being lowered, then she opened up that not because she will be joining the Season means that she would willingly become a mistress. Like there's still the possibility that someone good would come along, and not because she's attending now it would mean that she would need to find her match now.

Still, no matter how convincing she tried to sound, Leonard just ignored her. It seemed like he took it as mission to himself to ignore her forever until she gives up on her idea.

After a while, Emily finally exited Leonard's room. Having been waiting for long, Serena could not help but ask immediately, "What did he say?"

Emily pressed her index finger to her lips to indicate that Serena be quiet. They're just outside Leonard's room.

Serena, understanding what Emily meant, pointed up.

Emily nodded her head.

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"So? What did he say?" Serena asked again.

Emily smiled and gave her a nod. "Though he's still not convinced about the idea, he told me that if I want or have enough time, I can help you. At least that way, some of his worries can be alleviated with me involved." Then as if annoyed, she continued, "Really, Leonard is such a good brother to you. Don't know how you can bear treating him that way."

Serena raised her left brow. "Look who's talking."

Emily cleared her throat. Time to change the topic. "Well, at least since we've got that out of the way, we can now talk about the next steps we can take."

It has been a week since Emily informed Serena about the Court Summons and though Christopher told her that they can delay for some months, time is still of essence.

Anyhow, she took out a bunch of envelopes and a piece of paper and a pen. Seeing Serena's perplexed reaction, she explained.

"These are the invites I received as of late. We can look through them later. Anyhow, the most important thing we must discuss first is what kind of event, when, and where you must make your first appearance. So, let's go with the first. What kind of event do you think would work best?" Emily asked.

Serena thought that Emily was really serious in planning this. Well, given the severity of the situation, they must. "As it's my first appearance, I think an evening event would be best."

Emily nodded, "I was thinking the same. That way, we can dress you up and leave an impression. You can arrive a bit late too. At least that way on your very first reappearance, you can avoid some unnecessary drama."

Serena agreed. She knew that it was inevitable for her to run into some dramatic people who would one way or another jeer her and try to make her Season hell. But if she and Emily does it right, at least for her first appearance, she hopes to make them speechless.

"So, an evening party it is. For the when, I don't think we can pick an event that would be held too soon. It would take some time to prepare the first dress and then the subsequent dresses, and I also have to talk to the host of the party first." Emily said.

Serena felt a bit guilty. She knew how tedious and expensive preparing for the Season was. It felt like she would be unfairly taking advantage of Emily this way… "I can draw some designs, write new songs for you too. I also have some money I made, it's only over a thousand but…"

Emily chuckled. "Don't think you're taking advantage of me Serena. I am also doing this for Leonard. That aside, don't worry too much. With the ongoing Season, clothing purchases have been sky-high. So, I do make more than enough these days."

Well, wasn't that sweet. Serena shook her head, goosebumps rising. But still, she can't just take it all for granted. "Emily, if ever… if ever I become successful in this, I mean…"

Emily shook her head. "Getting Leonard cleared would be enough. Besides, you know how much sponsorship I received from Geoffrey with your approval in the past. So, whatever I'm giving and would give from now, you can just consider it as my gratitude or even payback."

Serena smiled. Though there's truth to Emily's words, in her heart she still felt indebted. Anyhow, they must focus on the topic on hand. "I don't think this week is possible. But would that be alright? Also, just to ask, have you submitted the needed documents to the court to delay the case?"

"Not yet, Christopher advised me to submit it during the court hearing when Leonard was summoned to make an appearance, that way, there would be more delay. Don't worry about the case for now. I would take care of that part."

Serena nodded and expressed her thanks. She has no doubt that the reason Leonard's name was not included in the names of those facing trial listed on the newspaper was because of Emily. Emily has a lot of connections and that included the press too. Honestly, though just a baroness in name, Emily was not a force to be trifled with.

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TBC