Amelia pressed further against the wall. She had nowhere to go with the women blocking the exit, and it would be horrifying to be found just now.
“At least her father was able to make him marry her. None of the others were successful in that.”
“Do you suppose she’s with child?” Amelia’s mouth dropped open at thewhispered question, barely audible over the din past the ladies. “I can only imagine that the affair must have been that terrible for the duke to even want to align his family with such a name.”
“Most likely. Though I think she would have been better off escaping to the country. Everyone likes to look at the man, but who would want to marry him, knowing what we do of his dalliances?”
“I would have.”
Laughter surged again.
“You would never!”
“Yes, I would, to be a countess... and to be able to look upon his handsome face every day. Plus, there is something wholly delicious about a rake, wouldn’t you say? I daresay it would make his wandering interests worth it.”
Ever since her conversation with Kate, Amelia had been able to push her misgivings about Edward from her mind. Mostly. Then these horrid whisperers had gone and brought them all back to the surface. But still, it would all be worth it should Henrietta be able to see Sir Frederick. At least, she hoped.
The carriage rumbled slowly along the cobbled street, almost lulling her to sleep. Instead, she shook herself. “I do not understand.”
Edward—she had given up calling him Lord Norwich, at least in her head—spoke from his side of the closed carriage. “What is that?”
She stifled a yawn. “I do not understand how people enjoy this sort of schedule. One week and I am ready to give in to my exhaustion and sleep for an entire day.”
Instead of responding immediately, Edward changed from his seat to hers. The darkness obscured his features but did nothing to dispel the awareness she had of his proximity. The words of the women at the ball suddenly surged in her mind.
“Lie your head on my shoulder and rest; it will be some time before we make it through this crowd and home.”
“No one can see us in our carriage, Lord Norwich. You need not offer your person up as a pillow.”
“Not for the ruse, Amelia, simply to help you be comfortable.”
Oh dear. That would not do. That sort of familiarity was not a good idea. Particularly not when alone and shrouded in darkness. “I-I could not possibly reach your shoulder.”
He slid down, comically slouched in the seat. A shaft of moonlight spilled between the curtains of the carriage at the exact moment he smiled at her at eye level. Her chest became tight. Why must he be so attractive? And kind.
And confusing.
Yet despite it all, she lowered her head to his shoulder, the movement slow and halting, much like the movement of their carriage through the still-crowded streets of London. Then her skin connected with the soft fabric of his jacket, and her heart attempted to leap from her chest.
It took far less time than she would have expected to slow her breathing, but once she managed it, exhaustion returned.
“You are a good man, Lord Norwich,” Amelia murmured sleepily, her eyes already drifting closed. The words were a direct contrast to those spoken by the gossiping women at the ball. But she felt they were far truer.
***
Edward glanced down at the missive in his hand, drumming his free fingers on the top of his desk. Weeks ago, he had hired a physician to travel to his valet’s home, and the previous correspondence he had received had indicated it had made a great deal of difference in Barton’s mother’s condition.
But now the doctor wrote that the woman had contracted an ailment of her lungs due to an extensive week of cold and rain. Her already weakened condition was not fighting the new sickness well. Edward cursed, throwing aside the folded papers. His involvement was supposed to have made a difference. Barton did not deserve this. Neither did his family. Edward’s hands clenched at the arms of his chair, and he thrust himself up, pacing the length of his bookroom.
What else could be done? Was another physician needed? No, Edward had hired the best available. He had come highly recommended and expressed an interest in relocating his practice already. Perhaps he could hire help to improve Barton’s family’s living conditions. Surely that would be of assistance. Especially if the weather was as dismal as it sounded. A new roof, repaired walls, these things made all the difference when one was in poor health. Could Edward go himself and provide any sort of help? As wroth as he was to admit it, Barton was his best friend, and he could not allow the man to suffer alone, could he?
He paced to the window, peering out. It was a three days’ ride from London. If he only stayed long enough to see what needed to be done and begin the repairs, he could be back by week next.
But no, Amelia needed him in London. They were meant to act the part of a happy couple, and he could not very well aid in that if he ran across the country. And it would not help his cause in getting to know her and endearing himself to her.
But perhaps he could take Amelia with him. The two of them could call it a wedding trip—though a poor excuse for one it would be. The possibility of having her to himself for over a week, half of that spent ensconced in a carriage together...
The idea certainly had merit.
