“That goes without saying.”
He dropped onto the sofa, and after a moment she went to sit beside him. “Did you see Lady Amelia’s face? She looked like a trapped animal.”
Guilt filled his lungs, making it hard to breathe. “It is my fault. She heard the rumor about me having a mistress, and I wanted to dispel it. I wanted to let her know that I wasn’t pining away for some long-lost love, but that I—” He passed the palm of his hand across his face and sighed. “It no longer matters. I have backed both of us into a corner, tainting our future with doubt. She will always wonder if the only reason I married her was because I had no other choice but to do so.”
“Isn’t it?”
He met his mother’s knowing gaze. “Of course not. I would have married her eventually for countless other reasons. You know that.”
“Then I suggest you tell her as much.” She rose and went to the door. “I am going to retire now, but just so you know, I believe this will all work out well for both of you in the end. Especially if you take a moment to consider how you truly feel about her.”
Howdidhe feel?
The question lingered long after his mother had left the room. He definitely liked her. A lot. Which he decided was a good start. And he really enjoyed kissing her. The chemistry between them was extraordinary. No need to worry about that. He was also deeply touched by her ready acceptance of Jeremy and of the complicated nature of his birthright. She would make an excellent parent, and she would keep Jeremy’s secret safe. He felt it in his bones. But was there anything else? A stronger attachment that surpassed all else? He simply wasn’t sure.
You think of her when you’re not with her.
You worry for her safety.
Her opinion matters to you.
But did that mean he loved her? Shaking his head, he headed up to bed, hoping the morning would bring enlightenment with it.
It did not. If anything, it brought only more questions and feelings of uncertainty. Not that he ever questioned doing the right thing. What he did question, however, was the impact a hasty marriage would have on his relationship with Amelia. And this was without considering how Huntley might react once he returned. Bloody hell, what a mess he’d made.
“I trust you have given this matter some serious thought,” Lady Everly said when she met him in the Huntley House drawing room later.
“Of course.” He gave her a steady look. “I have every intention of doing my duty.”
“How romantic of you,” she murmured. When he didn’t respond, she puffed out a breath. “I fear you may find Amelia quite stubborn, however. When we parted last night, she did not seem amicable to the idea of marriage.”
“She feels trapped.” But that wasn’t all. “And she feels as though she has trapped me.”
“Is that how you feel?”
“No. Not at all.” He thought of everything that had happened within the last twelve hours. “It was not supposed to go this way. All I meant last night was to talk to her.”
“Alone? In the dark?” She shook her head. “Do not pretend you were not aware of the risk.” She gave him a frank stare. “Or that all you did was talk.”
He turned away from her, chastised by her gaze. “You are correct, of course. I know that. And now it is time for me to make things right. If you will permit, I would like to take her out for an hour or so.”
“I doubt she will agree to it.”
“Just tell her I intend to visit her property so we can have a look at the progress.” That ought to convince her to share his company.
“Very well,” Lady Everly agreed. “But only if you take a chaperone with you. After all that has happened recently, I fear I cannot trust you to be alone with her.”
Accepting the reprimand that was his due, Thomas dipped his head in acquiescence and then waited while Lady Everly went to speak with Amelia.
Chapter 21
Exiting the carriage on High Street, Amelia thanked Thomas for his assistance before continuing up the front steps of the house. She did not wish to keep his company today. Indeed, she had no desire to be in the same city as him or even the same country. But she did want to see what progress had been by made by the workers since her last visit to her property, which left her with very little choice. She would simply have to accept his escort even though the events of the previous evening filled her with discomfort.
“Amelia.”
His voice reached her in a whisper and with a great deal of urgency. She chose to pretend she hadn’t heard him since she’d no desire to engage in a lengthy discussion about scandal and duty, and what they must do now in order to preserve their reputations. It would probably involve a proposal, which was something she did not wish to endure when his heart wasn’t in it.
So she stepped forward and glanced around. “Oh look. The staircase is almost finished. A bit of sanding and varnish will probably do it. What do you think, Coventry? Should we have a runner put down or shall we leave it as is?”
