Vows of Honor: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 6

by Jennifer Monroe

  As she made her way down the hallway, she passed a partially open doorway, but stopped when she heard a familiar voice. Peeking through the opening, she was shocked to see the woman in the red dress in an all-too intimate position, gazing up at Christopher as if he were the only man in the world. He had his eyes closed, clearly enjoying her nearness, and bile rose in Amelia’s throat.

  Rather than waiting for them to kiss, she hurried back to the ballroom. They had been courting an hour and he was already in the arms of another woman! No, that could not be possible. Surely she had misinterpreted what she had seen. Yet, how could she interpret how close the couple had been to one another as an innocent encounter?

  What she wanted to do was run away and cry, but Lord Galpin returned to her once more.

  Please, she begged silently, I do not feel like conversing.

  “My apologies for leaving you alone,” Lord Galpin said.

  “No need to apologize, my lord,” Amelia replied. “Accidents do happen.”

  He snorted but ignored her comment. “Now, where were we? Ah, yes, we were discussing Beaumont’s lack of wisdom in leaving you unattended. There are men about who might attempt to woo you away.” He gave her an uproarious laugh, and Amelia gave him a polite smile. What she wanted was to leave.

  “Many men may try,” Christopher said, anger filling his voice as he came to stand beside her. “Although I would not wish their fate if they made that attempt.”

  Why was the man’s face so red and his voice so bitter?

  “I have no idea of what you speak,” Lord Galpin said. “Of course, I was merely teasing the woman.” He turned to Amelia and bowed. “I did not offend you, did I?”

  “Not at all, my lord,” Amelia said firmly.

  “If you will excuse us, Galpin,” Christopher said. “I would like to speak to Miss Parker alone.” Without waiting for a reply, or waiting for Amelia to acquiesce for that matter, he took Amelia by the elbow. He guided her to Lilias, who stood speaking with an older woman with a hunched back and twinkling eyes.

  “The hour is late,” he snapped. “I will give you twenty minutes, and then we must leave.”

  Lilias gaped at him. “Late? The party only began two hours ago. Leaving so soon will make us appear unappreciative.”

  “Well, I am leaving in twenty minutes with or without you,” Christopher said, his voice rising. “Join us or find another way home.” And with that, he pulled Amelia toward the door, collected their wraps, and led her outside.

  “What is wrong?” Amelia demanded as she pulled away from his grasp.

  “It is that Galpin,” he growled. “He believes he can take any woman he wishes. I will not have him try that with you!”

  Amelia placed a hand on his arm. “I believe his joke was just that.”

  He glared down at her. “You do not know the man well enough to make that kind of judgment.”

  She studied him for a moment. “Does this have anything to do with the woman with whom you were speaking earlier? The one wearing a red gown?”

  “Woman?” he asked as if he had no idea who she meant.

  Her heart sank. So, he was going to deny what she had seen.

  Then his eyes widened with recognition. “Oh, you mean Allison. No, she did not upset me. Galpin did that.”

  Of course the woman had not upset him. He did not appear out of sorts in the slightest there all tucked in nicely with her as they shared their intimate moment. Had she caught them before or after they had kissed?

  How many times had she seen couples sneaking off together for a little rendezvous while she was a servant in her grandmother’s house? Well, she refused to allow him to hurt her.

  “I saw you in the drawing room with the woman. You appeared quite comfortable together.”

  Silence fell around them, and Christopher stared at the ground. “She attempted to seduce me,” he said. “I had thought she was married and learned that her engagement had ended. Allison is an old friend and that is all.”

  Amelia searched his eyes, but with the surrounding darkness, it was difficult to tell if he was lying.

  “I swear to you that what you saw was not what it appeared.”

  “So, you do not care for her?” she asked.

  “I swear that I do not.” His reply was firm. “In fact, I feel pity for her if anything.”

  A twinge of doubt nibbled at Amelia, but she pushed it away. “I believe you,” she replied. “But concerning Lord Galpin. Why does his speaking to me anger you so? We are courting, and no man has the ability to end that. Other than you, of course.”

  Christopher drew in a deep breath. “I realize this,” he said. “I honestly do, but I cannot help but worry that another man…” his voice trailed off and Amelia understood his actions. He worried that another woman would leave him as those before her had. He sighed. “I am sorry for ruining the night.”

  “The night is not ruined,” she said. “However, you must learn to trust me.” He nodded, and she continued. “I believe we have both learned a valuable lesson this evening.”

  Christopher raised an eyebrow, his easy countenance returning. “Is that so? And what did we learn?”

  “What we see may not reflect what we believe it to be,” she replied. “I worried that you had already found another woman, and you thought another man wanted to take me away from you.” She took a step forward and looked at him through her eyelashes. “I can promise you, Lord Christopher Beaumont, that will never happen.”

  He placed a hand on the side of her face. “Thank you for saying so. Once again, you have taught me another lesson.” Then he surprised her by leaning down and pressing his lips to hers.

  A heat swept through her body as a wildfire burns a field. The kiss became fervent, and for a moment she wanted nothing more than him to sweep her up into his arms and carry her to the nearest…

  Stop that! How could she allow her mind to take on such thoughts? She did not pull away from the kiss, however.

  When they separated, sadness filled her for a moment, for she wished it to go on forever.

  Christopher cleared his throat. “I suggest we return to the party,” he said, his voice husky. “What do you think?”

  “I would like that,” she replied, although she could have stood there in his arms until the end of eternity if he had suggested it.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The party had been a lovely affair on the whole. They remained several more hours, enjoying the food and conversation before they rode away, tired and happy.

  As they jounced along in the carriage, Amelia thought back on the night. Her mother had instructed her to find happiness above all else, and tonight that was what she had found. Granted, not everything that happened had been happy. Seeing Christopher in the arms of another woman had been excruciating, conjuring a level of jealousy Amelia never knew she possessed. Yet, he had been forthright in admitting who the woman was with little prodding from her and his explanation for what had happened had been logical.

  She had not been the only one who had a bout of jealousy. Christopher had experienced his fair share when she spoke with Lord Galpin, and after talking to Lilias, Amelia came to the realization that she should have been more careful. The man had quite the reputation it seemed.

  Through those minor setbacks, she was happy. For the first time she was the lady her aunt and mother told her to be. When she looked at Christopher, she found another emotion was taking hold of her, a surprising one. Love. Well, perhaps not love exactly but rather a mild admiration.

  Now they stood on the portico at Scarlett Hall. Lilias waited in the carriage and Amelia imagined that her aunt waited just on the other side of the door.

  “This night has been absolutely marvelous,” Christopher said as he looked down at her. “I cannot believe I nearly ruined it.”

  Amelia shook her head. “The night was perfect,” she said, drawing her coat in tighter to keep away the cold. “It does not matter that we had a disagreement. What does matte
r is that we told one another the truth, which led to an understanding of sorts.”

  Christopher smiled. “The way you look at the world is so wonderful. I can only hope to see the world through your eyes. Will you teach me?”

  Amelia had to steady herself before she could nod, otherwise she may have tumbled down the steps from the lightheadedness that came with his words. She hoped he would kiss her again — she had hoped that all night — but he did not.

  “I should go,” he said, glancing at the carriage. “Lilias hates when I dawdle, and she has quite a temper.”

  Amelia could not imagine this man ever dawdling, but although Lilias was a dear, she could see the woman taking her irritation out on her brother. How lucky Christopher was to have a sibling!

  “That is a wise decision,” she said, disappointed that he was leaving — and that he had not kissed her. “Will you call Monday?”

  “You can count on it,” Christopher said. “I will see you then.” He gave her another handsome smile and then walked to the waiting carriage.

  Once the vehicle was out of sight — it did not take long. Even the lantern the driver had placed at the head of the team of horses was gobbled up by the late-night darkness — Amelia went inside the house. A candle flickered in a holder on the table in the middle of the foyer, and Amelia removed her coat. How strange that Forbes had not come to see to it.

  A murmur of voices came from down the hall. Curious, Amelia left her coat on the table and followed the sounds until she was outside of her aunt’s study. Aunt Eleanor was a lovely woman, but she spent all too many hours in that room. For what reason, Amelia was uncertain, but she did not ask. It was not any business of hers.

  “He is a problem that must be dealt with,” Amelia heard Forbes say. Ah, that was why he had not been at the door. “There is no other way.”

  Her aunt sighed. “The business in Brinshire was failing anyway,” she said. “I will speak to him in a fortnight when he returns.”

  “You will allow him in your home again?” Forbes sounded angry, and Amelia waited for the shout from her aunt just like her grandmother always gave when a servant stepped out of line. None came.

  “Despite all this, Josiah is my brother,” Aunt Eleanor replied. “Now, we have nothing more to discuss.”

  How curious, Amelia thought. The butler held a very important position in the household, but to openly discuss family business with him was outrageous. Then again, she only knew of such matters from her experience at Chatterly Estate. Her grandmother had proven to be a much stricter taskmistress than most, or so Amelia came to understand now that she had seen more of the world. Perhaps an exchange such as this was not as uncommon as she thought.

  So, her uncle had come causing problems with her aunt again. The thought that he wished Aunt Eleanor harm worried and infuriated Amelia. Yet, what could she do about it? Not a thing.

  With a sigh, she took a step back, cleared her throat as if she had just arrived, and opened the door. “Hello, Aunt Eleanor,” she said before stopping and gasping. “Oh, I thought you would be alone. I hope I am not interrupting.”

  Her aunt smiled and walked over to her. “Not at all. Did you enjoy your first party?”

  Forbes bowed his head and left the room.

  “It was wonderful,” Amelia said, glad she did not have to lie about that. “And I have news! Christopher asked to court me!”

  Her aunt pulled her in for a tight embrace. “Oh, how marvelous! You must tell me everything!”

  Amelia told her all that had to do with the request to court, leaving out, of course, the two incidences that nearly kept the courting from happening. However, as she shared such happy news, what she had heard upon her return to Scarlett Hall tickled the back of her mind, and she found she could not keep her concerns to herself.

  “Aunt Eleanor,” she said, choosing her words with care, “I overheard you speaking about Uncle Josiah.” Her aunt’s smile faded, which made Amelia sad. “I am sorry for eavesdropping, but I had thought the troubles with him were over.”

  Her aunt sighed and took Amelia’s hands in hers. “Despite our previous agreement to wait thirty days, Josiah is selling property in which he and my husband held join ownership in an attempt to hurt me. Just know that you are safe. That is all that matters.”

  “But I cannot help but feel responsible. You should not be forced to suffer on my account.”

  Aunt Eleanor laughed. “I am not suffering,” she said. “And you must trust me. Soon, Josiah will be gone and all will be well again. Besides, he can only sell two more properties, both of which are in shambles anyway. Selling them would only benefit me.”

  So, what she had overheard had been correct. This news eased Amelia’s worries, and soon the conversation returned to the party.

  Once she was abed and the covers were pulled up to her chin, Amelia began to think of her life. She had begun as a servant and now she had attended her first party as a lady. And a handsome gentleman was courting her! She could no longer deny that she had a deep affection for Christopher, and perhaps something a bit stronger? A feeling was encased in her heart, and she knew that, in the coming months, she would recognize it for what it was.

  ***

  Not only had Christopher called over the following Monday, Aunt Eleanor had given him permission to call on Friday, as well. With the weather quite warm, and with his sister acting as chaperon, they rambled through the garden, Amelia on his arm. Amelia found the stroll refreshing, but it was only made better by the company she kept.

  “I look forward to the summer when all the different colors return,” he said as they walked down a path that lay between two flowerbeds. “Winter has never been my favorite season.”

  “And why is that?” Amelia asked. “Is it the cold?”

  Christopher nodded. “The cold, yes, and the drabness of all that is around us. I prefer the deep green of the grass to the yellows and browns now.” He laughed. “And when summer comes, I complain about the heat.” He stopped and turned toward her. “Although I must admit, it does not matter what season it is as long as you are with me.”

  Her heart fluttered at his words, and her throat went dry. “I agree,” she said, attempting to work moisture back into her mouth. “In fact, I look forward to being in your company wherever we may go.”

  They had stopped at a low fence at the back of the gardens and looked out over the rolling hills. Amelia wished Christopher would hold her, but with Lilias not ten paces away, it was unlikely to happen. Instead, feeling quite daring, she placed her hand in his. She immediately felt comfort and security at that simple touch.

  Christopher turned toward her, the breeze gently blowing stray hairs about his face. “There is so much I wish to say,” he said. “Matters concerning what I feel for you. I must admit that every day without you near me leaves me with a longing to see more of you.”

  Her elation grew at this admission, and she said, “I feel the same. It is as if you have become a part of me.” Her body teetered for a moment. Would he speak of love?

  “Indeed,” he said. “That describes what I am feeling exactly. It is as if you are the closest friend I have ever had.”

  Friend? He saw her as a close friend?

  The disappointment that overwhelmed her at that moment removed all the air from around them. Oh, she had mucked this up terribly! How could she have been so wrong? Here she was caring for him with every ounce of her being, and he wished them to be merely friends?

  She glanced down at her hand in his and blanched. And she had been so forward! What a fool she was!

  Her look must have told him what she was thinking, for he closed his eyes and groaned. “I did not mean I view you as a friend.” He opened his eyes and had such a look of panic, she wanted nothing more than to soothe it away. “I do see you as a friend, but I also see you as much more than that.” He pinched between his eyes. “Oh, I am making no sense.”

  Amelia stroked his hand. “I understand now,” she said, hiding he
r relief. She had not been a fool after all! “I feel as if we have grown quite close, and as we spoke of before, I look forward to developing other feelings, as well.” She held her breath as she waited for him to catch her meaning.

  It was as if everything around them — the garden, the fence, the hill, even Lilias — had disappeared, leaving them there alone to stare into one another’s eyes. Love had grown in Amelia’s heart, and nothing could change that once she had admitted it. She imagined a life married to this man and the happiness they would share. They would have endless days to ramble through the gardens or to attend parties and she would be beside him at every wonderful moment.

  He swallowed visibly. “I am feeling…”

  This was it! He was going to admit he loved her! Why else would he be struggling to speak?

  “I am feeling that…”

  She waited patiently for him to collect his thoughts.

  “That I should leave.”

  Her jaw dropped faster than his hands.

  “I have been here long enough and do not wish to upset your aunt.”

  Disappointment filled Amelia. “Yes, of course,” she said quietly. “I understand.” No, she did not understand, but she said it, nonetheless. She had made a fool of herself, holding his hand like that! A fool? More like a hussy throwing herself at him like that!

  As they began the long walk back to the house, she asked, “Will you return Monday?”

  Christopher shook his head. “I am afraid not. A business associate of my father’s is to call and I must attend the meeting in my father’s place. I will call Tuesday instead, if I may.”

  Amelia wondered if she could wait that long. Then again, did it truly matter if he wanted to be nothing more than friends? “Yes,” she replied. She studied him a moment. Something had made him nervous, and she suspected she knew what that something was. Perhaps he needed another opportunity to speak his mind. At least that is what she hoped.

  “Was there something more you wished to tell me?”

  He did not wait to respond. “No,” he replied. “I cannot think of anything more.”