Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half

by Grace, Samantha

  “You need to find someone else to fuss over you,” she said. “It’s high time you married. I cannot look after you forever.”

  Jasper adjusted his position on the chair. He had hoped to ease into this conversation, but since the opportunity presented itself… “I believe you are correct. It is time I took a wife and filled the nursery.”

  Fiona’s smile widened. “The sounds of tiny footsteps would lend an air of cheerfulness to this dreadful place. We could use some cheer.”

  His sister had been unable to carry a child, which he suspected added to her bitterness. She’d been a doting mother to him. It seemed a shame she’d been denied her own offspring.

  He bestowed a tender smile on his sister. “I’m certain the pitter-patter of tiny feet will liven up Norwick Place. The children shall be fortunate to have such an attentive aunt.”

  Fiona preened, looking more like her old self. “Yes, well, I knew you would come around eventually. Have you anyone in mind? Lady Eloise is a lovely young woman, or perhaps the Duke of Foxhaven’s daughter, Lady Gabrielle.”

  Jasper snorted. “Lady Gabrielle? We wouldn’t suit in the least. She’s still a girl.”

  “There is that. Well, Lady Eloise is not a green girl, but she is young enough to provide a houseful of issue.”

  “I’m not seeking a breeder, Fiona.” He rubbed his forehead. “Perhaps we should change the subject.”

  “To what, pray tell? What is more important than discussing an heir?”

  Gads, she was a single-minded creature.

  “Indeed. An heir is important.” He cleared his throat. “I would like to ask something of a personal nature. About Banner.”

  Her face hardened and she looked away. “He’s no longer a factor in my existence. I have no wish to think on him.”

  “I understand, but there’s something that has troubled me these last few weeks. Something I fear may have happened to you.”

  Her gaze snapped back to Jasper’s face.

  “What were the circumstances surrounding the night Banner ruined you?”

  Fiona stood. “That is highly personal, Jasper Hainsworth. And I care not to discuss my ruination with my younger brother.”

  He jumped up and captured her arm gently. “I mean no harm. I simply wish to know if Father misjudged you. I always considered it unfair that he disowned you.”

  Fiona jerked from Jasper’s grasp and turned her back to him. “Father was a tyrant. I’ve no desire to discuss him, either. Besides, you righted the matter when you returned my dowry.”

  “I think you were deeply wronged, Fi. Not just by Father.” Jasper feathered his hand over her back as she’d done to soothe him as a child. She didn’t shrug away as he’d suspected she might. “Did Banner bring you something to drink that evening?” he asked in a soft voice.

  She spun around with a gasp.

  “Did he give you a sleeping potion to render you incapacitated?”

  “Oh!” Fiona’s hand flew to cover her mouth as tears swam in her eyes.

  “Fi, I’m sorry.” Jasper wrapped his arms around her emaciated frame, absorbing the violent tremors that shook her. “I had no idea. Father couldn’t have known, either. The matter would have been settled on the field if he had.”

  His sister held herself rigid, unwilling to accept any more comfort. “Tell me how you know.”

  He released her and scrubbed a hand over his face. She wouldn’t like the answer. “Lady Kennell had a similar experience with Banner.”

  Fiona stared at him, tumultuous emotions churning across her face. She said nothing. She didn’t move. Silence and stillness stretched for what seemed like hours.

  “Fi, did you hear me?”

  Her earsplitting screech gave him a start. She dropped her head back and howled at the ceiling. “No!”

  Thunder an’ turf! His sister had the devil’s own temper.

  Jasper backed away from her, but she struck out.

  “You lie. You horrid, horrid liar!” Her fists glanced off his chest.

  “Stop this nonsense at once. I wouldn’t lie to you.” He blocked her next blow by capturing her wrists. She twisted like a fish caught on a line, and he released her for fear of causing her injury. She caught herself against the side table, but not before sending an Oriental jar crashing to the floor.

  “It’s untrue,” she cried. “Charles took drastic measures because he loved me. He was desperate to have me for his wife. He knew I’d never go against Papa. He did it for us.”

  “Fi, you must realize I speak the truth. How else would Bianca know of these circumstances?”

  Veins bulged at Fiona’s temples, her face an alarming shade of plum. “She’s a lying whore. A lying, despicable trollop.”

  She stormed to the sideboard. He looked the other way as she poured herself a brandy. His sister deserved a nip after everything she had endured as Banner’s wife. Still, he couldn’t overlook her insults to B.

  “Please don’t speak of Lady Kennell in that manner. I’ve grown to care for her.”

  “Damn him to hell!” With an animalistic bellow, Fiona flung her arm and raked everything to the floor—crystal decanter, stemware, and a priceless vase. Jasper winced as the pieces broke against the marble floor.

  She threw her tumbler to the ground then seized two figurines from a nearby side table and hurled them at the fire grate, severing the head of one and devastating the other.

  Jasper stood rooted to his spot, making no attempt to impede her destruction. Objects were replaceable, but his sister’s sense of reality had been shattered forever. Besides, she was making her way to that hideous vase inherited from Great-Aunt Gertie he had always considered an eyesore.

  “I hate him,” she railed. “I hate him, hate him.”

  She threw back her head, fists thrust down at her sides, and screamed. Her body quaked as rage and hatred coursed through her veins and escaped through a wretched screech that rattled his bones. Fiona should seriously consider portraying a banshee at the next masked ball. She had the howl down perfectly.

  When his butler peeked through the doorway, Jasper issued one sharp nod to reassure the servant, and the man eased from the room, looking less than confident in Jasper’s directive. Not that he could blame the servant. This was Fi’s most impressive fit to date.

  She screamed until her voice grew hoarse, and then she collapsed on the settee. Her chest heaved. Nothing but the sounds of her heavy breathing filled the room for a long time.

  Jasper stood at a distance until she proved to be done with her outburst. It wouldn’t do to take another blow to his person. Her tiny fists were like incessant mosquitoes, too annoying by half.

  When she looked up, tears glittered in her eyes. “Do you think Charles loved her?” Her conversational tone was oddly incongruent given her furious display.

  Assuming it was safe to approach her, he moved to the place beside her on the settee. “No man capable of love could do what he did to either of you.”

  “Yes, I suppose you’re right.” A small frown turned down her thin lips. “But you love her.”

  Jasper touched her forearm. “As much as I wish to avoid hurting you, I can’t deny I love her. Bianca is the only woman to accept me for who I am, to make me satisfied with the man I’ve become. I wish to marry her.”

  Fiona closed her eyes and said nothing. She shifted away.

  He rubbed his jaw, noting he needed to shave. “You needn’t witness the nuptials. But be aware that I expect we will have children, hopefully soon. If you wish to be part of their lives—of my life—you must come to accept Bianca and treat her with kindness. I won’t have it any other way.”

  “I see.” His sister nodded before issuing a ragged, drawn-out sigh. “Very well, Tub. I will endeavor to be civil, for the children’s sake.”

  “Thank you, Fi. Your acceptance, even given reluctantly, means a lot to me.”

  She pursed her lips. “Yes, well, the good Lord knows the children will need a proper influence in t
heir lives. It’s the least I can do.”

  Jasper suppressed a smile. He anticipated a rocky road ahead for all of them, but at least there would be a future with his sister. And what a bright future he would have with Bianca by his side.

  Twenty-nine

  As the surgeon had predicted, Amelia’s nausea lessened, although it did not go away completely. The blasted illness plagued her at all hours of the day, unpredictable and inconvenient. And, as the surgeon also foretold, she wouldn’t be able to hide her condition from Jake much longer. Especially if he continued to fuss over her like a mother hen.

  Today in his bid to cater to her needs, Jake had arranged a bath for her where she now soaked and ran her hands over the telling roundness of her belly. A smile pulled at her lips. She had begun to feel tiny flutters inside, like the beating of butterfly wings. With this sign of Jake’s child growing in her womb, her love for him grew.

  She wished so much for their baby. No matter the circumstances of his birth, she would ensure he had more love than any other child in London. All of England, in fact. He would grow to become dashing, like his father, and a gentleman in behavior if not station. And he would be graceful on, and off, the dance floor, unlike his sire.

  She chuckled.

  “What’s humorous, love?”

  “Oh!” Amelia drew her knees to her chest, her head slipping under water. Scrambling to sit up, she coughed and sputtered.

  Jake peeked around the screen, his forehead wrinkled with worry. “Are you all right?”

  “Jake!” She tried to shield herself with her hands, not wanting him to learn of her pregnancy in this manner.

  “Sorry,” he offered before disappearing behind the screen again, but his mischievous grin had given him away. He wasn’t sorry in the least.

  She stood in the copper tub and snatched the towel draped over the folding screen. “Are you spying on me?”

  “I came in for another pair of boots. I thought you heard me.” The chair legs scraped against the plank floor. “Why were you laughing?”

  “I was thinking of the time you nearly fell on poor Lana at Captain Hillary’s welcome home soiree.”

  “Ouch. Not again.” Despite his groan, merriment sounded in his voice. “Do you intend to ridicule me forever?”

  She wrapped the towel around her middle and stepped from the tub. The wood planks were surprisingly smooth beneath her feet. “Perhaps.”

  “There may be something wrong with me, but I look forward to many years of your mockery, my dear.” There was the thud of a boot hitting the floor.

  Amelia’s smile wavered. He should know the type of future they would be facing. Perhaps he had no cares about their standing in society, but having his child legally belong to another? No man would take the news easily. “Once I’m dressed, could we walk the upper decks again?”

  “I’m afraid not, love. We are heading toward a storm.”

  Her stomach clenched. “Indeed?”

  “It’s several miles away yet. Daniel plans to sail around it if possible, but I need you to prepare the cabin in case we must ride it out.” A second boot hit the floor. “Extinguish the lantern as soon as you dress and pack away any fragile items. I’ll be topside assisting the men.”

  A tremor shook her whole body. How dangerous that sounded. “You’re going topside in a storm?”

  “I’ll return before they batten down the hatches. Don’t forget the lantern. I’ll be back soon.”

  “I won’t forget.” She shoved her arms into the sleeves of her wrapper and pulled the tie around her waist before hurrying from behind the screen. “Jake, wait.”

  His hand stilled on the door handle, and he looked over his shoulder.

  She wished to tell him many things, but she had no time to say them all. I love you. I’m with child. I can’t live without you. Instead, Amelia forced a slight smile. “Be careful.”

  “No need to fret. I’ll return before you even notice I’m not underfoot.”

  Then he was gone.

  Amelia hurried to extinguish the lantern and packed her toilette set. She wanted to finish her tasks before Jake returned. Yet, once she completed everything, she didn’t know what to do with herself. She tried reading in the dim light from the window, but even if she could see the words on the page with better clarity, her concentration was poor.

  As the sky outside darkened, her disquiet increased. Visions of Jake tripping on a rope or that wooden swinging object knocking him from the deck filled her with fear. Good heavens. Topside with a storm approaching was the last place her clumsy darling should be.

  When the ship lurched and creaked, she tossed her book aside. She had to see to his safety or go mad. She dashed out the door and scrambled up the ladder.

  As she came topside, wind whipped her damp hair against her cheeks and plastered her gown to her body. The ship teetered and knocked her off balance. She stumbled hard into the railing and gripped it as her feet slipped on the wet decking. Men scurried about turning winches, tying down sails, and doing heaven knows what else.

  Amelia clung to the rail.

  “Jake.” The wind swept her voice away. He would never hear her calling in this gale.

  The nose of the ship dipped low before a wave thrust it back up. Great fountains of white shot into the air and rained down on the deck. Amelia hugged the rail when her feet slid out from under her.

  Once she’d regained her footing, she released her hold and staggered forward. She drew in a deep breath to yell for Jake again. A force slammed against her ribs.

  “Oomph!”

  Her feet left the deck, stunning her into silence. A man tossed her over his burly shoulder and carted her below deck. Realization dawned on her and she screamed. She kicked and beat against her abductor’s back, but it was like hitting rock.

  He carried her to her cabin, knocking her ankle against the doorjamb. Pain shot up to her knee and her bone throbbed. He kicked the door closed. Giant hands circled her waist, surprisingly gentle given the rough treatment she’d received so far, and lowered her to a chair.

  Her head snapped up. Captain Hillary’s rage-filled face demanded her attention. She shrank back. He was scarier than any storm.

  “I issued two rules,” he said. “No wandering the ship alone and stay in your cabin during a storm. What the hell possessed you to venture topside?”

  Amelia trembled. How could this barbarian be related to her kind and loving Jake?

  “Do you have any idea what it would do to Jake if he lost you? You would destroy him. Dammit, Amelia.” He jabbed his finger against his temple. “Think. And in your condition.”

  She gasped. “Timmons told you?”

  “Timmons didn’t need to tell me anything. I see the signs for myself.”

  “You can’t tell Jake, please, Captain Hillary. He must hear it from me.”

  “Tell him soon before he discovers it for himself.”

  “I’ll tell him today. I promise.”

  He issued a heavy sigh. “I didn’t cause you injury, did I?”

  She shook her head.

  “Forgive my rough treatment, but you try my patience at every turn,” he said. “We cannot keep you safe if you won’t observe my rules. You must know how Jake adores you. His suffering would be unending if any harm came to you.”

  He turned to leave, but Amelia grasped his hand. “Captain Hillary, where is Jake? I didn’t see him on deck.”

  “He can take care of himself as long as he doesn’t have to worry about you. Stay put and I will find him.”

  ***

  At Daniel’s insistence, Jake went below deck. The storm was mild at this point, and he had argued he could still help the crew, but Daniel wouldn’t hear of it. He thought Amelia might be frightened and encouraged him to go to her. Jake had given in without a fight, but only on account of her.

  He opened the cabin door. “I’m back, sweetheart. Is everything—?”

  Amelia launched herself from the chair and flew into his embrace.
The impact caught him by surprise, but she was a slight creature and didn’t upset his balance.

  “Oh, Jake. I was so worried. You said you would be back before I realized it, but you’ve been gone two hours.”

  I was? The excitement of man against nature had made him unaware of the passage of time. He cuddled her against his chest, reveling in her floral scent and silky hair against his cheek. “No need to fret. As you can see, I’m unharmed.”

  For once, she didn’t pull away and dash for the chamber pot, which frankly had begun to hurt his pride, Amelia tossing up her accounts every time he tried to kiss her. He touched his lips to her temple. How he longed to make love to her. He missed the brush of her luxurious skin against his and the taste of her kisses. His fingers slid into her tresses, cradling the nape of her neck and caressing the slender length with his thumb. Ever responsive to his touch, she lifted her face and licked her lips.

  “Ah, Mia.”

  With a hunger he had never known, he possessed her mouth, taking from her in his furious need. He devoured her; his heart launched into a heavy rhythm. She returned his passion, parting her lips to welcome the sweep of his tongue.

  When his kisses trailed down her neck, she arched her body into him.

  “I love you,” she whispered. “I love you. I love you.”

  How many times had he asked her to say those words while he made love to her? He swept her up into his arms and laid her on the mattress. Ripping off his soaked shirt, he flung it toward the chair, unsure if he hit his target or not. Not caring.

  Amelia’s breath quickened, her chest rising rapidly, drawing his attention. With her hair fanned upon the pillow, she appeared to have a halo. His sensual angel swept her eyes along his torso and back up to meet his gaze. Her blue eyes turned sapphire as passion burned in their depths.

  Jake stretched out beside her then hauled her to lie on top of him, chest to chest. His hands grasped her bum, which felt delightfully fuller than he recalled, and they kissed with abandon until her wriggling caused him to groan.

  “Let’s rid ourselves of these pathetic clothes,” he said.