In his hazel eyes, she saw remorse and embarrassment. She narrowed her gaze, trying to discern if there was a trace of slyness or untruth. But no, it appeared that he was genuinely contrite.
“What can I do to gain your forgiveness?” he pleaded. “I really do like you, and…I think we would get on well together.”
“I think you would get on well with any number of women.” She tried to keep her voice gentle but firm.
“In other words, I had my chance, and it’s gone now.” He grew somber, and for a moment, Amelia felt her resolve slipping. Hedidappear quite sorry for what he’d done.
“I accept your apology,” she said at last. She could only hope that he would give up his interest in her.
“Good,” he promised. “In the meanwhile, I wanted to ask you something.” He climbed the remaining stairs until he stood in front of her. The butler remained near the door, and Amelia motioned for him to step back slightly.
“What is that?” She held her ground, uncertain of what he wanted.
“Do you still dream of a romantic marriage?” There was hope in his voice, as if he wanted to believe there was a chance for them.
Amelia thought of her father and mother. Theirs had been an arrangement, a betrothal formed by friendship, not love. Although they had been good companions, she didn’t think they’d had a love match.
Then her thoughts returned to Lord Castledon. By his own admission, he’d loved his wife and had mourned her death, though she’d had trouble imagining him as a romantic sort. And yet, the more she grew acquainted with him, the more she saw that he was a man of steadfast loyalty. When he loved a woman, it was forever. And that appealed to her far more than a man who loved when it suited him.
“Yes, I suppose I do,” she answered honestly.
A dangerous smile broke across his face, and she glimpsed the young man who had once made her heart flutter. “Good. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements.”
And Amelia feared that she’d agreed to something she’d never intended.
Chapter Six
David sat at the long dining room table across from Margaret and Amelia. Lord Lanfordshire was at his left, and Lady Lanfordshire sat on the other side of her husband. He’d already spoken to the baron, prior to the dinner, and now he intended to see if Margaret was willing to pursue a marriage with him.
He’d rehearsed his speech in his head, and everything sounded reasonable. He had several prosperous estates and a title that any lady would welcome. A daughter, whom Margaret could bring up to be a young lady. And although Miss Andrews had been on the shelf for a few years, he suspected that she still wanted a titled gentleman for a husband.
Even so, he could almost imagine Katherine warning him:No. This isn’t the right woman for you.
Margaret Andrews might not be the right woman, but he believed she was the best choice. She had the knowledge necessary for Christine, and her demeanor suggested that she would keep a strict eye upon his daughter. Miss Harrow would be inclined to let Christine do as she pleased.
Thus, the decision made, he had to speak with Miss Andrews and gain her acceptance. Yet, he wasn’t precisely certain how to goabout this. It seemed that he should have spoken to Margaret in private first, but she had avoided all of his attempts.
“The weather has been fine, lately,” he ventured. A moment later, he received a light kick on his shins from Amelia.
She’d kicked him? He glanced across the table, but she sent him a warning look as if to say,Don’t discuss the weather.
Well, what else am I supposed to talk about?
Anything but that!Her eyes glared.
“I am glad you were able to join us this evening, Lord Castledon.” Lady Lanfordshire smiled warmly at him.
Another kick under the table. His shin was going to be bruised if she kept this up. “It was my pleasure. I was hoping to speak with Miss Andrews about…” He paused a moment, trying to read Margaret’s face. The young woman had speared a piece of braised beef and had put it to her lips.
“About marriage,” he finished.
Margaret’s fork clattered to the plate, and she stared at Amelia. “Marriage?”
Another kick. At this, he nudged her back with his own foot. No, this wasn’t at all the best way to broach such a subject, but Margaret had left him with little choice.
“Shouldn’t this conversation take place elsewhere?” Amelia said, none too gently.
David supposed now that it was out in the open, it hardly mattered. He decided that the best way to handle the matter was to behave as if it were any other topic of discussion.
