She hadn’t meant to speak so boldly, because Amos didn’t seem like the sort of man to openly speak about his afflictions. However, he didn’t seem to take offense as he returned matter-of-fact, “It was a knife fight.”
“How… dreadful.”
“Not for me.” That blue eye flashed. “I retained my life. He wasn’t so fortunate.”
“Oh. I… see.”
“Does it bother you to know that I have killed someone?”
Fleur considered that statement. “I suppose it should but something tells me you aren’t a cruel man. You wouldn’t have acted so rashly if it wasn’t warranted.”
Some of the stiffness in his shoulders relaxed slightly. “Then you would be correct. Believe me when I say the man I fought was not a great loss to anyone.”
She inclined her head but didn’t reply. She didn’t feel there was a need to do so.
They allowed silence to envelop them until they reached the park. As they walked toward the toll gate, Amos noted, “This will soon be a distant memory for the park.”
Fleur glanced at him curiously. “What do you mean?”
“The city has requested a man by the name of Decimus Burton to construct an arch honoring Wellington’s effort during the war, as well as a grand new entrance.”
“Interesting,” Fleur murmured. “Although I saw nothing wrong with the current one.”
“Aye. But there are some who prefer the newest and most fashionable, and who want to remind everyone that England is the greatest country in the world.”
She slid her focus to him. “You sound as though you don’t agree.”
He shrugged. “For someone who has had to struggle under the tutelage of such a revered nation, perhaps I’m not the best person to ask when it comes to my opinion. I know several other people who would agree with my assessment, that for all the wonderful things England stands for, it has a habit of neglecting its own people.”
Fleur had never thought about her own existence in those terms. “I would have to disagree.” He looked at her steadily, so she explained, “I have not had an easy time of it myself. After our parents died, I devoted my life to taking care of my brother. We struggled but not once did I blame anyone for our dire straits. I knew I hadn’t been born to the upper ten thousand but it didn’t make me bitter or despise them because of it. I have heard of many members of the peerage who are not content when they should be able to buy their happiness. It shouldn’t matter whether you are poor or rich. The fact remains that you have to discover the determination and find a way to better your circumstances.”
He gave a light snort. “Is that what you’ve done by aligning with Drake?”
She stopped abruptly and glared at him. “It doesn’t matter if Drake had anything at all to his name. It matters how he treats me. He might have been insufferable at first but he has been more than kind to me since.” She set her hands on her hips. “Since it seems I must explain myself, I should set the account straight. I don’t ask for charity or fancy baubles. I’m not his mistress. He bought my virtue in anauction.” As a couple of curious heads swiveled in their direction, Fleur lowered her frustrated tone. “I know you wish to perceive me as a villain, perhaps because Drake told me about Elina, but rest assured, I am not intent on hurting him.”
She turned and started to proceed further into the park, however she could feel Amos’s presence behind her.
“I can tell you care about him.”
Her steps faltered. “I do.”
Another slight silence fell and then, “I can’t believe he told you about her.”
Fleur didn’t know if he was actually speaking to her or muttering aloud but she responded. “He did.”
“He doesn’t confide in anyone.”
“I gathered that,” she said dryly.
“Did he tell you about the paintings?” he asked incredulously.
“Yes.” Her cheeks warmed. “He told me everything about his life before I met him if that’s what you’re wondering.”
There was another hesitation, and then he said softly, “You must mean a great deal to him. He doesn’t confide in anyone.”
Her chest ached. “I hope so.”
She felt a hand on her arm and she glanced at Amos. “I know you will have to make a tough decision soon. Don’t regret your choice.”
