Cousin Archibald is now, unfortunately, mobile and Aunt Eugenia has taken Arabella to the Country now that the London season is over. Emma gets to know her neighbor and tenant, Niall, better and they bond over her memories of her childhood sweetheart, Maxwell, who was killed in Afghanistan. Niall took photos from the war and at Emma's insistence, let her look at them.
In addition to being ceremoniously crowned Queen by the Reprobates Ten, Emma finds herself spending more time with the Duke of Islington, Niall, and Young Hawkes. The four of them end up in the same place at the same time together frequently and have struck up a friendship. The three men are appalled at the way Emma has been treated by her aunt, cousin, and various others in her life and marvel at how she's able to stay so positive (me too, honestly. She has the patience of a saint. I would have tossed Cousin Archibald out the garret window).
Emma finds out by reading a newspaper that Maxwell's family located his body and have brought him home to be buried. She's upset that Maxwell's older brother didn't write to tell her like he promised he would, and distraught that she doesn't have the funds on such short notice to travel to Maxwell's home. Niall steps in and saves the day, buying them both train tickets and paying for their lodgings, and accompanying her. He also finds just cause to punch Maxwell's brother in the face, refusing to tell Emma what he said that upset him so (good for you, Niall. I'm sure he deserved it).
On a side note, I've always been fortunate in my life to have really great male friends, so reading about Emma hanging out with the men reminded me of some fun times in my life. None of my male friends, however, could banter as well as Niall, Islington, and Hawkes do. I wish they did, but alas, I'm afraid men like that only exist in books.
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