Derek

by Aston, Alexa

  He still hadn’t kissed her, though. Could she agree to wed a man she’d never kissed? When she’d gone to see Thea and told her of the situation, Thea thought Amelia should insist on a kiss before deciding anything, saying it was all Diana and Oliver seemed to do. She stressed that Amelia must discover if she was compatible with the marquess in this way before she could agree to wed him.

  Trumbull breezed in, interrupting her thoughts, his killer smile in place.

  “You know what today is?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

  “Tuesday,” she said innocently. But she knew exactly what he meant. It was the day they’d first spoken a week ago.

  “Would you care to be my wife?” he asked casually, taking her hands in his.

  It bothered her that he gave no declaration of love. Of course, she couldn’t expect one after a week. Amelia certainly didn’t love him. Few engaged couples in the ton did. Yet part of her hesitated, knowing her girlish wish to wed for love, despite her sensible nature. She thought of Oliver and Diana’s happiness when they gazed at one another and doubted she’d ever have that with Trumbull—or any man. Looking into Trumbull’s inquiring eyes, she decided she should behave logically. Derek de Wolfe would never be interested in her the way she was in him. Here was a bird in the hand, a very charming one. She would be a marchioness upon their wedding and someday a duchess. This handsome man whose hands held hers could give her everything a woman in society wished for.

  Still, she asked, “Do you care if I become your wife?”

  “I do,” he said solemnly. “I shall be a duke someday. You’d make for an impeccable duchess. You have beauty and poise. You’re well-spoken and thoughtful. You’d never want for anything material, Amelia.”

  It was the first time he’d used her Christian name and it sounded right on his lips. Perhaps he did care for her in his own way.

  He added, “My father will be delighted with my choice.”

  “Are you close to him?” she asked.

  Amelia knew who the Duke of Durham was because he’d been present at a few of the events this Season, an imposing man and a more than a bit of a snob.

  “Not particularly,” he said, a shadow crossing his face.

  “Oh. I . . . I am very close to my two brothers.”

  “Then they will always be people you can turn to if things become difficult.”

  His cryptic words caused her to hesitate. “Difficult? What do you mean? Wouldn’t I turn to my husband in a time of trouble?”

  Trumbull released one of her hands and brought it to stroke her cheek. “I only meant I would never keep you from them. I’d expect you to share the good and bad with them. Whatever life brings.”

  Amelia supposed he meant things such as births and deaths, necessary parts of life. At least he let her know in advance that Oliver and Colin would always be welcome.

  With that in mind, she firmly said, “Yes. My answer is yes.” Hovering in the back of her mind was the fact that she still hadn’t kissed him. Thea would be disappointed Amelia hadn’t pressed the issue before accepting Trumbull.

  “When does your brother return to London with his new wife?”

  “Oliver and Diana are scheduled to arrive late tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Then I will call on Merrifield the following morning. Say eleven o’clock? Please let him know.”

  “Will you be at the ball tonight?”

  He shook his head. “I have business on my estate in Essex I must attend to. I’m leaving now and will be gone tomorrow. I wanted to call on you first and hear your answer before I left town.”

  Trumbull captured both her hands in his and kissed them. “Thank you, Amelia. I’ll let my father know of our engagement. I’ll also purchase a special license when I return. We can wed next week. I’m eager to have it done.”

  Disappointment filled her. She’d hoped to be engaged the entire Season and have the banns read once it ended. She’d imagined being married in the Merrimore chapel. Next week gave her little time to organize a wedding. She started to speak and saw the glow in his eyes and realized he must truly care for her to want to wed so quickly.

  Hiding her feelings, Amelia said lightly, “Whatever you wish, Trumbull.”

  Chapter Four

  Amelia dismissed Mary, her lady’s maid, and made her way to the breakfast room, her stomach knotting painfully. She’d briefly seen the newlyweds when they’d returned with Finn and Mena late yesterday afternoon but hadn’t said a word about Trumbull calling this morning. She didn’t want Oliver to be surprised by the visit and needed to tell him immediately. Knowing Trumbull’s reputation, she didn’t think her news would go over well.

  Entering the breakfast room, she saw her brother feeding Diana a triangle of toast. The look in his eyes as he gazed at his wife caused Amelia’s stomach to twist further.

  “Good morning,” she said brightly, pushing her nerves aside as she went to the buffet and placed a poached egg and a piece of toast on her plate.

  “Ah, good morning, Amelia,” Oliver said, his thumb wiping a bit of jam from the corner of Diana’s mouth.

  The gesture caused her to think of Trumbull doing the same with her the night they met. While Diana looked as content as a cat that had lapped a bowl of cream, Amelia hadn’t felt anything close to that with Trumbull’s touch. It still worried her that they might not suit physically, especially since he was so experienced in matters in the bedroom and she had yet to receive her first kiss. What if she disappointed him?

  Or worse—what if he disappointed her?

  “We need to catch up,” Diana said. “I’m sure you’ve been busy while we’ve been gone. I did ask a few friends to stop by and keep you company during teatime so you wouldn’t be too lonely without us.”

  “Yes, I had several visitors,” Amelia replied. “I also went to see Thea twice.”

  Both times, she’d casually asked where Derek might be and was told by her friend that her brother was out.

  “That’s nice,” Diana said. “I hope you have some time to spend with Finn and Mena today. They’ve missed you.”

  “How did they like Merrimore?”

  Her sister-in-law chuckled. “They almost refused to return to London.”

  “It was a wonderful place to grow up,” Amelia said. “I hope it will become home to them.” She paused. “I do have something to discuss with you both.”

  By now, Oliver had picked up the newspaper as he attacked his eggs and ham. “Hmm. What?”

  Diana smiled widely. “I think I know. Have you made a connection with someone special?”

  She nodded. “As a matter of fact, I have.”

  Before she could continue, the butler entered the room and announced, “The Marquess of Trumbull is here, my lord.”

  Oliver frowned. “Trumbull? What on earth would a scoundrel like Trumbull be doing here at this hour?” Then he glanced at Amelia. “Oh, no. Please, tell me no.”

  Suddenly, Trumbull appeared in the doorway. He sailed past the frowning butler, dressed immaculately as always.

  “Good morning, Lord Merrifield. Lady Merrifield.” He paused, his eyes raking over her. “Amelia.”

  “Amelia?” her brother challenged as he shot to his feet, tossing his newspaper aside. “Since when do you come to my house unannounced, Trumbull, and act so familiar with my sister?”

  “Oh, dear,” the marquess said, his eyes cutting to her. “I thought you might have mentioned me to them.” His tone made his disappointment evident.

  “I was just in the middle of doing so, Lord Trumbull.” She frowned at him. “I thought you told me you would call at eleven.”

  He shrugged. “I was too keen to speak to Merrifield. I’m sorry if I ruined things for you, Amelia.”

  “Ruining my sister is not something you’ll be doing, Trumbull,” Oliver said flatly.

  “Perhaps you should go to your study, Oliver,” Diana suggested, trying to soothe her husband’s ruffled feathers.

  “I’d be happy
to go there with you, Merrifield,” Trumbull said. “Only I wish for Amelia and Lady Merrifield to join us there.”

  Her brother’s jaw hardened. “And why is that?”

  “I have come to admire Lady Amelia during our short acquaintance,” the marquess said sincerely. “She is as clever as she is beautiful and should be present when her future is being discussed. As for Lady Merrifield? The entire ton knows you’re a love match. Wouldn’t it better for the countess to hear everything firsthand? You’re going to tell her of our conversation anyway. I think she should come, too, and be able to express her opinion.” He gave both women a charming smile.

  Amelia stood and Diana joined her, saying, “I think that’s an excellent idea, my lord. Oliver, may we go to your study? Or the drawing room?”

  The earl’s lips thinned in disapproval. He glared at Trumbull and then said, “Follow me.”

  The four left the breakfast room, Oliver leading the way and Trumbull close behind him. Amelia and Diana brought up the rear.

  Diana slipped her arm through Amelia’s. “You really think this is the man you wish to wed?” she whispered. “Even I, being new to London, know of his unsavory reputation.”

  She merely nodded.

  They reached the drawing room and followed Oliver in. He stood and indicated for Amelia to take a seat in a chair, which she did. He and Diana perched on a settee next to her. Diana gestured for Trumbull to take the seat opposite when her husband didn’t ask their guest to sit.

  “I know my reputation,” Trumbull began. “It’s quite dreadful. And deserved. I was a rebellious child who grew into a rebellious man. I’ve never gotten along with my father. But things change.” He smiled at Amelia. “Your sister has made it so. Lady Amelia is a calming influence on me.”

  She certainly didn’t think so but kept quiet.

  “Go on,” Oliver prodded, his brow furrowed.

  “I’d like to offer for Amelia. As I told her, I will be Duke of Durham someday. I need a woman by my side of impeccable breeding. Amelia is that woman. She is kind and intelligent. She has a way about her that will allow her to manage not only several large households—but me.” Trumbull grinned. “Let’s just say that Beauty has tamed this Beast.”

  Her brother sat silently for a few minutes. Amelia kept her hands in her lap, clasped tightly together. Finally, he looked her way.

  “Is this what you truly want, Amelia? If it is, I won’t stand in your way.”

  What she wanted and what she could attain were two entirely different things. She wanted Derek de Wolfe to fall at her feet and admit he was wrong about her as he declared himself madly in love with her. That fantasy would never occur. Instead, she had a wealthy, eligible marquess offering for her. She would live a good life. He would give her children. She would supervise his households. In time, he might grow to love her and she might do the same with him.

  “It’s an arrangement I want, Oliver.”

  “Arrangement?” he questioned. “Remember, Amelia, no one is forcing this decision upon you. The Season has barely begun. If you wish to keep looking for a husband, it’s your prerogative. If you wish to delay and look even next year, you know Diana and I are happy to have you with us for as long as you wish.”

  She couldn’t do that. Oliver was starting a new life with his bride and the twins. He’d been responsible for her almost a decade now. It was time she allowed him space so he could raise his own family, just as she would hers.

  “I’m very ready to marry Lord Trumbull,” she said confidently. “In fact, he’s agreed to go to Doctor’s Commons and purchase a special license so we can wed next week.”

  “So soon?” Diana said, frowning.

  “Yes,” Trumbull said, standing and going to Amelia. He placed his hand on her shoulder. “We are excited to start our new life together.”

  “Where will the wedding be?” Diana asked.

  “You know Rachel will want to hold it at the Merrick townhouse,” Oliver said.

  For the first time this morning, Amelia smiled. “Oh, yes, please. Lady Merrick has such excellent taste and she’s so very fond of you, Oliver. Please, let’s ask if she’d be willing to host things.”

  Oliver stood. “I’ll do so today.” He extended his hand to Trumbull. “Welcome to the family, my lord. Let’s discuss the settlements.”

  Derek knew Diana and Merrifield had returned to London because she sent him a note late last night informing him they were back. She wanted to come visit Thea, knowing she was still housebound with her broken leg. His return message told his sister to come to tea today and bring the twins, knowing Thea had missed being around her niece and nephew. In the meantime, Derek had decided to call upon Merrifield this morning and let him know of the strong interest the Marquess of Trumbull had paid to Amelia during her brother’s absence. If his brother-in-law wasn’t aware of Trumbull’s reputation, Derek intended to inform him of it.

  As his carriage arrived at the Merrifield townhouse, he saw the Marquess of Trumbull step from inside it. Anger pulsed through Derek. He leaped from the vehicle before it came to a complete stop and strode towards the man he thought of as an enemy.

  “Ah, Lord Reston, how nice to see you.”

  “Did you offer for Lady Amelia?” Derek demanded, dispensing with niceties.

  A sly smile crossed the marquess’ face. “As a matter of fact, I did.” His lips twitched in amusement. “Did I beat you to the punch?”

  Derek said evenly, “I’m not interested in Lady Amelia in that way,” wanting to wipe the smug look off Trumbull’s face. “I’m her brother-in-law and care about her. And her reputation. Something which you haven’t seen to trouble yourself about this past week.”

  “No need to say anymore, Reston. I’ve stepped up and done the right thing. Merrifield and I just came to terms regarding the settlement. So in a way, you and I will be related distantly by my marriage. Good day.”

  Trumbull strolled away jauntily. Derek felt as if the man had landed a pulverizing blow to his belly.

  Amelia couldn’t wed Trumbull. She couldn’t.

  And yet, she would be doing that very thing. Something he couldn’t stop.

  If only he’d told her of his true feelings . . .

  In a daze, he went and rang the bell. Once he was admitted by the butler and escorted to the drawing room, he entered and saw Diana and Amelia embracing as Merrifield looked on.

  Diana glanced up. “Derek! What a surprise. Come hear Amelia’s good news.”

  He moved forward and greeted them with little emotion.

  “We leave and are gone a little more than a week and return to find Amelia has found a husband,” Diana declared.

  “Is that so?” Derek directed his comment to Amelia.

  She stared at him steadily. “Yes. I’m deliriously happy. Lord Trumbull thinks I’m beautiful and intelligent. Even mature,” she added, knowing the word would hold meaning for him alone.

  His gut twisted as if she’d wounded him with a knife but he painted a smile on his lips. “Then I should offer my congratulations,” he said, his gaze penetrating hers.

  Amelia turned away. “Diana, come with me. We have so much to talk about.”

  The two women left and Derek looked at Merrifield.

  “He’s not the one for her,” he said flatly.

  The earl studied him. “And you are?”

  Derek felt himself flush. “I didn’t say that. I only meant to say I knew Trumbull at Eton and didn’t care for him.”

  “Eton was a long time ago, Reston. Boys change into men and put petty arguments behind them.”

  Derek didn’t think Trumbull had changed an iota. He was still the rash bully who used people to get whatever he wanted and charmed others, who turned a blind eye to his faults.

  “Besides,” Merrifield continued, “I would never have agreed to Trumbull’s offer without consulting Amelia. She assured me she was happy.”

  “And you believed her?” Derek asked, not hiding his outrage.


  Merrifield’s brows knit together. “I’ve never known Amelia to do something lightly. True, she could be impulsive as a child, but that was part of her charm. She’s matured considerably since then. She’s got a most practical nature and Trumbull seems quite taken with her. He even admitted that she had tamed him. Perhaps all it took was a woman of strong character to make the marquess see his true potential and put aside his scandalous ways.”

  Merrifield put an arm around him. “I have to trust her, Reston. If she wishes to wed Trumbull, I won’t stop her.”

  Derek only hoped Amelia wouldn’t regret her decision.

  “I’ve said my piece,” he told his brother-in-law. “You’re right. It’s your sister’s decision.”

  “Uncle Derek!”

  He turned and caught Mena, who bounded into his arms. Finn followed close behind his sister and latched on to Derek’s leg.

  “My two favorite people,” he declared, hiding the ache in his heart. “Come. Sit. Tell me all about Merrimore.”

  As the twins regaled him with tales of the past week and their new father added his own tidbits to the conversation, Derek took the piece of him that loved Amelia Ward and locked it away in his heart. He would never speak of his feelings to her.

  And never acknowledge them to himself ever again.

  Chapter Five

  Lady Merrick fastened the clasp of Amelia’s sapphire necklace, a gift from Oliver and Diana. Trumbull had sent her a pair of matching earrings so she knew he had coordinated with them. She liked how the stones brought out the blue in her eyes, making her feel confident in her appearance. Despite that, Amelia tamped down the anxiety flooding through her and rose.

  “You look lovely, Lady Amelia,” Lady Merrick told her. “The marquess is a lucky man.”

  “Do you think so?” she asked quietly as her lady’s maid slipped from the room.

  “I most certainly do. All of you Wards are a wonderful catch.”

  Amelia studied her hostess for a moment. “Do you regret not allowing Oliver to catch you?”