“I’m looking after her,” Graham said.
“Graham is my escort in my brother’s place.”
“Oh?” Julia raised a brow.
Deveraux cleared his throat, reminding everyone of his existence. Amelia might consider him handsome if he weren’t so young. Though on reflection, he was also Sam’s age. And her own. Odd.
“I heard a rumor . . .” Deveraux said.
“Oh, do tell.” Amelia winked at him. “There is nothing more exciting than hearing scintillating gossip. Something that stirs wicked intentions.”
Blakewood cleared his throat. Amelia ignored the stern look he directed at her. Instead, she beamed at Deveraux, fluttering her lashes. She knew she was only using the poor man to taunt Graham for making her feel insignificant and jealous over this delightful woman, not that he had done it on purpose. But just the idea of him and Julia together made her stomach burn with acid, and her feelings needed an outlet.
Deveraux’s face reddened as he stuttered. Julia sent her a wicked half-smile. Dash it all, Ameliadidwant to like her. She wasn’t that much older than Amelia, but she was wildly more experienced and worldly. A woman who controlled her own fate.
Envy only stoked the burn in Amelia. Was this the kind of woman who could hold Blakewood’s attention?
Deveraux rocked back on his heels, eyeing Blakewood warily. “Uh, well.”
“Let me guess,” Blakewood said dryly. “You heard Lady Amelia and I are betrothed?”
Deveraux turned redder. “Yes.”
“It’s not a rumor if it’s true.” Blakewood glanced around the room, appearing bored, and Amelia suppressed a smile. Perfect sophisticated aloofness.
Julia’s full, red lips formed anOof genuine surprise, and then she beamed, but the smile did not reach her eyes. She said to both of them, “Felicitations.”
Amelia tried to smile happily, but all she felt was awkward. “Our thanks. We only announced it yesterday.”
“Alston must be thrilled,” Julia said, with a touch more genuine interest.
The tension in Amelia’s spine softened. Perhaps there was nothing of consequence between Julia and Graham. Or if there had been, it was long ago and they were just friends now. It didn’t matter, Amelia reminded herself. Gentlemen did as they pleased with whom they pleased.
“He is,” Amelia said, giving Blakewood a side glance. He stood stoic, as if they were discussing the weather. She dug her nails into his arm, and he focused on her. “Isn’t he?” she prodded.
“Yes. We’ve been close friends for years, and now we’ll be family.”
“They’re already like brothers,” Amelia added sheepishly. “My brother will be relieved to have another male in the house instead of just his annoying sister.”
“But you won’t live together, won’t you?” Julia asked. “You’ll have your own home to care for once you’re married.”
Amelia blinked. “No, I wouldn’t leave my brother alone. Not until he’s married.” She looked to Blakewood. “And you agree, don’t you? We can’t leave him alone.”
Graham was already nodding in agreement.
“How peculiar, but I suppose Graham and Alston are such close friends they wouldn’t mind such an arrangement,” Julia replied.
The strains of a violin blanketed the conversation, and the guests were invited to take their seats. Graham led Ameliatoward the chairs just as her Aunt Ruth entered, searching for her with her hawk-like gaze.
“Julia, Mr. Deveraux, why don’t you sit with us?” Amelia asked.
“I’d love to,” Julia replied.
They filtered through the crowd until they found four chairs. Blakewood and Amelia sat, and Julia took the chair on Blakewood’s left and Deveraux beside her. Which left the seat next to Amelia perilously vacant. Amelia set her fan down and searched for a friendly face to border her. To her relief, Lady Hendricks took the seat, smiling in greeting. She was hard of hearing and rarely spoke, for which Amelia was thankful. Her luck ended as her Aunt Ruth and Nelson took the seats behind her. Amelia tensed as Nelson put a hand on the back of her chair. His vile finger brushed the back of her neck, and she resisted a shiver.
The crowd quieted as a trio of young women took the platform with their violin, flute, and cello. Amelia turned to Blakewood, hoping in spite of herself that he’d noticed Nelson’s forwardness and would turn that powerful glare upon someone else for a change. But he was turned toward Julia, and they were speaking quietly.
Amelia’s insides went up in flames. She faced the front, waving her fan as a flush of anger washed through her.
