His eyes flicked to Amelia’s, then back to Edith’s. “I would offer mine, but I am unsure what your preferred flavor may be. I could return and procure another for you.”
Edith tittered. “Lord Danford is just now ordering our ices. I simply could not miss a moment to chat with my sister and impart my wisdom, you might say.”
“Ah. How thoughtful of you.” He paused, and Edith stared down at him. He cleared his throat. “Your bonnet is particularly fetching this morning.”
Edith touched her hat. “It is new, you know. Mellie, I ought to take you shopping for something better than that dress you are wearing.”
Her eyes dropped to Amelia’s neckline, and unable to stop herself, Amelia’s hand went to cover her scars, though she knew full well that they were hidden.
Amelia gritted her teeth. She was halfway between exploding in frustration and melting in embarrassment.
“I rather like Amelia’s dress,” Lord Norwich said, eliciting surprise from both Amelia and Edith.
“Hmm. Well, I am not able to stay. Lord Danford will be looking for me.”
“I imagine so.” Lord Norwich said nothing else, only smiled charmingly, if a little icily, at Lady Edith.
Amelia pulled her hands together in her lap.
Somewhat placated, Edith allowed Lord Norwich to assist her from her carriage. Then, with a regretful look at Amelia, he handed her their ices and escorted Edith to Lord Danford.
A burning began at the back of her eyes as she watched them walk away. It felt as if everyone in the entire square were watching her perched atop Lord Norwich’s phaeton, though in reality, hardly anyone was. Still, she was embarrassed, hurt, and worried for Henrietta. Was it true? Was she being kept from the man she loved because of Amelia?
One rebellious tear broke from its containment and slid down her cheek. She tried to balance the ices in her lap to swipe it away before anyone could see, but one dish tipped sideways, spilling the confection across her dress.
“Here, let me.” The carriage tipped as Lord Norwich climbed back in, spilling more ice across her lap.
He pulled out his handkerchief, attempting to return as much of the ice back to its dish as possible. “Are you well?” he asked under his breath.
“Yes.”
From his close position, he looked down into her eyes. “I can tell that is not true, but I will not pester you for the truth just now.”
A lump formed in Amelia’s throat, and she could only nod.
“Try the ice,” he murmured, gesturing to the un-spilled cup before he gathered up the mess to return to the shop.
***
Her hands were not shaking when he returned from Gunter’s to their carriage, which had to be a good sign. Still, his blood boiled at the recollection of how her sister had been treating her.
“How was the ice?” he asked. She had hardly touched it.
“Delicious. I saved some for you.”
“You saved it all for me, it seems. Was it not to your liking?”
“I suppose I’ve lost my appetite.” Her words were subdued, her eyes averted.
“Then we shall go,” he said.
“No. You must eat your ice. We will be fine a few minutes longer.”
He watched her closely, taking the proffered treat. “Very well.”
She was silent, her hands twisting in her lap, which was still stained from the orange ice that had spilled.
“Thank you for seeing my sister away.”
