He had lusted after many women in his lifetime, but none had captivated him so completely. Never had he found one he could not turn away from. Hell, before her, he never had turned away. He took what he wanted and when the affairs grew tedious, he broke the arrangements. “Bloody hell.” Amelia was no affair, she was an innocent. He could not give into his desire for her, even if she wanted him too. Lord knew he wanted to, but he crossed the line at virgins.
The flicker of a lantern drew his attention, and he turned toward it.
“Your Grace, an urgent correspondence.” The footman held out a tray.
“Very well.” Richard took the envelope and entered the house in search of a letter opener. Having found one, he unfolded the letter and read its words. His heart clenched as he crumbled the letter in his fist. There had been an accident at his shipping yard. Several of his workers were injured or killed. He needed to return to Scotland post haste.
Aunt Grace would understand the necessity. He mounted the stairs intent on preparing for his journey. What of Lady Amelia? He wanted to protect her from her own foolish schemes. The woman had no clue how dangerous her game could be. He raked his fingers through his hair. How would he be able to save her from herself while he was in Scotland? By the time he returned to London her reputation would be in ruins, and she would be shackled in an ill-gained marriage sure to make her miserable. He would have to speak with Aunt Grace before taking his leave.
* * * *
“What is the matter?” Edna stared at Amelia, concern reflected in her gaze.
Amelia clutched the letter Edna had brought her. “All is as it should be. Why do you ask?”
Edna shifted on her feet, appearing uncomfortable. “You have gone pale, and your hands are shaking. I will get the smelling salts.”
“That is not necessary.” Amelia waved the letter through the air. “I assure you, I am well.”
Edna studied her for a moment. “Very well, if there is nothing else--”
Amelia nodded her head, cutting off her maid’s words.
Once Edna left the room, Amelia reached into the desk drawer and retrieved a letter opener. She knew that nothing from Uncle Lewis would be well received. He had likely written to remind her she had but a fortnight left in England. She filled her lungs with air as she studied the letter resting in her hand. It was posted from Scotland. His ship must have made a stop there. With a lack of enthusiasm, she sliced the envelope open and pulled out the contents.
Dearest Amelia,
I trust that my letter will find you well, and enjoying your added time in London. I hope this time allows you to properly see to your responsibilities and arrange the necessary preparations. I do not doubt that the duchess is taking exemplary care of you, so on that topic I will say no more.
I have sent orders for my servants to prepare a suite of rooms for you on the south side of the plantation. The rooms I selected have an impressive view of the gardens, for which I know you will be pleased. I have also ordered a room prepared for your maid. Passage has been arranged on the Acacia, which sails Thursday, the eighteenth of May.
Less than a fortnight! Blast it, everything seemed to be unraveling, and there was naught she could do about it. She crumpled the letter in her hand without finishing it as tears gathered in her eyes. The desire to run away from her problems overtook her sensibilities. The note slipped from her hand as she left the room and headed for the stables. Between Lord Roseington’s engagement and Uncle Lewis’s letter, all of her plans seemed to turn to dust. Not to mention the further complications added by the duke.
She traversed to the stable and ordered Ruby saddled at once. Amelia slid onto her sidesaddle and dug her heel into the horse’s sides causing it to take off at a fast canter. With no clear direction, she steered Ruby onto Piccadilly Street and raced toward the edge of London. In her wake, she could hear outraged Londoners yelling for her to slow down. Her mourning veil came loose and dropped to the dirty street. A cloud of dust trailed behind her as she raced on. The need to escape drove her on.
After reaching the edge of London, she pulled the reins, slowing Ruby. If she rode straight, she could go home to Everthorne. No one would think to search for her there, at least not until they exhausted themselves searching London. That would give her at least a day to be alone and think things through. The crunching sound of carriage wheels startled her out of her thoughts and she gathered the leather reins tighter. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she darted into the forest upon Ruby’s back. She could not chance being spotted this far from London. And without a chaperone at that.
The woods opened into a clearing with one grand tree in the center. Its thick trunk gave way to a snarl of low branches and bright green leaves. Dismounting, she dropped to the ground, then led Ruby to the majestic tree. She tied the reins about one of the thicker branches to secure the horse in place. Exhaustion swept over her as she lowered herself to the ground using the tree’s trunk for support. Ruby happily chomped the tall grass while Amelia tried to gather her energy and courage. Her heart cried out for home, making it easy for her to determine a destination.
She reached over and ran a hand down Ruby’s silky neck, “Would you like to go home, girl? Back to Everthorne?”
The horse lifted its head and neighed in response.
“As would I. It is settled then. We are going home.” She warmed at the thought of her family estate and the comfort she knew it offered.
Happy with the prospect of returning, she allowed her eyes to close. A little rest would do her good. Everthorne stood more than half a day’s ride from London, and she had just begun the journey. She would need her energy for the ride.
The sound of the rustling leaves coupled with the gentle breeze comforted her soul, lulling her into slumber.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Nature’s music wokeAmelia. She stood to stretch before mounting Ruby, intent on setting off for Everthorne. She had slept longer than planned, as evidenced by the sun drooping in the sky and her rumbling midsection. She should have brought food along. Pushing the thought from her mind, she focused on the ride ahead.
She reached in front of her and petted Ruby with a gentle feathery stroke. “If we hurry, we can still reach Everthorne before nightfall.” Ruby took a step and nodded her head. She removed her hand from the horse’s neck, taking the reins more firmly. After making her way out of the forest and back onto the road, she pushed Ruby into a fast gallop.
A thick plume of dust followed in her wake as she raced toward the countryside. Every so often she slowed Ruby for a bit so as not to wear the horse out. Her heart soared at the familiar sights she encountered along the way. She had passed a few peasants, but gratefully had not encountered any of the gentry.
