“Isaidthat it will not be happening. What do you not understand?”
The finality in his tone had already wiped any signs of hopefulness from Amelia’s face. “But why?” she asked, hating how her voice cracked.
He didn’t bother to look back up at her. “Dorothy is a married woman now. She has her own life, and you, your own. You should focus on yourself. I will not waste my time traveling allthe way to Brighton. If she wishes to see you so urgently, she should come to London herself.”
But Talley will not let her!Amelia wanted to shout the words from the top of her lungs. She would have, had she not known how indifferently her uncle would react. And the last thing she wanted was for Barbara or Nadine to catch wind of what was happening with her sister. Their tongues would be wagging relentlessly by the end of the day and Amelia would not risk her sister’s reputation by revealing that the Earl of Talley was an abusive man. It was knowledge that burned within Amelia alone.
And it was the only thing driving her this Season. Not to start her own family, nor to complete her duties as a lady and produce an heir for her husband. The only reason she wanted to be married was to gain access to her inheritance. That way, she could afford to liberate her sister from her abusive husband. And they could live alone, just the two of them, away from the world in some countryside cottage, as they would spend hours speaking of when they were younger.
Harold glanced up at her, then back to his paper. “You may leave,” he dismissed with a cavalier wave of a hand.
Amelia didn’t move. Her body grew hot with anger and frustration and, to her annoyance, the tears began to spill. No one would understand how often she lay awake at nights thinking about her sister, about the beautiful smile she’d last seen on Dorothy’s wedding day. After that, there had been no communication. Dorothy had left for Brighton with the husband she loved and Amelia had instantly lost all contact.
Amelia had tried to visit her herself, back when her uncle hadn’t cared if she came or went. But the Earl constantly denied her, sending her away. And her letters often remained unanswered.
Until one day, a year and a half ago, Amelia received a letter from her sister, scribbled hastily and dotted with dried tears. She spoke about the treatment from her husband, how the man she had loved for so long had seemingly changed overnight. Since then, Amelia had feared for her sister’s life.
And now, to hear that she could not even go to visit her….
Amelia felt as if every part of her chest was being ripped to shreds. Rage mounted in her at the helplessness of her situation. How could she have an uncle who didn’t seem to care about his nieces? Who only cared for one out of necessity and turned a blind eye to the other’s suffering? Amelia couldn’t help but think about what Dorothy might be going through right now and that frustration tipped over into sorrow.
If she had her inheritance, Amelia could save her. But she could only do that if she married.
If only her family had never encountered the Masked Rogue.
Over the years, Amelia tried not to think about it too much. She didn’t like the anger and hatred that swarmed her at the thought of that horrid person. But right now, she welcomed it, a black void opening in her chest and eager for any dark thought.
The Masked Rogue was the reason for all her troubles and why she was in this position in the first place. Had he let her father be, hadn’t taken advantage of him, and hadn’t so coldly ripped everything from her family, perhaps they would all still be together. Perhaps her father would still be alive…
Wiping her tears, Amelia turned and left the room without a word. She made her way to the foyer where she sat in the small chair by the door. She would have liked to wait in the parlor, alone, away from prying eyes, but she didn’t want to risk her aunt and cousin leaving her behind.
She steeled her resolve. If she couldn’t go to see her sister, she would bring her to London instead. And tonight was her final chance of making that happen…
CHAPTER 2
“Has the list of attendees been finalized yet?”
The sound of heavy papers rustled behind Gideon before a gravelly voice spoke up. “Yes, Your Grace. All invitations sent have been responded to. Everyone will be in attendance as per usual. They are all very eager.”
Those words made Gideon smile a little. He didn’t bother to turn around, enjoying the evening breeze wafting through his study window. His fingers traced idly along the edges of a white mask, giving him an odd sense of comfort.
“And I take it all the preparations are finished?”
“Yes…” The gravelly voice trailed off and Gideon stilled, turning his head slightly in waiting. “Almost everything.”
Gideon didn’t respond right away. He let heavy silence seep into the study, so thick that he could almost smell the sweatyapprehension emanating from his butler. Slowly, he turned to face him, taking in the thin elderly man with cold hazel eyes.
To his credit, Thomas held his composure. Gideon remembered a time when this wiry old man had been the closest thing to a father figure—but that was during a time when Gideon did not know the power he possessed. Now that he stood in the position of duke, he was all too aware of the disparity between the two of them. And clearly, Thomas knew it as well. The butler who would once smile and sneak him treats as a child, now tried his best to bravely meet Gideon’s eyes.
It was not a sight Gideon enjoyed. So he sighed and softened his features, hoping that it would put the man at ease. Though he would make no such effort with the other servants, Thomas was different and he could at least show him some grace.
“What is causing the delay?” he asked as calmly as he could.
“Not all the refreshments have yet been brewed, Your Grace,” Thomas answered, maintaining his composure. “As the guest list was added to this year, it has been difficult to keep up with—” he replied before interrupting himself, “I will speak with the cook to ensure that they are ready before the commencement of the ball.”
Gideon nodded. He did not appreciate excuses, and his butler understood that. “We still have the hour, will it be enough time?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Thomas answered instantly.
