Amelia accepted it with a smirk and allowed him to guide her into the inn.
He escorted her up the stairs leading to their accommodations for the evening, then released her arm to open the heavy wood door. A warm room greeted them with all the necessary comforts. She did not hesitate to take advantage of it. Sinking into a wing back chair, she allowed all of the tension to drain from her limbs.
“The only thing that would make this better is a bath and fresh clothing.” She glanced at Richard, who removed his jacket and draped it over the chaise.
“Truer words have rarely been spoken. I will go order a bath to be brought up and see if I can procure a fresh gown for you.”
“Where ever do you think you might find a gown this time of night?” The very idea was absurd.
“My dear, you forget who I am. Nothing is beyond the realm of possibility when you have a dukedom.” He swung his jacket back on, before leaving the room.
She allowed her head to fall back on the chair and closed her eyes. For the first time in ages, no thoughts tickled her mind. She rejoiced in the solitude, allowing it to absorb her.
The door creaked, pulling her out of her relaxed state. Her eyes snapped open to reveal a young woman in the entrance with a pile of clothes in her hands.
“My lady, his grace requested I come up to help you with your bath.” The maid curtsied, her load nearly tumbling to the floor. “May I allow the tub to be brought in?”
“Yes, indeed, bring it in.” Amelia remained seated as she watched the tub being filled. The maid seemed rather young but very capable despite her tender years. She stood several inches shorter than Amelia, and her body lacked shape. An auburn braid hung over her shoulder, drawing attention away from the delicate features of her face.
Once the others completed their tasks and left them alone, the maid turned warm cocoa eyes on Amelia. “I will help you out of those garments, if you please, my lady.”
Standing, Amelia moved closer and presented her back. “You can dispose of them once they are removed.”
In mere minutes, the warm water of the tub enveloped her naked form. “I can manage from here. Thank you for your assistance,” Amelia said with an appreciative grin.
The maid curtsied with a slight smile tugging at her lips. “As you please.”
Amelia washed her hair and body, scrubbing the remaining soot and smoke away. Her task completed, she lay back and let the jasmine-scented air transport her. It reminded her of the Duchess of Abernathy’s garden and the first time she kissed Richard. Did she love him then? Had she loved him this whole time and just could not see it? Her focus was so fixed on ensnaring an English peer into holy matrimony. Had her plotting clouded her true emotions and cause her to ignore what was right in front of her?
Sitting up, she dipped a rag into the now-tepid water and brought it to her face. Perhaps her plan was foolish. What good would it do for her to remain in England if she would be unhappy? And she knew now that she would be. But Richard could not be the solution either. He did not love her. She dropped the rag into the water and stood.
Tonight, she would find satisfaction within the duke’s arms, enjoy him while she could, then she would go to America as ordered. In two years she would return to Everthorne and everything else she held dear. Whipping away the last drips of jasmine-scented water, she searched about for something to cover her flesh with. A bed sheet seemed the best choice. She retrieved it and wrapped it around herself before settling into a chair.
Richard’s voice traveled to her through the door. “Amelia, may I come in?”
She rearranged the sheet so one leg peeked out and it draped low, revealing the mound of her breasts. “Please do.”
He sauntered in carrying a dress box. Setting it on the bed, he turned and went back out to the hall without sparing a glance in her direction.
She shifted as agitation crept through her. Was it possible he hadn’t seen her state of undress, or was she simply that easy to ignore? She worried her lip.
Moments later, he entered with a tray of food, closing the door behind him. Once he placed the provisions on the table, he turned to her. A blush warmed her skin when his eyes landed on her and traveled the length of her mostly exposed body.
Her chest flittered with excitement.
“I will step out so you can dress. Do you wish to have the maid sent back up?” His words flowed out in a husky tone, and despite their implications, he made no effort to leave. His eyes remained riveted on her, a rakish grin seated on his lips.
“That will not be necessary.” She stood and sauntered over to him, releasing the sheet to reveal her body in all of its naked glory. “I do not feel like getting dressed.” She wound her arms around him, threading her fingers into his thick hair as she brought her lips to his.
The kiss intensified as passion swept through her. He led her toward the bed, laying her down without breaking their connection. His mouth blazed a hot trail down her neck and across her collarbone before settling on her breast. Every touch accelerated the need deep within her, causing her desire for him to intensify.
She began removing his cravat, wanting nothing more than to feel his skin against hers. Every part of her body burned with need as she fumbled to remove his clothing. She cast his cravat aside and started removing his shirt while he kissed a trail across her collarbone. A whimper of pleasure left her throat.
He pulled back. His sapphire gaze bore into hers. “Amelia--”
She placed her finger over his lips and brought her face close. “I know what I want. Do not deny me again.”
Their lips joined again in a passionate frenzy. He gently stroked a hand down her abdomen and across her thigh, leaving a tantalizing trail everywhere he touched. She brought her lips to his shoulder, kissing across the tan, muscled skin and down to his chest. Her heart soared.
