“Yes, the boy has a tendency to drag his heels.” Grandmama frowned and exhaled a long breath. She tilted her head and met my regard, her own full of regret. “I’m afraid my time is running out.”
A sickly sensation twisted my stomach, and I shook my head in denial. “Grandmama, don’t—”
“It is a reality, Oliver. I am dying and wish to see my grandson marry before I pass.” She offered me an encouraging nod.
Amelia’s sharp intake of breath cut through the room, and she slapped her hand over her mouth, tears brightening her eyes. All traces of anger disappeared at the revelation. “You mustn’t say such things. You have many good years ahead of you.”
She patted Amelia’s hand. “No, my dear, I don’t. Time loses all meaning to the young, but when you get to be my age, you have more of it behind than ahead of you. It is my greatest wish to see Oliver wed to you. Surely you will indulge me in this and say yes to his offer?”
“If he chooses to give it of his own free will, else no.” A sudden tension hung in the air after her leading comment. Grandmama knew the situation and was trying to force me into compliance. Everything inside me rebelled at being pushed, yet I had to face the inevitable. Amelia was my dearest friend, and I hated to see her in pain.
My mind made up, I rushed to her side. Taking her hand, I offered her a strained smile. “Amelia, will you do the honor of becoming my duchess?”
“You needn’t feel obligated,” she said, eyes downcast and voice strained.
Noah cleared his throat, and Amelia glanced at him, frowned, and then returned her gaze to mine.
“It is a privilege.” In a way, I was the most fortunate of men. She was pretty, smart, and we got along well. Marriages of my station were based on less. I pulled her close, and cognizant of the others watching, I placed an affectionate kiss on her temple. “Please say yes.”
She tilted her chin, her mouth parted. “Yes.”
Grandmama clapped her hands. “This calls for a celebration. What say you, Lord Noah?”
“I agree wholeheartedly.” He clasped me on the shoulder, grinning from ear to ear.
He’d been my champion, and I was glad for his support. If we were alone, I would have been bold and kissed him. My face flamed, and I willed my physical reaction back. We weren’t alone, and Amelia had an uncanny knack for reading my mind. I had to trust that Noah was right and that I could perform on our wedding night.
“Lord Noah, please take a seat.” I indicated he take the chair near me. If things continued like this with my grandmother, I would have no choice but to cancel my tryst with him. “When the butler returns, I’ll order some champagne to celebrate.”
Amelia perched on the chair beside my grandmother, a flattering blush staining her cheeks. The charcoal walking ensemble nipped in her slender waist and emphasized the curve of her hips. A rush of pride encompassed my chest. I might have reservations about my own performance, but I would be proud to call her my wife.
“Thank you,” he said, doing as I asked.
“How are the boys?” Lady Gwendolyn said. Age lined her eyes, and the mobcap hid her thinning hair. No matter her weakened state, she had a strong spirit. Her declaration had brought home how fragile she was.
“Growing more each day, Ethan has excelled at his numbers and will be a genius, I am sure of it,” Noah said with a good-natured laugh, one hand gripping the arm of his chair. The skin of his wrist was exposed, a cushion of dark hair revealed, and I longed to take his hand in mine.
“You are blessed to have three sons. I pray Oliver and Amelia are as fortunate.” She reached across and squeezed Amelia’s wrist. Affection resonated from her. I was glad she liked Amelia. It was in direct contrast to Lady Ellen, who found fault in most things her daughter did. “Now that the engagement is out of the way, I think we should discuss the wedding plans.”
“Grandmama, I am sure Amelia will need to consult with her mother on such matters.” I didn’t wish to rush Amelia. Marriage was inevitable, but engagements often stretched into years. From what my grandmother said, we no longer had the luxury of time.
“Lady Ellen and I already had thirteen years to discuss the details. A month should be enough time to plan an intimate ceremony, although I daresay it might be too long.” Grandmama frowned before she offered a sad smile. “A special license can be procured from my brother.”
My great-uncle was an archbishop who adored my grandmother and would do whatever she asked. She was loved by many people both inside and outside the family. It was through her guidance that I learned how to perform my duties. She had faith in me, and I didn’t wish to let her down.
“A month?” Amelia asked in a tight voice, staring hard at Noah. The tension she’d carried since she entered the room remained. Something was bothering her. She wasn’t particularly good at hiding her emotions in the best of circumstances. Like me, I could only guess she was overwhelmed.
“You needn’t commit to anything right now,” Noah said in a gentle tone. He nodded, one hand gripping the arm of his chair.
“Indeed, you are right.” Amelia stared at him with a fevered expression, a hint of some strong emotion making me suspicious. Had she been intimate with Noah? She certainly seemed enamored of him. The way I was enamored of him.
The realization sent a rush of laughter to my throat. I tamped it down. He was a very sensual man who both of us found attractive. I liked him, but she’d be my wife. A surge of possessiveness hit me, along with remorse. Noah wasn’t mine to have. As my wife, Amelia and I would be bonded for life.
“Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t dare rush you,” Grandmama said. “I am dying. I wish to see my grandson wed. Please, Oliver, indulge me in this.”
All traces of amusement left me in a wave. My grandmother was sick, and I was lusting after Noah and Amelia.
“Lady Gwendolyn is right. I think it would behoove us to wed at the end of June. I will speak to my mother, and we will get it done,” Amelia said in a quiet voice barely above a whisper. She’d also been fond of my grandmother, and the two women had a mutual respect for each other.
