Edward said they did not matter. But how could they not? How could they not matter to a man like him?
They were at the front of the queue, and Amelia still had not looked at Edward once. Though, judging by the warmth she continually felt at the side of her face, he was sparing her many a glance.
Her heart cracked a bit more. Perhaps she could chance it?
No. No, she must be strong. Or else she would end up as Edward’s own mother. A broken shell of a woman.
Oh, how she wished to risk it though.
“Lady Norwich.” Papa’s strong voice brought her crashing into reality. She sank into a curtsy, noting his use of her title as a way of distancing himself from her. If she could feel any lower, she would.
No, that wasn’t fair. He was simply acting as any duke might.
“Your Grace.” Edward bowed when Amelia did not speak. “Lady Edith, Lady Henrietta. It is a pleasure to see you all this evening.”
They each nodded, then Edward and Amelia moved to leave. Amelia caught Henrietta’s questioning gaze and offered a small smile of reassurance in return.
As they walked, Amelia straightened her shoulders and donned her confidence. When she returned home, she could cry into her pillows for a week for all she cared. But she was here for Henrietta and would aid her suit by displaying an abundance of propriety throughout the evening.
“Would you like something to drink?” Edward murmured at her side.
Amelia nearly said no but changed her mind. “Yes. Thank you.”
When he left to gather the drinks, she finally allowed her eyes to watch him.
“Now what has put that expression on your face, Lady Norwich?”
Amelia startled, turning to see the Dowager Countess of Cromwell arriving at her side. “I do not know what expression you could mean,” she said evasively, her eyes darting to where Edward was still visible weaving through the crowd.
“That one.”
Amelia blinked at her.
The dowager squinted her eyes at Amelia, but Amelia withstood her scrutiny. “Very well, I shall not pester you about it. I am happy to see you much improved, physically at least, but wonder at your undertaking such an outing so soon after your illness.”
Did she know of her scars as well? How many people would Edward have told? Was that why the dowager was watching her so closely? “The physician pronounced me well enough.”
Still, she eyed her. “Yes, yes, of course.”
“And yourself?” Amelia asked, suddenly recalling her manners. “Are you and your family well?”
“Yes, indeed, thank you. My son is about somewhere.” She scanned the crowd momentarily.
Amelia could think of nothing else to say, and so she nodded.
“Ah. Edward has returned.”
Amelia looked suddenly in the direction Lady Cromwell indicated.
“And there is the look again. Only, this time, it comes from him.”
Feeling not at all brave, but wholly curious, Amelia chanced a glance into his face.
Such strong emotion shone through his eyes as he steadily walked toward her. His gaze did not leave hers as he came to her side and handed her a glass.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
He nodded and took a sip from his glass.
