Vows of Honor: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 6

by Jennifer Monroe

  “No, of course not,” she replied. “As I said, I understand why you asked. I must admit, it did anger me at first….” She let out a small sigh. “Forget I said anything. I complain too much.”

  To her pleasure, he smiled. “What are you thinking?” he asked. “I would love to know.”

  The request brought a sense of joy to her heart. The fact he wished to know her thoughts made her want to share them. “I have known few men in my life,” she said, choosing her words carefully. “Some have appeared kind on the onset and then later thought of me as an object. The idea of payment in order to win a woman is distasteful, at least as I see it for myself, and that is why I reacted as I did.”

  “I understand,” he replied. Then he shifted in his seat. “I told you about Sarah, the woman I was supposed to marry, did I not?” Amelia nodded. “The truth is she was not the first. Both marriages were for convenience, and although it has been a longstanding tradition, such arrangements have fallen out of fashion. Therefore, your reaction was not wrong. A lady such as you cannot be purchased, I understand that now. It takes a far greater payment that money cannot buy.” The last was almost a whisper, but it lifted Amelia’s soul.

  “I could not agree with you more,” Amelia said. “The man who will be my husband will have earned my trust and my heart, and I hope I will have done the same.”

  Silence fell between them, and when their eyes met, a new sensation came over Amelia. It was not the now familiar heating of her cheeks, nor was it the tingling that ran down her spine. Rather it was a fluttering of her heart. She was surprised to realize that she cared for this man! To what extent was yet to be determined, but she hoped to find out.

  Aunt Eleanor returned. “My apologies,” she said as she returned to her place on the couch. “A courier arrived and I had to speak with him. You see, a close friend, Lady Rachel Prescott, recently died. Her daughter was in my care for a while and she just sent word of her return from her honeymoon.”

  Relief rushed through Amelia. She had worried the news concerned her uncle.

  “My condolences for the loss of your friend,” Christopher said.

  “Thank you.”

  Christopher clapped his hands on his knees. “I nearly forgot!” he proclaimed. “This Friday, a friend of mine, Lord Cecil Galpin — I assume you know him — will be hosting a party, and with your permission, I would like Miss Parker to accompany me. My sister has offered be our chaperon, if you approve, of course.”

  Elation filled Amelia. Her first party! And she already had a new gown she could wear.

  “I cannot see why not,” her aunt replied. “I am sure Amelia would enjoy such an affair.”

  “Oh, yes,” Amelia replied. “I would like that very much.”

  “I will call over on Friday, then,” Christopher said as he rose from his seat. “I must be on my way, but I thank you for a lovely afternoon.”

  Once he was gone, Amelia felt as if she were walking amongst the clouds. She had five days to put together her ensemble for the party and to decide how she would wear her hair. She was so excited she wondered how she would ever last until then!

  “It appears Lord Beaumont is quite smitten with you,” her aunt said with a smile. “And unless my eyes deceive me, you return his admiration.”

  “I cannot lie,” Amelia replied. “While you were gone, he told me that he understood how I felt about the impromptu proposal. Just think, a gentleman who listened to my wishes and took them to heart.” She shook her head in amazement. “I feel as if all is not lost as I had thought. As if what my heart desires may be found…with him.”

  Her aunt smiled and embraced her. “What your heart desires will always be found in the end,” she whispered in Amelia’s ear.

  Amelia could not stop smiling. Things were changing and for the better, and she was certain it would always remain so from now on.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Christopher approached the door to his father’s bedroom, hesitating as he placed his hand on the doorknob. Tonight, he would attend a party hosted by his friend and business associate, Lord Cecil Galpin. Five years his elder, Lord Galpin never took no for an answer, either in personal matters or those of business. Not that many opportunities arose for Christopher to refuse anything the man had to offer; the baron had a shrewd mind for business and an agreeable nature about him.

  It was not his relationship with Lord Galpin that held his interest for this party, however. This was the night Christopher attend with the lovely Amelia on his arm. They were no more than friends at the moment, but the idea of courtship had been on his mind all week. To properly court a woman, especially one as beautiful and intelligent as Amelia, would be a great honor. If he could earn her trust, perhaps they could move forward in developing something much more serious.

  Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and entered the room. He was pleased to see his father awake.

  “Ah, so my son has come to see me,” the older man said in a rare moment of lucidness. “You have met my son, have you not?”

  Helen, one of the maids, gave him a rueful smile as she placed a hand on her hefty hips. “I’ve met him, my lord,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “He’s a most kind gentleman, too.” Perhaps his father was not as lucid as he had first thought.

  His father chuckled. “That is because he takes after you, my dear.” Helen’s eyes grew wide, and his father gave her an easy smile. “I was only teasing about meeting him. You are his mother, after all.” The older man found hilarity in his words, but Christopher did not laugh, especially after his father gave Helen’s bottom a pat as she walked past with the now laden tray. “We should have dinner alone.”

  Helen’s eyes nearly covered her face by this time.

  “Father, I will return in a moment.” He felt the need to explain his father’s actions. The woman had been in their employ nearly twenty years and had been close to Christopher’s mother. It would do no good to have her offended.

  “I am sorry for my father’s behavior,” he said once the door was closed.

  “‘Tis all right, my lord,” Helen said, wiping her eyes with the corner of her apron. “I know he doesn’t know what he’s saying. Just yesterday, he asked my name as if he’d never seen me before. The day before he wondered if I was your wife.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry he’s forced to endure this. I wish I knew how to help him.”

  “You are doing a wonderful job,” Christopher assured the woman. “And you are an integral part of our home.”

  This seemed to please her. “If I may say something, my lord,” she said, her full cheeks reddening. “I know it’s not my place to give my opinion, but if I may, please, I’d like to.”

  “Of course,” Christopher replied with a smile.

  “I knew your mother I’d say quite well, my lord, and much like your father, she loved you dearly. We had a few conversations from time to time, you see. When she fell ill, she spoke about you often, sayin’ she wanted to see you happy. Now, I know that seeing your father in his condition’s painful, and you were sad before, I’d say that your wife has been very good for you.”

  “My wife?” Christopher asked, shocked. “Oh, yes, Amelia. Have you met her?”

  The woman chuckled, her corpulent body shaking. “I can’t say as I have, my lord, but your father mentioned her. The woman seems to be the only person he remembers consistently. But what’s important is the way the lady’s made you happy. I can see it myself, if I may say so, and I feel fortunate to have witnessed such happiness.”

  “I suppose she does make me happy at that,” Christopher said, an odd feeling coming over him. It was as if a breeze had blown across his heart, causing him joy he had never experienced before.

  “Will she be joinin’ us here soon, my lord?” Helen asked, raising a brow. “And should I make any special arrangements?”

  The reality of her words lessened his joy. As much as he hoped it was true, Amelia was not his wife. They were not even courting!

  “Not
at the moment,” he replied. “She is at the home of her aunt at the moment, but when the time is right, you will be the first to know.”

  The woman gave a firm nod as if she had not expected anything less, and she picked up the tray once more and walked away.

  When Christopher returned to his father’s room, the man had already fallen asleep once more. “You and Mother both wanted me to be happy,” Christopher whispered. “When I was younger, I thought the request odd. Were not all people happy? But as I grew older, I realized that happiness eludes many as adults. I thought that perhaps bliss was the effect after one weds — you and mother were so content. I now understand it develops earlier.” He smiled as an image of Amelia popped into his mind. “She does make me happy, Father, unlike any woman I have ever known. If that was what you and mother wanted, know that she has done this.”

  Although his father did not respond, relief washed over Christopher. This time he spoke the truth, unlike the lie he had told his father upon his return from Stratford. Amelia had shown that women could indeed be trusted.

  And with time, he would get her to trust him. Perhaps by doing so, his parents would be pleased with him. He could seek what had alluded him for some time. Love. If it were to happen, he knew Amelia would be the cause of it.

  ***

  Amelia thought her heart would never calm. Tonight she would attend her first party, and she would do so with Christopher. She had spent the entire week carefully choosing every item she would wear, more than likely driving her aunt to madness when she changed her mind on a daily basis. In fact, she had chosen gloves three times and donned every necklace her aunt owned, finally deciding on the one she had tried the first day.

  Her aunt had curled Amelia’s hair and then piled it high upon her head in an elaborate chignon. Now wearing her new deep blue velvet gown with an intricate lace overlay, she felt as beautiful as a queen.

  “I do not know,” she said, glancing in the mirror again. “Perhaps I should wear the diamond earrings and necklace. I am unsure if the blue of these sapphires is of the right hue.” She turned to her aunt. “Do you believe the color is off in comparison to the gown?”

  Her aunt chuckled and pulled Amelia’s hand away from her ears. “You look beautiful,” she said. “There is nothing about which to worry. I know this is your first party, but it will go well.”

  Amelia sighed. “I suppose you are right,” she said. “Thank you.” She looked at herself in the full-length mirror. “It is so strange. Two months ago I was scrubbing floors and cleaning fireplaces. Now I am acting a lady and attending a party with a gentleman. I have witnessed many parties, but I never thought I would attend one.”

  Her aunt smiled. “You are not acting. You are a Parker, and that makes you a lady. This is your night, so enjoy it. There will be conversation, food, drink, and a slew of new acquaintances.”

  Amelia nodded. “Mother taught me everything I need to know, but I cannot help but worry I will make a mistake.” Then another thought came to her. “When should I tell Christopher the truth concerning my past?”

  “In time,” Aunt Eleanor replied, patting Amelia’s hand. “But tonight is not the night. I trust Lord Beaumont, just as you do, but I do not feel it is imperative to tell him just yet. Now, enough about the past. You have a party to attend.”

  For some reason unbeknownst to her, an image of what she had witnessed many years before flashed in her mind. Her aunt should know what she knew. “Aunt Eleanor…”

  Her aunt smiled. “Yes?”

  Amelia swallowed hard. No, she could not say it. Scarlett Hall had seen enough trouble because of her. Plus, what she knew could not bring harm to her aunt, for her husband was already dead. What good would it do to bring such horrible news to the woman? No, it was best left unsaid, buried under the floorboards like the letters that lay there now.

  “I just wanted to thank you for all you have done for me,” Amelia said. “You took me into your home and treated me like I was one of your children. I can never thank you enough.” It was not an untruth, but it was not what she was going to say. Now just was not the time.

  Her aunt pulled Amelia in for a tight embrace. “You are like one of my children,” she whispered, and it took all Amelia’s willpower to keep from weeping. “Oh, I almost forgot. A letter arrived earlier from your mother.”

  “Mother?” Amelia asked, startled at such a revelation. “What did she say? Is she well?”

  “I assure you she is well. Here, take a look for yourself.” She pulled out a folded parchment and handed it to Amelia.

  Amelia recognized her mother’s handwriting immediately. What she read lifted yet another weight off Amelia’s shoulders. Once she finished, she reread the last paragraph.

  Although Mother’s health is worsening, I have been able to gain an audience with her. I promise not to give up on her, for I do believe things will work out for the better with time. I would like you to inform Amelia that I am well. I may not be able to go to Scarlett Hall as soon as I expected, and I do not want Amelia to worry. Please inform her that when the time is right, I will go, but not a moment before. She must trust me as I trust her.

  Amelia handed the letter back to her aunt.

  “Do you see? Your mother is safe,” her aunt said. “Just as I suspected she would be. I admit, I was reluctant to tell you about her delay in joining us. How are you feeling?”

  “I am sad, of course,” Amelia said. “But to know that she is safe and that Grandmother is listening to her eases my worries.” She gave her aunt a broad smile. “It appears you and Mother were both right. There truly is nothing to worry about, is there?

  “Nothing at all,” her aunt replied. She walked over to the bed and collected a white shawl, which she placed over Amelia’s shoulders. “I believe you are ready, Miss Parker. What do you think?”

  Amelia took one last glance in the mirror and could not help but smile. Her worries over her mother were quelled, and she could now focus on her future.

  “Yes, I am ready,” she said, feeling more excited for what was to come than she had in a long time.

  Chapter Twenty

  The carriage trundled along the road at a steady pace. Amelia studied Christopher through her eyelashes. He truly was a handsome man, and having him as her escort was fortunate indeed. He had tied his hair back with a black ribbon at the nape of his neck, and how his coat clung to his broad chest sent waves of heat through her body.

  His sister, Lilias, sat beside Christopher wearing a broad smile. She seemed as excited for the party as Amelia felt.

  “Lord Galpin always throws the best parties,” she was saying. “That is, in the terms of the wine served.” She turned accusatory eyes on Christopher. “I do hope you do not bore Amelia with talks of business. You men can be such horrible company sometimes.”

  Christopher gave her a mock sniff. “I do not plan to speak of any business but my own,” he said, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Now, if you are done embarrassing me for the evening—.”

  Lilias interrupted him with a sniff of her own. “Not yet,” she replied before giving Amelia a wink. “Oh, I am only teasing. But to be serious a moment, it will be a grand affair. I hope to speak to several old friends…

  As she rattled on about who she thought would be in attendance, Amelia made every attempt to follow along, but every time she looked at Christopher, she became distracted. However, Lilias then said something that snapped her back into the conversation.

  “I had thought my gown would be the talk of the party, but I fear I will be replaced by you, Miss Parker.”

  Amelia’s cheeks heated. “That is kind of you to say,” she said, smoothing her skirts although they did not need it. “I am not certain it will be as well received as you believe. Look at yours, after all.”

  Lilias clicked her tongue. “Nonsense. A lady must know when she is bested by another, especially when it comes to fashion.” She said this without the smallest hint of jealousy.

&nb
sp; Amelia realized that she and Lilias would become very good friends. The woman was amiable and outspoken, but not overly so. She sat with a straight back that was nothing like the strict stance of Amelia’s grandmother. Indeed, Amelia enjoyed the woman’s company very much.

  They continued speaking about the latest trends in fashion, or rather Lilias spoke while Amelia listened with great aptness. There was little she could contribute to the conversation, unfortunately. She had known nothing of fashion before her arrival to Scarlett Hall, and now that she had a taste of it, she hoped she would never be forced back into servitude. The feel of silks and muslins were much too inviting to return to livery. Especially the livery her grandmother forced her to wear.

  Suddenly, she realized that Christopher’s gaze was on her once again, and she found it welcoming. In fact, she wished she could enjoy his eyes on her more often.

  Now that is a surprising revelation! she thought.

  The conversation turned to the party’s host, Lord Galpin. It seemed Lilias knew most of the nobility within fifty miles of Rumsbury, which did not surprise Amelia all that much — she was the daughter of an earl, after all — and was quite proud of her knowledge of them.

  “The man asked me to court once, but of course I had to refuse him.”

  “May I ask why?” Amelia asked.

  “The man was a bore,” Lilias replied. “He called on me once and I found myself falling asleep in his presence. I do hope my brother does not do the same to you.”

  Amelia could not help but join in the woman’s laughter despite the mock dark expression Christopher gave them.

  “Next time I shall find a different chaperon,” he mumbled. “Perhaps I will hire someone who will not insult me as my sister does.”

  This only made the women laugh all the harder, and that sense of camaraderie increased. It was no wonder Christopher adored his sister so. Amelia could only hope for such a sister.

  As the carriage continued on its way, Amelia found her worries fading. It was as if she were safe in Christopher’s presence, her troubles somehow gone, and she wanted this feeling to remain with her forever.