Andrew kept his gaze on Lady Amelia. Visions of them alone together disrupting his practical thoughts. When she looked away, he stiffened and glanced at Harewood. Had it all been a ruse, her willingness to marry? Had he wasted precious time simply because of his personal interest? His friend’s lowered brow didn’t bolster his confidence.
As Lady Beaumont placed her hand on her sister’s lap, Lady Amelia looked at her. Neither moved, but something passed between them.
Finally, Lady Amelia faced him. “I will.” She took a breath. “After you have modeled for me without clothes so that I might sketch and then paint you. During such time we will assume no relationship at all while among our peers, which includes our parents. If after the painting is completed, you wish to reconsider marrying me, you may.”
He grinned as relief washed through him. “And I may have the completed painting if I so wish.”
She nodded. “Yes.”
Moving his gaze to Lady Beaumont, who also nodded, he then looked to Harewood. “You and Lady Beaumont are witness to this agreement.”
“We are.”
Though Harewood had started him on this path, he did not seem particularly pleased. It mattered not, since now he had a dowry forthcoming. His family would be none the wiser and his tenants could remain on his land. But his soon to be betrothed didn’t appear as excited as he. If he could steer the conversation toward her art, she was sure to reanimate. “You mentioned you already had a vision for this painting. Are you able to share it?”
Her stiff posture relaxed and a smile tugged at the corners of her full pink lips. He hadn’t noticed before what a perfect color they were.
“I’m afraid an artist never shares her vision with her model.”
There it was, that secret amusement so often in her eyes, and he had no doubt he was the cause of her mirth. “Then I am anxious to begin.”
She sighed. “As am I, but the season is over and we leave for Bedford in mere days. I suppose your sitting must wait until next spring.”
He blinked in stunned silence. With the season over, his proximity to her in Town made much possible that would not be now that it was over and everyone left for their own estates. He should have thought of that since his own household was preparing for the long journey back to Lyonsmere.
Harewood cleared his throat. “Perhaps Lord Sommerset, you could spend some time with me at my parents’ estate. You did say you owed them a visit.”
Grateful that his friend proposed such a simple solution, he leaned back to look up at him. “If that is an invitation, I accept.”
“Then it’s settled. You can spend time at Sunnydale. This would allow you to pose for your betrothed.” Harewood turned to Lady Amelia. “That would be acceptable, would it not?”
“I…I had not thought of such a possibility, but I suppose.” She moved her gaze from Harewood to him. “I do have a studio on the grounds of Thornwood Park. I imagine we could begin once you have arrived in Bedford.”
Before he could respond, Harewood interjected. “Excellent. I’m looking forward to having company and the painting can be completed. What do you think, by all Hallows’ Eve?”
Lady Amelia’s brows drew together. “I do not know. So much depends on when Lord Sommerset is able to join you. And creating is not a science. It does not listen to deadlines, but happens naturally. It cannot be rushed. Many pieces must—”
“Yes, yes.” Harewood waved his hand. “I’m sure there are many particulars we would not understand, but I see no reason to delay the happiness of you both, so the sooner it begins, the sooner it can be accomplished. What do you say, Sommerset? Can you be at my parents in a fortnight?”
Not a little angry and quite puzzled by Harewood’s sudden rude behavior, he rose to face him. “While I agree with your motivation, Lady Amelia knows best how to proceed with the painting. I have not seen her work, but we all know she has an expertise in this area.”
Harewood raised one eyebrow. “Indeed.”
Baffled by the man’s actions, he turned back to Lady Amelia. “My Lady, though I am quite anxious to begin this…this adventure, I will not allow you to be rushed.”
She rose and with her Lady Beaumont. “I cannot promise when the work will be complete, but I can be ready to begin it when you arrive in Bedford.” Her countenance had closed to him, making it impossible to know what she felt. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, the maid and I need to pack up my studio.”
Damn Harewood and his rush. It was obvious she was in a pique. “Of course. I look forward to our next meeting.”
She didn’t reply. Instead, she gave a regal nod and strode from the room, her pale-yellow skirts swishing against her legs in her hurry to leave them.
He gave Harewood a scowl, but Lady Beaumont set her hand on his arm, gaining his attention. “Don’t worry. She will meet the terms of the proposal if you do. I have no qualms that the outcome will be worth the wait.”
Something in the woman’s eyes had him wondering if she meant the painting or the marriage. “Thank you. I appreciate your willingness to bear witness. It is a most unusual arrangement.”
Lady Beaumont grinned, and for the first time he could see the resemblance between the sisters. “My sister is a most unusual woman.”
With those parting words, Lady Beaumont exited the room, leaving him with an uneasy excited feeling in the pit of his stomach.
