by Rose Pearson
Amelia gave him a brief smile, wondering whether this chance meeting had truly been happenstance or whether her father and her uncle had conspired together to arrange it.
“Are you tired from last evening?”
She shook her head. “No, not in the least.”
“And did you enjoy the evening?”
Amelia sighed inwardly and nodded, aware that she was going to have to put herself through such small talk for some time. “Yes, indeed. Very much.” She hated that her heart was beating a little faster simply by being near him, frustrated that her intentions of pushing him from her mind had been so quickly thwarted. “And you?”
Lord Northfell smiled briefly. “Yes, of course. I had the pleasure of dancing with you which made the evening most enjoyable.”
The compliment had sparks shooting all through her, a rush of warmth creeping up her neck and into her cheeks. “You are very kind, Lord Northfell.” Thankfully, Amelia did not find herself struggling to think of more to say for the arrival of the tea tray took up all of her attention for some minutes. Once they were both settled with a cup of tea in front of them, they sat quietly for some minutes more.
“This is ridiculous!” Lord Northfell exclaimed, after a few moments. “We are sitting here together almost mute because neither of us can think of what to say to the other! Why is that, Lady Amelia?”
A little taken aback by his frankness, Amelia folded her hands in her lap and drew in a few breaths in order to calm her nerves. “I do not quite know, Lord Northfell. That is, I could not say.”
He chuckled, and the tension between them eased. “You do not wish to be honest with me?”
Amelia considered him for a moment, tilting her head a little. “Do you wish me to be entirely truthful?”
He spread his hands. “Please, yes.”
“Well,” Amelia replied, quietly. “If I am to be very honest with you, Lord Northfell, I am confused by last evening’s events.”
“And I am the cause,” he continued, quietly. “I understand entirely. I do apologize for the confusion.”
Amelia accepted his apology and waited for him to say more but, much to her disappointment, he turned the conversation to other matters. Over the course of half an hour, they discussed all manner of things from art to music, finding that they agreed on almost everything.
“I do confess to being surprised that you are such an aficionado for music,” she commented, glad that their conversation was now flowing with ease. “Most gentlemen are not so particular in their preferences.”
Lord Northfell chuckled. “I am not like most gentlemen, it seems.”
Amelia gave him a half smile. “No, you are not,” she murmured, quietly. She allowed her gaze to linger on him for a moment, discovering that her feelings for the gentleman had only grown since spending more time in his company. That was not something she disliked, however, finding him more than amiable. They appeared to agree on most things, which was, of course, important when selecting a marriage partner.
“And what of your younger years?” she asked, presently. “Did you enjoy music as much back then?”
Lord Northfell stiffened at once, an uneasy expression settling over his face. He set down his china cup back in its saucer and turned back to her.
“I believe I must be going,” he said, abruptly rising to his feet. “I do apologize for leaving, Lady Amelia but I have been here longer than I realized.”
“Oh,” Amelia heard herself say, suddenly lost in that familiar fog of confusion. “Of course, Lord Northfell.” She curtsied as he bowed, but, without warning, he took her hand and raised it to his mouth. Without gloves on, the heat of his lips seared her skin, her heart racing in her chest. He raised his eyes to hers and Amelia’s breath hitched, caught by the intensity of his gaze.
“Good afternoon, Lady Amelia,” he murmured, softly, seemingly reluctant to let go of her hand. “Do excuse me.”
Amelia found that her voice simply would not work, her mouth trying to form words but discovering that she was quite lost. She could do nothing but watch him leave, her eyes following him all the way to the door before she sat back down in a flurry of skirts. Amelia was more confused than ever.
Arthur hurried away, frustrated that he had, once more, been drawn towards Lady Amelia when he knew nothing good could come of their acquaintance. She was too good for him, too pure. Should she discover his past, then she would reject him completely.
But what if she did not know until after you were wed?
The thought gave him pause whilst striking guilt into his heart. The way she had looked at him had told him more than she could ever say. There was a wealth of feeling in her eyes, her faint blush a clear indication that she was drawn to him in the same way he was to her. Could there still be a future for them both? Could he really bring himself to court her, to even propose to her, whilst keeping her unaware of his true situation? It would be a terrible shock when it came to light and would cause a great deal of difficulty in their first few weeks of marriage, but mayhap she would understand it all. In time, at least, she would be able to forgive him and then they could continue with happiness at their heart.
Arthur groaned aloud, thinking that it would be too much of a risk to take. Besides, he was meant to be stepping away from being a duplicitous man. That had brought him nothing but trouble already!
Once back at his townhouse, Arthur was surprised to discover that his cousin, Duncan Ridlington, was present in his home and had, according to his butler, insisted on waiting until Arthur returned. Sighing heavily, Arthur handed the butler his hat and coat before making his way to the study. He would have preferred silence over yet another conversation with his conniving cousin.
“Ah, Northfell!”
“What are you doing here, Ridlington?” Arthur asked, shutting the door firmly behind him. “I thought you were in the country.”
“I thought I’d take a jaunt to London!” Ridlington replied, with a quick grin. “After all, that child of yours is costing more and more money!”
“My child is no longer your concern,” Arthur replied, tightly. “You know full well that you are no longer her guardian. I should never have thought to leave her in your care if I knew what you were planning.”
Ridlington chuckled, his eyes glinting. “Regret is a little late now, Northfell,” Ridlington replied, darkly, “For even though I do not have little Elouise at my estate, it does not mean that I do not know of her presence, nor where to find her.” He lifted one eyebrow, his expression grim. “Do you wish me to tell the world about your illegitimate daughter?”
Arthur bit back his harsh retort, knowing it would do no good. He did not want to rile his cousin, but the fact that he continued to push him for more and more money was growing tiresome – as well as the knowledge that his estate was slowly being bled dry. “Do you intend to blackmail me for the rest of my life, Ridlington?” he asked, slowly. “What if I have nothing of worth to offer you?”
“Then you should find someone to marry who does have something to offer,” Ridlington returned, easily. “A rich heiress would do, I think.” He laughed softly. “And I have heard that you have met such a lady only last night!”
Anger rippled through Arthur’s frame, his fists clenching. “I have nothing but respect for Lady Amelia,” he ground out, his stomach tightening. “I refuse to sully her by using her only for her money.”
“But you have thought about it,” Ridlington murmured, softly. “I can tell by your tormented expression that it has been on your mind.”
Arthur stood tall, refusing to be intimidated. “If I am to wed, I will wed so that whatever fortune my wife brings will help my estate. I will be honest with you now, Ridlington, if I continue giving you whatever you wish, then I will draw close to bankruptcy.” He set his jaw, his gaze pinning Ridlington. “I will tell you now, I shall give you no more money.” He saw Ridlington clench his jaw, his eyes flashing.
“Then I shall tell everyone about your daughter!�
�
Arthur shrugged, even though a coil of fear began to wind its way around his heart. “So be it. You shall have no more money from me, Ridlington. I refuse to allow you to continue this way.” He saw the light fade from Ridlington’s eyes, although Arthur’s angst did not relent. What would his cousin choose to do?
Ridlington did not say another word, simply slammed his glass of brandy down, hard, on the desk and stormed from the room, leaving the door wide open. Arthur let out a long breath, anxiety worming its way through his veins. He had no idea what his cousin would do now, but had to be prepared for anything. Ridlington might very easily choose to tell all of society about Arthur’s illegitimate daughter, and, therefore, would push Arthur out of society and certainly away from any eligible young ladies of fortune! However, he simply could not allow his daughter to be used in such a way and would not let Ridlington drain him of all that he had. There was enough left for him to at least try to make the estate profitable once more, even without marrying an heiress. It was time for him to stand his ground.
Chapter 6
“Well, Amelia,” her father began, smiling. “I think that visit went very well.”
Amelia looked at her father suspiciously as the carriage began to trundle its way home. “You did not do that purposefully, did you father?”
“In heaven’s name, no!” her father exclaimed, his eyes widening innocently. “I had no idea that Lord Northfell would be there.”
Amelia was not quite sure whether or not to believe this, aware that her father could be quite innocent in this matter but also aware that he was, of course, keen for her to find a husband. It could be all quite coincidental, of course, which meant that her father was quite innocent of it all!
“Did you have a good conversation with Lord Northfell?” her father asked, as they neared home. “Uncle Geoffrey told me he is a decent sort.”
“Yes, I had a good conversation with him,” Amelia replied, aware that she was blushing a little. “As I said, we had met last night so it was good we had some prior acquaintance.”
Her father nodded and looked out of the window. “He certainly seemed interested in you, my dear. You were both talking animatedly whenever I looked over.”
Amelia chose to give no response to this, her thoughts drifting back to Lord Northfell’s abrupt departure. It had given her some cause for concern, wondering what she had either said or done to drive him away so quickly, but coming to the eventual conclusion that his swift departure was not of her doing.
The carriage drew up to the house and Amelia stepped out at once, smiling up amiably at her father. He looked a great deal more relaxed these last couple of days, since speaking to her about her need to find a husband. It was as though he had been able to unburden himself entirely, passing on the responsibility to her. Whilst Amelia knew she must find herself a husband first, her responsibility for her sisters would not end there. She would continue to do as she did now, trying her best to find them each a suitable husband – one who would be kind to them, at the very least. Biting her lip, Amelia tried not to worry about Harmonia, worrying that she was still so inclined to simply give up and marry Luke.
“Papa,” she began, slowly, as they stepped indoors. “What think you of Luke?”
“Luke?” The question seemed to surprise him. “Why, he is a decent fellow I think! And might one day have the title!”
Amelia nodded, aware that – unless a male relative could be found from their grandfather’s line, then Luke might well be the next Duke of Westbrook. “Do you think him kind?”
Her father paused, handing his hat and cane to the butler. “Kind is not a word I would choose to describe young Luke. He is clever and discerning, and I think qualities such as those often make up for a lack of compassion.”
That was not the answer Amelia wanted to hear. “Then you would not mind, particularly, if one of your daughters was to marry him?”
“Not in the least!” the duke replied, with a broad smile. “I think it would be a dashed fine match.”
Amelia did not manage to return his smile, excusing herself and making her way to the drawing room, wondering if she might find Harmonia there. She was not, as it happened, but Amelia chose to enjoy the solitude for a few minutes. Her head had begun to ache given all that she had to think about, and the cool quietness of the room gave her a little relief.
However, she could not help but think of Lord Northfell.
How strange it had been to talk with him, only for him then to abruptly take his leave of her. It had been quite peculiar and had only occurred when she had asked about his youth. Of course, Amelia was well aware that most gentlemen had a past they did not wish to discuss, for they often did quite stupid things in their youth but, were they asked about such a thing as music, that did not usually invoke as strong a reaction as Lord Northfell’s!
Amelia shook her head, rang the bell for tea and sank down into a comfortable chair, resting her head back against it. Her thoughts strayed to Lord Northfell, and she shivered as she recalled how he had pressed his lips to the back of her hand, his eyes dark with emotion as he had looked at her. There was no doubt that he had some kind of desire for her, but his scurrying away as he did left her in such a state of confusion that Amelia grew weary just thinking of it again! The man did nothing but puzzle her and she should, by all accounts, forget him entirely. Yet, she could not. He was a mystery she seemed determined to solve, a riddle she simply had to find the answer to, no matter how long it took.
“Amelia?”
The door opened and, instead of the tea tray, there came Jessica.
“Am I intruding?”
“Not in the least!” Amelia declared, sitting up a little straighter. “I am just returned from visiting Uncle Geoffrey with father.”
Jessica pulled a face which made Amelia laugh.
“It was not too bad, I assure you. I had the company of Lord Northfell.”
Jessica’s eyes widened. “Lord Northfell was at Uncle Geoffrey’s? Was that by design?”
“I am not altogether sure,” Amelia replied, slowly. “It does seem very fortunate for him to have been there at the same time as I arrived, although father swears blind he was entirely innocent of the whole matter!”
The tea tray then arrived and, after sending the maid for another for Jessica, Amelia poured her tea, feeling a little more settled than before. Jessica’s tea tray arrived soon after and, after some minutes, conversation was resumed.
“Lord Northfell is a handsome man, to be sure,” Jessica said, sipping her tea carefully. “Do you like him?”
Amelia lifted one shoulder. “I am not altogether sure.”
“I am sorry if we made something of a display of ourselves last evening,” Jessica replied, anxiously. “I did not mean to embarrass you, although I know we did.”
“You were in high spirits, I understand that,” Amelia answered, appreciating her sister’s apology. “It was our first evening out, and Almacks is always something of a special occasion.”
Relief filled Jessica’s expression. “I am glad you are not angry with us.”
Amelia smiled and reached across to squeeze Jessica’s hand. “Not angry in the least, I promise you.”
“I was overwhelmed,” Jessica murmured, her eyes dimming a little. “I realize now that everything will change soon and I am not quite sure that I like the thought of it.”
“Everything changes in time,” Amelia replied, quietly, suddenly aware that Jessica did not seem as happy at the thought of marrying as she had been only the day before. “The seriousness of marriage cannot be hidden, however. I know it is a great deal of fun to attend balls and soirees and the like, but the truth is that marriage is our end goal. A life of children and responsibilities. I do not want to hide that from you, Jessica.”
Jessica’s gaze drifted away from Amelia, a serious expression coming over her face. It was as if Amelia had opened her eyes to something she had not considered before and was, therefore, having to think
about it in a very different way.
“I do not want to be rushed into it, then,” she said, after a time. “I know you are first and tradition dictates that you are to wed first, but still, I am not at all keen to rush into the arms of the first gentleman who offers it.”
“I am quite glad to hear it!” Amelia exclaimed, making Jessica look at her in surprise. “Finding a husband is a serious business, Jessica, and it is a good thing that you are willing to consider things carefully.”
“I just do not want to worry father,” Jessica replied, heavily. “I know it is his wish for us to marry.”
Amelia chuckled, a wry smile on her lips. “Have no fear, my dear sister. Once I wed a rich man, father’s worry will lessen even further for, if he was to die suddenly, then the burden of taking care of the three of you would fall to me – and I would take it on willingly.”
Jessica smiled, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “You already do take care of us, Amelia. Even now, you have lifted my spirits.”
Amelia was about to answer, only for there to come a scratch at the door. The butler entered with what appeared to be two letters in his hands, handing them both to Amelia.
“Thank you,” she murmured, looking down at them both. One was clearly an invitation, the other a note. She broke the seal of the note first, astonished to discover that it was from Lord Northfell.
“Here,” she said, distractedly, handing her sister the unopened invitation. “Can you open this for me, please? I must read this.”
Jessica did as she was bade immediately, leaving Amelia to read the note.
‘Lady Amelia,
Please accept my sincerest apologies for leaving you as abruptly as I did. I had recalled that I had forgotten to speak to my friends Lord and Lady Dalrymple about you and your sisters.
Please find an invitation from them to their ball tomorrow evening. They throw it every year and it is the most wonderful of occasions. I do hope you and your sisters can attend and, if I might be so bold, I would beg of you to save me a space on your dance card.
