The mischief was back in her gaze and his own quick reaction surprised even him. He smirked. “It was my pleasure.” Wiggling his brows, he turned and left, an odd relief and hope causing him to walk much faster.
The woman’s mercurial moods were difficult to follow. Was that because she was an artist, or because she was beginning to mean more to him than he expected? It was a question he wrangled with all the way back to Sunnydale Manor.
Chapter Fourteen
Mariel handed hera cup of eggnog. “You must be thirsty after four dances in a row.”
Amelia accepted it gratefully and sat in the chair next to her sister, which was located against the far wall. Mariel looked particularly beautiful in a bronze dress that made her chestnut hair almost shimmer and gave a healthy glow to her face. “Why don’t you dance?”
Her sister grimaced. “I’m far too old and in no mood to entertain suitors. I’ve already been married. I have no plans to do so again. Lord Beaumont provided well for me after he died.”
Amelia rolled her eyes. “Only because Joanna negotiated the marriage contract.” She paused before patting her sister’s hand. “Was it awfully dull, being his wife?” She never talked with Mariel about her marriage because Mariel didn’t broach the subject, but now Amelia found she had hundreds of questions.
“Oh, no, not dull at all. It was a very large household to run, plus the London house, and he liked to rent a place in Bath. I do believe I spent most of my time planning the next move.”
That wasn’t exactly what she meant. “But what about conversing with old Beaumont or having dinner alone together?”
Mariel’s whole demeanor changed, her back suddenly ramrod straight. “It was like most other marriages, I’m sure. I listened politely and agreed with all he said. We rarely ate alone as there was always someone to be entertained, mostly his peers. When we weren’t entertaining, he often went to Brooks’s and was home after I retired.” She smiled kindly. “I suppose that would sound dull to you.”
She shook her head, though in fact it did sound rather dull. “I think I’d rather that than the conversations in Joanna’s home. All that reading and debating.” She rolled her eyes. “Now that would be dull.”
“Shh.” Mariel scanned the area. “Don’t let Father hear you say that.” The gleam in her eyes made it clear she jested.
“Now that you mention father, where are our parents?” She studied the room, not willing to acknowledge she knew exactly where Andrew was, but not her parents. He had danced two dances so far. One with Rose Enderly and another with a young woman who had blonde hair and rosy cheeks, based on how many times she blushed in his presence. Why would he want to dance with her? She didn’t like it.
“There they are.” Mariel motioned with her head. “See, next to the entrance of the room. My guess is Father will make an excuse soon to go to the Enderlys’ library.”
She found her father right where Mariel said he was. “Oh yes. Notice how he takes another step closer to the archway?”
Mariel laughed. “Mother noticed, too. Don’t think she patted his arm because of something he said. That’s definitely a warning to stay in the company longer.”
Her sister was right. Her parents had developed a silent communication over the years. Would she and Andrew have something similar? It was too difficult to imagine. When she was a child, she imagined it quite well, but as a grown woman with the promise of personal wealth and no need to marry, she’d stopped thinking of it. Then when that wealth was taken away, she’d focused only on one goal, her masterpiece.
She couldn’t have explained if asked, but her instinct told her she was about to achieve her goal. And then—
“How is the painting progressing?” Mariel’s voice had lowered, which brought her out of her musings.
“I’m very pleased with it.” She thought about trying to explain how she felt, but decided against it. Mariel couldn’t understand. Neither could Joanna or even her mother. The only one who might understand was Andrew. A wave of quiet happiness flooded her. Yes, he might well understand.
“Lady Amelia, I did not see you over here with your comely sister.” Andrew stepped up and nodded to each of them. “Lady Beaumont, you are looking lovely this evening.”
Her sister stiffened, but as usual was polite. “Thank you, Lord Sommerset. Are you enjoying your stay here at Sunnydale?”
“I am. It had been years since I was here last, and I didn’t realize how much I missed Lord and Lady Enderly until I returned.”
Movement behind Andrew caused her to look past him. Lady Garmoyle was headed their way. “Not to interrupt, but I do believe Lady Garmoyle is making her way over here. You may want to find Lord Harewood.” That would also, hopefully, eliminate the chances of having to talk to the woman.
He didn’t turn, but he definitely stiffened. Did Mariel notice?
“Actually, Lady Amelia, I was hoping I could have this next dance.”
She stared at him in shock. They were to pretend only a minor acquaintance. Simply him coming over to talk to her could cause comment in their village, but a dance was out of the question.
“I believe that an excellent idea.”
Mariel’s comment had her whipping her gaze to her sister. “You do?”
Her sister nodded, her stern gaze brooking no argument.
