Grace tittered. “Let an old hand deal with that. I will call on Mr. Lewis tomorrow. Do not worry your head one more second about it. I am quite certain he’ll agree. I have but one question, dear. How long are you intending to stay in England?”
“Forever.” Amelia’s reply came too hastily, but she could not stop herself. The dowager’s eyes widened and Sarah drew a sharp breath.
“How do you plan to manage it?” Sarah lowered her gaze and plucked at her skirts.
“I intend to find a husband. Amelia looked at them, begging them to understand an idea she did not yet understand herself.
“You could not. It is positively scandalous. Amelia, you are in mourning,” Indignation dripped off Lady Sarah’s tongue.
Amelia’s cheeks heated at the reprimand. She knew her idea would prove risky, but she also believed it could work. She merely had to convince them that the imminent scandal would prove worthwhile.
The duchess leaned forward. “Nonsense, Lady Sarah. If Amelia desires to stay in England, we will help her. And if she wishes to marry, we will assist in that, too. Compared to Amelia’s happiness, the consequences are of no concern.”
Lady Sarah’s eyes widened, and she fixed them on the duchess. “I do not want Amelia moving to America either, but I do not see any other way. How is she to find a husband when she is not at liberty to attend parties, or be called upon?”
“I intend to trap one.” Amelia managed to keep her voice level. “There are many eligible bachelors keeping residence in London for the season. I merely need to decide on one, and then...appear to be compromised by him.”
Sarah’s face paled. “Think of the scandal, Lady Amelia! You will be ruined.”
“And we shall assist her.” The duchess fired a daring glance in Lady Sarah’s direction. “Marriage will put a fast end to any ensuing scandal, so there is no use worrying about it in the first place.”
Amelia pushed out a breath and tried to relax. This had to work. It simply had to.
* * * *
As Amelia snuggled in her feather bed, desperately wanting sleep to take her, her thoughts alternated between trying to determine who to make her viscount and how to accomplish the task. Anxious and overtired, she crawled from her bed, donned her wrapper, and headed for Papa’s old office, knowing the cure for her insomnia rested within its walls.
Sudden grief stabbed her heart when her lamplight illuminated the room. Everything remained just as Papa had left it. His mahogany desk still held Mama’s miniature in its ornate brass frame. The office chair was slanted slightly to the side as if he had just exited it. Hunter green crushed velvet drapes were pulled partially open, allowing moonlight to stream into the room, and Papa’s slippers still rested near his chaise. The room even smelled like Papa--a heartrending blend of cigar smoke and spice.
She entered the office and set the lamp down. The sherry decanter beckoned to her. She moved to it, poured herself a glass, and tossed it back. Unladylike, but she did not care. The dark liquid sent a comforting trail of warmth down her throat. After she poured another glass, she positioned herself on the corner of Papa’s desk. No one had entered the room for six weeks. Her father had been too sick for business matters, and hadn’t wanted her to worry about them. He assigned his steward to take care of the accounting and property management tasks during his illness. If she was forced to leave England, she supposed the steward would continue to run her estate.
Amelia took another sip of the sherry, relaxing as it blazed a path into her belly. Picking up Mama’s miniature, she realized she could feel both of her parents in the room. As warm tears rolled down her cheeks, she dashed the dampness away with the back of her hand. Mama had spent a great deal of time in here before her passing.
Staring at Mama’s image reminded her again of just how much she resembled her mother, right down to her curly hair and emerald eyes. With a jagged sigh, she placed the miniature back on the desk.
“I love you.” Her whispered endearment echoed in the room. Standing, she finished the drink and placed her glass back on the serving tray. The liquor spread warmth through her, thawing her chilled marrow. Perhaps she would sleep well after all.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER TWO
Dread and anticipationwarred within Richard Collingsworth, the Duke of Goldstone, as he strolled across the Duchess of Abernathy’s manicured lawn. On the one hand, London held little appeal for him. On the other, he was looking forward to spending time with his favorite aunt.
English debutants and mamas were not so different from their Scottish counterparts, and he had no desire to become ensnared by some scheming mother and her husband-hunting offspring. He’d had his share of that over the years. His gut clenched at the thought of Lady Ophelia, who’d done her level best to trap him before spreading nasty rumors across Scotland when he refused her advances. No more, he’d not allow it. When he settled down, it would be because he chose the woman; not because he had been trapped.
He glanced down at his clothing. A thick layer of dust clung to his riding attire from the day’s traveling. Had his luggage arrived? His trunks had been sent ahead. He hoped they had as he badly needed a fresh set of clothing. Business matter’s slowed his journey, he had several stops to make between his Scottish estate and London. Everything he had packed in his saddle bag was now in need of laundering.
As he stepped onto the wide porch, Aunt Grace’s butler opened the door. “Welcome, Your Grace. It is always a pleasure to have you in residence.”
Richard removed his riding gloves and hat as he stepped into the foyer. “Is my aunt occupied at the moment?”
“She is preparing to go calling.” The butler offered a smile.
Before Richard could say more, Aunt Grace rounded the corner. “Richard, my dear boy, how lovely to see you.” Eyes brightening at the sight of him, she stepped up beside him and planted a kiss upon his cheek.
He returned the kiss before handing his coat to the butler. “I am always honored to spend time with my favorite aunt.”
A light blush crept into her cheeks as she fought to repress a smile. “How you do go on. I am afraid I was just preparing to go out. This errand cannot wait, but I will have a room readied for you and we will catch up when I return.” Looking to her butler, she added, “Have a maid ready a room for my nephew right away.”
