“Where ever do you think you might find a gown this time of night?” The very idea was absurd.
“My dear, you forget who I am. Nothing is beyond the realm of possibility when you have a dukedom.” He swung his jacket back on, before leaving the room.
She allowed her head to fall back on the chair and closed her eyes. For the first time in ages, no thoughts tickled her mind. She rejoiced in the solitude, allowing it to absorb her.
The door creaked, pulling her out of her relaxed state. Her eyes snapped open to reveal a young woman in the entrance with a pile of clothes in her hands.
“My lady, his grace requested I come up to help you with your bath.” The maid curtsied, her load nearly tumbling to the floor. “May I allow the tub to be brought in?”
“Yes, indeed, bring it in.” Amelia remained seated as she watched the tub being filled. The maid seemed rather young but very capable despite her tender years. She stood several inches shorter than Amelia, and her body lacked shape. An auburn braid hung over her shoulder, drawing attention away from the delicate features of her face.
Once the others completed their tasks and left them alone, the maid turned warm cocoa eyes on Amelia. “I will help you out of those garments, if you please, my lady.”
Standing, Amelia moved closer and presented her back. “You can dispose of them once they are removed.”
In mere minutes, the warm water of the tub enveloped her naked form. “I can manage from here. Thank you for your assistance,” Amelia said with an appreciative grin.
The maid curtsied with a slight smile tugging at her lips. “As you please.”
Amelia washed her hair and body, scrubbing the remaining soot and smoke away. Her task completed, she lay back and let the jasmine-scented air transport her. It reminded her of the Duchess of Abernathy’s garden and the first time she kissed Richard. Did she love him then? Had she loved him this whole time and just could not see it? Her focus was so fixed on ensnaring an English peer into holy matrimony. Had her plotting clouded her true emotions and cause her to ignore what was right in front of her?
Sitting up, she dipped a rag into the now-tepid water and brought it to her face. Perhaps her plan was foolish. What good would it do for her to remain in England if she would be unhappy? And she knew now that she would be. But Richard could not be the solution either. He did not love her. She dropped the rag into the water and stood.
Tonight, she would find satisfaction within the duke’s arms, enjoy him while she could, then she would go to America as ordered. In two years she would return to Everthorne and everything else she held dear. Whipping away the last drips of jasmine-scented water, she searched about for something to cover her flesh with. A bed sheet seemed the best choice. She retrieved it and wrapped it around herself before settling into a chair.
Richard’s voice traveled to her through the door. “Amelia, may I come in?”
She rearranged the sheet so one leg peeked out and it draped low, revealing the mound of her breasts. “Please do.”
He sauntered in carrying a dress box. Setting it on the bed, he turned and went back out to the hall without sparing a glance in her direction.
She shifted as agitation crept through her. Was it possible he hadn’t seen her state of undress, or was she simply that easy to ignore? She worried her lip.
Moments later, he entered with a tray of food, closing the door behind him. Once he placed the provisions on the table, he turned to her. A blush warmed her skin when his eyes landed on her and traveled the length of her mostly exposed body.
Her chest flittered with excitement.
“I will step out so you can dress. Do you wish to have the maid sent back up?” His words flowed out in a husky tone, and despite their implications, he made no effort to leave. His eyes remained riveted on her, a rakish grin seated on his lips.
“That will not be necessary.” She stood and sauntered over to him, releasing the sheet to reveal her body in all of its naked glory. “I do not feel like getting dressed.” She wound her arms around him, threading her fingers into his thick hair as she brought her lips to his.
The kiss intensified as passion swept through her. He led her toward the bed, laying her down without breaking their connection. His mouth blazed a hot trail down her neck and across her collarbone before settling on her breast. Every touch accelerated the need deep within her, causing her desire for him to intensify.
She began removing his cravat, wanting nothing more than to feel his skin against hers. Every part of her body burned with need as she fumbled to remove his clothing. She cast his cravat aside and started removing his shirt while he kissed a trail across her collarbone. A whimper of pleasure left her throat.
He pulled back. His sapphire gaze bore into hers. “Amelia--”
She placed her finger over his lips and brought her face close. “I know what I want. Do not deny me again.”
Their lips joined again in a passionate frenzy. He gently stroked a hand down her abdomen and across her thigh, leaving a tantalizing trail everywhere he touched. She brought her lips to his shoulder, kissing across the tan, muscled skin and down to his chest. Her heart soared.
He stood, removing his trousers. Her hungry gaze riveted on his chiseled body, the magnificent view unlike anything she could have imagined. She reached out for him, silently begging him to join her once again. When his manhood sprung forward she spread her legs in invitation. She did not fear their coupling, she longed for it. Longed for him.
He settled himself next to her and their lips came back together in a hungry kiss. She feathered her fingers over his hard appendage. When he latched onto her nipple she gasped softly. The sensation was more blissful than she imagined possible.
“Are you certain?” He looked into her eyes.
“Yes, I want you.” She angled her head to kiss his salty skin.
He slid a hand between her thighs, rubbing her feminine folds before slipping a finger inside. She arched her back and moaned, pressing herself closer to his palm.
He nudged her legs farther apart and sprinkled kisses upon her abdomen. She urged him back to her lips. He came over her, settling between her thighs. Gazing down at her, he asked, “Are you certain?”
She smiled saucily. “There is nothing I want more.”
He took her lips in another passionate kiss as he pushed his manhood into her. Her need drove her hips up, forcing him to fill her completely. A stab of pain caused her to freeze, a meek whimper radiating from her lips.
“Making love only hurts the first time.” His husky voice resonated through her as he began to move slowly inside her passage, quickly building her passion as the pain faded away.
Before long she matched his movements with her own. The fire inside her built until it erupted in a shower of divine sensations that radiated through her. She held onto him, panting for air, her limbs tingling with satisfaction while he found his own release.
He rolled off her, bringing her to rest in the crook of his arm, her head cradled against his solid chest. Her heart beat in unison with his as she drifted off to sleep, wishing he could be her forever.
When she woke, she found herself alone in the bed. The only light in the room came from the moonbeams pouring through the lead-glass window. A cursory glance around the room revealed Richard seated at the table. “Come back to bed.” She patted the space next to her.
He glanced away with a sigh. “Lady Amelia, I am sorry.”
Why did he speak to her so formally?
“I never should have touched you, let alone made love to you. I had no right.”
Her blood chilled at his words. She sat up, letting the sheet fall around her waist. “Do not regret what we shared. I am not sorry. I wanted you to make love to me, and I am glad you did.”
He peered at her, a painful expression on his handsome face. “Why is that, dear, because I played right into your little plan?”
She straightened her back and looked into his eyes. “No, that is not it
at all. I meant--”
“You meant to ensnare an English lord and settled for me instead.”
His words, like venom, attacked her soul.
“Please let me explain. You have it all wrong. I have no intentions of trapping you.”
He grimaced before looking away. “Because I am not good enough. I am not an English Lord. What then, was I just practice for when you arrive back in London?”
Amelia shook her head, hot tears gliding down her cheeks. “I have decided--”
“You are done deciding.” He stood and walked to the door. “I ran into Lord Shillington and his sister when I went to get your gown. They have agreed to escort you back to London. Tonight, I will guard your room. Tomorrow you will depart with them.” He opened the door and stepped into the hallway.
“No, this is all wrong. You have to listen to me. I no longer care about England...” He shut the door, cutting off her words.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Lord Shillington and Lady Jane were seated at a table in the inn’s great room, their meal in front of them when Amelia entered. Jane glanced up and grinned brightly at her, then smacked her brother’s arm. His gaze followed in the direction she indicated, lighting on Amelia. He stood and strolled toward her. It was a wonder he hadn’t knocked the chair over in his rush to reach her side.
“Lady Amelia, I am so pleased you are joining Jane and me on our journey back to civilization.” He offered his arm. “Come enjoy a meal before we depart.”
Amelia smiled halfheartedly out of obligation and took his arm, allowing him to guide her to the table. As they walked, she scanned the main room desperately hoping to spot Richard. Alas, with the entire room accounted for, she abandoned her search. She should have gone after him last night. With a heavy heart, she allowed Lord Shillington to pull out a chair for her, and then took her seat.
“Good morning, Lady Amelia,” Jane said in her always cheerful voice.
Amelia returned her smile, but wished she were anywhere else in England. “Good morning, Lady Jane.”
She glanced at the always eccentric Lord Shillington decorated in all of his fineries. “Have you spoken with the Duke of Goldstone this morning? I would like to thank him for his care and protection before we depart.”
“I am afraid you are too late. He took his leave at sunrise. By now, he is well on his way to Leeds. In fact, he told me he plans to reach Scotland in two days’ time.” Amelia’s heart sank as Lord Shillington rambled on. “I told him it simply wasn’t possible, that a ride like that required three days minimum. Regrettably, the duke would hear none of it. He insisted he could reduce the time.” Lord Shillington looked back and forth between Amelia and Jane. “Can you imagine?”
Lady Jane answered, “I certainly cannot, but he is familiar with the route, so perhaps it is possible.” She turned her attention on Amelia, reaching out a hand and resting it on top of hers. “Lady Amelia, are you all right? You seem to be a million miles away.”
Amelia forced another smile. “Just eager to break my fast is all.”
Lord Shillington’s voice filled the space. “Of course you are. My apologies, Amelia, let us get you some sustenance.”
Lady Jane nodded as she removed her hand from Amelia’s.
Lord Shillington waved his arm, signaling for a waiter, and knocked over his drink in the process. Water flooded across the table and cascaded over the edge, making a splash on the dark wood floor.
Lady Jane abruptly abandoned her seat to get out of the cool liquid’s way. Her hand flew to her chest. “Dear me. Quick! Someone bring a rag over and mop up this mess.”
All eyes turned toward them as loud gasps filled the quaint space. Amelia’s cheeks burned under the patrons stares. This must be her punishment for acting like a harlot, conspiring against the lords of London. Thank God she never gave any serious thought to scandalizing Lord Shillington. Becoming his wife would without a doubt be a worse fate than consenting to an extended stay in America. His appearance was pleasant enough and he always behaved like a perfect gentleman, but she would never be able to get past his clumsiness, nor his ornate way of dressing.
With the spill tended to, Amelia took her seat as they returned to the meal. She sat absorbed in her thoughts, pushing food around on her plate while pretending to eat. Before long, the familiar weight of grief pressed down on her. Not for the death of her father, but for the loss of Richard. How perfectly fitting he had procured a drab black mourning gown for her.
Heaven help her, she loved him and found herself remorseful over how their story ended. If only he would have allowed her to explain, maybe he would have understood. Perhaps he could have loved her in return.
“Lady Amelia.” Lord Shillington held out his hand to help her into the carriage. Amelia took it then settled against the plush leather seat. He handed Lady Jane up next before climbing in and positioning himself across from her.
“I simply cannot wait to arrive back in London. It is a pity it takes three days.” Lady Jane folded her hands in her lap.
“Lord Shillington, where is my horse? I cannot leave her here.” Panic filled Amelia’s voice; she had already lost too much, she would not lose her Ruby as well. She prepared to jump from the carriage if necessary.
“Worry not, Lady Amelia, the duke hired a groom to follow behind with your beast.” Lord Shillington knocked on the carriage roof, signaling the footman to set the carriage into motion.
Lady Jane beamed as she folded her hands on her lap. “Despite the long ride, I do so love gazing at the English countryside. I find the quaint villages, rolling hills, dense forests, and wildflowers as far as the eye can see to be rather breathtaking. The sights fill me with a sense of serenity and awe. Don’t you agree?” She looked at Amelia with bright green eyes and a grin plastered on her thin lips, obviously waiting for confirmation.
Amelia nodded her agreement, then turned to gaze out the window, hopeful the siblings would leave her to her own devices.
“If the Duke of Goldstone can shorten his journey by a day, why can’t we?” Lady Jane asked her brother.
“As I said before, it is not possible. We would have to spend all night in the carriage and switch out horses every fifty or so miles to even have a chance. Not to ignore the fact that Lady Amelia’s beast is following behind the carriage. No horse can go straight through without dropping dead.”
Lady Jane gasped. “You needn’t be so crude about it, brother. A simple it cannot be done would have sufficed.”
“Well then, dear sister, it cannot be done, it simply is not possible.”
Lady Jane giggled most girlishly before turning her attention back to Amelia. “How is it you came to be in Sheffield and under the duke’s protection?”
Amelia turned her gaze on Lady Jane, struggling for words capable of explaining the previous three days’ events. “I...it is truly a rather long, tiresome tale. I would rather not bore you with the details.” She smiled at her before redirecting her attention to the small window.
“I fail to see how traveling across England with the Duke of Goldstone could make for a boring story. Please reconsider--”
“Amelia already said there is no story to tell. Frankly, I find the man quite dull and cannot imagine anything out of the ordinary happened. Just remember our meeting with him last night. After a standard ‘how do you do,’ he explained his need to return to Scotland and how he needed to procure a chaperone to see Amelia back to London. He appeared rather put out and seemed desperate to find her a suitable escort.”
Amelia’s heart ached at Lord Shillington’s words. Had Richard saw her as little more than unwanted baggage?
Lady Jane bobbed her head. “That he did. Of course you are right. My apologies, Lady Amelia. I should not have pressed for a tale I knew did not exist.”
Amelia glanced up from her lap. “If it is all the same to you both, I am feeling rather tired and would like to rest.”
“Of course, dear. Do not let
us bother you,” Lord Shillington replied.
Amelia laid her head on the side of the carriage as brother and sister resumed their conversation. What an utter fool she had been, thinking for even one moment that Richard might care for her when he clearly despised her.
Lord Shillington’s words rang in her head. The duke could not wait to get rid of her. A piece of Amelia’s heart shattered deep within her chest and became a physical ache as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Why had she allowed this to happen?
She sulked in her depression for the remainder of the day, not interacting with her escorts at all until they reached the inn where they would be spending the night. As the carriage creaked to a stop, she sat upright and pretended to rub the sleep from her eyes.
Lord Shillington cleared his throat. “Are you feeling better, Lady Amelia? You must be famished from skipping the midday meal.” He jumped down from the carriage and extended his hand to help Lady Jane and then Amelia down.
She pushed through her heartache and fibbed, “Yes, I feel a mite better and certainly a bit famished as well.”
He tucked her hand inside of his arm and led her into the main room of the inn. “Let us get you some nourishment then before you and Jane retire.”
Jane smiled sweetly. “I do not see how Lady Amelia will be able to sleep tonight after napping the day away.”
Amelia sat at the table and smoothed her skirts before placing her hands in her lap. A robust lady in an apron and cap scurried over filling their water glasses before taking their order and bustling away.
Lord Shillington agreed. “Perhaps a walk after the meal will aid you in both feeling better and sleeping well?” He regarded her, and something akin to hope welled in his eyes. It was no secret he had fancied her for years.
Amelia reached for her glass. “Yes, a walk sounds nice. I am sure the fresh air will do wonders for me.” She turned to face his sister. “And Lady Jane, you will join us, won’t you? Surely you need to stretch your legs after spending the day in a carriage.”
Lady Jane lifted her napkin. “A walk sounds delightful.”
Scandalous Endeavors (Ladies and Scoundrels Book 1) Page 10