Marriage had always seemed so impossible to him, until she had stepped into his life and convinced him that with the right woman, it would not only be possible but also wonderful. Ever since that realization, he’d not simply wanted her as a permanent part of his life, he’dneededher, just as keenly as air was required in order to breathe. And when she’d been hurt... it had felt as though he’d been mortally wounded. Which could only mean one thing. Couldn’t it?
“I love her,” he said, acknowledging the truth for the very first time. The words felt good. They brought with them a new kind of reality—one in which winning her might be possible after all since he now had the chance to stop acting the fool and woo her with every bit of affection she truly deserved. “I love her so much I can scarcely believe it.”
“In that case, you have my blessing, provided that she agrees.”
Thanking him, Thomas said goodbye to Huntley with the assurance that he would return in a few days when Amelia was feeling better. He could only hope that he hadn’t ruined his chances with her for good.
Sitting in the sunroom with Gabriella and Juliette, Amelia enjoyed her cup of tea and the freedom of leaving her bedchamber behind. She’d spent three long days in that room and was seriously considering not ever going back to it. Sleeping down here on one of the sofas would be a welcome change, though she doubted Pierson would approve.
“Now that we know all about Amelia’s love interests, let us hear about yours, Juliette,” Gabriella teased. She’d been relentless with her questioning ever since learning that Amelia had been pursued by no fewer than three gentlemen, two of whom had proposed. And since flowers had been pouring into the house over the last couple of days, it had been a difficult subject to ignore.
“I cannot relay anything nearly as interesting as Amelia,” Juliette said.
“But there is someone?” Gabriella prodded.
Juliette shrugged. “Not exactly. Lord Yates has shown some interest, I think, though I am reluctant to consider making a match with him.”
“He is both titled and amicable,” Amelia said.
“Qualities that I appreciate, but hardly enough to stir my heart.”
Gabriella smiled. “I see we have another romantic in our midst.”
“Is it wrong to want love?” Juliette asked with a pitch to her tone that made her sound rather defensive.
“Not at all,” Gabriella told her. “Have you perhaps met a man who might encourage such deep affection?”
Juliette paused and then shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
Amelia wondered if that was entirely true, considering the blush that appeared on her cheeks. Choosing to give her privacy, she decided not to pursue the subject further, which was made easier by Pierson’s arrival. “The Duke of Coventry to see Lady Amelia.”
“Finally,” Gabriella murmured before saying, “Do show him in.”
Amelia looked to Gabriella. “Finally?”
Gabriella smiled. “The man is obviously struck by Cupid. I’m surprised he managed to stay away this long.”
Amelia frowned. She would not argue the point no matter how false she knew it to be. The only thing Coventry was doing was giving her what he thought might convince her—an overwhelming and very expensive display of roses. While she appreciated the effort, she wished he would have avoided it since it only made denying him all the more difficult.
But then he arrived, and she realized it would be hard enough to continue doing so even without the flowers. The man was simply stunning, clad in a beige jacket with a taupe velvet collar and breeches to match, his brown boots complemented the earthy tones of his ensemble. Hair slightly tussled, he approached with an armful of pretty peonies.
Bowing, he addressed Gabriella first. “Your Grace, I thank you for inviting me into your home. These are for you.”
He held the flowers toward Gabriella, who stood so she could accept them properly. “What a beautiful bribe, Your Grace.” She looked over at Juliette. “Come along. I believe the duke would like a word in private with your sister.”
Amelia gave Gabriella a disapproving look, but it was to no avail. She and Juliette hastened from the room and even managed to close the door completely behind them. Well! Amelia glanced at Coventry and saw that he now appeared somewhat uncertain—almost shy—which she found not only peculiar but also a little unnerving. The man had always been the very picture of aristocratic confidence.
“I am pleased to see you looking so well,” he said. A hesitant smile formed upon his lips.
Amelia studied it, unsure of what it might mean. “Yes,” she said. “The wound is healing quite nicely. I am able to move about now without any pain or discomfort.”
He nodded. “That is excellent news.”
Glancing at the sofa where she sat, he seemed to consider the spot beside her, which prompted her to rise. Having him that near would not do at all, not when she felt her resolve wavering even as they spoke. She’d spent three long days and nights reminding herself why marrying him would not work.But he will be yours and you will be his. That little voice rose to the front of her mind again. There had to be more than that, though. She would suffer for it if there wasn’t; she knew she would.
“And how have you been?” she asked, walking away from the seating arrangement, adding distance. Perhaps he could distract her with an outline of his daily routine.
“Not good,” he said. “Terrible, actually.”
