The conversation I’d overheard still burned my ears. Mother wanted me to be with Noah so she could be assured he wouldn’t marry another woman. He’d assured me he had no designs onany lady, including myself. However, the heat in his gaze while we spoke by the door still sent tingles along my spine.
“No. No objections.” Mouth pressed in a grim line, she was lying to placate my father. I didn’t care.
“Excellent. Most excellent,” Father said, repeating himself in his joy. His enthusiasm warmed my heart, and I offered him a pleased grin.
“Since Grandmama wishes to return to the country, I suggest we marry at Hayesford Chapel. Every duke of Hayesford has married there.”
“We wouldn’t want to break tradition,” I said. Since I was a little girl, I’d dreamed of marrying Oliver in the quaint chapel. Soon, my wish would come true. Instead of making me happy, it felt rather anticlimactic. The circumstances surrounding his offer still didn’t sit well with me. His grandmother’s condition was one thing, but underlying it all, I couldn’t shake my feelings for Noah. Oliver was as familiar to me as my own appearance in the mirror. We rarely ran out of conversation, and I found his kisses alluring. Yet Noah’s had sparked the flame of passion inside me. Together both men fulfilled my every need, both intellectually and physically.
Heat rushed up my neck, and a throbbing sensation settled between my thighs. If I could just combine the two, I would be a satisfied woman indeed. I stifled a giggle at the scandalous thought. I was still a virgin. Bedding one man was my destiny, and that man was Oliver. Except I couldn’t help imagining otherwise.
“Amelia? Your mother asked you a question,” Oliver said, breaking into my trance.
“I’m sorry, Mother. What was it you asked me?” I asked, glad she couldn’t read my mind.
“Five days won’t allow for much shopping for your trousseau, let alone purchase a dress suitable for the occasion.” She worriedher bottom lip, sadness in her gaze, along with panic. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“I will hire a team of seamstresses to work around the clock if that’s what it takes to fulfill our timeline.” Oliver nodded and squeezed my hand, oblivious to what she was trying to convey.
“Thank you, Oliver, but I don’t need a new dress. I can wear my mother’s like Sally did.” Mother had insisted on my sister wearing it. Luckily for Sally and me, it was a lovely gown made of delicate silk and lace.
“No, you can’t,” Mother snapped and shook her head. “No, I mean, you need a new gown, not some old dress that’s sadly out of date.”
Funny how it wasn’t too out of date for Sally. I struggled to keep the words from forming. In five days, I would be free of this house and her censure.
Except I’d be leaving the children. My chest tightened at the thought, and a rush of panic raced through me. Was I making the right decision in choosing Oliver? Except Noah had turned me down; thus even if I called off the engagement, I would be right back to where I started.
“Then I insist we get a seamstress.” Oliver had no idea of the undercurrents in her words. Once again, I was reminded of the truth about my mother. She loved me in her own way, but she loved Sally more.
Chapter Sixteen
Lord Noah Peterson
I followed Oliver and his butler down a long hallway toward Oliver’s study. The grand house was decorated in good taste and lacked the musty odors that older homes often came with. The butler opened the door allowing us to walk past him.
“You may retire for the evening,” Oliver said. “I don’t wish to be disturbed unless her grace’s health takes a turn for the worse.”
“Very good, my lord.”
The soft click of the lock heralded his departure. I inspected the study that boasted floor-to-ceiling paneling, the warm wood giving the room an intimate glow. Two chairs sat before the fireplace, and I plopped down into the worn leather. “What a long day.”
“Indeed, I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like it.” Oliver went to the sideboard and poured two glasses of port. “I’m not sure what the protocol is for tonight.”
Nodding, I crossed my feet at the ankles and allowed my head to fall back. “There is neither protocol nor any pressure if you are having second thoughts,” I said with an understanding smile. Inside, my head screamed no, but I had to be patient.
