“Indeed? Why would he leave at the start of the season?” Sir Daniel pressed.
“The well water may be rotten, and some sheep became ill,” Amelia said. “Or something of that nature.”
“Oh,” Sir Daniel blanched. “That is rather unfortunate. Something similar happened to Mr. Pipley. He lost his whole flock in the space of a month. Devastated his estate.”
Amelia turned to Graham in concern. “Might we lose the whole flock? That’s over two hundred sheep!”
“Alston will take things in hand, I’m certain.”
“When did he leave?”
“A week ago? The day of Lady Cecily’s garden party,” Graham said.
“Yes,” Amelia said. “I announced the engagement that day. It slipped out in conversation with my Aunt Ruth.”
Also truthful. Should he be worried she was getting better at deception?
Sir Daniel nodded. “Your cousin is trying to ingratiate himself with me in your brother’s absence. He seems certain he’ll one day hold the title.”
Amelia said nothing and sipped her drink. Graham shifted closer to her as Sir Daniel studied her in the awkward silence.
“Well, forgive me,” he finally said, “but I see a friend. I eagerly await our dance, Amelia.”
Graham stiffened. “LadyAmelia.”
Amelia glanced up at him in surprise.
“Did you give him leave to use your name so informally?” Graham asked. He then turned to Sir Daniel. “Did she?”
“I did not,” Amelia said.
Sir Daniel laughed. “My apologies, I misspoke. Your brother speaks of you so frequently, I forgot we’re not as good friends as he and I are.” He bowed.
“Well it remains Lady Amelia Clark to you,” Graham said. “Soon to be Lady Amelia Blakewood.”
Amelia’s hand tightened on his arm, but he did not look at her as Sir Daniel examined them both with renewed interest.
“You know, your brother has also mentioned you are quite adept at cards,” Sir Daniel said.
“Quite adept,” she agreed frostily.
“Might we have a little game this evening?”
“I’m afraid—”
“Certainly,” Graham cut across what was clearly about to be Amelia’s refusal. “A game in place of your dance,” he said.
Sir Daniel smirked. “Perfect. Until then.” He sauntered away, and Amelia again looked up at Graham, waiting for him to acknowledge her. He turned to face her, blocking out the crowd.
“You said no cards,” she said accusingly. “If I play him, I will undoubtedly embarrass him when I beat him thoroughly.”
“I would love to see that, and I have every faith in you to do so. I’d prefer that to watching him put his hands on you.”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. “Oh.”
Graham tossed back the rest of his champagne and turned back toward the dance floor. “The dancing is about to start.”
“Yes,” She finished her glass in one swallow, and a footman collected both glasses. The music started, summoning the dancers to the floor.
