Chapter Thirteen
Amelia peeked out the carriage window into the rapidly gathering darkness outside. Her third day of being the Duchess of Brighthollow had been very different from the first two.
First of all, she had woken in her husband’s arms. Woken to his mouth on her skin, his hands roving over her in sensual exploration. One exquisite release later and she had been a much more chipper morning person than ever before.
The day in the carriage had also been different. Unlike yesterday, when Hugh seemed determined to keep his distance through work, today he had talked to her. About nothing profound, of course. Deeper topics like his past, like hers, were not discussed. If she even edged near them, he grew tense and guarded.
Instead, they had talked about music and books, riding and details of his estate and staff that she might need to know in the coming ten days. And he had also touched her, finding new ways to bring her pleasure in the hot, close carriage. She shivered as she thought of them. She shivered as she thought of how easy it all was with him. Should it have been so easy and so quickly?
The idea seemed outrageous, and yet here she was.
But now they rounded a corner through a gate and up a long and winding lane. Hugh sat up, leaning in to look out the window over her shoulder. She felt his presence there, warm and strong, and just resisted leaning back into him.
“There it is!” he said, motioning out the window.
She caught her breath. Even in the gathering dark, there was no mistaking the huge manor house, which was perfectly situated at the top of a slight hill. Light flowed from the windows, making it a beacon for weary travelers.
She glanced over her shoulder and caught Hugh’s expression in the dimness. His face was lit with excitement and anticipation and joy. He was truly coming home, and in that moment her heart leapt into her throat. He looked so very young and carefree. What she wanted, more than anything, was to turn into him, to kiss him until neither had breath left.
She couldn’t, though. The carriage reached the top of the hill and came to a stop. He pushed the door open before any servant could come to do the duty and stepped out. As he pivoted to help her out, he grinned.
Once she had reached the drive, he leaned down to whisper, “Do you approve?”
She blinked at the unexpected question and the nervousness on his face as he asked it. Did her opinion of his beloved home truly matter to him?
“I don’t think anyone could not approve,” she said, looking up and up at the massive house. “It is truly magnificent.”
“And wait until you see the grounds. The lake is perfection—we could boat there or fish if you’re of a mind to try it. The woods, the rolling hills, everything is just as it should be here.”
She squeezed his hand. “Including you.”
“I suppose so. I am more myself here than anywhere in the world.”
“Then I look forward to seeing you come out of your shell,” she teased. Then she glanced up at the house again. “I do worry I won’t be up to the task of managing such a place, though. A duchess has duties when it comes to the household, and I was never trained to such lofty heights.”
He stared down at her. “I had not thought that the place might be overwhelming to you. Don’t fear, my staff is wonderful and will help you in every way. I’m certain you will take to your role immediately.”
She smiled at his reassurance, but before she could thank him for it, the door at the top of the stair opened. Amelia expected a butler to greet them, but instead a willowy girl with blonde hair done up in a loose chignon and wearing a stunning evening dress stepped out. She made a little cry and then ran down the stairs.
Hugh met her halfway, swinging her up in his arms and around in a circle. Amelia stared. She had always seen Hugh as so controlled, so unemotional, but here he left nothing back. His love for this woman, obviously his younger sister, was as evident as anything else about him. Clearly, he was quite capable of the emotion.
“Lizzie!” he laughed as he set her down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Great God, you’ve grown while I was in London.”
“Oh, stop,” Lizzie laughed as she swatted his arm lightly. “You tease me mercilessly, Hugh, and you know I have not wit enough to match with you.”
“You sell yourself short, as always,” he said, taking her arm and steering her toward Amelia. “May I present my wife, Amelia. Amelia, this is my sister, Elizabeth.”
Amelia stepped forward, uncertain of what to expect from this young woman. She had no idea what Hugh had told her of their engagement and whirlwind wedding.
Lizzie reached out and took both her hands. “Oh, I am so pleased to meet you. We only received Hugh’s letter a few days ago, but I have been awash in joy ever since. Welcome to our home and to our family. I have always longed for a sister.”
Relief flooded Amelia at the kind words. “As have I,” she said, squeezing Lizzie’s hands. “I am an only child and it has been quite a lonely existence. But I can tell you and I will be fast friends.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that you did not have the pleasure of a sibling as a child.” Lizzie glanced over at Hugh with a smile. “I was blessed with the best brother in the world. The kindest and most patient brother.”
Hugh was red as a beet, and Amelia couldn’t help but laugh. “You go too far, Lizzie,” he said, his tone suddenly gruff. “Don’t lie to the poor woman.”
“It isn’t a lie,” Lizzie said with all earnestness. “As I’m sure you already know, Amelia.”
