* * * *
Amelia ran her free hand down Ruby’s smooth neck as she used the other to brush the horse’s thick mane. The stable boy wanted to complete the task, but she dismissed him. Taking care of Ruby always brought her joy. She fancied the task and rather saw it as a bonding experience, today being no different. In fact, she needed the distraction and camaraderie now more than ever before. It was imperative for her to clear her mind and prepare for tomorrow. Tending Ruby would help her do just that.
When she was with her horse, everything else in the world melted away. Ruby listened attentively to her rambling, and loved her unconditionally. It mattered not to Amelia that most considered Ruby a beast incapable of human thoughts.
She reached into her pocket, retrieving the smooth red apple she’d saved from breakfast. “Here you are, darling,” she said, holding it out. Ruby gently took the fruit from her palm, and then nodded her head up and down playfully. Amelia continued to stroke Ruby’s muscular shoulder. “My you are a silly beast, and I as well for loving you so much.”
A familiar baritone filled the stall. When she turned away from Ruby, the Duke of Goldstone stood before her laughing.Richard. Her heart skipped a beat as their gazes locked. His sapphire eyes sparkled mischievously, and his boyish grin beckoned her to his lips. Heaven help her, she could not deny her attraction to him.
She mustered all of her strength, begging her knees to hold her upright, and her words to come. “Pray tell, Your Grace, what do you find so exhilarating?” she asked, desperately trying to ignore the unfamiliar feelings overwhelming her body.
His eyebrows shot upward in the most delectable way. “A lady behaving like a stable boy and professing her love for a beast. Why, I have never seen the likes of it,” he said, then commenced to laughing. “It is rather sweet, though odd.”
Every muscle in her body reacted to the sound of his voice, deep and rumbling through her every fiber. His sapphire eyes threatened to suck her in once again. She shook her head, freeing herself from the trance. Anger at his rudeness replaced her previous feelings. Or did he jest? Either way she considered it to be rude. “How dare you laugh at me! Stop it this instant.”
His laughter faded, but the devilish smirk stayed firmly ensconced upon his kissable lips. “If you wish not to be laughed at, then I suggest you act like a lady should. It is only natural for one to laugh at seeing such a flagrant display of affection.”
Lightning shot through her body, and anger warmed her insides. “Perhaps if you acted as a gentleman should, we would not be having this conversation. Go now, and leave me in peace.” She spun, turning her back to him, and waved a hand dismissively.
Lord help her, she felt more than anger. A new throbbing sensation invaded her core, and it took all her strength to remain standing. What was happening to her?
“If I dare say, you are an interesting creature, Lady Amelia.” His chuckle filled the stall once again followed by the sound of his retreating footsteps echoing through the stables.
Interesting creature indeed! The duke had fast become the most infuriating man she had ever had the displeasure of spending time with. How dare he presume to know anything about her? What an utter pity he must stay under the same roof as her. She found the way her treacherous body behaved around him to be most unsettling. Amelia wanted to slap him and kiss him at the same time. She wished he would just go back to Scotland. And the sooner the better.
She turned her attention back to Ruby. “Well darling, what do you think about that?” The horse shook her head and snorted in answer. “I could not agree with you more,” Amelia said. She turned and left the stall.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER SIX
Amelia clutched acopy ofOld Saint Paul’swritten by William Harrison Ainsworth. She desperately tried to read the words on the page in front of her. The novel and its story of historical London had infatuated her yesterday. As tales of the great plague unfolded, she could not take her eyes from the pages. Tonight her attention remained riveted on the quartet’s music that seeped into the library. Trying to ignore it proved impossible. She marked her spot in the book, then placed it on the table next to her.
The longer she waited for Sarah to appear, the more restless she became. She stood up and paced between the warm crackling fire that danced in the hearth and the wall lined with leather bound books across from it. The duchess’s library was extensive, and included titles from all of the world’s most noteworthy authors. It seemed entirely possible that one could learn about any topic desired from the novels contained on those shelves.
Music drifting from the ballroom reverberated through the library and filled her head as she paced. Oh, how she wished to dance! What would it hurt if she did? She was quite alone. Amelia abandoned propriety and twirled, her feet carrying her across the great expanse. The rhythm of the quartet washed over her like a soothing salve for her soul. It relaxed her in varying degrees. She imagined herself wearing a stunning ball gown and dancing in the arms of the Duke of Goldstone. In life, he proved to be an infuriating Scottish lord, but in her fantasy...he became an English lord, and quite pleasant to spend time with.
A blush crept across her cheeks as she imagined him whispering sweet nothings into her ear. Amelia twirled back toward the hearth, batting her lashes in a flirtatious way, then smiled and curtsied to her imaginary partner as the song reached its conclusion. Smirking at her mischievousness, she sauntered back to the settee before retrieving her book from the table. Surely she would be able to focus now. She opened it, her gaze settling on the words. But her loneliness and grief crept back in. Her chest tightened with sorrow as she recalled the last time she danced with papa. The scent of his cologne, the expert way he guided her through the dance. She had felt safe in his strong embrace. Papa always had that effect on her. Dashing away the tears with her handkerchief, she attempted to read.
“In the plague-pit,” replied Pillichody. “I attended him during his illness. It was his second attack of the disorder. He spoke of you.”
“Did he--dear little fellow!” she exclaimed. “Oh, what did he say?”
“‘Tell her,’ he cried,” rejoined Pillichody, “‘that my last thoughts were of her.’“
Her tears flowed freely as she closed the book. Reading about death would not help her to escape her own sorrow. Upon standing, she walked to the large window and worked to regain her composure while she gazed out at the stars.
A swish of skirts pulled her attention back to her surroundings. She turned from the window and her gaze landed on Sarah standing in the doorway. The color of her new gown did accentuate her eyes, making them appear richer and darker. The color and design of the frock complemented her well indeed. “You are positively breathtaking, Sarah! Every lord here will sign your dance card.” Amelia beamed at her.
Sarah spun around and her skirts flared out around her. “Did I not tell you it was a marvelous gown? The dressmaker certainly outdid herself.” Sarah brushed her hand across her skirt. “I feel like royalty adorned in such a stunning gown.”
Amelia smiled despite her sullen mood. “It is perfect, Sarah, and you are quite right. It does become you.”
“How you flatter me, Amelia. You are causing a blush.” Sarah opened her fan and attempted to cool her face. “Have you decided how to become entwined in my brother’s arms?” She grinned deviously.
No, I have thought only of the Duke of Goldstone. Amelia sighed. “I have a few ideas. When do you plan to send him in?”
“I am thinking after the midnight meal so the ball does not get ruined by the scandal. Once you are caught, it is all anyone will want to speak of. Surely it will put a damper on the festivities,” Sarah said.
