“Indeed,” he said. His gaze fused with hers.
She tipped her chin up, aimed her lips at his, and rose onto her toes. When their lips touched, a tingling sensation ran through her. The warmth and softness of his mouth caused her body to cry out for something she did not understand. Amelia twined her fingers into his soft onyx locks. She wanted this moment to last forever. His tongue lightly wet her lips as he pulled her closer. She parted them on instinct, wanting what he offered. Never could she have imagined something so divine.
Suddenly, he broke the kiss, and stepped away from her. “I do not--”
She raised her chin defiantly. “Forgive me, Your Grace, I know not what I do.” She waved her hand and continued, “Something just came over me.”
His eyes glowed. Whether in pleasure or anger, she wasn’t sure.
“It seems to me you know exactly what you do. If that little show last night wasn’t enough proof, this display certainly is.” His tone cut through her.
Anger crept in and her body began to shake. “Last night is none of your concern. You can forget about our kiss as well. I assure you it will not happen again.”
“Please use my given name. Now that you have compromised me, Richard will do just fine.” He smirked roguishly. “As for your little game, Amelia, I intend to figure out exactly what you are up to.”
She swung her right hand through the air, effectively landing it palm down across his chiseled cheekbone. With her heart racing, she spun around and ran for the house, her skirts clutched tightly with both hands. His boisterous chuckle followed her every step of the way.
Upon entering her chamber, she collapsed on the vanity stool, catching her head in her hands. Hot tears flowed freely to pool in her palms. What a mess she had made. Her shoulders quivered as intense waves of emotion washed through her. He’d ruin everything. Discover her plan and warn Lord Roseington off. Why did he even care? She sobbed harder. Why did that kiss have to feel so right? Why didn’t she feel the same pull with Lord Roseington?
Sobbing would get her nowhere. Inhaling a deep breath, she straightened her back and wiped away the tears that now stained her face. The Duke of Goldstone proved to be a positively vexing man who meant nothing to her. The strange feelings were little more than warning bells telling her to stay away, to stop daydreaming about him. From this moment on, heaven help her, she would forget about the scoundrel.
Now that you have compromised me. Lord, how could she have been so foolish? What if he insisted she marry him? No, she would not consider the possibility. She shook her head. He would not make such a demand.
She gazed at her image in the looking glass. “Amelia Cosgrove, you will marry Lord Roseington. There is not a thing his grace, the insufferable Duke of Goldstone, can do about it.” She grinned at her reflection. After all, she remained determined. And with Grace, as well as Sarah, on her side she did not see how she could fail. Surely by this time next week she would be engaged to Lord Roseington. Richard would become nothing more than an unpleasant memory. Amelia nibbled her lower lip.Richard.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER EIGHT
Amelia set hercross-stitching aside, stood, and stretched her fingers. She could not tolerate much more of this isolation. Thank God Sarah planned to come for tea today; she needed human interaction. Glancing out the window, nature’s awe-inspiring display tugged at her heart. She retrieved her shawl and parasol, then wandered out into the magnificent sunshine.
The fresh morning air wrapped her in its divine warmth. Breathing deeply, she allowed it to wash over her. Being out in nature liberated her spirit. She felt lighthearted and hopeful as she traipsed merrily along the path. Her eyes landed on the ornate stone fountain and traveled up to the lover’s embrace. Memories of the duke flooded her mind, causing tingles to radiate through her core. Closing her eyes, she relived the moment their lips touched for the first time. His pressed gently against hers...scandalous sensations coursed through her body...then, nothing. He pulled away, leaving her embarrassed.
Startled by the sound of footsteps, she opened her eyes and spun to gaze over her shoulder. “Duchess.” Amelia smiled with both pleasure and relief at the sight of her friend. A sigh of respite escaped her lips. She was grateful it was not the duke standing before her.
“My apologies, dear. It was not my intention to sneak up on you.” Grace twirled her parasol. “We have not had much time to visit these last several days. When I saw you head out, it seemed the perfect opportunity to join you.”
Amelia smiled. “I am pleased you did. I have missed your companionship.” She nodded at the path. “Shall we walk? And do tell me what you have been up to these last few days.” They turned and followed the path to their left.
“Yes indeed. It is a perfect day for walking, and I have much to relay.”
Amelia nodded. “I want to hear every morsel. Do not exclude a thing. The tiniest detail is exciting to one who has not experienced it.”
Amelia took in the scenery as they continued along the path. Her gaze roomed over the statues and fountains they passed.
“Well, as you know, I attended the Marchioness’s soirée and a ball at the royal court. Then there was a dinner at the Duke of Hallow’s.”
“What did the queen wear? Was she draped in jewels?” Amelia’s cheeks warmed at her own forwardness.
“Indeed, pearls and rubies both. Her gown was gold brocade and ruby silk. She appeared every inch a royal, as she rightly must.”
“I know it is wrong of me to say, but I wish I had been present. I am weary of being excluded in the name of propriety. Do forgive my wickedness.” She sighed.
“You are not wicked, Amelia, just young and wild-natured.” The duchess winked at her. “I would not see you changed. As for propriety, you must adhere to society’s rules, or you would be excluded all the same.”
Amelia slanted her gaze toward the duchess. “All the same, I will be elated when these drab gowns meet the fire burning in my hearth.”
Grace placed her hand gently on Amelia’s shoulder. “In due time, dear.”
