“You look even more beautiful when you’re blushing,” he commented, mischief glinting in his eyes. “You heard her. Be down in five minutes.Don’t keep your lover waiting, now.”
He didn’t give her a chance to respond. He brushed her chin again, winked, and was out the door a second later. Amelia didn’t move a muscle. His touch lingered on her skin.
Then she released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding and fell backward against the door. It might not have been a good idea to let him leave without checking that Nadine was gone first but Amelia had other things to worry about right now.
Like whether or not she might have acted a little hastily with her demands.
At least I will soon get my hands on my inheritance.
That was the only silver lining in all of this, enough to make her pull herself together and prepare for what was ahead of her. Right now, she still held reservations about tying her fate to the Duke, especially considering the fact that he’d already made it clear what he wanted from her. But she only needed to hold out until a month’s time, didn’t she? After that, she could seek annulment and she would be free to live the rest of her life in peace, knowing that her sister was safe from that cruel Earl.
They could have a small cottage together in the countryside, far from the treacherous games of high society and the men who were constantly out to ruin their lives. Even though they’d likely be shunned by the ton, Amelia would be content as long as she and Dorothy were safe and happy. Yes. She simply needed to focus on that vision, and perhaps then she’d be able to get through this marriage.
Gathering her strength, Amelia took a deep breath, the scent of the lingering Cedarwood aroma mingling with her lavender, and calming her racing heart. Try as he might, she wouldn’t let the Masked Rogue deter her from her mission.
CHAPTER 7
Amelia might have been a little in over her head.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d shared a meal with her uncle, aunt, and cousin. The early days of her arrival at Hendale estate may have seen such a gathering, but as her uncle and aunt's relationship grew distant, she, too, found she preferred her own company.
But now with the Duke’s presence, she was seeing an entirely different side to them.
For a start, her uncle was grinning ear to ear. From the moment Amelia stepped into the dining room, Harold wore a broad smile on his face as he showered Gideon with questions. About his investments, about his properties in Bath, and even political affairs. Matters that were typically reserved for when men were alone, were now front and center on the dining table as if her uncle didn’t know when next he would get a chance to speak with the Duke.
And Barbara was hanging on to every syllable that left Gideon’s lips, slipping in her own questions at every opportunity she found. She was more concerned with societal affairs, and laughing at everything the Duke said, even when he clearly hadn’t made a joke. Amelia watched it all unfold with a tinge of second-hand embarrassment. She doubted they knew how foolish they looked and she had no intention of telling them.
Instead, she prayed that the morning would pass without anyone taking notice of her. Yet that hope was promptly dashed. As soon as she arrived, Gideon gestured for her to take the seat beside him, and her aunt and uncle—eager to please their guest—agreed.
The only person who didn’t seem too out of character was Nadine—though Amelia was a little surprised that she wasn’t trying to monopolize the Duke’s time as well. No, Nadine was content with sipping her tea and glaring at Amelia from across the table instead.
Amelia kept her attention on her sandwiches and tea, praying this would all be over soon.
“Oh, Your Grace!” Barbara clapped her hands as if she suddenly remembered something. “I don’t think I have yet expressed how delightful last evening's ball was! The event has measured up to every praise it has received thus far.”
Gideon was the picture of polite perfection. His smile was broad and welcoming, with a slight dimple on his right cheek, enough to leave Amelia glaring due to his sudden change in behavior.“Thank you, my lady,” he answered gracefully. “I’m heartened to hear you had such a splendid time.”
“Oh, absolutely! My daughter and I truly enjoyed ourselves.” Barbara rested a hand on top of Nadine’s and, with the Duke’s gaze now on her, Nadine forced a smile. “Though she was rather disappointed that she didn’t get the chance to dance with you.”
“Ah. Perhaps another time then,” Gideon suggested. “The coming season, perhaps?”
“Oh, well, why wait so long? You are here now, aren’t you? Perhaps after tea, the two of you could go for a promenade through our gardens? Or given the splendid weather, a horse ride in Hyde Park. It is a lovely day after all and Nadine is a wonderful rider—”
“Barbara,” Harold interrupted with a cautionary undertone. “Let us not bombard the Duke with those suggestions. I’m sure he has future commitments.”
Amelia didn’t miss the way Barbara’s eye twitched. She was annoyed, but her smile remained. “My intentions are not to try andbombardhim, dear. I’m sure His Grace would love to spend time with Nadine after missing out on the chance at last night’s ball—”
“Were you not informed, my lady?” Gideon smoothly interjected, putting down his tea cup.
The only thing Amelia had in common with her aunt was that they both shared a disdain for being interrupted while talking. But if she felt irritated by the Duke, Barbara did not show it. “Informed of what, Your Grace?”
“Ah. Well, I’m sure the scandal sheets will be filled with it on the morrow,” Gideon went on, lifting his teacup again and sipping from it. “In fact, part of my visit today is to extend my regrets to both you and Lord Hendale for any potential embarrassment I may have inadvertently cast upon your household.”
“Embarrassment…” Barbara’s eyes darted to Amelia. Amelia quickly avoided her gaze. So much for staying unnoticed.
“It is very much appreciated, Your Grace,” Lord Hendale spoke up. “Truthfully, I was quite disappointed to hear what had happened. Amelia has always been such a gentle soul that I found it hard to believe that she would do such a thing.”
You aren’t the only one, Uncle. I can hardly believe it myself.
