She directed her gaze toward the floor and wept more loudly. “I am so lonely and scared. I do not know what to do anymore. I feel so lost. How will I go on without Papa? What will become of me? I have no one.” She got the words out in between sobs. The honesty behind them increased her sobs and a lump formed in her throat.
“Surely it is not as bad as all that. You have your uncle, the duchess, and Lady Sarah, as well as countless other friends.” He smiled and removed his hand from under her chin. “Let me go fetch the duchess or Lady Sarah for you. It is not proper for me to be alone with you, and I truly am not equipped to assist you.”
She panicked as he turned to leave and did the only thing that came to mind, backing close enough to the fireplace for the flames to catch her skirts. “I am on fire!” she yelled as she spun around.
Lord Roseington rushed to her side, grabbing a pillow from the chaise as he ran past it. He dropped to his knees, and began swatting at the flames as she feigned panic in hopes of drawing a crowd. When she saw the last bit of flame disappear, she crumpled, landing solidly on his bent knees, sending them both to the floor. She flung her arms around his shoulders and buried her face in his neck. “You saved me. I was so frightened. Thank you.” She enunciated every word in as loud a tone as she could muster.
Lord Roseington wrapped his arms around her and stood up, setting her on her feet. “Everything is okay now.” He reached up and removed her arms from around him, then took a step back. “We must stop winding up in these situations before we cause a scandal.”
She looked at him through hooded eyes. “It is a wonder we have not already.”
A man cleared his voice behind her, causing her heart to skip a bet. The duke! “Your Grace, you must not trouble yourself with keeping our secret.”
“What she means to say is there is no secret to be kept. She carelessly got close enough to the hearth to catch her skirts ablaze. I could not very well let her burn.”
“No, Roseington, you were obliged to help. I am glad to know you were not taking advantage of our dear Lady Amelia.” He glanced at her and flashed a rakish smirk. “Indeed, you are a hero. Let us go share the story while she changes her charred gown.”
She peered at him as she fought the urge to strike him. His grin only deepened, increasing her ire. “Don’t you dare tell a soul. I would most definitely perish from the embarrassment.” Amelia spat the words out with anger and annoyance. How dare he ruin everything for a second time, and then jest about sharing her humiliation. If he were not Scottish, she would trap him instead. That would teach him a lesson.
“Do not worry your head over it, Lady Amelia. We will not breathe a word of this little mishap. Right, Goldstone?” Lord Roseington said.
“Of course not. All of your secrets are safe with me.” The duke winked.
She blushed at what he implied. “Thank you. Now that it is settled I am going to retire for the evening. Enjoy the rest of the party. Lord Roseington, Your Grace.” She inclined her head to them before speeding from the room. The duke’s laughter chased her down the hall as she fled.So glad to have amused you, Your Grace!
* * * *
After leaving Roseington in the gaming room, Richard sought out his aunt. He failed to find her in the parlor, or anywhere else that guests roamed. She must have gone to check on Lady Amelia. He turned toward the stairs leading to the bedchambers above.
The idea of Lady Amelia and Roseington being lovers nagged at the back of his mind as he climbed them, his hand skimming the banister. Her reaction to him in the library played through his thoughts. She had behaved like an experienced woman, but her gaze held the look of an innocent.
Perhaps if she were involved in a romantic assignation with Roseington he could get her off his mind. The last thing he desired was the complications brought by a woman. All the same he longed to make her his. Her behavior intrigued him as much as her beautiful face. One moment she was offering herself up to him, and the next ordering him away or peering at him in anger. He still believed her to be playing some sort of game. She had to be, nothing else made sense. But what was it and why? He had to know.
Before he could announce his presence outside of Lady Amelia’s room her sweet voice drifted into the hall.
“He ruined my plan again. What am I to do now?”
“There is nothing for it but to try again or give into your uncle’s wishes.” Aunt Grace answered her.
“I will never go to America. I cannot.”
His gut knotted. He had heard enough to know she was attempting to snare Roseington. He fought the urge to enter her room as he listed to the ladies.
“Perhaps the plan keeps failing because you are meant for another.”
Disdain dripped from Lady Amelia’s voice. “I would never marry an American. Only an English lord will do for me.”
He left the way he had come with a new found heaviness to his heart. Lady Amelia was no better than all those husband hunting mamas and scheming debutante’s back in Scotland. It was for the best he found out. Now he could be done with her for he would never become involved with another lady like Ophelia.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER TEN
Amelia turned downher lantern and settled onto her down mattress. Closing her eyes, she prayed for sleep to rescue her from the reality she found herself trapped in. When she dreamed, the mourning garb disappeared, she no longer required a fast wedding, and most importantly, Papa often appeared there with her. Amelia’s gowns draped her in color, and the weeping veil remained ever absent as she interacted with her peers. Last night, she dreamed she danced at a ball in the arms of a masculine stranger. His face stayed a mystery, but she felt safe in his arms. She hoped the dream would return to comfort her this eve.
A creak sounded outside of the bedroom door and she turned her head toward the noise. Who could be out there? Her heart skipped a beat as the door opened to reveal the Duke of Goldstone filling the entry. His features appeared stern in the illumination from the hearth’s fire. She slammed her eyes shut and hoped he would just leave. What in Hades was he doing coming into her room? Why was he not at the ball? She closed her eyes and remained still, hoping he would think she slept.
“Amelia, open your eyes.” His voice vibrated through her, smooth and strong.
