Helena woke up with a bit of a headache the next day. She sighed tiredly as she lay on her bed rubbing at her temples.
Unfortunately, she had not forgotten even one aspect of their carryings-on the night before.
One thing she could not remember was how she had gotten to bed. She really hoped that she hadn’t passed out and had to be carried like some drunken fool.
There was a tentative knock at the door before she could spiral any more downward.
“Yes,” she called.
Amelia opened the door, peering cautiously at her.
“Can I come in?”
Helena nodded and then clutched her head at the sudden pain it had caused.
Amelia must have noticed the shift, as she stepped into the room with a teasing smile.
“You look positively dreadful,” she observed, her tone light. “One might think you’ve indulged in a little too much wine last night. I should ring for some willow bark tea to settle your head.”
Helena shot her a weary glance. “I’m not… I didn’t drink that much,” she muttered. “It’s just that I…”
Amelia interrupted with a playful smile. “Oh, do not try to deny it. I’ve seen the signs before. A glass of wine and some merrymaking, and now here you are, suffering from the effects.” She gave her a sympathetic look. “I could fetch the willow bark tea for you, if you like. It does wonders for headaches, I hear.”
Helena narrowed her eyes slightly. “How do you know that?”
Amelia’s smile turned mischievous. “Oh, my brother’s whisky is hardly the only thing Mrs. Owen keeps in stock around here. And… I may have been curious to see what all the fuss is about. Willow bark tea has a long history of curing many a headache.”
Helena raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
Amelia nodded seriously. “It’s a cure-all, I assure you. And,” she added with a cheeky grin, “if you ever get into too much trouble again, I’ll make sure you get some.”
Helena chuckled despite herself, “I may take you up on that,” she said, rubbing her temples again. “I must have acted like such a fool last night.”
“You did not act the fool. Don’t be silly. We had such a lovely evening thanks to you.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “What do you mean?Ididn’t do anything.”
“You helped me get Silas to play for us. And you sang so beautifully!”
She blushed. “Th-thank you.”
Amelia squeezed her arm. “You’re welcome. I truly wish you were my sister.”
Helena gave her a sympathetic look and squeezed her hand back.
Suddenly Amelia got a sly look upon her face. “You know, if you married Silas, we could be real sisters.”
Helena let out a snort. “Me? A duchess? Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Why not?” Amelia asked. “You would make such a lovely bride, and I know you can make Silas a happy man. He’s wound up too tight. You would loosen him up.”
“Aha, so you want me to be the distraction, so you can get what you want out of your brother?”
“No! I want him to be happy.” Amelia grinned, “And perhaps a bit more free rein, yes.”
“I believe you, dear. On both accounts,” Helena rolled her eyes.
Amelia jumped off the bed. “Come on then. Breakfast is waiting.” She practically pulled Helena off the bed.
