“I want to believe you,” Amelia said with a sniffle, “but I cannot. The woman is cruel, and I am afraid—.”
“She is using your love for your mother against you,” her aunt counseled. “She is quite good at manipulating feelings and driving fear into someone in order to make them do her bidding. You read my journal. Do you recall how I came to Scarlett Hall?”
Amelia nodded. “Grandmother wanted you to marry a duke, but when you refused, she—.”
“Threatened me,” Aunt Eleanor finished for her. “As she has now done to you. As you can see, no harm came to me and none will come to you or your mother. She enjoys grand shows of bravado and nothing more.”
With a sigh of relief, Amelia said, “I understand now. But those men, they meant to harm me.”
“Again, they only wished to frighten you. And thus far they have. Now, you can take that fear and allow it to consume you, or you can smile and be free of it.”
“Smile?” Amelia asked with incredulity. “How can I smile after what transpired?”
“If we are able to smile in the face of darkness, that darkness will be driven away. Your grandmother sent those men as a means to frighten you, but it is because she is unhappy. She has been for as long as I can remember. We must show them, and her, that they cannot succeed.”
What her aunt said made sense. “Thank you,” Amelia said, smiling for the first time since her encounter. “I do feel better. And you are right, smiling does relieve some of the fear.”
“I am glad,” her aunt replied. “Now, we must discuss Lord Beaumont before we arrive home.” She glanced out the window. “He is still following us.”
Amelia also looked outside to see Christopher astride a chestnut stallion. “I was fortunate he was there,” she said as she settled back into her seat. “Will you wish to thank him again?”
“I will.” Aunt Eleanor frowned. “Did you not tell him you were a servant?” When Amelia nodded in reply, her aunt continued. “The man will likely question why my servant wears fine dresses and why two men are after her.”
Amelia sighed. “He was suspicious before, but I do not know what to tell him. I cannot speak the truth, but I do not like to lie.”
“Yes, I do not enjoy lying, either,” her aunt replied thoughtfully. “At times it is necessary, but I see no reason for you to remain a servant, even as a ruse.” She must have noticed Amelia’s discomfort, for she added, “I will explain why you are here if you would rather.”
Amelia sighed with relief. “Thank you.”
The carriage came to a stop in front of Scarlett Hall, and a footman opened the door. Forbes was not in attendance, for he was off conducting personal business, or so had explained her aunt when Amelia had asked her earlier.
Christopher handed his reins to a stable boy, and Amelia watched him. This was the third time the man had saved her life. How could she ever repay him? Then, as she watched him stride toward her, his dark hair streaming behind his back, she realized that whatever he asked, she would happily oblige.
***
Wood in the fireplace crackled as Amelia took her place beside her aunt on the couch. Christopher sat across from them in one of the wing back chairs. Worries over the events from earlier still clung to Amelia, but they began to dissipate as she took in Christopher’s calm demeanor.
Amelia had never given much thought to the concept of fate, yet how else could she explain today’s encounter? He seemed to be in the right place at just the right time, and she was uncertain what to think of that coincidence.
“I do not know how we can begin to thank you,” Aunt Eleanor said. “Is there anything I can do for you to repay your kindness?”
His eyes flickered on Amelia for a moment, sending her heart to thumping. “I need no payment, but I am curious about something.” He looked at Amelia once more. “I admit that I have doubted the story your niece shared with me about her being a servant, and unless my eyes deceive me, your servants wear livery, not dresses the likes of what she wears currently.”
Her aunt sighed. “You are correct. Amelia is not a servant. She is my niece.”
Christopher gave a nod as if he had not expected any other answer. He sat back in his seat, although his posture remained stiff.
“If you will allow me to explain,” her aunt continued, “I believe it will alleviate your curiosity.”
Christopher raised his brows. “Please, for this is a situation I have never encountered.”
“You see, my niece was the object of desire for a man of means, a most unsavory man with whom she had spoken only once at a social gathering. The man became obsessed with her, and so she fled into the night so she could find refuge here at Scarlett Hall. In her wisdom, Amelia dressed as a servant in order to not draw suspicion and to keep her name in good standing. She was traveling unaccompanied, after all.”
Amelia was relieved her aunt had not included what her life had been like before she ran away, although a part of her wished she had. All these lies were becoming a terrible burden, especially since she had spoken them to Christopher. He had done so much for her, and she repaid him by lying to him. It was despicable.
“Very wise,” Christopher said. “When I first saw her, I immediately took her for a servant. However, when she spoke, I admit I was confused, for her speech was not that of a woman of the lower class. Our encounter was indeed unusual, but I believe our relationship thus far has been congenial.”
Amelia could feel a blush heat her cheeks at the word ‘relationship’. Did he imply friendship or something more? Which did she hope it to be?
“I know that Amelia regrets lying to you, but I hope you hold no ill will against her.”
Christopher smiled broadly. “Of course not,” he replied. “Under the circumstances, she had no choice. My sister, Lilias is her name, was once the object of a man’s unwanted desire. It took me speaking to him to end his consistent badgering. You can rest assured that if others learn that Miss Parker and I have met, we did so here at Scarlett Hall under your watchful eye.”
“That is comforting,” her aunt replied.
Christopher leaned forward. “I would like to ask one question. Who were those men?”
“It appears they were hired to follow after Amelia to scare her into returning home so the man may court her. She was afraid, to be sure, but because of your heroism, she is now safe.” Aunt Eleanor stood and walked over to the liquor decanters. “May I offer you a brandy?”
“Please,” Christopher replied.
Her aunt poured a glass of brandy for Christopher and two glasses of wine for her and Amelia. When they all had their drinks, her aunt lifted hers. “To your fine bravery, my lord,” she toasted.
Christopher raised his glass, but he did not drink. “The story you shared about Miss Parker has angered me,” he said with a frown. “What that man did was uncalled for.” He shook his head. “However, I am happy that she is safe here with you.” For a moment, he shifted in his seat and then took a deep breath and said, “This may not be the appropriate time to ask, but may I call on your niece?”
Amelia’s throat went dry. He wished to call on her? The thought sent a shiver of excitement through her. Aunt Eleanor gave her a questioning look, and Amelia nodded, unable to speak.
“I believe that can be arranged,” her aunt said.
The conversation turned to other matters, and Amelia found herself thinking of future visits from this man. Not only would he be able to spend time with her, now they had no reason to lie. It was as if that incumbency had been lifted from her shoulders.
“I am sure Miss Parker spoke about my father and the reason I asked her to accompany me when I was here last.” He blushed, and Amelia thought it was the most fetching thing she had ever seen.
“She did,” Aunt Eleanor replied.
Thank heavens Amelia had borne the entire truth to her aunt. This would have been quite an uncomfortable moment if she had not!
“I am sorry to hear that he is unwell,” her aunt c
ontinued. “I understand that his health is not expected to improve?”
“Unfortunately, that is the prognosis,” Christopher said with a sigh. “Yet, in his pain and suffering, he found happiness when he spoke to Amelia.” He set his glass on the table. “Lady Lambert, with your permission, and in your company, may I present Miss Parker to him one last time? He has asked to see her again, and he is quite adamant about it. I promise this will be the last time I ask her to do this.”
A hush filled the room, the only sound the crackling fire, and Amelia wondered if her aunt would grant the request.
After several interminable moments, her aunt said, “I understand that you have told no one other than your father about this charade, is that right?”
“I have not,” Christopher replied. “This was simply a way to ease the man’s mind.” He chuckled. “It appears we have both had to deal with circumstances in unconventional ways as of late, and like your niece, I have no desire that others learn the truth.”
“Then we shall join you,” her aunt said with finality.
As the conversation moved on to other topics, Amelia could not help but study Christopher. She had learned much about the man since he asked her to accompany him to see Lord Beaumont, and she found what she learned to be appealing. Perhaps there was more to the younger Lord Beaumont than she had first suspected. The fact that he wished to call on her made it all the more alluring.
When it was time for Christopher to leave, Amelia walked him to the door. Looking up at him, she smiled. “Thank you for your help once again,” she said. “It is as if every time danger comes for me, you somehow appear just in the nick of time.”
“It seems the same goes for you,” he said with a light chuckle. “When I believe all will be lost and nothing but despair will remain, I somehow find you.”
Amelia was uncertain if it was the excitement of the day, the elation at his words, or the effects of the wine, but she felt as light as a feather at that moment.
“I will return in two days, Miss Parker,” he said with a bow. “If I may, of course.”
“Of course you may,” Amelia replied, wishing she did not sound so eager but unable to control it.
When Christopher was gone and Amelia had returned to the drawing room with her aunt, she found herself missing him already. One thing was certain, she could not wait for the next time he called.
Chapter Fifteen
Amelia smiled at Christopher as they walked down the upstairs hallway that led to Lord Beaumont’s rooms. Aunt Eleanor waited in the drawing room with a cup of tea despite an invitation from Christopher to accompany them.
“This is time for family not for making new acquaintances,” she had said kindly. “I do not need to be entertained, either, so there is no need to have anyone sit with me.” Who would have taken on that task was unclear, but Christopher had nodded after a moment’s consideration.
They stopped just outside the bedroom door, and Christopher turned to Amelia. “Thank you again for doing this,” he said. “It is shameful that I have had to go to such lengths, yet I somehow feel you will not judge me.”
“I understand why you do this,” Amelia replied. “It is because you care for him. There is no shame in doing something for someone for whom you have a great affection. In fact, I find your willingness to please a dying man to such an extent admirable, and I would never judge you for it.”
Christopher gave her a grateful smile before opening the door. Lord Beaumont was as before, propped up on numerous pillows, but today his eyes were open. When they approached the bed, the old man attempted a smile but could only hold it for a few moments before it fell once more.
“My lord,” Amelia said with a warm smile, “I am pleased to see you again.”
Lord Beaumont raised a hand, and Amelia took it in hers. His fingers were nothing more than bone covered in skin. How it broke her heart to see someone so frail, and she wished she had known him during his heartier days.
“My son is fortunate to have married a woman such as yourself,” the old man rasped. “And although we do not know one another, I am happy for what you have accomplished.”
Amelia held back a frown at the man’s words. What I have accomplished? she thought. If the man only knew the truth, his words would have been very different.
“Look at her husband,” Lord Beaumont said. “See how he smiles? For so long he donned only a frown, but that has changed since he met you.” He chuckled, which led to a fit of coughing. When he was settled once more, he continued. “I wore the same smile when I met my dear wife, Marina, a woman I loved dearly. I see that same love shared between the two of you.”
Amelia smiled. “I could not agree with you more,” Amelia replied as a way to comfort the dying man. What harm could a small lie cause? Let him believe he was leaving a happy son in this world. “I do love your son, and it pleases me to see him smiling once again.” As she said the words, a flush rolled over her. Perhaps she had gone a bit too far!
The old man gave a weak smile and a light squeeze of the hand. He then closed his eyes and was soon fast asleep.
Christopher motioned to her to follow him from the room, and she obliged. Once in the hallway and the door closed, he said, “I believe that is all that will be needed. If he asks for you again, I will tell him you are staying with your aunt.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “If you need me again, you need only ask. I do not mind, but my aunt may not wish to chaperon again. I imagine she is quite bored downstairs on her own regardless of what she said.”
“My sister, Lilias, is to arrive tomorrow. Her husband is leaving for business for an extended amount of time and she wish to remain here. She may be the company my father needs.”
Amelia nodded, but she found herself wishing she did not have to leave. “I am looking forward to you calling next week.”
Christopher smiled. “I am, as well.” He glanced at the door, panic in his eyes.
“What is wrong?” What a silly question! His father was gravely ill; of course he was worried.
“I…do not know how to ask.”
She smiled. “We are friends now, so you may ask whatever you wish. If you are worried about offending me in some way, you cannot.”
He sighed. “Father wants so much for me to be married, and you wear the ring meant for whomever I wed, at least while you are here.”
She glanced down at the band on her finger. “I do,” she replied cautiously.
“Perhaps you should always wear it.”
Amelia almost laughed. “Why would I do that?” she asked. “It is only your father who believes we are married. If I were to wear it outside of this house—.”
He took her hands in his. “What I mean to say is, why not officially become my wife?”
If he had not been holding her hands, she might have fallen over. “Marriage?” she croaked. Her mind seemed to have gone to mush. “We have not even courted.”
“I will offer you what I offered Sarah. If you were to marry me, it would only be until my father dies. This way you can see him daily. When he does finally succumb to his illness, I will set you up in an estate that is close to Scarlett Hall and give you a healthy allowance to do with as you please — a thousand pounds a year. You can use it to employ as many servants as you want, or spend it on dresses and jewelry. You may decide.”
“A thousand pounds?” she said, almost choking on the generous sum.
He pursed his lips. “You are right,” he said with a frown. “The amount is an insult. Let us say two thousand pounds per year.”
Memories came flooding back of her grandmother and Lord Leeson bartering over her hand in marriage. Was there no gentleman who had an interest in love? Did they all believe they could purchase women as they did an item in a shop? Her heart hurt as she studied the man before her. She had thought the idea of him calling was because he genuinely had an interest in her, but it seemed that was not the case.
“I understand and admire your willingness to
see your father happy before he is gone,” she said in a whisper, “but I am sorry. I cannot agree to marry a man I do not love.”
What she wanted to do was laugh. Not because of any humor the situation caused but rather out of hysteria. First, he asks her to work for him and then he asks to marry her? All to please his dying father. But what would happen once the kind old man was gone? She would be set for life, but was living a life without love worth that price?
Christopher released her hands and rubbed his brow. “Forgive me,” he said with a heavy sigh. “I am not thinking clearly.”
She touched his arm once again. How could she remain angry with a man willing to go to such lengths to please a dying man? “Your father wished to see you smile again, and you do. There is nothing more to achieve.”
He gave a wry chuckle. “You are right. May we forget what I asked?”
Amelia nodded. “Let us continue on as if you never mentioned it.”
“May I still call on you again?”
Amelia stifled a sigh as confusion filled her soul. “Yes,” she replied. She did wish to see him, but what if he had another sudden urge to propose to her again?
Then I simply must refuse him again, she thought.
“Now, if I do not return to my aunt soon, I believe she may not allow you to call at all.”
This made them both laugh, and she took his proffered arm and allowed him to lead her to the drawing room. When they arrived they found a woman with blond hair piled beneath a wide-brimmed hat speaking with Aunt Eleanor. The woman was strikingly beautiful with high cheekbones and a doll-like face.
“Christopher!” she said when they entered the room.
“Lilias,” he replied as he embraced her. “I did not expect you until tomorrow.”
The woman gave him a broad smile. “I left a day earlier and only just arrived.” She turned her smile on Amelia. “Lady Lambert was just asking about my journey and…” She looked down at Amelia’s hand. “Your ring is beautiful.” She glanced at Christopher. “This is your bride?”
Vows of Honor: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 6 Page 11