A grim satisfaction took root at the memory of how Cain Sinclair had bloodied the viscount’s nose. Lisford had deserved it, and David wished he could have been the one to land a punch after the man had tried to kiss Amelia in the garden.
The memory of her tears bothered him deeply. She’d let her innocence lead her astray and had paid the price.
You can’t have her, his conscience warned. Amelia was too young and was not at all what he needed in a wife. Better to pursue Margaret and see where that led. The decision made, David stared at the hearth. The vision of Katherine came back to him, but she wasn’t smiling.
This isn’t what I want for you, her ghost seemed to say.I want you to live again.
He silenced the imagined voices, for he knew now what he needed to do. He would make a respectable marriage if Margaret would have him, and give his daughter the mother she needed.
And he refused to think of Amelia again. Better to let her go, so she could love a man worthy of her.
“I’m drowning in flowers.” Amelia read the latest apology card from Viscount Lisford while her father, Henry Andrews, looked on with amusement.
“He does seem to be filled with remorse.”
“And well he should be,” Amelia said, as the butler, Mr. Culpepper, set the newest vase of yellow roses on a nearby table. “I’m not sorry I hit him.”
“I am glad that you’ve come to your senses,” Henry said. “He may be…theatrical with grand gestures, but the man is far too impulsive and irresponsible.”
“I think he sees me as a challenge.” Despite her earlier infatuation, she was beginning to realize that the viscount had a very strong sense of self-worth. “He wants me to meet with him again, to beg my forgiveness, so he says.”
“But you won’t.” Her father sent her a warning look.
“I don’t know.” Amelia stood before him, considering it. “If I continue to refuse him, he may keep sending flowers.”
“Tell him to send confections or cakes instead,” her father suggested. “At least we could eat those.”
She smiled, but inwardly worried that the viscount would not cease his efforts. Thus far, she’d received eight different posies of flowers. She was beginning to believe in his apology, despite his ostentatious efforts. Perhaps he was unaccustomed to a woman not wanting to be kissed.
“You cannot meet with him,” her father insisted.
“I don’t want to,” she agreed, “but what if he continues to pursue me? He seems like a gentleman who finds it a greater challenge when a woman says no.”
“Is there another gentleman who has caught your eye?” her father ventured. “Someone who could put an end to the viscount’s courtship?” Henry studied her, as if trying to read her thoughts.
Amelia kept her face neutral, but she couldn’t stop thinking of Lord Castledon. If she hadn’t already struck Viscount Lisford, she believed the earl would have defended her.
When she’d been in his arms, she’d felt safe. No…more than that. She’d wanted to embrace him, offering her own comfort. He was a man of inner strength, and never once had he surrendered the tight control he held over his grief.
“What are your thoughts regarding Lord Castledon?” her father asked.
Her cheeks went crimson, as if he’d read her mind. “H-he’s a kind man.”
“Good. I’ve met him a time or two. He’s asked to pay a call upon Margaret.”
He what? She blinked a moment, trying to make sense of it. Last night she’d been in his arms while she’d cried…but he hadn’t embraced her. He’d merely let her cry, letting her take comfort.
She closed her eyes, feeling frustrated with herself. Clearly, she’d misread him. If he intended to call upon Margaret, he’d made his choice—and it wasn’t her. Somehow, he must have changed his mind about courting her sister. Something had made him reconsider, though she couldn’t say what it was.
This was what you wanted, her conscience chided.To bring them together.
And yet, it was awful to think that she was once again falling in love with a man meant for her sister.
“I wish them well together,” she said, trying to feign a brightness she didn’t feel.
Her father nodded, satisfied with her answer. He straightened, as if something else was troubling him. “Amelia, I wondered if I might recruit your help in another endeavor.”
She waited, curious about what it could be.
