“Egads!” Daniel rammed his fingers through his hair and released a loud, groaning sigh. “Does the man bore everyone to tears?”
Lord Hollister was out of earshot, but a few twitters indicated guests standing close by had overheard.
“Mostly.” Jake handed his brother a drink.
Daniel took a swig then sniffed the glass. “What the hell is this?”
“Lower your voice,” Jake scolded. “It’s cordial water. Mother insists you wait until after dinner to hit the brandy.”
Daniel sampled the drink again and snarled. “This tastes like piss,” he whispered. “Bring me a drink suited for a man, not some blasted chit.”
“Retrieve it yourself.” Trusting in his brother’s negative review of the beverage, Jake placed his untouched cordial water on a passing footman’s tray. Daniel followed suit.
A flash of color at the drawing room entrance caught Jake’s eye, and he turned in time to see their sister and her husband arriving. His heart warmed as it always did in her presence. He nodded in their direction. “This party should gain more life now. Lana has arrived.”
Daniel glanced up. “Good God, she’s become fat.”
Jake elbowed him in the side. “She is with child, half-wit.”
Their younger sister’s smile widened when her sight landed on them, and before her husband could escort her, she hurried across the room and launched herself into Daniel’s arms.
“You’re back,” she cried, hugging him vigorously.
Despite Daniel’s sullen demeanor up to that point, he chuckled and hugged Lana in return. Lifting her feet off the ground, he placed a loud smack on her cheek. “Pumpkin pie, so good to see you.”
Jake shook his head, wholly entertained by his audacious siblings and happy at least he knew how to conduct himself in public. If their mother had expected either Lana or Daniel to behave with any decorum this evening, she would be disappointed.
Lana pulled back when Daniel returned her to her feet and wrinkled her nose. “You know I hate that name, Danny Boy.”
Jake smirked at her use of their brother’s hated moniker. Served him right for teasing her. “I was just sharing your good news with Daniel,” he said.
Their brother snorted. “Untrue. He said you had grown stout with marriage when clearly you are with child. Little Jakie can be quite the cur.”
Lana rolled her eyes but grinned all the same. “Yes, Jake is the culprit, I’m sure.” She placed her hand on her husband’s arm when he joined their group.
“Drew, I would like to introduce you to my brother, Captain Daniel Hillary. Daniel, this is my husband, Lord Andrew Forest.”
Daniel nodded, his dark frown returning. In Forest’s less-domesticated days, everyone had known him, at least by reputation. This would not be the first time their paths had crossed, but for once Daniel held his tongue.
“It is a pleasure, my lord.”
“Likewise.” Forest placed his hand on the small of Lana’s back. “If you will excuse me, lady and gentlemen, I have a matter to discuss with your father.”
“Wait. I’ll come with you.” Lana linked arms with her husband to halt his retreat then leaned forward to speak to Jake and Daniel as if Forest couldn’t overhear. “Papa seeks his opinion on another bit of horseflesh he is considering acquiring. They appear to be in competition to see who can make the most frivolous purchases this year. I declare, our mews would be bursting at the seams if not for my vigilance.”
Forest shrugged good-naturedly. “It’s my only vice, Lana.”
“Well, when you state it that way, I suppose I have no cause for complaint, do I?”
Forest winked. “Satisfaction is my aim, love.”
An attractive flush infused Lana’s cheeks. Since it was no longer Jake’s calling to protect his little sister from scoundrels like Forest—unless, of course, she requested his assistance, in which case he would gladly step forward—he overlooked the veiled comment. The firm slant to Daniel’s jaw indicated he might not be as magnanimous this evening.
“Neither of you may take your leave before you’ve danced with me,” Lana said and blew a kiss their direction before wandering away arm-in-arm with Forest.
Once they were across the room, Daniel whirled on Jake. “How did that mutton-monger end up married to our little sister?”
“It’s a long story,” Jake said with a sigh. He didn’t wish to rehash his failure to safeguard their dear sister from one of the biggest satyrs in Town. He still hadn’t forgiven himself. But he had to admit Forest made her happy, and by all accounts, the gent had reformed. Any scandalous whispers about the former rake now included his wife and their penchant for dark corners.
Jake glanced toward the doorway. What was taking Amelia so long? Most of the guests had already arrived. Perhaps Daniel would forget about his interest in luring her to his bed if Jake could send him sniffing in another direction.
“Father keeps brandy in his study. Shall we help ourselves?”
“Brilliant suggestion.” Daniel headed for the side door.
Jake made to follow but froze in place.
Amelia lingered in the threshold, a cool smile sliding across her perfect lips.
Hellfire. He might have just swallowed his tongue. Taking a deep breath to shore up his courage, he squared his shoulders. Tonight he would approach her, because surrendering her to Daniel was out of the question.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Well, Jake was a fool, and Amelia’s beauty rivaled any angel’s. He pulled at his cravat and rolled his neck. Hopefully, that was the only similarity she shared with the heavenly creatures, but with his luck, she too had a taste for vengeance and a fondness for smiting.
Two
Amelia and Bibi stood side by side, the faces around them a blur. Amelia’s mouth felt gritty as if she had eaten sand.
The footman, attired in dark blue and goldenrod livery, a perfect bookend to the manservant standing attendance on the opposite side of the entrance, cleared his throat. “Presenting Lady Audley and Lady Kennell.”
Amelia clutched her friend’s arm to quell the tremor in her hands as a few curious stares wandered in their direction.
Really, her nerves were unforgiveable. One might think her a recluse newly venturing from her cave to join society. But tonight was different. She had two weeks left to garner support or the board of directors at the foundling hospital would quash her plans.
Bibi lifted herself to her full height, every inch of her diminutive frame regal, and flashed a blinding smile. She commanded the room, drawing attention away from Amelia, and in turn, Amelia would attempt to keep her friend out of trouble tonight. Not always an easy task.
The other guests’ attention was fleeting, and they resumed their conversations, their voices melding into a low rumble. Amelia’s eyes flitted around the room in search of Jake. When she didn’t locate him, she released a pent-up breath.
Perhaps he wouldn’t come. Although the possibility settled her nerves, it brought her little comfort. How I’ve missed him.
She swallowed against the tears burning at the back of her throat and forced herself to shake off her ridiculous sentiments. Though her heart often refused to cooperate with her resolve to forget Jake, she was an intelligent woman capable of overriding her traitorous emotions. Jake had no place in her life—and he never had.
As the crowd absorbed her and Bibi, Amelia spotted Jake’s sister on Lord Andrew Forest’s arm. Lana gifted her with a wide smile and an enthusiastic wave, boosting Amelia’s morale. It was reassuring to have at least one friendly face in attendance this evening.
Lana had always been a delightful young woman. The darling girl had gone to great lengths to reach out to Amelia, which couldn’t be easy for any wife.
Forest inclined his head in polite greeting, never seemingly troubled by their past intimate association. She returned the gesture and averted her gaze. To think she had fancied herself in love with the man at one time. Now, with more clarity, she
could see he had been a lousy salve to soothe her injured heart when Jake had hied off to the country. All she had gained from the ill-advised affair was bruised pride and a tarnished reputation. And in the process, she had destroyed any chance for a future with Jake. He had made it clear last autumn what he thought of her.
Bibi leaned close. “I suppose you would like a drink?”
“Yes, I’m parched as usual. Thank you.”
“Follow me, my dear.” Bibi fluttered her full lashes at the gentleman standing closest to them before sauntering toward the punch bowl with a sensual swing to her hips.
Amelia held back, not wishing the same attention Bibi received from the men in the room. Whereas Amelia strove to change the opinion others held of her, her friend thumbed her nose at their contemporaries. Snubbed by the other ladies of the ton, Bibi exacted her revenge by courting the notice of their husbands.
As Amelia joined Bibi by the punch bowl, Mrs. Hillary approached with a genuine smile. “Ladies, thank you for coming this evening.”
Amelia returned her warm greeting. Jake’s mother had always been so kind to her, especially after Audley’s death. The good lady’s encouraging notes had been appreciated more than Mrs. Hillary could know.
“I am always grateful for your invitations, Mrs. Hillary.”
“As am I.” Bibi offered a charming smile to their hostess, proving she had listened to Amelia’s pleas to be on her best behavior. “Has the guest of honor arrived?”
“Daniel is here somewhere.” Worry lined Mrs. Hillary’s forehead as she looked around the room. “Heaven knows where he is keeping himself.” When she glanced at Amelia again, her expression brightened. “I may have two more donors for you, Lady Audley. I’m certain once they learn of your good intentions they will wish to do their part.”
“Mrs. Hillary, I can’t thank you enough.”
“It’s my pleasure. Of course, I haven’t broached the subject with either of my sons, but how could they refuse? Daniel and Jake will be captivated by your ideas when you explain everything to them over dinner.”
“You are seating me near your sons?” She fought to control the panicked shriek threatening to break through her words. She couldn’t imagine a worse fate than being seated close to Jake, pretending his disapproval had no effect on her.
Mrs. Hillary patted her arm. “Heavens no, dear.”
Amelia tried not to melt into a puddle on the floor.
“You shall dine between them,” Mrs. Hillary said.
“Oh, my,” Bibi murmured. “Who do we have here?”
Amelia’s head snapped up to see what had caught her attention. Her gaze glossed over Captain Hillary and settled on Jake.
Her insides quivered. Why did he always stare at her in that way? His intense hazel eyes passed judgment with a mere glance. Amelia chided herself for allowing him to cow her. Intensity and intimidation might work to his advantage in court, but she would not be so easily handled.
Jake’s mother touched Bibi’s forearm. “Lady Kennell, have you met my son, Captain Hillary?”
A slow smile spread across Bibi’s face. “I do not believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
The seductive lowering of her eyelids left no doubt in Amelia’s mind that Bibi would like the situation remedied at once.
Mrs. Hillary motioned for her sons to join their party.
As the men approached, Amelia spun away to avoid Jake’s stare by retrieving a glass of punch, but Bibi blocked the table.
She cleared her scratchy throat. “May I have a glass of punch, Lady Kennell?”
Bibi blinked. “Punch?”
“Yes.” Amelia pointed. “The punch at your elbow. I would love some. May I?”
“Oh, by all means.” Without taking her gaze from Captain Hillary, Bibi fumbled for a glass, almost tipping it over, then held on to the drink instead of passing it to Amelia.
She reached to pry the glass from Bibi’s fingers. “Thank you.”
“Pardon?” Bibi barely glanced at her. “Oh, think nothing of it.”
“Indeed. I shan’t.” Amelia drained the beverage then turned with the glass clutched close to her chest as if crystal held special powers to shield her from the man who had broken her heart.
“Daniel, I would like to make an introduction,” Mrs. Hillary said as the men reached them. “May I present Lady Kennell? And you recall Lady Audley, do you not? Ladies, this is my third-born son, Captain Daniel Hillary, and I’m certain you are both acquainted with my youngest, Jake.”
Captain Hillary bowed low, sweeping a magnificent leg, and offered a grin. “Why Lady Audley, you are even more beautiful than when I last saw you.” His grasp was gentle as he placed a kiss on her gloved knuckles. “Mother tells me you’ve taken on a goodwill mission. I do hope you will share all the details with me this evening.”
“I would be delighted, Captain. The children are dear to my heart.”
Captain Hillary turned a bright smile on Bibi. “Lady Kennell, what an enchanting vision you are. Tell me. Are you real, or a figment of my imagination?”
Bibi chuckled and held out her hand. “I assure you, Captain, I am real.”
He placed a kiss on Bibi’s hand and held her bold gaze. “I believe you tease me cruelly, my dear, for surely I have died and gone to heaven. No earthly beauty could ever compare to yours.”
Amelia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Captain Hillary was an excellent example of the manner of man for which Amelia had no use.
He raised his eyebrows as he released Bibi’s hand. “Kennell, you say? As in Kenny’s viscountess?”
“As in the widowed Viscountess Kennell. Surely you heard of his demise last year.”
“I had heard, but I had forgotten he had a lady wife. May I offer my deepest condolences for your loss, my lady?” Captain Hillary’s lascivious grin contradicted his expression of sympathy.
A flash of annoyance crossed Mrs. Hillary’s countenance when she regarded her older son. “I must beg your forgiveness, ladies and gentlemen, but I must partner the guests for the promenade. Daniel, would you please escort Lady Kennell? I have placed you between the viscountess and Lady Audley. Perhaps Lady Audley could share her ideas for the foundling home over dinner.”
“Splendid,” Captain Hillary said and winked at Amelia before offering his elbow to Bibi. “I’m feeling generous this evening. Perhaps I could present you with a substantial gift later tonight, Lady Audley.”
“That would be lovely, sir.”
“I shall give it to you in private so no one is the wiser.”
Jake’s jaw tightened and his glower bordered on murderous. For heaven’s sake! Did he not believe charity work to be a worthy endeavor? Perhaps he found fault with everything she did.
As Captain Hillary led Bibi away to form the queue for the promenade, Mrs. Hillary touched Jake’s arm. “Jake, please see Lady Audley to her place.”
He drew back as if she suggested he dine with a snake, but he recovered quickly. “Of course, Mother. It would be my pleasure.”
Hurt pierced Amelia’s heart. Jake’s harsh attitude toward her obviously hadn’t softened over the last several months. Sometimes she wished to return to those evenings when she had believed he might love her, but it was a foolish desire. She couldn’t change what she had done, and Jake held no forgiveness for her.
Mrs. Hillary bustled away to partner the other guests.
“Perhaps you would prefer a different dining partner,” Amelia said.
Jake’s blue-green gaze met hers, his expression blank. “I consider it an honor to escort you to dinner, Lady Audley.”
She sighed, wishing he would just rail at her once and for all and end this horrid false politeness.
***
Jake held the chair for Amelia as she assumed the spot next to his brother at the table. He shot a warning look at Daniel when he turned an appreciative eye on her. His brother paid Jake no mind, gazing overly long at her neckline, although the creamy mounds peeking over the lacy edge of
her bodice were hard to ignore.
Jake’s teeth clashed together and added to the dull throb at his temple.
His mother knew of his affection for Amelia. She had known immediately when he had fallen in love, and she had comforted him when Amelia had given her hand in marriage to his best friend instead of him. To place her within Daniel’s grasp, a man legendary in his ability to charm the drawers off most females, was cruel. Not that Jake believed his rakish brother possessed any chance of bedding Amelia. Unless she fancies him. Jake nearly groaned aloud from the misery that possibility brought him.
Amelia shifted on her seat when he slipped into the chair beside her. The light floral fragrance she wore wrapped around him, reminding him of a stroll through Vauxhall Gardens in early summer.
Glancing sideways, he stole a peek at her profile. A fiery heat consumed his body as the sweet taste of her flooded his memory. He wanted nothing more than to have no care for propriety. If Jake were a scoundrel like his brother, he would whisk Amelia to his chambers and toss up her skirts.
But he was a gentleman, the bouillabaisse was just now being served, and Amelia was no trollop.
Jake yanked at his cravat. The bloody thing was attempting to murder him this evening. He loosened the knot and drew in a deep breath.
Amelia tipped her head to the side and studied him. “Mr. Hillary, are you ill?”
“No.” Jake snatched his wineglass and drained it.
Amelia nibbled her bottom lip, so pink and plump. Dear Lord. An image of her beautiful lips wrapped around his shaft popped into his mind. His pulse sped and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
Damn his rakehell brother! Had Daniel never heard of a lock? Jake had entertained many fantasies involving Amelia, but never this one, and never in polite company.
“Mr. Hillary, are you certain you are well?” Her concerned voice distracted him from her movement, so when her hand brushed his leg, he jumped, banging his knee on the table and sloshing wine from her goblet onto the table linens.
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