by GG Shalton
Andrew tilted his head in amusement. “Ask me.”
Amelia looked down at her hands and closed her eyes. “How much?”
Andrew seemed confused by her question. “How much what?”
Amelia opened her eyes looking straight at him. Her voice sounded slightly unsteady, “How much did my father sell me for?”
Andrew was taken back by her question and didn’t want to answer and hurt her feelings. She was priceless to him. But how could he deny her an answer when he insisted she ask him anything? His voice was gentle. “Amelia, I will tell you only because you asked me to. But before I do, I want you to know that I would have paid double. You intrigued me from the moment I saw you. Please know that it was never about the money for me.”
Amelia looked at her lap. “I want to know how much?”
He let out an exhausted breath. “Fine. With the payment of all the debts including the rest of the mortgage, in addition to bringing all other accounts up to date, it was around twenty thousand pounds.”
Amelia’s mouth dropped open gasping. “Are you mad?”
He smiled at her and shrugged his shoulders. After a few seconds, he bent over and cupped her face. “Not mad. Just captivated by you.” He brushed a soft kiss against her open lips.
Amelia turned her head breaking the kiss, trying to compose herself. She pulled away from him. “Thank you for telling me. If you will excuse me, I have to attend to some private needs.” She ran out the door and up the stairs. The tears flowing as he watched her exit.
Andrew stared at the door his wife just left and decided to give her some space. It was a lot for her to digest knowing the price her father had set for her. If he could only make her see that they could have a good life. He would shelter her from his business and reputation. The dinner party incident would not be repeated. His life with her would be separate from his other life.
Jean came by the following day for tea. Amelia wore her yellow dress and a pearl necklace. She welcomed Jean into their home. The cook made small cakes to serve with the tea. Jean spoke to the staff with familiarity making Amelia uneasy. What exactly was her relationship with Andrew that she knew his staff by name?
“Amelia, I am so happy to get a chance to speak to you alone.” Amelia smiled hoping her request was of a friendly nature.
She took a sip of her tea. “I welcome any female company that I can find.”
Jean laughed. “Yes, you must tire of all of Andrew’s companions. How are you settling in? I hope all is well? I am anxious to see the changes you will make to the home. It definitely needs a woman’s touch.”
Amelia blushed. “I hardly know what changes to make. Although I do like to look at artwork. Some of it can be expensive.”
Jean swished her hand. “Money is no problem with Andrew. He will give you your heart’s desire. Trust me, I have never seen him more smitten.”
Amelia looked away, uncomfortable of where the conversation was leading. Did Jean think she was a fortune hunter?
Jean finished one of the cakes and stood up from the settee to pour herself some more tea. “I am so happy Andrew found you. He has had a hard life and deserves to have a nice family.”
Amelia realized she knew very little about her husband’s past. “I am not aware of his past.”
Jean sat back on the settee. “Our families lived near each other when we were children. Andrew stood out from most of the boys on the street—always brawling with the other kids in the neighborhood trying to prove he was tough.” Jean laughed shaking her head. She took a drink of tea.
After a few seconds of silence, she leaned over and whispered. “Amelia, maybe it’s not my place, but I want you to understand why your husband is the way he is. My hope is not to scare you but just to help you. You see, many Scots disliked the Irish. They had it rougher and faced a daily struggle to adapt to life in Scotland. My mother was Scot, so I was more accepted than most others on my street. Some made fun of Andrew because he didn’t have shoes that fit him, so he used to take them off and go barefooted until winter was too unbearable. His mother was not home often, and when she was there, she always had a drink in her hand. Some of the men that visited his home were not kind to him, and he used to try to protect his mother and brother.”
Amelia shifted in her seat. “He never speaks to me about his childhood or his family.”
Jean shook her head. “One of his mother’s boyfriends used to whip his little brother. Andrew protected him as much as he could even though he was a child himself. That same year he grew at least five inches. He was around one and three and ended up taking the belt from the man and beating him to near death. The man disappeared and no one asked about him again. After that, Andrew’s mother was introduced to another man who took Andrew under his wing. Andrew learned to fight and be quiet—important attributes when you live on the street.”
Amelia bit into her cake as her mind thought about Andrew and his mother. Jean shivered after swallowing her food. “He closed his heart and mind to feel nothing but survival. That scared a lot of people. But the other side of Andrew was loyalty. He always looked out for me growing up. I would like to return his kindness someday.”
Amelia looked away from Jean and stood up uncomfortable with the conversation. “Andrew must have many sides to him. I am not sure that I know the man you describe.”
Jean lifted her brow. “Perhaps he buries his past when he is with you—waiting for a time to share the man behind the mask. Like I said, I am happy he has found you. His happiness means a great deal to me.”
Amelia smoothed her dress and gave a guarded smile, not sure how to answer. She may not know the circumstances of their marriage.
“Jean, thank you for coming by today. If you will excuse me, I must attend to some duties. Should I see if Andrew is at home?”
Jean must have realized she was being politely dismissed. “I must go. I hope we can have tea again soon.” Amelia smiled as she walked her to the door.
Chapter 12
The next few weeks flew by for Amelia as her life fell into a routine. Andrew spent most of his days building his empire, attending meetings, and making backroom deals. Most nights he came home late, often waking Amelia so they could make love. He was very passionate and enjoyed showering her with small gifts. Their conversations were brief due to the late hour and he was usually gone by morning. Amelia fulfilled her wifely duty while protecting her heart from any emotion.
She preferred to fill her days spending time with Beatrice, and the two became fast friends. One of their new favorite pastimes was going shopping. Andrew was generous with pin money allowing Amelia to buy anything she desired. Her favorite items were art supplies and books. She even took some art lessons from a local artist in town. Andrew assured she had guards with her always. She and Beatrice would often try to dodge them making it a game of wills on occasion. The guards did report some of the mischief to Andrew, but he chose not to confront her. The reports indicated that the two of them had become thick as thieves, often whispering to each other. Andrew wished he could spend more time with Amelia. A tug of jealousy at her new friendship went through him, but he quickly dismissed it.
The staff was leery of Beatrice. Amelia took her meals in her chamber so she could have Beatrice as company. Propriety would not allow them to eat together in the dining room. Beatrice was guarded with her mistress and protected her from the rest of the staff. Amelia had tested her trustworthiness over the last few weeks and she had proven to be a loyal friend. Ms. Haughton complained about Amelia to other servants in the kitchen often referring to her as the mundane mistress. They could not understand what Andrew saw in her as she was practically a child and a spoiled aristocrat. Beatrice would counter their attacks speaking of her husband’s protectiveness and obvious devotion. After many groans and scowls from other kitchen maids, Beatrice put salt in the sugar bo
wls causing Andrew to send the tea cakes back with complaints.
On another occasion, Beatrice put a mouse in the stew pot giving Mrs. Haughton a huge scare early one morning. Her shenanigans did not end there. Beatrice got up early before the servants rose and rearranged all the spices taking the labels off causing a flurry in the kitchen. With every negative comment that was made about Amelia, a prank in the kitchen could be expected.
Amelia was kept constantly entertained with Beatrice around. She never met anyone with so many funny stories about her childhood. She wished they would have met under different circumstances when they were younger because she knew they would have been the best of friends. Beatrice grew up with seven siblings that were always jesting with one another. Her oldest sister married a doctor who had inherited a nice living. Beatrice was his mother’s lady’s maid before she died, giving her some experience before coming to Amelia’s.
Amelia looked forward to Beatrice’s birthday. She planned to take Beatrice to the dress shop in the city. She convinced a few of the guards in letting her go into Edinburgh instead of the local village. Andrew was out of town and couldn’t deny her. The guards had tried to persuade her to put off the trip until Andrew could be consulted, but Amelia got her way.
She was so excited to give Beatrice her surprise when the day arrived. The carriage ride was rough and Amelia was thrown twice from her seat. Beatrice ended up sitting on the floor of the carriage. Both girls were looking forward to their day and tried not to complain about the muddy roads.
The seamstress recognized her and showed her the latest fashions and fine fabrics knowing that her husband owned a fortune. Amelia enjoyed looking at all the materials but was secretly looking for colors to match Beatrice’s skin tone. The seamstress had a few pre-made dresses that only needed to be hemmed. One was a beautiful yellow color.
“Beatrice, what do you think of this yellow fabric?” Beatrice’s eyes grew large as she touched the garment. “Oh, Mistress. You would glow in a dress this color.”
Amelia looked coyly at her lady’s maid. “True, but you would look better.”
Beatrice shook her head. “I have never worn such fine material.”
Amelia grabbed her hand. “I insist you try it on. It is my present for your birthday.”
Beatrice’s face turned red. “How did you know?”
Amelia giggled. “I have your references, you ninny. The agency gave me your date of birth.” She made Beatrice change in the dress shop.
Amelia watched one of the guard’s eyes when he saw Beatrice. She had noticed his interest in her and Beatrice’s sly glances at his attention. Her heart pulled when he gave Beatrice a wild flower he picked from an open field earlier in the day.
Amelia made Beatrice wear the gown as they continued shopping. The guard, Alfred, kept close attention on Beatrice. He made sure to open all her doors and escorted her to each store. Amelia made excuses to leave them alone after a few hours of shopping. She went without a chaperone into the bonnet store leaving Beatrice to sit outside with Alfred. John and Aaron, the other guards stayed with the horses. Not trying to intrude on their privacy, Amelia found herself unable to resist peeking from the window. Alfred leaned against the side of the building shielding Beatrice from the patrons walking by on the sidewalk. He touched her face placing a stray piece of hair behind her ear. He smiled as he leaned down to whisper to her. Amelia saw Beatrice blush and smile back at him. Her heart ached to know what they were saying. She dreamed of romance. Suddenly thoughts of Andrew came into her head and she quickly dismissed them. Andrew was her husband, but their relationship was not based on a courtship. It was a business deal like most of his interactions and relationships. Amelia shivered thinking about their life together. Pulling herself away from the window, she finally chose a blue bonnet and paid the woman behind the table.
Beatrice broke away from Alfred when Amelia exited the store. “Are you finished, Mrs. Baird?”
Amelia smiled wanting to give them some more time together. “Not quite. I think I will go next door and look at some jewelry.”
She winked at Beatrice who looked away from Alfred. “Should I accompany you?”
Amelia shook her head. “I think I can manage. If you could hold my bag and wait for me outside, I would be much obliged.”
Amelia spoke to the store manager about some necklaces. After a while, she decided it was time to go. She told the man that she would bring her husband to see a few pieces of jewelry when he was back in town. The man thanked her and Amelia left the store empty-handed. It was getting later and Alfred suggested they head back before it got too dark. Amelia agreed and they walked to the carriage.
“Mrs. Baird?”
Amelia turned around to a familiar face. Unable to recognize the woman at first, she smiled at the greeting. “Yes, I am Mrs. Baird. Are we acquainted?” The woman’s face was obscured by her bonnet.
The woman smiled. “From Jean’s dinner party. I am Sophie.”
Amelia’s face went pale. Sophie was not painted the way she was at Jean’s party. She hadn’t recognized her at first. Not wanting to appear bothered, Amelia tried to hold her composure. “Oh yes. I do remember you now. I was just on my way. I hope you have a pleasant day.” Amelia turned to board the carriage.
The woman stepped closer to her. “It’s a pity you know.”
Amelia turned to look at her. “Pardon me?”
She smirked coyly trying to patronize Amelia. “I said it’s a pity that we met under unpleasant circumstances. We could have been great friends. After all, we do share the same taste in men and have much in common.”
Amelia’s eyes narrowed. “Indeed? I assure you that we have nothing in common.”
Beatrice stood in front of Amelia while she stepped into the carriage. Beatrice dropped her smile and brought her chin up looking at Sophie. “I know your kind. And you’re correct, it is a pity.”
Sophie looked at Beatrice. “Pardon?”
Beatrice smiled again. “I said it’s a pity if something happened to you due to your ill-mannered words. Mrs. Baird may be genteel bred, but I am not.”
Sophie smiled at Beatrice and walked away. Beatrice climbed in the carriage with Alfred’s help. He whispered to her, “Remind me not to ever make you mad.”
Beatrice winked at him and took the seat opposite of Amelia. She hugged her friend. “Thank you. Who needs a guard when I have you?” They both let out a laugh. They giggled in the carriage all the way home.
The next day they went into the local village to buy some sweets as an afternoon treat. They took a seat at a table near the cobblestone sidewalk. The guards were on the other side of the street conversing with each other keeping an eye on the women. “How are you and Alfred?” Amelia smiled taking a bite of her apple tart.
Beatrice looked over at him and wrinkled her nose. “He is always staring at me. I haven’t kissed him yet.”
Amelia let out a chuckle. “I think he is in love.”
Beatrice looked over at the guards. “He is one of your guards and doesn’t want to lose his position. Do you think Mr. Baird would mind our relationship?”
Amelia shrugged. “I don’t think my husband pays attention. Alfred is smitten. The question is if you are interested in him?”
Her face turned red. “He is handsome, gentle, and kind.”
Amelia smiled hoping to help the two. She lifted her shoulders giddy with excitement. “He could be your match. You must spend more time with him.”
A deep voice came up beside them. “Who must she spend more time with?” Both girls jumped looking up to see Andrew cracking a smile. Another man she did not recognize stood behind him.
He chuckled. “Did I frighten you?”
Amelia was shocked to see him in town. She shook her head. “Just surprised is all.”
Andr
ew sat beside her and kissed her on the cheek. “The staff told me you were probably in the village. I have wonderful news and didn’t want to wait. May I introduce my brother Ian? He came to visit.”
Amelia looked up at the large man who held out his hand. She took it and he kissed her knuckles. “So glad to meet my new sister.”
She smiled. “I am honored to meet you, sir.” His eyes held familiarity and reminded her of his brother.
“Sir? Oh no, please call me Ian.”
She nodded. “Of course, and please call me Amelia.”
He took a seat opposite of the couple next to Beatrice. “Are you going to finish those tarts?” He eyed the pastries.
Amelia pushed them toward him. “Help yourself.”
He took the tarts and winked at her.
She laughed at his expression as he ate.
It was a flirtatious laugh in Andrew’s opinion. He watched their exchange. His wife seemed more at ease with his brother than she did with him. Andrew cleared his throat watching his brother evaluate his wife. “He is only staying a few days. Ian could never settle anywhere more than that. My brother is a wanderer.”
Ian laughed looking at Amelia. “I am not a wanderer. Just looking for a reason to settle down. It looks like my brother has found one. You are even lovelier than he described. He is a lucky man.”
Amelia blushed at his compliment. She looked over at Andrew who was scowling at Ian. “Will you be staying for dinner?”
Andrew nodded. “Yes, I thought a family dinner would be nice. I will invite Jean and her husband, Greg. Brian can bring Julia.”
Amelia looked surprised by the mention of Brian having a partner. “Julia?” she questioned.
“Yes, a local woman he sees on occasion. Her brother is one of my solicitors and I introduced them last year. She is widowed.”
