Heaven, she was certain. It would be Heaven with a capitalHand angels singing.
“The earl would suit you perfectly,” Amelia said. “I believe that. And I’ll find out everything I can about him.”
Or, at least, she would when she spoke with him next. The less Margaret knew about this drive, the better.
“Take your maid along as a chaperone, and that will suffice,” her sister suggested.
Amelia nodded, inwardly relieved that the secret meeting could go on as planned. This was her best chance to see Lord Lisford without him paying a call upon her here. The broken engagement made that impossible, and she didn’t want to cause a rift between herself and Margaret.
She wanted to believe that the viscount hadn’t been right for her sister and that, in time, Margaret would come to accept it, if Amelia married him.
But then her sister’s warnings came rushing back. That the viscount had only been using Margaret as part of a wager. That he’d said everything she’d wanted to hear.
Amelia walked toward the window, wondering if she was betraying Margaret by allowing Viscount Lisford to take her out driving. But then, what if this man was meant to be the love of her life? Should she turn her back on that, for Margaret’s sake?
She didn’t know what to think. It bothered her to be torn between her own desires and loyalty to her sister.I adored Lord Lisford first, her heart reminded her.Before Margaret even noticed him.Surely that meant something.
A knock sounded on their door, and when Margaret called for the visitor to enter, Aunt Charlotte came inside. “I have news to share with the both of you,” she said. “Your parents have returned to London. You’ll be moving back in with them tomorrow.”
“But—so soon?” Amelia blurted out. Although her father, Lord Lanfordshire, had returned from fighting in Spain several years ago, she had never expected this. The baron loathed society, and he’d seemed perfectly content to dwell in Scotland, aside from his visits to assume his duties in the House of Lords. She and Margaret had resided with their aunt and uncle, more often than not.
“I received a note from Beatrice today. Your mother is eager to see both of you and has asked you to join her tomorrow at breakfast.”
“Why not this evening?” Amelia asked. “We could all dine together as a family.” But when she cast a glance at Margaret, her sister shook her head discreetly. Best to tread carefully then.
“I invited her, but after the long journey from Ballaloch, she wanted to rest.” Aunt Charlotte’s face grew strained. “I think that she and your father need some time to—” Her words broke off, as if she’d suddenly changed her mind about what she’d been about to say. “Never mind. Tomorrow, I’ll have the servants help you pack and move back to your family’s town house.”
Though Amelia kept her expression neutral, it was as if Fate were dashing her plans into pieces. Her suspicions were aroused by Charlotte’s insinuation that something wasn’t right between her parents. And why wouldn’t they want to see their daughters immediately?
Amelia murmured her agreement, but she had already decided to send a note to Lord Lisford, asking him if they could meet earlier. As long as she returned before breakfast, surely that would not interfere with their family’s plans.
The voice inside her head warned that it wasn’t right to meet with a gentleman so early. If anyone saw them together, there would be gossip.
But then, shewantedto wed this man. If they were seen together—even if nothing had happened—surely it would only lead to what she wanted most.
Sarah’s heart was pounding when she entered the house. The butler’s face revealed nothing as a maid took her bonnet and pelisse. It was clear that he believed she had no reason to be here. Even so, he would not disobey Amelia’s wishes.
“Follow me,” he said.
She did, and with each step, her guilt increased. Miss Andrews had been kind enough to invite her here. Likely she would offer her assistance, though Sarah knew she deserved nothing.
The bitter secret was like a venom that she wanted to be rid of. She knew the power it held, and yet, she was afraid to voice it.
When she reached the drawing room, Amelia Andrews was waiting. The young woman was seated upon a creamy settee trimmed with a crimson stripe. As soon as she saw Sarah, she stood and greeted her. “I’m so glad you came to tea. Sit down, and we can talk about what’s happened.”
Inwardly, Sarah steeled herself, trying not to break into tears. Kindness was nearly impossible to bear. She’d had to be strong over these years, and she could not let down her guard now.
“Thank you,” she murmured. Amelia poured her a cup of tea and smiled warmly, waiting for her to speak.
There were a thousand ways to begin, and not one of them seemed right. “I need help,” she admitted. She poured out the horrors of the past four years, of Brandon’s misdeeds and her struggle to find a husband.
“I know I am not the most attractive of women,” she admitted, feeling the rise of heat to her cheeks. Horse-faced, Brandon had called her. And perhaps that was so, but face powder could not cover up the features she’d been born with. She swallowed hard, mustering up the courage she needed. “But I still want to marry. Ineedtomarry, for it’s the only way I can escape the scandal of my family. I thought you might know of a gentleman who would not be particular about the woman he marries.”
Amelia had grown quiet for a time, as if thinking to herself. The longer her silence continued, the more Sarah longed to fill it. “I—I hoped you could get me an invitation to a ball where I—where I could meet someone.”
This had to be the most humiliating moment of her life, but she took a sip of the hot tea to hide her embarrassment.
“I’m not sure I can,” Amelia admitted. “After all that your brother did, most of the families want no connection with Lord Strathland.”
