Josephine

by Amanda Mariel

  Barely a snifter in, a rapping on the door interrupted his solitude. “Go away,” he called.

  “I am afraid, I cannot. Georgie would have my head.”

  Why the devil had she sent Felton? Devon closed his eyes and shook his head. Josie could be the only reason. Why did she insist on making this harder than it had to be?

  Reluctantly, he stood and went to the door pulling it open. “Come in.” He indicated the table. “Have a drink.”

  Felton strolled across the room and sank into a chair. “Perhaps a quick one. I will not remain for long.”

  “Indeed.” Devon poured a snifter then slid it across the table to Felton. “Tell me whatever it is Josie sent you to say.”

  “Josie has no idea that I am here.” Felton swirled the liquor in his glass. “My wife, on the other hand, informed me that I would not be welcome in her bed if I did not have a talk with you.”

  “Ah, I can certainly understand how that would motivate you.” Devon chuckled.

  Felton lifted his snifter and took a deep drink. “I rarely drink spirits before noon.”

  “I never do,” Devon drawled.

  “Then it seems, Georgie is right.”

  “About?” Devon raised a questioning brow.

  “My wife has it in her mind that you and Josie are destined for one another. She is convinced that something silly is keeping you from declaring your undying affection and insisted I get it out of you.”

  “Humph.” Devon took a drink then stared into the contents of his glass. He’d not known Felton for long, still, he felt compelled to confide in him. He set the sniffer down. Leaned forward. “Can I trust you?”

  “You have my word as a gentleman,” Felton said.

  “Very well.” Devon drained his snifter, refilled it and drank the contents again before abandoning it to return his attention to Felton. “I refused to declare myself because there is bad blood in my family and I love Josie too much to expose her to it.”

  Felton narrowed his gaze, “Bad blood?”

  “Yes. My mother is mad.”

  “Does Josie know this?” Felton asked.

  Devon rolled his neck and reached for the decanter. “She has spent time with Mother.”

  “And what are her feelings on the topic?” Felton set his hand on Devon’s keeping him from raising the sniffer to his lips.

  “Josie said she is not afraid. Said she loves me and does not believe in bad blood. Promised to love me and mother as well as our children come what may.” He released the glass, settling back in his chair.

  “And you do not believe her.” Felton peered at him as if he were attempting to read him.

  “I do not believe that she fully understands and I love her too much to trap her in a situation not of her making.” Devon inhaled a deep breath then. Released it slowly. “Now that you have the full of it, you can return to your wife with a clear conscious. You did as she demanded.”

  Felton stood, paced to the door, and then turned back. “I am quite certain it is you who fails to understand. Josie is a smart and capable woman. She knows her own mind and has more compassion and love in her heart than most. You are a fool to push her away.”

  Devon clenched his jaw as he drummed his fingers on the table. Josie’s words played through his mind, visions of her in his arms and interacting with mother welled up, He shut his eyes against them—willing them to go. You are a fool to push her away…fool…fool. No!

  Devon pushed his chair back sending it to the floor then dashed from the room. He did not slow his pace until he reached the west wing. “Josie? Angel? Where are you?” He called as he strode down the corridor. “I’m a bloody fool. I must speak to you at once.”

  He turned his attention toward the creak of a door, then held his arms out to her. “Come here, Angel.” Emotions spiraled through him. Dread, fear, anxiety, for what would he do if she refused him? Then joy and love nearly overwhelmed him when she started in his direction.

  Josie raced into his waiting arms, clinging to him, her heart beating against his.

  He tangled his fingers in the hair at the nape of her neck and dropped a kiss on the crown of her head. “Forgive me, Angel. I never should have sent you away.”

  Her shoulders shook as she buried her face in his chest.

  “I love you.” He tipped her chin up so he could stare into her warm honey eyes. “Lady Josephine Watkins, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  “There is nothing I want more.” Her eyes sparkled as she gazed up at him.

  He brought his lips to Josie’s, pouring out his heart and soul in the kiss he shared with her. She was his everything.

  Laughing at the door caught is attention and he broke the kiss to find mother watching them. A wide grin rested on her lips.

  “I told you Herbert said you would be my daughter.” She gave Josie a matter of fact glance.

  “Indeed, you did.” Josie reached out one arm. “Come here, Mother.”

  She sashayed over to them, and Devon wrapped both of his girls in his protective arms. He could never ask for more, because with Josie, he had everything.

  EPILOGUE

  J osie could scarcely believe her wedding day had arrived at last. When Devon proposed, he had wanted to procure a special license and be married at once. As much as she desired to be his wife, Josie could not marry him without her mother and Adeline present. She’d convinced him to wait for Adeline and Jasper to return from their wedding trip and for mother to travel to Kent.

  Now she sat in her dressing room with her mother, Adeline, Georgie, Izzy, and Theo preparing for her ceremony. Her ladies maid had piled her hair high on her head and now worked to curl the strands so that they cascaded down around her face and back. Josie smiled at the reflection of her loved ones in the looking glass. “Thank you all so much for being with me today.”

  “We would not have it any other way.” Theo said.

  Mother came to sit beside Josie. She gave a wide smile as she patted her hand. “You have done very well for yourself, dearest. To think of it…my daughter, the Duchess of Constantan. And a love match to boot. I could not be more thrilled.”

  “Nor could I,” Izzy added. “Devon has never been so happy.”

  “Thank you.” Josie grinned with pure joy radiating from deep within her. Devon was everything she’d hopped to find and more. A man she loved, who loved her back. A friend and confidant. Her protector and soon to be lover. She was blessed indeed.

  “We have something for you.” Georgina stood and crossed the room, disappearing through the door that separated the dressing room from the bed chamber.

  Josie meet Adeline’s gaze with a questioning expression. Giving no hint’s, Adeline winked, then plucked a grape from the fruit tray beside her. Theo simply grinned, one corner of her mouth tilting up, when Josie sought her out.

  Josie glanced from one woman to the next, none of them giving up any hints. Whatever could they be about?

  Georgie sashayed back through the door with a white muslin gown held to her chest and draped over one shoulder—her wedding frock.

  Josie opened her mouth to protest, but mother reached out placing a hand on her shoulder before any words could come. “Shh, let her do this for you, dearest.”

  “But I was to wear your gown.” She stared at mother wide-eyed.

  Mother shook her head and grinned. “This one is far more befitting a duchess.”

  “Besides, it is the last time you will require my help.” Georgie drew near, still clutching the gown. “Allow me to do this.”

  Josie reached out and trailed her fingers over the soft material shot through with primrose and embossed white satin flowers. “It will be my honor to wear your wedding dress.”

  Georgie’s eyes sparkled, her lips pulling up at the corners. “And after the ceremony we will have the dress turned into two matching christening gowns for our future children.” She placed a hand on her belly, rubbing a small circle.

  “Good heavens! Your expect
ing,” Adeline exclaimed.

  Georgie gave a nod.

  “Congratulations.” Theo, Josie, and Adeline said in unison.

  Theo rushed over, Adeline on her heels, and both women embraced Georgie.

  Josie stood from the vanity and joined in the hug. “This is the most wonderful news.”

  Georgie released her hold on the other women and stepped back. “I intended to wait and tell you all after the ceremony.”

  “I am glad you did not.” Josie said, placing her hand over Georgie’s.

  “I did not wish to over shadow your day.” Georgie averted her gaze, looking mulish.

  Josie laughed. “Nonsense. You have only added to the excitement.”

  Izzy stood, excitement radiating from her as she rocked her mouse, Albert, like baby. “Herbert say’s you are to have a girl. A little lady archer.”

  “Then I would wager it is so,” Josie said. In the weeks that passed since Devon’s proposal, she and Izzy had become great friends. Josie had even convinced Devon to trust her friends with his secret and all of them had embraced Izzy into the fold.

  Adeline took the gown from Georgie. “Let us get you dressed. The men are likely already at the church.”

  “They are accustomed to waiting on their women. All the same, she is right.” Theo stepped aside, allowing Josie’s maid to begin the task of dressing her.

  Once the gown was in place, Georgie draped the silk shawl over Josies shoulders. Theo came forth and placed a diamond tiara on her head, while mother handed her a small bouquet of white roses.

  “You are a vision,” Mother said, tears shining in her soft gaze.

  Josie offered a smile, “I feel like a princess.”

  “You will soon be as close as one can get to that status without actually becoming one.” Theo said in a matter of fact tone.

  “Let us be on our way,” Izzy said, strolling toward the door.

  “Wait,” Adeline said. She held out her hand, a small white bundle of fabric resting in her palm. “I have something for you as well.”

  Josie angled her head, one brow raised in question as she accepted the bundle.

  “Unwrap it.”

  Josie carefully pulled the fabric apart, her breath hitching when the arrowhead came into view. Inscribed on the shiny surface were the words ‘Devon and Josie: A love for all time’. She glanced up barely able to contain her jubilation as tears pricked at the back of her eyes.

  “Georgie, Theo, and I thought you should have a memento. That is the very arrowhead that brought you and Devon together.”

  “It’s wonderful,” Josie said, her voice barely a whisper. She waved her hand in front of her face in an attempt to stave off the threatening tears. “I fear I will cry.”

  “Don’t you dare.” Mother rushed to her side. “It will ruin your complexion. Quick, someone get her a glass of water. We do not want a her arriving with swollen eyes and red splotches marring her face.”

  “Who knew we had a regular cupid among us,” Georgie said then laughed.

  Josie, Adeline and Georgie joined her, their laughter filling the room.

  “I think the danger has passed.” Mather gave them an admonishing glance.

  “Now let us be off.” Theo threaded her arm trough Josie’s while mother flanked her other side. Georgie, Izzy, and Adeline, trailed behind as they all made their way out to the waiting carriage. Josie could think of no better way than to start the rest of her life.

  EXCERPT

  Indulge in a new series! Turn the page to read an excerpt from Scandalous Endeavors: book one in my Ladies and Scoundrels series.

  PROLOGUE

  London, 1842

  A melia stood as still as a hollowed out tree as drizzle coated her body in cool little beads. Dark clouds hung stationary overhead. Water spattered into a small, deep hole carved out of the rain-soaked ground. She surveyed the surrounding landscape speckled with memorial stones and decorated in wilted flowers. Why?

  Uncle Lewis placed his arm around her shoulder, and she gazed up at him. His face, full of grief and sorrow, matched the heaviness in her heart. He did not say anything, just stretched his lips into a semblance of a smile. What could he say? Honestly, no words mattered; none could heal her broken heart.

  At long last, the minister stopped eulogizing as the casket was lowered into the cold, soggy earth. The family’s servants stood behind the small gathering of relatives and close friends all waiting for the descent to end. Once it came to a rest, the gathering stepped forward one by one and dropped flowers into the deep abyss. The red roses Amelia clutched to her breast as if they could soothe her soul needed to be released from her numb fingers. She opened her hand, never taking her gaze from the casket. They landed with a quiet thud upon the polished surface. Uncle Lewis grabbed her hand, giving her the same pitiful look she had been getting from everyone for the past two months.

  Were they all watching and waiting for her to shatter into a million pieces like delicate china. Maybe that is what people in her position were supposed to do; perhaps something was amiss with her. If so, she could not help it. She simply felt numb, like she had disappeared into a hellish oblivion. Her world spun out of control, with nary a semblance of what it used to be. She had become completely lost and abandoned. The only certainty was that her life had changed forever.

  Tears stung her eyes and tightened her throat. She inhaled sharply and steeled herself against the emotions welling up within her. Her stomach clenched as she watched the first scoop of earth being tossed into the burial plot. Lightheadedness threatened to overpower her. She tucked her shaking hands into the folds of her shawl, hoping to still them.

  She should not be here, but she’d begged Uncle Lewis to allow her to attend. Something deep within compelled her to see it with her own eyes. Amelia knew it would be scandalous, but did not care what the ton thought. Perhaps she should have cared. If she had followed proper etiquette her heart might not have been so shattered by the finality of it all.

  “Amelia, it is time for us to go.” Her Uncle’s sorrowful voice drifted through her fog-muddled brain.

  His grief was understandable. Papa and Uncle Lewis had been close friends since childhood. Amelia did not answer; what was there to say? He helped her up, and she settled on the plush black velvet seat of Papa’s favorite covered carriage.

  Papa ordered it from London a few years ago as a gift for Mama. She never got to see it; they buried her the very day it arrived. Mama had been out riding at their country estate when her mount became spooked. The horse reared up, throwing her. She died instantly from a broken neck. The memory of her mother’s death deepened the hole inside Amelia. She looked at Uncle Lewis. What would become of her? Both Mama and Papa were now in their graves. She had no siblings. Her only surviving relative, Uncle Lewis, lived in America. She inhaled deeply and bit her lower lip to keep it from quivering.

  Uncle Lewis arrived just in time to witness Papa’s passing. He had only returned to England for his brother-in-law’s funeral and to see after her. Would he stay until she reached majority? Or did he plan to take her to America? He remained a bachelor, so he had no family to return to. But he did have a plantation to worry about. By all accounts, he enjoyed success and happiness there. She slanted her glance at him. Of course, he would wish to return to his life. What reason would he have for remaining in England?

  Amelia drew another shuddering breath and looked down at her gloved hands, which lay in her lap. Leaving her home, friends, and country behind had never been a part of her plan. England was all she had ever known. She had no power over her life. If only she were one-and-twenty. Then, she would have control over her inheritance and be able to make her own decisions.

  As things stood, Uncle Lewis had been appointed her guardian. Papa placed the estate and family fortune in trust until she either married or reached majority. None of Papa’s property had been entailed, enabling him to will everything to her. Even his title, Viscount of Everthorne, transferred to her due to th
e method of its creation. She was now a wealthy and titled lady, but none of it mattered a whit if she were forced to emigrate. Amelia swallowed the knot in her throat. “Uncle Lewis…”

  He regarded her once again with sympathy firmly ensconced in his eyes.

  “What happens now?”

  “Let us not worry about it at the moment. It has been a long day, and we are both exhausted.” He turned his gaze back to the carriage window.

  What was he looking for? Perhaps he did not know what came next either. If only she could make the decision for them, she would tell him to stay in England. Amelia loved her family’s London townhouse and could not imagine leaving their country estate behind. She had never left England and did not want to do so now. Even if it would only be for two years...it might as well be for a lifetime.

  The carriage jolted to a stop, pulling her from her musings and back into the real world. She glanced through the carriage window at the ornate facade of her townhouse. The large windows appeared the same as ever, but her life would never be the same again.

  After departing the carriage, Uncle Lewis put out a hand to help her down. Edwin, the family’s butler, stood near the open oak door, ready to usher them inside. Several familiar carriages were parked in view, and voices drifted from within the townhouse. Amelia shoved back the emotions welling up in her. It would be undignified to cry in front of all these people.

  She tightened her fingers on Uncle Lewis’s strong hand. “I do not think I can face them.”

  He drew her to a stop in front of the first porch step. A small smile tugged at his lips. “Amelia, dear, no one expects you to interact. They know you are in mourning. I will see to our guests. You retire to your chambers and rest.”

  Amelia gave him a weak grin of her own. “Thank you, Uncle Lewis.” Her emotions were overwhelmed with grief for Papa and the memories of Mama only added to her depression. When she considered her bleak-looking future on top of losing Papa…it was all too much. Rest, and the sleep that came with it would be most welcomed.