Love Birds: The Complete Collection

by Ruth J. Hartman

  The carriage pulled up to Amelia’s house. The driver started to pull up close to the door, as Conrad always instructed. Amelia’s words came back to him, asking him why Conrad’s driver did that.

  No. If I’m trying to change, I need to break free of Mother’s influence. He got the driver’s attention. “Park a little farther away, please.”

  The driver raised his eyebrows but nodded. “As you wish, Lord Lofton.”

  The carriage was still parked close to the house, just not on top of the hedge. Conrad’s mouth lifted in a smile at the thought of Amelia’s words. He knocked on the door and they were admitted by the butler. Something in Conrad relaxed, feeling as if he was back in the world where he should be.

  But that wasn’t right. Cecilia had been raised in different circumstances. Who was to say which situation was better? Conrad had a good wager that more love existed in Cecilia’s tiny house simply by the interaction and seeming closeness exhibited by her and Andrew. He could picture them sitting side by side in front of the fire at night, talking or reading. Such a peaceful picture that thought evoked.

  They waited in the parlor and Amelia soon met them there. Her dress was pale green, bringing out her eye color to a beautiful, startling hue. “Good day, Conrad, Cecilia.”

  Conrad’s sister curtseyed, a huge smile on her face. “Good day. Th-thank you for asking me to accompany you as a chaperone, Amelia.”

  Amelia reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze before releasing it. “I’m pleased you’re here, as well.”

  Conrad’s heart swelled. Could the two important women in his life one day become friends? They would actually be sisters-in-law soon, but Amelia wouldn’t know that. Couldn’t know that. At least not yet.

  He longed to tell her, but even though he was coming to care about her greatly, even love her, the fact that she’d blackmailed him into marriage left a tiny doubt in the recesses of his mind. What if she found out about his real father and told someone?

  “What have you in mind for today, Conrad?” Amelia raised one eyebrow. “Shall we visit the elephant again at the Tower zoo? Or be chased by the Regent’s Park goose?”

  He shuddered. “Nothing as ambitious as that. Although I’m sure you’ll be pleased to learn that our outing will again involve the outdoors.”

  “And, pray tell, what will we be doing?”

  “Oliver and Lucy Shipley have invited us to play a game of Pall Mall in their gardens.”

  She clasped her hands together. “Have they? How fun.”

  “Fun… I guess we’ll see.”

  “What do you mean? Don’t you enjoy the game?”

  He shrugged and said nothing.

  Cecilia leaned in close to Amelia as if it were a secret of the utmost importance. “Conrad said he has never played.”

  “Extraordinary. I thought everyone had…” Her gaze strayed to Cecilia, whose checks reddened.

  Conrad shook his head. “No. Not everyone. I…”

  Amelia placed her hand on Conrad’s sleeve. “May I take a guess as to why?”

  With a nod, Conrad already imagined her response.

  “Your mother didn’t allow it.”

  “That is correct.”

  “So many things you’ve been deprived of, dear man. Well, you shall play today.” She turned to Cecilia. “Both of you.”

  Cecilia touched her hand to her chest. “I shall? But I’m only—”

  “You’re my friend. And I would very much like you to join in the fun.”

  Conrad nearly ached with joy. How thoughtful of Amelia to include Cecilia.

  Why hadn’t I suggested the idea? No, it will mean more coming from her. It would help them begin to build their friendship. It was likely that others, not Oliver and Lucy, but others at some point would make derogatory comments about Cecilia, but Conrad had a pretty good idea that Amelia would care not.

  And neither will I.

  Conrad offered an arm to each lady. “Ready to depart?”

  With laughter, the three set off for the Shipleys’ house. A short carriage ride had them there. Lucy and Oliver met them outside.

  Lucy rushed over and hugged Amelia. “Good day. How wonderful to see you.” She smiled at Conrad. “And you as well.”

  He inclined his head.

  Lucy tilted her head and smiled at Cecilia. “And who have we here?”

  Cecilia opened her mouth to speak but no words emerged. Conrad touched her elbow briefly. “This is Miss Fletcher. Cecilia.” He darted a gaze to Amelia as an explanation formed. Too bad I hadn’t the forethought to tell Amelia this as well. “Cecilia is my cousin. A distant cousin.”

  “Oh?” Lucy’s gaze briefly took in Cecilia’s old pelisse and hat, but the action was so quick and so small that most wouldn’t have noticed had they not been looking directly at her. “Well, I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  A tiny gasp came from Conrad’s right. Amelia. She straightened and regained her composure.

  Now she’ll think me a liar, since I never owned up to Cecilia being my relative. Well, aren’t I? In the past, Conrad had been quite adept at falsehoods, but it seemed that since he’d resolved to improve his character, it did not come as effortlessly as in the past.

  But that was a positive attribute, was it not?

  Lucy took Amelia’s hand in one of hers and grabbed Cecilia’s with her other. “Let’s go play the game, shall we?”

  Oliver stayed behind and raised his eyebrows at Conrad. “A distant cousin, you say?”

  He lowered his voice. “I had to give some explanation.”

  “Say, she’s not your… that is, you wouldn’t—”

  “No. Heaven’s no. She’s… It has to do with what I told you in confidence. About my father.”

  “Ah… So she is actually your…?”

  “Sister. Half sister.”

  “But Amelia doesn’t know that, I take it.”

  He shook his head. “No. I’m not ready to… I want to be sure I can trust her first.”

  “Perfectly understandable.” He glanced at the retreating figures of the women. “When I first met Lucy, I did something similar in that she didn’t know who I really was at first.”

  “Yes, I recall that now.”

  “And it was for the reason you have suggested. A matter of trust. Until I could truly know that she loved me for me instead of my standing and title, I couldn’t let her know my true identity.”

  “So in a way, you understand.”

  “Yes. Most assuredly.”

  Conrad ran his hand over the back of his neck. “As for our conversation of the other day, you haven’t told…”

  “Lucy? No. She’s a smart woman and may have figured some of it out, but until you give me permission, I’ll not tell her.”

  Conrad grasped Oliver’s shoulder. “You are a true friend. Lucy chose the right man.”

  Oliver laughed. “And who would have thought that you and I would ever become friends?”

  “Not I.” He grinned.

  “Nor I. But I’m glad for it.”

  “As am I.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Oliver and Conrad followed the path the women had taken and joined them in the back garden. Conrad couldn’t believe that he was once again voluntarily participating in an outdoor activity. With the dirt, insects. And birds.

  A shiver ran through him, but he was determined not to be deterred from something that would give Amelia and Cecilia great amusement.

  Oliver’s butler was setting up the game for them. Two wire hoops sticking up from the ground stood several yards apart. Balls much larger than apples, sat in a row, each sporting a different bright color. Red, yellow, blue, green, and brown. Long-handled wooden mallets, each with a corresponding color painted on the head, leaned against a nearby tree.

  Amelia came to stand beside him. She glanced up at him, excitement written across her features. “Won’t this be fun?”

  “I suppose.”

  She grabbed his arm. �
�Oh now, you’ve made great strides lately in trying new things and visiting new places out-of-doors.”

  “Only because of you.”

  She ducked her head. “You’re doing all of this for me?”

  “I can’t imagine doing it for any other reason.”

  “I thought perhaps today’s excursion was for…” Her gaze traveled to Cecilia, who stood talking to Lucy.

  “No. Why should you think that? Cecilia is your companion.”

  “And your cousin, so it seems.”

  Ah yes… He should have expected that. “I… You see…”

  She held up her hand. “No, you needn’t try to explain. You asked that I trust you and that’s what I’m going to do. Although, someday I hope you’ll be able to tell me the whole truth.”

  “I want that. Very much. Thank you for having patience with me. It’s… of the utmost importance that you have a good opinion of me.”

  “It is?”

  “Very much so. I desire your—”As of its own volition, his gaze swept over her shoulders, down a little farther to the bodice of her dress, and then back to her eyes. “—good opinion.” Why did I do that? Can’t I keep my mind where it should be?

  A smile pulled up the edges of her beautiful mouth. “You’re so sweet, Conrad.”

  You wouldn’t say that if you knew where my thoughts had traveled. “Me? I do believe you’re the first person to describe me in such a way.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Who else would say it?”

  Amelia lowered her eyebrows. “I… well certainly there must be… I’m sure that… Hmm.” She tapped her finger on her chin.

  “I would say it.” Cecilia was walking toward them. “Who else would ask me to be a companion to his beautiful betrothed, therefore allowing me to do new things and meet new people?”

  Conrad’s heart swelled with joy. How had he gone from just having his mother in his life to having Amelia and Cecilia, as well?

  Oliver waved at them from across the lawn. “Time to play!”

  Conrad mumbled. “Let the festivities begin.”

  Amelia leaned close. “What was that, dear?”

  He forced a one-sided smile. “Nothing.”

  Lucy and Oliver took their turns first, showing Conrad and Cecilia how it was done. They made it look effortless. But they had most likely played it for years.

  Amelia clapped when the Shipleys had each made good first shots with their mallets. She practically hopped up and down in excitement. “May I go next?” She glanced at Conrad.

  “By all means.” Because I certainly won’t be jumping up and down in anticipation to do it. Perhaps by the time it’s my turn, they’ll be having so much fun that they won’t notice if I abstain. He turned his head. I’m still fairly thin, could I hide behind that tree?”

  Lucy smiled. “Well done, Amelia. Cecilia? Are you ready to try?”

  The girl blushed and nodded, taking small, uncertain steps to the mallet that Oliver held out to her.

  Conrad watched as Lucy instructed Cecilia how to hold the wooden mallet. They stood side by side, with Cecilia mimicking every movement of Lucy’s. With a gentle swing back and then a slight forward motion, Cecilia barely tapped the ball.

  It moved two inches.

  Cecilia’s eyes widened as she stared at the barely budged ball. “Oh my.”

  Lucy smiled. “Not to worry. That wasn’t bad for a first try.”

  Oliver stepped closer. “Absolutely. Want to try again?”

  “You mean I get another chance?” Cecilia blinked.

  “Of course. Everyone has a first time for everything, don’t they? This time, just tap a little harder, all right?” Lucy patted Cecilia on the shoulder before stepping back.

  Cecilia took a deep breath as if she were going to blow the nearby house from its foundation. Was she planning to hit it to the Thames?

  She pulled back on the mallet a few inches farther than she had the first time. And brought it down and hit it, giving an oomph as she did.

  It moved three inches.

  Cecilia laughed. “I can see this might not be the game for me.”

  “Nonsense.” Lucy put her arm around her. “It’s only your first day. Let’s step over next to Oliver to give Conrad a try.”

  Bother. They haven’t forgotten me. I should have scurried behind that oak while they were otherwise occupied. I do not want to do this. At best, I will humiliate myself.

  Amelia strolled in his direction. Sunlight dappled across her pale skin and glinted across her eyes, which looked to be caught in bright green flames. Her plump lips curved into a smile. Exactly how long had it been since she’d kissed him that first night? Had that really been the only time?

  Funny that, since he’d replayed it so many times in his mind that it should have been a thousand kisses instead of one.

  “Conrad, it’s your turn.” She wrapped her long fingers around his upper arm and squeezed. Her breast pressed against his sleeve.

  “I…” His mouth went dry.

  Amelia angled her head. “What was that?”

  “That is, I’d rather not play.”

  “Rather… not?”

  “Yes, that’s right. Rather. Not.”

  “Don’t be silly. Come along.” She tugged hard and he stumbled. A scant moment before he completely lost his balance, she wrapped her arms around his middle. “There now. I have you.”

  Oh my… you certainly do.

  “Ready?”

  He leaned forward, his eyes half closed. To kiss you? Always…

  The slight intake of air through her partly opened lips was his only clue that he should not do what he had intended.

  He opened his eyes wide and turned his head. Oliver chuckled. Lucy’s hand was over her mouth, holding back laughter. And Cecilia’s face was red, but she, too, had a mischievous grin.

  Hmm. He stood upright again and pulled away from Amelia. He straightened his hat and coat and cleared his throat. What was I thinking? I’d completely forgotten the rest of them were even here!

  Amelia bit her lower lip and her nostrils flared slightly. Was she trying to hold back amusement as well? “Um… ready to play Pall Mall?”

  He stood up straight. “Of course. That’s what I… I… Of course.”

  She tugged on his arm again drawing him toward the others but kept a tighter hold on him. Did she think he would fly away?

  Stop thinking of bird references. It only gets you in trouble.

  The other three in their party were all still grinning like Bedlamites.

  All right… in more trouble.

  He accepted the mallet from Oliver and stepped to the ball that sat a couple of feet away. As he bent slightly at the waist, Amelia’s long arms came around his middle from behind. The aroma of lavender engulfed him. Her fingers grasped his where they held the mallet.

  What is she doing? Doesn’t she realize that I want nothing more than to throw her to the lawn and ravage her with kisses?

  Amelia placed her chin on his shoulder blade. “Now just bring back the mallet slowly and give it a good smack.”

  His hands shook. Smack? Smack what? Oh yes… the ball. But thoughts of anything besides her warmth against his back, her arms dangerously close to his lower extremities, and her sweet scent drifting around his nose flew away on the breeze.

  Somewhere in the back of his mind, he acknowledged that he pulled back on the mallet and then drew it forward toward the ball.

  “There! You’ve hit the ball, Conrad.”

  He looked down.

  It had moved one inch.

  Oh the humanity.

  Laughter came from behind and from a few feet away.

  He shut his eyes briefly. Blast! I cannot appear as meek and mild as my little sister! Conrad pushed away Amelia’s arms and leaned down to the ball again. He turned his head to the side and said through clenched teeth. “Stand away, I’m going to hit it. Hard.”

  Though Amelia still smirked, she nodded and stepped
back a few feet. “As you wish, Lord Lofton.”

  She was mocking him! No more of that. He bent a little farther and pulled back on the mallet, raising it high above and behind him.

  With all the strength he could muster, he swung it down. The loud crack of the wood against the ball echoed about the gardens and back. I’ve hit it! His elation turned to horror, however, when the ball not only sailed through the air, over the intended target of the hoop, past a row of roses and hedge and toward the very tree behind which he’d hoped to hide but a few moments prior.

  Oh no…

  The ball climbed higher and punched through thick leaves halfway up the tree. A startled squeak, followed by a chattering squawk produced something small and red that fell from above.

  What in the world…Conrad squinted. A squirrel?

  The rodent, its fur bristled and its tail waving like a raised flag ran right at Conrad. Its little razor-like teeth were bared.

  It’s going to bite me!

  Shock and fright coursed through Conrad. His hands turned icy and the mallet slipped to the ground, landing with a thump.

  Run. I should run. Why won’t my legs move?

  The animal raced forward, its tiny claws tearing into the dirt. It chattered louder and jumped into the air.

  And landed on Conrad’s shoulder.

  Conrad screamed.

  I’m going to die at the hands of the earth’s tiniest beast.

  He closed his eyes. This is not how I envisioned my end. How sad. But how fitting. A lonely earl and his executioner… the squirrel.

  Cool air wafted over his forehead and hair. The squirrel’s chatter increased but was somehow harder to hear. If it’s on my shoulder shouldn’t it be louder?

  He opened his eyes. The red squirrel, with Conrad’s headwear clenched in its teeth, had jumped to the ground. It tugged the hat toward the tree. The animal was moving backward because the hat was bigger than the squirrel. Does the insane rodent think it’s going to drag my hat up into—?

  Quick as lightning, the squirrel dove beneath the hat and turned. Its tail and feet were the only things visible beneath the brim. Conrad’s hat ran up the side of the tree and disappeared into the leaves.

  Conrad’s heart raced. With a shaky hand he pointed in the direction where the squirrel had disappeared. “That fluffy-tailed fiend has absconded with my hat!”