The duchess tilted her head a margin to the left. “I am afraid not. Do either of you?”
Amelia’s gaze met Sarah’s. She hoped for inspiration, but did not find it. “As much as I desire to attend, I think it may be easier to pull off a plan if I refrain.”
Sarah folded her hands back into her lap. “Nor have I, but you are quite right. If you linger nearby the ballroom we can find a way to bring him to you. But how?”
Amelia nibbled her bottom lip. “I have not the slightest inkling”
“Well then, we shall have to ponder the matter further. You should join us at Abernathy House for luncheon tomorrow, Lady Sarah. Then we can discuss our course of action.” Grace’s head dipped, setting her pearl earbobs dancing.
Sarah found her footing once again. “I think it is a grand idea. Now I must be on my way.”
As she bid her friend adieu, Amelia prayed they would come up with something tomorrow.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER FOUR
Upon her arrivalat Grace’s townhouse, Amelia settled into a large guestroom. It featured a grand mahogany four-post bed against one wall, and an ornate cream-colored vanity on the other. The marble fireplace boasted Roman columns and a carved mantle. A cream and mint floral design papered the walls.
Amelia’s feet sank into the soft cream carpet as she moved across the room to a large window facing the back garden. It let in plenty of daylight, and a mint green chair was positioned next to it. She arranged herself in the chair and gazed out at the garden while she waited for Edna.
Edna breezed into the room moments later to ready Amelia for luncheon.
Unfortunately, she must still wear the drab black parramatta silk and crape mourning garb with a weeping veil. It seemed so out of place in this stately home, and only served to make her sadder. The mourning gowns would make it harder for her to ensnare a husband too. She hated looking like an old widow. What would Grace and Sarah think if she came down wearing a brightly colored day gown?
A mischievous smirk crawled across her face, then quickly faded as she drew her brows together. She would never find out.
Amelia admired Grace’s home as she made her way to luncheon. Despite the number of times she had walked its rooms, they always captured her admiration. Light poured through the grand windows and filled the space, reflecting off looking glasses and knickknacks. Ornate wallpapers in shades of blue, green, red, and cream covered the walls. Beautiful dark oak and mahogany upholstered furniture was situated gracefully about every room.
Amelia studied the large brass chandelier encrusted with jewels that hung above the vast split staircase in the foyer. No doubt she would be at ease here for the duration of her stay. Even the royal family would find the duchess’s townhouse comfortable. She entered through a set of French doors into the dining room and took the chair across from Sarah.
Grace winked at Amelia. “Lady Sarah and I were just sharing ton gossip while we waited for you to arrive.” She lifted her glass, then took a sip before setting it back down. “Please fill your plate. Then we shall discuss your endeavor.”
“Very well, thank you.” Amelia replied.
Tasty-looking morsels dispersed a sensational aroma throughout the room. She inhaled deeply, allowing the mingling scents of sweet treats, ripe fruits, and savory meats to fill her senses. Silver platters heaped with food lined the sideboard. Amelia glanced at the fresh flowers surrounding a candelabrum in the center of the royal blue table runner. Her gaze wandered down to the fine china plate in front of her, framed with silver utensils. All waiting to be filled with sweet and savory morsels to break her fast. A crystal glass sparkled nearby as if to emphasize the beauty and wonder of the rest of the meal. Amelia’s stomach rumbled at the marvelous sight.
She went to the sideboard and selected a variety of meats, cheeses, tarts, and fruit before she sat back down.
Sarah swallowed. “Have you thought of how you will get my brother to compromise you?”
“Not beyond the fact that I will have to steal away with him, or lure him to me, and I am not sure how to accomplish it.” Amelia picked up a strawberry and placed it in her mouth.
“Getting him alone will do you no good at all if someone does not catch you.” Grace shook her head with vigor. “We must formulate a solid plan which ensures you will be found out.”
“My brother is much too honorable to ever truly compromise you, Lady Amelia. The real trick will be in making it appear like he did.” Sarah took another drink from her sparkling crystal glass.
“What if I were to somehow trip us both and land in his arms. Then one of you could come upon us and make a ruckus sure to draw a crowd.” Amelia blinked. “It would work, and if necessary, I could even be so brazen as to kiss him.” She felt heat climb across her cheeks as she looked between her friends.
Sarah stared at Amelia, her eyes shining in the sunlight. “Could you truly... I mean, would you actually throw yourself at him? What if he refused to kiss you back?”
Amelia drew her brows together in contemplation. “I do not suppose it would matter as long as it appeared like he did.”
Grace set her pastry down. “You are quite right; it only matters what people think. If it looks real, the ton will believe that it is.”
Amelia cleared her throat. “During the ball, I will sit in the library reading.” She gazed at Grace. “Honestly, I would be uncomfortable in the ballroom. All I could do is stand around, and everyone would be staring at me wondering how I am getting on.” A stab of regret passed through her at having to forgo her opportunity to participate even in a limited manner. All the same it was for the best.
Grace nodded. “If you are certain that is your desire, I will allow it.”
