She looked mildly surprised but quickly replaced any emotion with a placid sort of weariness. “A reading would be fine.”
Edward stared at her a moment, trying to figure her out. “Very good. Will you sit with me?”
She hesitated before nodding.
He helped her to her feet, then took her arm in his. Her warmth was enticing, and he found himself tucking her a bit closer. They settled in a grouping of chairs the servants must have been instructed to gather together. Edward was loath to release Amelia but had no choice.
“Will you read something?” he asked.
“I think not. I will leave that to our guests.”
Ourguests. Edward enjoyed that little word more than he probably should.
“Will you?” she asked.
He paused. Perhaps he ought to. Would not reading an eloquent love poem endear him to Amelia when they seemed to have taken a step back in the last day, since he’d evaded her questions about his past?
But he suddenly found he had no desire to leave this very seat. Not with Amelia beside him appearing so minute and unlike the woman he’d glimpsed in private.
He thought back to the few times she had seemed truly happy in his company. Not once had one of those times been a planned sort of wooing based off his understanding of feminine sentiments.
“No. I find I would rather remain here,” he said, watching for her reaction.
Her eyes searched his, and Edward’s heart thudded uncomfortably.
And then she smiled at him.
It was a small smile, yes, but it reached her eyes and held no mockery.
Progress, again, it would seem.
Only this time, Edward believed his own heart had softened more than Amelia’s.
Chapter Eighteen
In the night, Amelia hadcome upon a brilliant idea.
Friends.
She and Lord Norwich could be friends. No matter his past and no matter her secrets, they could live amiably. She had seen different sides of him she rather enjoyed, and though she was certain she could not trust him with her heart, she could at least enjoy his companionship.
Truly brilliant.
She stepped from her room, glancing at the portrait on the wall just opposite Lord Norwich’s room with amusement, then made her way to the stairs for breakfast.
“Amelia.” Lord Norwich stepped into her path from some obscured position along the wall, and Amelia jumped several inches backward.
“Good heavens, Lord Norwich. You startled me.”
He winced. “I apologize. Thankfully you were not on the stairs this time.”
That was true. “Why were you lying in wait for me?”
“That makes it sound so very nefarious. It is only that I have some business to attend to this morning and therefore already broke my fast. But I wished to invite you to join me this afternoon for ices at Gunter’s. Have you been?” He appeared unsure, shifting his weight from one foot to another.
“I have not but would enjoy a visit.” More than that, actually. Excitement filled her at the thought. Ever since reading about Gunter’s Tea Shop in theTimes, she had been curious about the fanciful cream ices that were molded into all manner of delicate shapes.
“Perfect. I will be home following luncheon.”
