Amelia's Deception

by GG Shalton

  In his slyness, he chuckled sarcastically. “Mr. Pruitt, please forgive my tardiness. I was married today and detained at my wedding.” Andrew walked toward the desk, sat on top of it, and watched the sweat drip from Pruitt’s brow.

  He liked to taunt his victims with feigned kindness. “You must forgive my men for their rudeness. We will untie you at once.” He gestured toward Bull, a loyal guard. Bull nodded and untied Mr. Pruitt whose pale face looked like he was going to faint. He held his wrist. Afraid to move, he stared at the floor.

  Andrew hopped off the table and walked near the desk to pour a glass of whiskey. He handed it to Mr. Pruitt. “Our hospitality seems to be lacking this evening.”

  Mr. Pruitt, a small man with bloodshot eyes, cautiously accepted the glass, fearful to drink it.

  Andrew watched him as his smile formed a straight line. “Drink it.”

  Mr. Pruitt’s hand shook as he tried to steady the glass near his mouth. His hard swallow indicated the liquid had gone down his throat.

  Andrew turned away standing in front of the desk. “My time is valuable, Mr. Pruitt. I am a generous man, and you have taken advantage me.”

  Mr. Pruitt’s breathing became labored, and his ashen skin made him look ill. “I was desperate. I owed McIntire money.”

  Andrew snorted. “McIntire? You stole from me because of him.”

  Mr. Pruitt looked away unable to make eye contact. “Please, Mr. Baird. I will pay you back.”

  Andrew studied his face losing patience. Lifting his eyebrow, he sternly asked, “Where is my jewelry?”

  Mr. Pruitt shook his head looking away from him. Andrew lifted his hand and slapped him across the face, knocking him onto the floor. He gritted his teeth and spoke slowly: “Where is my jewelry?”

  Pruitt spit out some blood from his mouth. A weakened reply revealed his confession. “Please, it’s at my house. You can have it back.”

  Andrew started laughing. “How chivalrous of you to give me back my own jewelry?”

  Andrew looked at Bull. “Tell Johnson to escort Mr. Pruitt back to his home to retrieve my jewels. Take all his valuables at the home and have him sign his mortgage over to me as well.”

  “No! Please. You can’t do that—it will ruin me.”

  Andrew kicked him in the groin. “I own you now. Do you understand me? You have nothing. If you don’t cooperate with my men, then you will die. You’re lucky I am allowing you to live. No one steals from me and gets away with it.”

  Mr. Pruitt was coughing and gasping for air. Bull pulled him up and dragged him out the back entrance. Andrew straightened his jacket pulling his gloves on tightly. Brian came in the room and looked around at the mess. “Harry, have someone clean up back here.” Harry nodded and went to grab a barmaid.

  Andrew took a deep breath. “Let’s go to the docks. I want to speak to McIntire.” Brian agreed and took a few men with them.

  The docks were abandoned, but Andrew knew better. His street smarts trusted his gut. He took out his pistol and gathered a few of his men outside the warehouse of McIntire Industries. A light sound of music could be heard when he put his ear to the door. Andrew kicked in the door, and the piano noise stopped. Two men flew out of a side door with pistols drawn. Andrew stood in front of his men pointing a gun. Royce Macintyre dropped the gun when he recognized Andrew.

  “Are you mad? I almost wasted you.” Royce quickly regained his composure, remembering who he was talking too. “Forgive me—I am just shocked to see you.”

  Andrew put the gun down and stood with his men. The door to a secret room remained slightly opened. Andrew slowly tilted his head and walked toward the door. He spotted around ten men and five women hiding by the back wall. Andrew cleared his throat. “What do we have here?”

  McIntire shrugged his shoulder trying to appear nonchalant. “Just a small party.”

  Andrew laughed mockingly. “A party? You didn’t invite your business partner? I think I feel offended.” He looked over at Brian. “Brian, were you invited?”

  Brian lifted the side of his mouth. “No Boss, he must have lost my invitation.”

  Andrew grabbed his chin. “Hmm, it doesn’t look like a party. Just look at all these unsavory characters playing the tables. Some may say you were running a side business in here. Certainly, that can’t be the case. Would you try to compete with me?”

  McIntire shuffled his feet. “Please Mr. Baird, I know we are business partners with McIntire Shipping. I would not cheat you. I always pay your percentage on time. Tonight, is only a bit of fun, a group of friends playing cards.” His nervousness caused him to stammer. “I uh … uh… invite you to play.”

  Andrew grunted his disapproval. “I don’t gamble, Mr. McIntire. It’s not good odds.”

  McIntire looked away as his men stared at him. Unable to mask his apprehension of his punishment. He began to sweat profusely wiping his face with his sleeve.

  Andrew leaned toward Brian and whispered in his ear. Brian was followed by two of his men and looked for the money box. They located it behind the bar and took it. Andrew looked back at McIntire and his men. “My patience with you is at an end. I will be taking tonight’s profits and any future profits if you don’t close this little operation down. You know how I feel about competitors. If you lie to me again, you will suffer the consequences and my commission will go up. Do I make myself clear?”

  McIntyre nodded his head willing to agree to any demands. Andrew smiled. “Good. I will let you get back to your guests. It’s my wedding day and I am anxious to get home to my bride.”

  The men left with the money box and boarded the carriages. With business out of the way, he couldn’t keep his mind off the night’s future activities.

  Andrew sat in his study after arriving home enjoying his brandy. He notified the maid to inform his wife he would be up soon. He took longer than he had wanted at his business meetings and missed dinner. Thoughts of her all day stirred his desire. Seeing her walking to him in that dress that accentuated her womanly curves drove him mad. She was a vision with her beauty and innocence. He would enjoy teaching her the art of seduction and lovemaking. She was worth every penny.

  The chamber door squeaked when he opened it. He saw her wrapped in a robe sitting on the edge of the bed with her back facing him. Her long hair had been brushed and cascaded down her back. She turned her head slightly when she heard the door, but quickly turned back toward the fire that roared as it warmed the room. It was eerily quiet as the night winds howled against the window. Andrew took off his cravat and slowly removed his clothes putting on a robe that was lying on top of the chair. She kept her attention on the fire not acknowledging his presence behind her. Andrew sat on the side of the bed crawling toward her, the mattress sinking down with his weight. He sat behind her straddling his legs around her and pulled her back against his chest. Her body stiffened at his touch, and he rubbed her arms trying to comfort her. “I apologize for my delay.” He moved her long hair to the side breathing near her neck.

  His strong muscular legs held her in place as he rubbed her tense shoulders. Moving his hands gently, he played with her hair, placing feather-light kisses across the back of her neck. Amelia trembled trying to cover herself with a blanket as she was only dressed in a thin shift. Tears were falling as she winced at his touch.

  Andrew grew frustrated as he continued to feel her tension. He whispered in her ear. “Do not fear me. I am your husband.”

  The silent crying caused her back to shudder. Andrew finally sighed loudly backing away from her. How could he make love to a woman that was sobbing and shaking with fear? His night of passion was replaced by coldness. He wanted to punch something but reined in his temper.

  He stood up beside the bed and kneeled in front of her. Her eyes were swollen and she was visibly shaken. He reached over and took her hand. “Amelia,
look at me.”

  Amelia looked at him trying to wipe her face with her hand. “Forgive me.”

  He reached for a piece of her hair and put it behind her ear. “We will not consummate our marriage tonight. We will wait until we reach our home in Scotland. I want you to get to know me so you are more comfortable. I wish to share the same bed, but will not touch you intimately until then.”

  She stared at him, speechless. He stood up and kissed her forehead. She shivered as she waited for him to leave. He didn’t and instead got into bed beside her. She gasped as he pulled her towards him.

  “Shh. Relax. I am a man of my word. I only want to hold you.” He breathed her in and couldn’t help but notice the flower smell in her hair.

  “Your hair smells good. You have such beautiful hair.” He reached over and turned off the lantern.

  “Thank you, Mr. Baird,” she said weakly as she hiccupped.

  He sighed with annoyance. “Amelia, you are my wife. Please call me Andrew. It makes me happy. Please don’t call me Mr. Baird again.”

  She didn’t answer but feigned sleep.

  Chapter 7

  The next morning Amelia woke up alone. One of the servants was packing her trunk. Amelia sat up, “Hello?”

  The servant curtsied. “Hello, Mrs. Baird. You were sleeping soundly this morning. My name is Wilma. Your husband hired me to accompany you as your new lady’s maid. Will you want some hot chocolate?”

  Amelia shook her head taking in her surroundings. “Pardon me. I didn’t know that he hired anyone. We didn’t discuss it.”

  Wilma looked coyly at her. “It was your wedding day. I am sure discussing the servants was not important.”

  Amelia’s face burned with her implications. Wilma was tall with golden red hair, and she guessed her age around five and twenty. Freckles on her nose reminded her of Sally. She rubbed her eyes trying to adjust to the light in the room. She didn’t think she needed a designated lady’s maid, but would not take the opportunity away from the woman. Not wanting to tarry too long, she sat up and washed her face in the basin preparing for the day. Wilma chose her apricot traveling dress for her to wear and helped her brush her hair. She told Amelia that she used to work at one of Andrew’s factories in Glasgow. She didn’t like it, so she took a job as a maid in his London home. Her mother was the cook and recommended her. She was excited to be promoted to a lady’s maid. This new job gave her the chance to see her mother again.

  Amelia’s head spun with all of Wilma’s chatting. The woman seemed nice enough, but she would be guarded with her trust. She would not disclose any secrets until she knew her better. A knock on the door interrupted the women. Wilma opened the door to the main housekeeper.

  The housekeeper was very stoic and nodded. “Mr. Baird has requested his wife’s presence in the dining room to break her fast.”

  Wilma curtsied. “As you wish. We are finished now.” Amelia stood and thanked the women walking past them toward the stairs. She took in the rich decorations of decadent proportions that were displayed in the corridors. The dining room was a few floors from her room and she was determined to find it on her own. After a few wrong turns, she finally found it. She hesitated before entering the dining room. Andrew was chatting with his man Brian and they both stood as she entered.

  Andrew smiled walking to meet her in the entryway to escort her to the chair beside him. He pulled out her chair. “You look well rested, my dear. I hope you slept well.”

  Amelia smiled. “Yes, thank you.”

  Brian stood. “I will see to the final preparations before we leave. If you will excuse me.” He left them alone in the room.

  Andrew kissed her on the cheek. “Let me make you a plate. What do you like to eat?”

  Amelia was not hungry. “Just some bread would be great and some tea.”

  Andrew took some bread and a few pieces of cheese. “You may want some cheese too. We have a long trip ahead of us.”

  Amelia took the cheese and bit into it. The salty, creamy taste was delicious. She took a few bites of bread and sipped her tea. He watched her as he drank some coffee. She was lost as to what to say to her new husband and chose to fill her mouth with food instead.

  He grinned with amusement in his eyes. “That is the most I have seen you eat.”

  Amelia’s face blushed. “I guess I was hungrier than I thought. Is there anything you need me to do for you before we depart?”

  He raised his brow. “No, the servants have packed everything. Is your new maid acceptable? If not, we can hire someone else.”

  Amelia shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t really need a personal maid. I have never had one, and I can prepare myself.”

  He took her hand and kissed it. “It is my wish that you have the help that I can provide. Come now—let’s see if we are ready to leave. I have a carriage just for us. I will ride some of the journey with you in the carriage and other times I may ride a horse with my men. The other carriages are for luggage and servants.”

  Amelia nodded. “May I visit the library? I thought I would select a few books for our journey.”

  He touched her face. “Amelia, this is your home now. Of course, you can take books from my library. You can buy any book that you wish. Which reminds me that I have asked Brian to set up an account for your personal use. I will put pin money in there for you.”

  Amelia looked down. “I have some savings and should be fine for a while.” She lied because she didn’t want him to know she hardly a shilling to her name.

  Andrew snorted. “You are the only woman I know that would not jump at the chance to spend my money. Keep your money and spend mine. It’s my duty and joy to provide for you.”

  He bent down and kissed her on the mouth. Amelia’s body shook in surprise. It was a quick flutter in her belly. “Let’s get you in the carriage.”

  The day was long for Amelia trying to get used to the motion of the carriage and the rough roads. She tried to find solitude looking out the windows, but that only lasted a few hours. Reading her books provided her some entertainment yet reading caused her motion sickness. All the idleness gave her time to reflect on her circumstances. She glanced out the window and spotted Andrew on his horse laughing with Brian. Who was this man that was her husband? He demanded respect and most people feared him. Yet he had different sides to him. He was gentle and polite to her, and she had not expected that.

  Although, it didn’t make her favor him as a husband. After all, she was sold and bought without anyone considering her feelings. He was a master at manipulation and did not come into money by honest means. She secretly loathed him.

  The door swung open causing Amelia to jump. She must have been woolgathering and didn’t realize they had stopped. Andrew laughed touching her arm. “Did I frighten you?”

  Amelia took a deep breath. “Forgive me, I must have been asleep.” Andrew held out his hand to assist her down from the carriage.

  “We are taking a break to acquire some horses to continue our journey. Are you hungry?”

  Amelia nodded and looked for a place to take care of her private needs. She excused herself and headed for the small structure down the hill. On her way back to the inn, she noticed a few other riding parties had arrived. The crowd ascended on the small inn causing hordes of people to stand outside. Amelia headed toward the crowds and was stopped by an older man. He was a big burly fellow and smelled of rotten vegetables. Amelia tried to go around him, but he stood in her way blocking her path.

  “What’s a pretty little thing like you doing all alone?” He grinned and rubbed his beard.

  “Let me pass, please.” Amelia took a step away from him. Unsure of his attention she chose to avert her eyes and not look at him.

  The man was unmoved and took a step toward her. “You work in that inn? With those fancy clothes you are we
aring, I bet you could fetch a high price. Lucky for you, I have money to spare for a tumble in the hay.”

  Amelia dropped her mouth open. He thought she was a trollop? She raised her chin. “I am not a prostitute, sir. I am a baron’s daughter.”

  He crossed his arms. “You can call yourself whatever you want, sweetheart. You’re all alone and I am a paying customer. You want me to speak to the manager. I know Ron personally.”

  She tried to storm off from him, but he grabbed her arm. “What’s your hurry?”

  A panic of desperation rose through her when he squeezed her arm. He was rough and was hurting her. She tried to jerk her arm away when he twisted tighter. She felt herself being dragged toward some trees as she pleaded with him to stop. She opened her mouth to scream when she felt his hand rip away from her arm. She fell back onto the ground losing her balance. Drops of blood sprayed onto her dress. A scream came out of her mouth as she wiped the dirt from her hands. The man was being beat into the ground as blood was everywhere. Andrew was hitting his face with his fist tearing his flesh. She cried for him to stop. Three men dragged Andrew off the stranger as he lay in a heap with a raspy breathing sound coming from his mouth. Andrew’s eyes were dazed and clothes disheveled. Blood dripped from his fist.

  Brian showed up with a group of his men to intervene in the situation, but it had all happened so fast. One of the three men recognized Brian, and he held up his hand. “Forgive us, Mr. Burns. We didn’t realize it was you. If you will allow us to take charge of the man. He is my wife’s brother, and I will pay for any damages he may have caused and hope you will allow any misunderstandings to be dealt with by us.”

  Brian looked at Andrew who was assisting Amelia up from the ground. She was pale and shaking. Her dress ruined with bloodstains. He motioned for a guard to take her to Wilma and told him to pay the innkeeper for the use of a room so she could freshen up. He waited for her to leave until he looked at the group.