Amelia's Deception

by GG Shalton

  Table of Contents

  Other Books by GG Shalton

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Amelia’s

  Deception

  GG Shalton

  Amelia’s Deception

  Copyright © 2017 by GG Shalton. All rights reserved.

  First Edition: November 2017

  Editor: Joy Editing – https://www.joyediting.com/

  ProBook Premade Covers – http://www.premade-bookcovers.com/

  Formatting: Streetlight Graphics

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

  Other Books by GG Shalton

  A Previous Time – coming December 2017

  Running From Past Roses – coming spring 2018

  Chapter 1

  Rain pounded against the window causing the glass to shake. Amelia sat up in her bed bringing the covers under her chin. Sleeping in the storm was impossible. Thunder rumbled through her room as the darkened sky lit up with lightning strikes. She inched to the side of the bed taking her robe to cover herself as she fumbled in the dark to light her lantern. Her stomach rumbled as she made her way down the stairs reminding her that she had skipped dinner. A quick snack may help her go back to sleep.

  The stormed raged outside blocking out the noises of the night. Amelia searched the kitchen for the leftover apple tarts, but they had disappeared. Looking around for another snack, she settled on some bread and cheese. A lull in the storm finally brought some peace to her night. Faint sprinkles of rain were all she could hear. Relieved the storm was finally passing, she quickly finished her snack placing her plate in the empty sink. She reached for her lantern, hearing faint voices echoing in the hall. They were coming from her father’s study. She tiptoed toward the study, shut off her lantern, and hid by the study wall to listen.

  A deep, raspy voice vibrated by the door. “Your time has run out. Stop with the excuses. The debtor’s prison will not save you from what you owe me.” Amelia covered her mouth with her hand.

  “What you ask is impossible. I have nothing left to give.” The familiar voice of her father pleaded with the stranger.

  The stranger’s voice took a sarcastic tone. “Indeed? I believe if you try hard enough, you can think of many ways to pay your debt.” He snickered before his voice changed back to a threatening tone. “For now, I will take what’s left in the safe and the ring on your finger.”

  A whimper came from her father. “My ring? It belonged to my father and is a family heirloom—it’s all the jewelry I have left. The ten pounds in the safe will barely put a dent in what I owe you. I have a family.”

  The stranger snorted. “You will be in prison within a month. Your family is not my concern. You have one week to find a way to get me the rest of my money, or you will pay with blood.”

  Footsteps came toward the door. Amelia jumped back and hid behind the settee, lowering to the floor. The door opened abruptly, and a man stormed out of the room, crossed the foyer and slammed the front door. She didn’t move a muscle until she heard her father’s footsteps exit the study and climb the stairs.

  She waited a few minutes before standing. How could her father be so irresponsible? Trying to put her mind at ease, she rushed to the front door in the darkness avoiding any obstacles that may be in her way. Her stomach calmed as she reached the door unscathed and assured it was shut and now locked. Peeking out the window into the darkness, she saw no visible sign of anyone near their home. The stranger had left.

  Amelia inhaled a deep breath and felt her way to the stairs thinking about the demise of her father. It was no secret that their London home was being repossessed for bad debts. Late night conversations overheard throughout the house was that her father would never make it through the move and would be in a debtor’s prison by months’ end. The family had to move within a month to the only residence they had left that was not being sold off—the entailed manor her father inherited. It would provide a small living space for the family although it was falling apart. Hardly a residence for a nobleman.

  She lit her lantern and climbed up the stairs to her room trying to avoid being heard. The rain had stopped, and she wanted to go back to bed. She paused in the hallway and opened the door to her little brothers’ room. The bed was empty, and she creased her brow searching every corner. Shadows from the windows danced on the walls as the trees swayed in the wind.

  “John? George? Where are you?” she whispered loudly. Looking under the bed, she did not see them. She left their room and opened the door to her chamber. Two blond mops of hair peeked from underneath her blanket. A small tug of relief ran through her veins as she spotted both of her brothers lying in the middle of her bed fast asleep.

  She blew out the lantern and crawled into the bed between them. They must have been afraid of the storm and went to find her. John was eight and George was seven. She mothered them, as her stepmother left their care to the help. Her stepmother felt children should not be seen or heard. Occasionally she would acknowledge them if certain guests were about, but she was mostly not involved in their daily upbringing. As their finances dwindled, many of their servants were let go causing their care to fall upon the housekeeper who was near being pensioned.

  Amelia puffed up her pillows trying to fall asleep. She couldn’t help thinking about her father. Dread filled her. Who was the man that came to visit to threaten him? Probably better she didn’t know. Their relationship had become strained over the years. Her mother died when she was young. Rumor had it she was beautiful and an actress. Not exactly a proper wife of a baron. Actresses and singers made great mistresses, but one should never bring them home. To her father’s defense, he was not a baron when he married her. Supposedly, his older brother was to be the heir, but with the carriage accident, her father inherited the title and her mother died soon afterward. A nurse and then a governess at her family’s country residence raised Amelia away from the rest of the family. She barely saw her father through her childhood until he lost his country estate to bad debts. He had married her stepmother when she was very young although she was not invited to their wedding. They had two children together, and Amelia doted on her younger half brothers. She joined them at their London townhouse shortly after her twelfth birthday.

  Unable to sleep she rose out of bed and lit a candle on her desk. She took some paper and ink out of the drawer to write some more letters to local employment agenc
ies. The rejection of her other letters was making her desperate. It was hard to obtain a position as a governess with no experience or references. Amelia’s stepmother told her there would not be enough room for her at their new home and she would have to be married soon without a dowry.

  Her father was beginning negotiations with his second cousin who built a small living working as a merchant. Amelia shivered at the thought of marrying Edward—an overweight man with oily hair and a potbelly. His teeth had a dull color, and he spoke with a small whistle as he pronounced certain words. Her father’s unscrupulous business practices caused many in the town to turn their back on her family. Most prominent business associates did not want to spoil their name with the association. Invitations to social occasions disappeared and Amelia’s season was canceled. Her stepmother was devastated at their lack of fortune and took her frustrations out on her family. Most of society would not associate with her. Amelia’s chances of making a suitable match were impossible.

  She stopped writing the letter and began drawing instead. Smiling to herself, she realized she was drawing him. Her thoughts turned to Billy. Her friends had changed over the last year from fellow aristocrats to the working-class society. They were a guarded secret, especially Billy. Her family paid little attention to her Saturday outings.

  Snickering to herself at her secret, she hid the picture under her mattress and blew out the candle. She crawled back into bed letting her thoughts take her to the first time she met Billy. Amelia’s former maid, Tabatha, had also been a designated chaperone before her father dismissed her. She introduced her to a local girl she grew up with named Sally Collins. They met her one day at a local bakery. Sally worked at her uncle’s stables and often invited Amelia and Tabatha over to their farm to spend time together. Her boyfriend Chuck worked at the stables renting horses and carriages. Chuck’s group of friends took on odd jobs and traveled throughout England on adventures. Billy Johnson was their leader, and Amelia loved hearing stories of his days at sea. He was a rugged but handsome character with a scar on his right cheek and long disheveled hair. She kept her nobility a secret in the beginning and claimed to be an old friend of her maid’s. Billy took an interest in Amelia and would often buy her trinkets for a smile. Those smiles soon turned to kisses. He seemed to enjoy her innocence and often filled her head with dreams. Amelia twisted in her blanket trying to fall back to sleep. Smiling at her thoughts of Billy, she closed her eyes hoping for a diversion. She knew tomorrow would come too soon.

  The next morning Amelia was awakened by the housekeeper. The boys were out of bed, and the sun streamed through the window. Surprised that she had slept that long, she tried unsuccessfully to sit up. It must have been the late-night activity causing her to oversleep. Not wanting to face the day, she rolled over trying to pull the covers over her head to block the blinding light.

  “Miss Amelia! Your betrothed is waiting for you downstairs. He is early, and your father demanded that I fetch you at once.”

  The butterflies in her stomach would not cease. Any mention of her engagement made her nauseous. Amelia groaned loudly, making herself get out of bed to get dressed. She had to hurry as her father did not tolerate tardiness. After combing out her hair, she twisted the ends so she could pin it up. Mrs. Brooks helped her with the barrettes.

  Amelia checked herself in the looking glass one last time unable to force a genuine smile. If only she had the nerve to deny her father and live on her own. Perhaps she could find a governess position or become a servant, which would be better than marrying Edward.

  Resigning herself to her fate, she dabbed some lavender perfume along her neckline. “Tell him I will be down in a moment.” Mrs. Brooks nodded and left the room. Amelia sat down on the bed putting on her slippers. She looked around her room one more time, tempted to feign an illness and prolong the inevitable.

  After a few moments, she took a deep breath and went down the stairs. Her father and Edward were waiting for her in the drawing room. Edward smiled when he saw her and walked toward her. He wore his hair slicked back trying to cover his balding circle that highlighted the center of his head. His black coat was a few sizes too small causing him to appear unkempt.

  He bowed, “You look lovely, Amelia.” He used her Christian name. After all, he was family, but the fact he was a suitor as well made her uncomfortable.

  Looking at her father’s stern face as a warning, she nodded at her betrothed. “Edward, how nice to see you.”

  Her father managed a smile and turned to the housekeeper. “They must be going, so you can hold off on the tea.”

  Amelia had hoped to spend a few minutes with her family before departing. She widened her eyes. “Who will chaperone us?”

  Her father smirked. “You’re engaged, Amelia. Hardly in need of a chaperone.” Amelia wanted to protest but kept quiet.

  “I have a driver who will be with us. I wanted to take you to my store to show you around and then back to my home for dinner. My family wishes to see you. Especially, my mother.” Edward said.

  Edward assisted her into the carriage. “I hope you like roasted chicken. I asked the servants to prepare a special meal this evening.”

  Amelia smiled not wanting to be rude. “I am sure it will be delicious.” She noticed some sweat beading across his forehead. His nervousness was touching in an odd sort of way.

  “I believe this is the first time we have spoken alone.” He fidgeted with his handkerchief as he wiped his brow.

  Amelia chewed on the inside of her mouth. “Yes, I believe you are correct.” She didn’t know what to say so decided to just agree with him.

  He looked down at his lap. “I wanted you to know that I have favored you for years from a distance. I remember when you first came to stay with your family in London. You were a young girl, but so very beautiful. You have grown more beautiful as a woman if that is even possible.” His eyes blinked a few times as he waited for her response.

  Amelia’s face felt warm and she was a bit embarrassed by his compliment. Not knowing how to respond she took out her fan, trying to hide her apprehension, and cooled her face.

  He reached for her free hand and held it in his, rubbing his thumb across her palm. She had to hold back the feelings to pull her hand away. Being properly bred, she didn’t want to appear rude and put her fan down on the seat beside her. Her chest felt heavy with guilt. He was not the man she wished to marry, but pushing down her bitterness, she would accept her fate. This man would help support her brothers and stepmother while her father was in prison. What else could she do? The silence was thick, and the air was hard to breathe. “Edward, tell me about your stores.”

  His face lit up at the prospect of speaking about his business. “I own two fabric stores and a candle store. I also sold some land that I owned to some wealthy merchants. I have enough money to buy a nice cottage. I can take care of us and provide a small living to your family. It was part of the deal I made with your father.”

  He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a ring. “Amelia, I would like you to wear this ring. It was my grandmothers on my mother’s side. It would mean a lot to me.” His brown eyes met hers in a plea of desperation.

  She closed her eyes not wanting to hurt his feelings and held out her hand. He slid the ring on her finger and kissed it. It was a small diamond surrounded by smaller diamond chips. The silver band was dainty and fit perfectly.

  The carriage slowed at just the right time, as she was unsure how to respond to the ring. He looked out the window. “We are here at one of my stores. Please let us go inside.” He stepped down assisting her out of the carriage. Amelia walked beside him taking his arm. He unlocked the door and they went inside.

  The store was impressive and stocked with several varieties of material set throughout, covering the floor and shelves. He showed off the assorted styles and colors. He lifted his chin proudly.
“My sister works at this store and my other sister manages the one in Bath. I work in the candle store down the street. I thought you would take the most interest in this store. You can have whatever kind of material your heart desires. I can have one of our seamstresses make you a dozen dresses. It’s my engagement gift to you.”

  Her mouth fell open. “I couldn’t possibly accept such a gift.”

  He walked toward her taking both of her hands. “Nonsense. You are my fiancée, and I own the store. I will send someone to your home for measurements this week.” He bent down and kissed her hands. Her heart dropped as she tried to force herself to feel something for him. He was like a lost puppy, and she didn’t know how to handle his affections.

  He smiled at her showing his off-color teeth. “Are you hungry? Mother will be expecting us soon.”

  Amelia nodded. “Yes, I am a little hungry. Perhaps we should be on our way?” He escorted her out of the store and back to the carriage. He lived rather close to the store in a cottage he shared with his mother, father, and sister.

  She looked over at him. “You live with your parents?”

  He nodded his head. “Yes, mother said I should stay with them until I am married. When I turned one and thirty, I tried to move out, but mother took to her bed for a month, so I stayed with her and Father. She said she couldn’t bear to be away from me.”

  Momentarily finding amusement in his story, she drew her brow. “What about after we are married?”

  Edward straightened his cravat. “I am hoping she can adjust. I may need to stay a few nights with them each week until she can get used to the idea.” Not that Amelia would mind him spending a few nights away, it just seemed like an odd attachment his mother had over him. She had seen his mother at a family gathering prior to her father’s demise. She hadn’t realized how dependent his parents were on their son. His father made no attempt to maintain a relationship with her father although they were cousins. The marriage request by Edward was a welcomed surprise by Amelia’s father.