Chapter Twenty-Nine
Lady Amelia, Duchess of Hayesford
“Oh bother,” Lady Gwendolyn said as the couple across from us won the last trick.
“They won.” I was glad for the end of the game. I was anxious to get back to Oliver and Noah. There was other play to be had that night, and it didn’t involve cards.
Lady Gwendolyn placed a hand to her mouth, her fingers a bit shaky. My stomach churned as I studied her for signs of illness. She released a soft belch and tapped her cane on the floor. “I believe I shall retire now.”
I stood and helped her out of the chair, still concerned. “It has been an eventful day.”
“Indeed it has. A wonderful day. Thank you, my dear, I shall cherish it always,” she slurred her words and wobbled on her feet, her eyes a glassy blue.
I gripped her arm as she righted herself, my heart in my throat. Seeing her weakened state, I waved over her maidservant, who was speaking to a footman. Regret mingled with alarm. Oliver had feared the events might be too much for her, and he was right. She’d been insistent, and I had difficulty saying no to Lady Gwendolyn. She was a formidable woman. The servants rushed to our side, their faces drawn. “Help Lady Gwendolyn to her room at once, then call the doctor,” I said, my breath airy from fright.
“Yes, your grace,” the maid said.
Several people started to whisper as Lady Gwendolyn left the room with the help of her efficient staff. Hortense rushed in my direction, her face ashen. “Amelia, what is wrong with Grandmama?”
“She was fine until a few minutes ago, and then she started to feel ill. Have you seen Oliver?” I asked, trying to gain some control over my nerves.
“Yes, He’s with Noah. I was on the balcony earlier and saw them outside smoking. Will you fetch him while I see to Grandmama?”
“Of course, of course.” My stomach in a knot, I went in search of Oliver. I prayed I would find him and fast. After inquiring with the butler, I was escorted to the outer door. As a child, I had spent some wonderful years at the estate and was somewhat familiar with the gardens. Chilly night air floated over my bare shoulders. If Hortense saw them from the balcony, they had to be close. I skirted the hedges and saw them talking. Relieved, I approached.
“No matter how many times you wish to deny it, I love you.”
“Like I explained, it’s an infatuation. You aren’t in love with me, Oliver,” Noah said, his arms crossed over his chest. “Give it time, and you will see the truth.”
I clenched my fingers into fists at his words. In the back of my mind, I knew Oliver had feelings for Noah.Ihad feelings for Noah. He, however, had made it plain he didn’t wish for more than an affair. If Oliver was in love with Noah, where did that leave me?
“I don’t need time to see the truth. I am in love with you, and nothing you can say will change that fact.” Oliver made to kiss Noah, but he stepped aside.
“Don’t. We can be easily seen,” Noah warned.
Instinct said to step back and pretend I hadn’t heard anything, but there was the matter of Lady Gwendolyn. Both men turned to look at me when I cleared my throat.
“Oliver, I am sorry to disturb your conversation, but your grandmother is ill. I have instructed the butler to fetch a doctor as soon as possible. Hortense is with her now, but she bid me fetch you,” I said, my words breathy from fear and shock.
Oliver stared at me, not moving a muscle. I could see the cogs turning in his brain and the fear that held him still.
Noah shook his arm, galvanizing Oliver into action. “Go, Oliver.”
“Yes, I must go.” Oliver shot across the lawn, tossing the cigar to the gravel path. The red tip glowed red and continued to smoke.
“How bad is it?” Noah asked me, taking my chilled hand in his.
“We were playing cards, and she seemed to be having a lovely time, then she began to slur her words. I... I...” My words caught on a sob. I was unable to fathom what might have happened. “I was so frightened.”
“I understand. Come, let’s go inside. It's rather chilly out here.” Noah looped his arm with mine and began to walk back to the house.
Once again, he was the anchor in my stormy sea. My legs were weak, tears clogging my throat. I was glad for his support when shadows of Sally’s passing wrenched my heart. He’d been there for me over the past hellish year. I’d like to say I had returned the favor, except I’d be lying. Rarely, if ever, had he asked for my assistance in any matter save the children. “She seemed so normal, and then, well, it happened so fast,” I said.
