“I had made an agreement with you and broke it. When controlled by my failure, I grew angry, but that anger was not because of anything you said or did.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I have had many failings as of late, and you took the brunt of my frustration. It was wrong and I apologize.”
For a moment, she could only stare at the man. Once her shock cleared, she said, “I forgive you. You know, I may not know much about you, but I cannot imagine you are a failure.”
He gave a rueful chuckle. “You are kind to say so, and I admit I am working on my patience. It causes me to act quite the fool, especially when I grow angry. I tend to act like a spoiled child.”
She giggled. “I disagree with your comment of acting like a spoiled child, but I will not argue concerning your patience.”
This time he laughed outright, and the sound sent a tingling sensation through her body.
He should laugh more often, she thought. It suits him.
Their journey was much more pleasant than the previous. Granted, they would not be spending several days together, but it had not taken him long to lash out before. Was this chance to be with him again an act of fate? Perhaps their paths crossed again not only to allow apologies but for something more.
“Now that all is forgiven,” he said, “I would like to explain more about why I make this request of you today.” He placed his hands on his knees and frowned. “I cannot believe I am about to confess this to you,” he murmured.
“Are you reluctant to tell me because I am a servant?”
“That is part of it,” he admitted. “However, what I must confess is quite embarrassing, and I would hate if it were ever repeated.”
She thought for a moment and then said, “Perhaps I can share something that may ease your worry.”
This seemed to intrigue him. “By all means, please do.”
“There once was a servant girl whose life was far different from many others. Leaving her home, she sought a new one, carrying with her only a few items and a secret in her heart.” She shivered when that memory attempted to break out of the box in which she had locked it away, and she forced it back once more. “Trouble came to her, and a man, a lord no less, reached out to offer aid. This was unusual, you see, for such things are uncommon and would create terrible rumors for the man.”
“That it would,” Christopher said, a glint of a smile appearing.
“The woman, knowing this, did not reveal the man’s kindness to anyone. Instead, she kept it to herself. So, you see, some people are quite capable of keeping secrets. Whatever you wish to tell me, I promise that it will remain in my heart.” She placed a hand to her breast. “I will never tell a soul.”
Christopher let out a heavy breath. “Thank you,” he said, relief in his tone. “I have never met a woman such as you. You are truly fascinating.”
Amelia’s cheeks burned from the compliment.
“Now, to reveal to you my situation.” He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, gone was the reluctance from his features. “I had gone to Stratford to be married.”
“You were just married?” Amelia asked, suddenly wishing she could leap from the carriage. This only complicated matters! “I should not have been, nor should I be, traveling alone with you!”
“No, no,” Christopher said. “I am not married. Upon arriving at my fiancée’s home, her mother informed me that she had already married. He was a man of better title and more wealth.”
“I am so sorry,” Amelia said, unable to imagine the man’s shame and disappointment. “The pain you feel must be great.”
He snorted. “There is no pain concerning her.” He spoke so matter-of-factly that it shocked her. “It was nothing more than a marriage of convenience, a business deal between us.”
Amelia frowned. “I understand that these things happen, but I am sorry that it happened to you. If you do not mind my opinion, I believe the woman made a grave mistake. You would make a fine husband.” She covered her mouth with a hand. She had meant to ease the man’s pain, but she had not meant to add the last. The words seemed to tumble from her lips of their own accord.
“I appreciate your saying so,” he said with a light chuckle. “And now for my favor. I did not inform my father that the marriage plans were met with disaster, and now he wishes to meet my new bride. He is not expected to live much longer, and thus my reason for you joining me today. I cannot see the man’s only wish denied. It would destroy him. That is the reason I make this unusual request.”
The tenderness with which he spoke of his father warmed her heart. To see a man go to such lengths to please someone besides himself was admirable, and she was glad she had agreed to the arrangement.
“You saved me at the hotel that day. In fact, you have saved me twice. Then you gave passage without expecting anything in return. I would be happy to be your wife for the day.” She grinned at him, a giddy feeling coming over her. Why did the thought of playing his wife cause her to giggle and her heart to soar?
Christopher reached into his coat pocket. “You have no idea how much I appreciate your agreement,” he said. In his hand he held a gold band. “If I may?”
Amelia nodded and he removed the glove from her hand. When he took her hand in his, she could not help but smile as he slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly.
“It is beautiful,” she said, holding it up to the light. “One day you will find a worthy bride, and she will wear it with honor.”
He shrugged. “Perhaps, but I am beginning to doubt it. I have heard some speak of love, but I wonder if it truly exists. Or is it merely a fable like those told to children?”
Amelia glanced down. Christopher still held her hand, and for some reason, she hoped he would never release it. “I do believe it exists, but what eludes me is how to begin the search for the right person.”
He reddened and released her hand. “Forgive me. I did not mean to hold your hand for as long as I did.”
“I did not mind,” she replied, and then covered her mouth again. It was as if she could not stop herself from blurting foolish things! After years of being punished for her words, she had learned to never speak before thinking, but something about being in this man’s presence made her do just that.
Well, at least she would only have to put up with this farce for one afternoon.
She turned to look out the window, but she could see from the corner of her eye that Christopher’s smile had not waned. Nor had hers.
***
It was strange for Amelia to walk into Stormridge Manor on the arm of a man who was pretending to be her husband. Amelia allowed her imagination to run, to see herself as indeed being his wife, and that this house was her home. Ladies would whisper amongst one another about how handsome her husband was or how lovely her new dress was. She rarely permitted such flights of fancy, for she had always thought her chances of living such a life unattainable. In all honesty, she still did.
She glanced at Christopher and felt a tugging at her heart. How she wished she could conjure words of comfort for him, but to her frustration, none came to mind. She hoped the part she played in this sham would bring him some bit of comfort, nonetheless.
They stopped outside a large set of double doors, and Christopher turned to her. “This will not take long. I thank you once again for agreeing to this.”
His face was filled with such sorrow, Amelia wanted to ease the pain he must be feeling. “I do not mind helping you,” she said. “Come, it is time for me to meet your father.”
Christopher smiled and opened the door. Although the drapes had been drawn, only a faint bit of sunlight came through it. The furniture was old, from an era gone by, and the poor man who lay atop a bundle of pillows appeared far older.
“My son and daughter-in-law,” the old man croaked. His breathing was labored, but the smile he wore fit him.
“Father, this is Amelia,” Christopher said before taking a deep breath and adding, “my wife.”
“Christopher wa
s right,” Lord Beaumont said. “Before me stands a lady above all ladies. I can see it in your eyes.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Amelia replied. She imagined her blush was deep. A sense of shame for lying to this man made speaking difficult. “I am honored to be a part of your family and thankful for your kind words.”
The man coughed, a guttural sound he attempted to cover with bony fingers. When he was able to catch his breath again, he said, “Christopher never had patience to find a wife. Now he has found one who makes him happy. That is rare, for most marry for land or some other form of wealth.”
Amelia was uncertain how to respond, so she did not. Instead, she turned to Christopher and smiled. She was glad she was able to do this for him and his father, even if she had only made Christopher’s acquaintance recently.
The old man let out a raspy sigh. “My days are numbered, I am afraid, but your days are just beginning.” He held out his hand, and Amelia placed hers in his. “I must ask a favor of you.”
“Father,” Christopher said, “I do not wish to burden my wife more than I already have. Amelia is quite weary from our travels and must rest.”
Lord Beaumont ignored his son, whether intentionally or not, Amelia did not know. “Look after my son. Make sure he is happy. Will you do this for me?”
The request was innocent and beautiful, and Amelia blinked back tears. “Yes, I will do that for you.”
The old man gave a weak smile and closed his eyes. For a moment, Amelia feared he had died but was relieved when she saw his chest rise and fall in steady intervals.
She glanced up at Christopher. He did not weep, but the pain in his eyes was clear.
“Shall we allow him to rest?” Amelia asked in a subdued tone.
“Yes,” Christopher replied.
They left the room and made their way down to the drawing room. Three portraits hung on the wall, one of Christopher and three dogs beneath a tree. The furniture was decorated in blue and green striped fabric, and the walls were painted a light green with white molding. On the floor lay a floral rug of deep blues, greens, and red.
“For you.”
Amelia turned to find Christopher waiting with a glass of wine. She accepted it with a quiet “Thank you” and took a sip. She was becoming accustomed to drinking wine, something her grandmother never allowed, even on special occasions.
“Shall we sit?” Christopher asked, his face a bright red.
Amelia nodded and allowed him to lead her to the sofa. Once they were settled, an awkward silence fell between them.
“My dress belonged to one of Lady Lambert’s daughters,” Amelia said, smoothing the skirts of the lovely dress she wore. “I believe your father found it suitable for his daughter-in-law.”
“Father has the ability to understand people when he first meets them. My suspicions were correct; you did meet his approval, as you have mine.”
Amelia felt a flush come over her. “I am pleased,” she replied, uncertain what else she could say. “I do not mean to be rude, but do you believe your father has any chance for improvement?”
Christopher shook his head. “No. As he said, his days are numbered. I realize it may sound strange, but I am at peace. I have accepted the fact that soon he will die.” He chuckled. “You must think I me mad for speaking of my father in that way.”
“Not at all,” Amelia replied. “I have yet to experience the loss of a close relative, but I do understand the importance of accepting that which is out of one’s control.”
“Again, your words bring me solace, Miss Parker. A servant who is wise and conducts herself in such a way that no common woman would is a rarity. Will you tell me something about yourself? For example, how is it that you are so educated?”
After their last argument, she had hoped he would not broach the topic of her past, but she should have known better. Her mother and her aunt had both warned her about the necessity of not exposing her past to anyone, yet avoiding the questions only made Christopher more suspicious. Perhaps she could reveal the truth but leave out what was not pertinent — and revealing.
“My mother was fortunate enough to be educated,” she explained. This was the truth after all; there was no need to mention how her mother had been so fortunate. “She, in turn, taught me. I must admit that I never thought an opportunity would present itself that would allow me to use what I learned.”
Christopher did not respond but instead turned the glass in his hand. What was he thinking? Amelia hoped he did not request more details, for she would have to refuse him.
“I realize that I must return you to Scarlett Hall soon, but I would like to converse with you longer. Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” Amelia replied, warming with pleasure. “I admit that I enjoy your company.” Oddly, that was truthful. How pleasant it was to sit as a lady, drinking wine and conversing with a gentleman. If anyone had asked her to explain her most outrageous dreams a year ago, this would have been on that list. Yet, here she was doing just that! How wonderful had her life become!
“As do I,” he replied with a smile. “And that is why I wish to offer you a position here at Stormridge Manor.”
Chapter Eleven
Never had Christopher felt more at ease around anyone than he did around this simple servant girl. Yet, Amelia was not simple. In fact, she was quite fetching and captivating. Even his father was taken by her, which increased his belief that no other woman like her existed in all of England.
Servant or not, the woman gave him a sense of peace and her words soothed his soul. He found himself wanting her close to him, yet perhaps she could be more than a servant. Could he marry such a woman despite her lower status? It was not unheard of, but it was frowned upon.
He shook his head. What was he thinking? The idea was mad! Lords marrying their servants left both parties ostracized, omitted from every party list and sneered at on the street. He did not care so much about himself, but could he do such a thing to Amelia? Being a servant may give a person insight into the everyday lives of the ton, but it did not make a person capable of living it.
Even if he decided to propose marriage, which at this point was highly unlikely, the girl was clearly hiding something about her past. Who knew how much impact her secret would have on his name? Could he risk it? Plus, he wanted to marry for love, not for convenience, and although he found her lovely and engaging, he did not love her.
He almost laughed aloud. Who would marry him with all his shortcomings? Clearly the idea of marriage to him was revolting enough to send two women scampering away into the arms of another.
The truth was, building a caring relationship took time. By having Amelia in his home, he could learn more about her. He certainly could not have her here as a prospective wife — what would the ton think of that? Granted, courting a servant would create unsavory rumors, but if a friend called on his father, the old man may reveal the sham.
Christopher wanted to scream in frustration! He was well aware that his thoughts were a jumble, and he could not seem to set them straight. That he was attracted to the woman across from him was without question, but what could he do about that?
“I realize that I must return you to Scarlett Hall soon,” he said without thinking, “but I would like to converse with you longer. Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” Amelia replied, that pinkness in her cheeks deepening. “I admit that I enjoy your company.”
“As do I,” he replied with a smile, pleased with this revelation. Perhaps the idea of having her remain was sensible. “And that is why I wish to offer you a position here at Stormridge Manor.”
The woman flinched as if struck by a blow. “I am sorry, you wish for me to work here?”
“I do,” Christopher replied, warming to the idea considerably. It made perfect sense! “I will pay you double the wages you have been offered at Scarlett Hall, and you may take any position you wish.”
Why did she seem displeased? He was offering her a considerable increase in sal
ary and the opportunity to do whatever she wanted. What more could she require? Yet, here she sat looking as if she wished nothing better than to leave. Women were such a conundrum.
“Your request is kind, and although I—.”
Panic overtook Christopher. He could not allow her to refuse him! “Please,” he interrupted. “Do not dismiss my offer outright. You see, I find our conversations pleasant. You bring a peace to this home that has been lacking as of late. If you doubt my motives, I can assure you that I am a gentleman at all times, even with the servants. I do not take advantage of them as others in my position sometimes do.”
“I did not believe you would,” she said, placing her glass on the table. “I imagine your intentions are honorable, but what would the other servants think if we engage in conversation like equals?” She shook her head. “With my sister at Scarlett Hall, and the fact I have only recently arrived, I cannot leave so soon. May I have some time to consider your offer? Or do you require an answer right away?”
Despite the fact what this woman said was true, a sense of urgency came over Christopher as it often did in his life. His patience was never great, and without thinking beforehand, he said, “I cannot wait for an answer. Please accept my offer now, or I will be forced to retract it.”
As soon as he made the threat, he knew he had misspoken. This was made clear by the way the woman pursed her lips as she stood.
“I must return to Scarlett Hall. If you would like me to speak to your father again before I leave I can. Otherwise, I believe it is time to go.”
Christopher jumped from his seat. “I am sorry. I did not mean to say what I did.”
She sighed. “I am but a servant,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness that tore at his heart. “Those of your station have no need to apologize to the likes of me.” She removed the ring from her finger. “This belongs to you and the woman you will one day marry.”
As she held out the ring, his heart clenched. It had been a false symbol, but he understood that, by removing it, she was saying she did not wish to speak to him again.
Vows of Honor: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 6 Page 8