“He always was reckless.” Catherine remained perched on the fence. “Quick, pretend we are talking.”
Reluctantly, she tore her gaze from him. “I have no idea what to talk about,” she whispered. “What if he does not stop?”
“He will. He’s not that rude.” Catherine smiled swiftly. “And I must say it was the prettiest bonnet I had ever seen. Do you not think, Amelia?”
Amelia frowned. “What bonnet?” Catherine jerked her head to behind Amelia. “Oh. Yes, it was a beautiful—”
“Nicholas!”
Amelia heard the hoofbeats slow to a stop and she forced herself to turn to face him, a smile plastered in place. The dryness in her throat made it hard to swallow. Six months and he had only grown more handsome. He was dressed casually, with his shirt slightly open and no cravat. It was likely he did not expect to run into anyone. His dark hair was mussed by the breeze. Hessians clung to his strong legs. Her own legs felt as weak as twigs in a storm. She had to lean back against the fence for support.
“Amelia. Kitty. What are you doing all the way out there?”
Catherine hopped off the fence and gave a dip, a big grin on her face. “You know I hate Kitty, my lord.”
A smile worked across his lips. “And I’d far rather you call me Nicholas, as you well know.”
Catherine’s eyes glinted with mischief. “We were just taking a stroll. It has been so long since we have walked this way and we fancied a change of scenery, did we not, Amelia?”
Amelia darted a look at her sister and Catherine gave her a nudge with an elbow. “Um, yes, indeed.”
“We were just walking,” Catherine continued, “but I felt a little faint.” She glanced at the skies. “From the…heat.”
He lifted a brow. “From the heat?”
Amelia grimaced. He had to see straight through their lies, surely?
“Well, we cannot have that.” he said jovially. “Will you not accompany me to Uxbridge? We can find you refreshments and have you feeling back to normal.”
Catherine beamed. Amelia tried not to twist her fingers together.
Nicholas dismounted. “You had better ride, Kitty. I have no side saddle but it is not far so I think you can manage.”
“You are too kind.”
Nicholas helped her onto the horse and she clung awkwardly to it while she positioned herself sideways. Nicholas took the reins to lead the horse. He gave Amelia a look. “Are you well, Amelia?”
She met his gaze. Just. The heat in her face and neck was growing worse. If anyone looked sick, it was probably her. “Yes, very well.”
“And your sisters?” he pressed as he guided a horse along the empty road.
“All well too. Emma has taken up singing.”
“Indeed.”
“It is terrible,” exclaimed Catherine.
“Catherine!” Amelia scolded.
“And Lavinia is having a wonderful time all the way in Scotland,” Catherine added.
Amelia could not help but watch Nicholas closely.
Why she wished to torture herself so, she did not know, but it was somewhat satisfying when he merely lifted one brow. She saw no heartbreak there but she should not fool herself. Nicholas had been desperately in love with her sister and even if he was over Lavinia, he would hardly turn his attention to her sister now, would he?
Not that she wanted him to, of course. No, she had put aside her feelings for him long ago, as soon as it had become apparent to everyone that Lavinia was the lucky woman to have secured his attentions.
“Enjoying all those bagpipes and mountains no doubt.”
“Everyone was disappointed when Niall returned to Scotland after the wedding,” Catherine declared too loudly. “We were hoping he would bring some of his cousins down to see us, were we not, Amelia?”
“Everyone loves a Scotsman it seems,” he said tightly.
“They are such fun,” Catherine agreed, oblivious to his tone.
Despite herself, she could not help but feel for Nicholas. Once he had started showing interest in Lavinia, everyone, including Nicholas, assumed they would marry. It could not have been easy to watch her wed someone else. As for her, well, she was used to watching Nicholas pay attention to others. It might have been no fun witnessing him woo her sister but she had no expectations from him. They had been friends and always would be.
But never anything more.
After all, she was too bookish, too serious, too...well...red. All freckles and curly red hair. She never really expected attention from Nicholas.
Oh but of course she didn’t want it now. Not now she was over him. Thank goodness for that.
“I believe they shall come to visit next year but it is quite a journey,” Amelia put in. “I cannot imagine he will really bring his cousins.”
“What a waste.” Catherine sighed.
“I should imagine all the Scotsmen would enjoying seeing all you flame-haired Chadwick girls. It would remind them of home.” Nicholas gave a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. She had seen that smile at the wedding and when Niall had been courting Lavinia. It was a smile of heartbreak.
Catherine shook her head. “They’re probably sick of redheaded girls. That’s why Niall chose Lavinia.”
Amelia was sorely tempted to push her sister off her perch. Could she not see that Nicholas did not want to discuss Lavinia? Sometimes Catherine could be far too thick skulled.
“We have not seen you in a while, Nicholas.” Amelia attempted a sunny smile. “Have you been keeping busy?”
“I was down in London for the season but the estate cannot be neglected for long. I did not see you at all, Amelia. It would have been nice to see a friendly face.”
“Papa was busy and Mama was suffering with headaches all spring. Neither could spare the energy or the time.”
Or the coin, most likely. They were well off enough but having paid for one daughter’s dowry was quite enough expense for some time, let alone sending all four of them to London. Apparently, their parents had decided there was little chance of them bringing home a husband so it was not worth it.
She tried not to sigh. Mama loved them all but she was forever lamenting that they took after their father. She made it quite clear freckles, and books, and digging in dirt, and hideous singing would never gain them a husband. Honestly, though, she would rather spend her time making stories up than marrying someone who thought her beneath him purely because she was not fair-haired and buxom. She hadn’t missed the season and she did not believe her sisters had.
Of course, if those letters were discovered, none of them would experience a season again. The scandal would be too much and they’d be forced to hide away and rely on Lavinia and Niall’s charity forever.
No, if she could not find a husband for herself, she would at least find one for her sisters.
Chapter Five
Nicholas swung his gaze between Amelia and Catherine. Catherine did not look at all sick or overheated. Amelia, however...a constant rosiness hung in her cheeks. It was not the sort of delicate stain that one might expect from a lady when complimenting her but a dark, splotchy one that ran from her forehead down her neck and splayed across her chest.
Of course, he should not be looking there but in a simple white striped muslin gown, Amelia struck an elegant figure and it drew his attention more than once. He had always thought as much but she’d likely turn even redder should he say so. Out of all the Chadwick girls, Amelia blushed the most easily.
Why she should be blushing in his company now, however, he was not sure. Unless she was the one sickening and would not admit as much. Amelia had led the sisters in many ways over the years and he was certain she put her own welfare last every time.
Perhaps it was this talk of Lavinia doing it. He’d almost rather everyone was like Catherine, though. She spoke as if he had never even considered courting her, yet alone fallen in love with her.
But those days were long gone, and he’d do well to stop thinking of her and
that bloody Scotsman.
“Of course, we’re all hoping we can have a season next year,” Catherine said brightly, dragging his attention from Amelia and her blush and Lavinia and her husband. “That way we can ensure Amelia finds a husband. It’s about time, really.”
“Catherine,” Amelia hissed. “I am in no need of a husband.”
“You intend to stay unmarried?” Nicholas asked.
For some reason, the idea of her staying alone made his chest tighten. All of the Chadwick girls were wonderful women. Unique, to be certain, but they had always been kind and welcoming to him, and quite the support when he inherited his title. None had ever treated him as merely a title, either. It was rare he could be in the company of women and not have to worry about putting them off somehow.
Amelia shrugged. “I have my family to keep me occupied. And reading, of course.”
“Of course.” He smiled. There was a time when she had visited his house as a young girl and she had gone missing. They had found her in the library, asleep amongst a great pile of books. “I have added to the library these past years. A few rare books from foreign lands as well as some fine English literature.”
“You shall have to show me if you get the chance.”
“Oh yes, do show her,” Catherine said. “If you do not, she shall be unbearable until she has seen them.”
“That is an exaggeration, Catherine,” Amelia scolded.
“Hardly. I am not sure you shall be happy until you have read every book in the world. Every time we go into town, if we do not buy a book, she is miserable for the entire day. She feels that there is some sort of missed opportunity if she does not buy one,” Catherine explained.
“I’m glad to see you have not changed these past months, Amelia,” Nicholas said. “I cannot remember a time when your nose was not in a book or you were not penning some tale as a child.”
“W-well it has been a long time since I have written.”
That color was there again, flaring up in her cheeks. He eyed her closely and she darted her gaze away from him.
“That’s a shame.” He pushed open the gate that led onto Uxbridge land and motioned for Amelia to go first before guiding the horse through. “You were quite the teller of tales if I recall.”
“She—” Catherine started.
“Has little time for that now,” Amelia cut in sharply. “As you know, this rabble take some looking after.” She pointed a thumb in her sister’s direction. “And Catherine is the hardest to look after.”
Nicholas laughed when Catherine stuck out her tongue at Amelia while Amelia narrowed her gaze at Catherine. He had no siblings so the Chadwick girls were the closest thing he had to sisters. He’d always enjoyed how they interacted with each other. He’d never known women to argue quite so much and yet it was clear they adored one another entirely.
They made their way across the worn muddy path that cut through the land. His estate covered a near twenty acres and much of it was covered with trees and open patches of long grass for the sheep to graze on. The River Wey cut across the land, winding its way past the house, cutting it off from where they were walking. An elegant stone bridge had been built over fifty years ago to replace the wooden one that granted them access to the house.
Nicholas guided the horse toward the bridge and found himself stealing looks at Amelia. She avoided his gaze still but the color had slowly subsided. Once it had, her freckles stood out in stark contrast to her pale skin. He had the oddest urge to draw her close and...
He scowled. No, that couldn’t be right. Amelia Chadwick was nothing more than a sister figure to him.
A screech broke his thoughts and the reins in his hand tore away, leaving a burning sensation on his palm. Catherine screeched again as the horse reared and bucked. The noise disconcerted the animal and he bolted before Nicholas could make a grab for the reins.
“Oh no!” Amelia cried as the horse, with Catherine clinging desperately to the saddle, raced off toward the river.
Nicholas sprinted after her, aware of Amelia running behind him.
“Help!” Catherine cried when the horse showed no sign of slowing despite her insistent tugs.
He ran as fast as he could but the damned horse was too fast. He could only watch helplessly as the horse plunged into the river, taking Catherine with her.
Lungs burning and thighs aching, he barely took a breath before pulling off his boots and plunging into the water. It pricked his skin and stole the breath from his lungs. Weeds tangled about his legs and the fast-flowing water pushed against his body. He surfaced and a wave of water pushed over his head. He caught a glimpse of the horse pulling herself out of the water. Bloody animal.
Another slosh of water threatened to push him under as he fought the swell and looked around for Catherine. Before he could set eyes on her, another body plunged into the water.
Amelia.
She surfaced and spluttered. “Sweet Mary, it’s cold.” She let herself be pushed toward him, bobbing under once or twice.
Nicholas gritted his teeth and made a grab for her. There was no chance Amelia or her sister were drowning on his land. She gripped his arm and made an attempt at tugging him to the river edge.
“Catherine.” He spat out a mouthful of water.
“She’s...fine...” Amelia gave another insistent tug while they both pushed against the water.
He banded his arm about her body and the extra weight of her pushed them backward. He kicked out and using one arm, coaxed them toward the river’s edge. He felt Amelia’s skinny legs kicking with all their might and she fought the water with both arms. They were forced back but with each stroke they neared the river bank.
Once the grass was in reach, Nicholas gave an almighty kick and grasped for the long reeds lining the edge. He grabbed a bunch and felt them ripping away from the soil under the force of the water.
“Take my hand!” Catherine held out her hand to Amelia.
He blinked up at her. Though soaked from head to toe, she was alive and well, and certainly not in danger of being swept away. Unlike them.
“Take it,” he ordered Amelia.
Amelia kicked forward and gave a grunt as she reached for her sister. The release of the extra weight allowed him to get a better grip on the reeds and, with Catherine’s help, they hauled themselves up onto the side. Amelia flopped down beside him and they lay there for a moment, gathering their breath.
“Lord, you could have both died.” Catherine plopped herself down next to them, her clothes making a great squelching sound as she did.
Once his energy had returned, he rolled over and pushed up to sitting. “How the devil did you make it out?”
“The horse decided I only needed a dip. She dragged me halfway out before I got free from her.”
“Bloody horse.”
He shouldn’t curse in front of the women but if there was ever a time for cursing, it was now.
“Amelia jumped in to save you,” Catherine said with a grin.
Nicholas turned his attention to Amelia who had suffered the most from this ordeal by the looks of it. Her lips were blue and her body shook. Her hair had fallen free from however it had been styled and her bonnet was long gone. Her tresses were dark and tangled around her shoulders. The muslin dress clung to her fragile body, revealing every dip and arc, from high, petite breasts, to delicately curving hips.
He helped her up and gripped her arms. “What were you thinking?”
“I-I saw Catherine climb out but you were s-still in the water. I could not let you drown.”
“Foolish girl,” he scolded lightly. “Far better I drown than you.”
She shook her head. “You’re the viscount.”
Her shaking body pulled at his heart and he drew her into him and rubbed his hands up and down her body. His heart hammered but he could not help himself, the warmth of exhilaration burned through his body. They had nearly all died and yet here they were, alive, if a little cold.
He drew
back and met her gaze. That’s when he saw it. That same spark. Amelia was not shaking from anything but cold. She had no fear in her. That same exhilaration fired through her veins. He could see it flash in those green eyes.
It struck him hard in that moment. You feel the same as I do. You’re like me. A crease appeared between her brow then her lips parted. Did she recognize the same thing in him? Christ, how could he have been so blind to her? It was as though a shield wall had fallen away.
“How did I not know?” he murmured.
She must have heard the words but she had no response for him. He did not even know if he understood what he meant by them. He wasn’t sure he did. Only that he was seeing Amelia in a different light. One that made him question everything.
Catherine came to their side, apparently oblivious to whatever was occurring. “Come, we had better get dry before we all sicken.”
Amelia merely stared at Nicholas.
“Amelia!” Catherine snapped. “If this cold does not kill us, you know Mama will for staying wet for so long. We need to move.”
Amelia snapped her head around and nodded. “Oh y-yes. Of course.”
The spell broken, Nicholas released her arms. “Catherine is right. We need to get you both dry as soon as possible.” He offered Amelia his arm, telling himself that she needed the support as she was weakened by their battle with the water.
Amelia took it and glanced up at him. He was certain in that moment she understood his reasoning’s. Surely she was feeling what he was feeling now?
Chapter Six
Amelia grimaced at her reflection. Her lips were still tinged blue but it was her hair that was the real disaster. River water was not kind to her thick hair and it hung like rat’s tails about her face, even after a good rub with a towel. Most of her pins had been lost after her dip in the water but she attempted to pin some of it up with the remaining two she had discovered amongst her hair.
A Rake for All Seasons: A Regency and Victorian Romance Boxset Page 54
