She giggled girlishly when he broke off the kiss and swept her into his arms. Her heart soared as she held onto him like a person in danger of drowning. He cradled her against his strong chest before carrying her to a nearby bench and arranging her on his lap.
She slapped him playfully on the arm. “Had you allowed me to speak back in Sheffield, we could have avoided all of this. I wanted to tell you that I no longer planned to marry. I had decided to abandon my trifling and go to America because I could no longer imagine a loveless marriage. I hoped against reason you would return my feelings and stop me then.”
He reached up and feathered the fingers of one hand across her cheek, sending a parade of tingles through her. “You have my sincerest apologies. I shall spend the rest of my days making it up to you.” He smiled.
“And you can be assured I will hold you to your words, but for now I would prefer to plan our wedding.”
“I will procure a special license so we can marry without delay. Where would you like to hold the ceremony?”
She beamed. “Here by the fountain, and I want it to be a small affair. Naturally, Lady Sarah will stand with me, and Grace must be here too. There will not be time enough for Uncle Lewis to attend, but I must send him a letter.”
Richard pulled her in for a tender kiss full of promise.
She had found her home.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
EPILOGUE
Amelia glanced up as Lady Sarah swept into her bedchamber with Grace and Edna on her heels.
“Good morning! We have come to help you get ready.”
Grace beamed. “It is a glorious day for a wedding.”
Amelia stood and returned their sentiments with her whole soul. “A splendid day indeed. I have never been happier.”
Grace lifted Amelia’s hands into her own. “I could not be more pleased. It is a blessing of the best kind to have you joining my family. I am proud to call you my niece.” She squeezed gently before she released Amelia’s hands.
“There will be time enough for that after the ceremony. Right now we need to get her ready.” Lady Sarah motioned Amelia toward Edna, who stood near a pile of fabric.
Amelia sashayed over, then removed her wrapper before Edna started piling on the petticoats. She moved her gaze over the gown Grace had commissioned for her. It hung against the wardrobe, a tranquil waterfall of silk and organdy. Hand-sewn pearls dotted the fabric while lace trimmed the bodice, sleeves, and hem.
“The gown is stunning, Your Grace, thank you.” Amelia grinned at her as Edna adjusted the final petticoat.
“You will appear every bit a duchess in it.” Lady Sarah positioned herself near the vanity.
“You have no need to thank me, dear. It was my pleasure. I am simply relieved the seamstress was able to complete it on such short notice.” Grace nodded.
“I would not have believed it possible if the proof weren’t hanging in front of me.” Lady Sarah placed a hand on her hip. “An entire gown in less than forty-eight hours--it is quite the feat.”
“Are you ready?” Edna held out the wedding gown.
Amelia glanced at her friends before turning her attention to Edna. “I have never been more ready.”
A swoosh of silk and organdy glided over her body, encasing her in splendor. Edna fastened the tiny buttons down her back while Lady Sarah smoothed the skirts. Once secured in the gown, Amelia stepped into a pair of ornate slippers. Last of all, Edna pulled her white lace gloves into place.
Grace rested her hand on her chest, tears glistening in her eyes. “My dear, you are a vision. Turn and let me see the back.”
Amelia moved so her back faced the duchess. “It is the most beautiful gown I have ever worn.”
“Let us get your hair styled so we can see the full effect.” Grace settled into a chair, placing her hands in her lap.
Amelia moved to the vanity and carefully positioned herself on the stool, trying not to wrinkle the gown. Edna went to work plaiting, twisting, and curling Amelia’s locks.
Lady Sarah approached and placed a diamond and pearl tiara with orange blossoms woven through it on the vanity. “The Duke of Goldstone asked that I give this to you on his behalf.”
Amelia turned to Sarah. “It is magnificent.” She reached out a hand and cautiously feathered her fingers across it.
Grace laughed. “You will not break it. They’re stronger than they seem.” She stood, sauntered to the vanity, and lifted the tiara into her hands. “May I?”
Amelia nodded as Edna released the last curl from the hot iron.
Grace placed the tiara onto her head. Once Edna secured the tiara in place and attached the fine linen veil, Amelia stood, facing her friends.
“The duke will be breathless when he sees you moving down the aisle,” Lady Sarah brushed her hand down Amelia’s veil.
Grace tipped her head to one side. “Indeed, he will.”
Edna sat down the comb she held in her hand. “Is there anything else you require?”
“A light snack?” Amelia glanced at Lady Sarah. “Is there time?”
Sarah nodded. “Yes, we have about twenty minutes to spare.”
“Bring up some cheese and berries,” Grace instructed.
Edna curtsied then left to retrieve the requested items.
“Have you any idea where you are going after the wedding?” Sarah asked.
Amelia walked to the window and gazed out at the street below. “He did not say. Wherever it is will be perfect. So long as we are together, I know I will be happy.”
“My dear husband surprised me with a wedding trip to Paris. I will always cherish the memories of our first weeks together as husband and wife.” Grace dabbed at the moisture pooling in her eyes. “You know it is rare for the groom to tell anyone other than his best man where he intends to take his bride.”
Edna carried in a tray laden with sliced cheese and berries. She placed it on the table, then curtsied and took her leave.
Sarah reached for a plump strawberry. “All the same, I would want to know where I was going.”
Amelia swallowed the cheese she had been chewing. “I think the surprise of it is rather romantic.”
“Tell us about the proposal,” Grace requested.
“And do not leave anything out.” Sarah’s voice held a teasing lilt.
They listened ardently as Amelia recounted the parts she was willing to share. She told them how Richard stopped Lord Shillington’s proposal and declared his love for her, but saw no reason to give away private details.
“What a romantic story. I hope I someday have a similar experience.” Lady Sarah clutched her hands to her heart.
Grace grinned. “I think we had better be going. Your groom waits by the fountain.”
Amelia walked down the cobblestone path, past the servants who had gathered to watch, and toward her waiting bridegroom.
Grace stood to his side while Lady Sarah waited across from them. Holding a bible the clergyman waited in front of the fountain. The stone lovers locked in their eternal embrace cast a romantic shadow over the group.
A man stepped out onto the path, freezing her in place. “Uncle Lewis.”
He hurried toward her, a smile on his face.
“How? When did you arrive?” Amelia’s heartbeat threatened to bust the seams of her gown.
“Fate, and I am glad for it.” He offered his arm.
Amelia threaded her hand through the crook of his elbow. “I do not understand?”
“My ship became damaged not even a fortnight after departure and had to turn back. You’d not want to listen to my tale while your groom waits at the altar. I will tell you all about it after your nuptials.” He patted her hand.
“You are not cross with me?” She glanced at him impishly.
He shook his head. “On the contrary, I am pleased. Now let us get you married.”
Amelia turned back toward the altar. Richard’s gaze locked with hers as she continued her wedding march.
Richard
grinned roguishly, sending a thrill clear to her toes. She smiled back, her gaze never leaving his as they approached. When they reached her groom, Uncle Lewis placed her hands in Richard’s outstretched ones.
“We are gathered--” the clergyman began.
She remained focused on Richard while she recited the words of matrimony with her whole heart, then listened with tears of joy in her eyes when he did the same.
“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the clergyman announced.
Her husband, the duke, leaned in and kissed her deeply.
“I love you, Duchess of Goldstone,” he whispered against her lips.
Amelia walked hand in hand with Richard up the cobblestone path past their guests and through a shower of birdseed.
The sensations caused by the simple contact of his hand holding hers sent delectable sensations through her. She longed for more contact as her pulse raced and her cheeks heated.
She looked at her husband, a coy smirk upon her lips. “Must we wait for tonight?”
He sucked in his bottom lip and raked his teeth across it. “You will be my undoing, woman.”
She laughed as he led her into Abernathy House for their wedding breakfast. He positioned her by the dining room entrance and stood next to her, still holding her hand in his while they waited for Grace, Uncle Lewis, and Sarah. There would be no other guests, a fact that pleased Amelia. She wanted only their closest friends and family present.
The duchess outdid herself with the decorations, both in the garden and the house. An arch of red and pink roses flanked the doorway she and Richard stood by, and large floral arrangements sat poised around the dining room. She allowed her gaze to take in the whole scene.
Amelia beamed at her friends and uncle as they approached.
Uncle Lewis shook her husband’s hand. “Congratulations. You have gotten a very special wife. Treat her well.”
Richard placed a hand on Uncle Lewis’s shoulder and grinned. “I know how lucky I am.”
Richard gave Amelia’s hand a little squeeze.
Uncle Lewis turned to Amelia. “I am happy you found a good match.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek before he stepped aside.
“It was a beautiful ceremony,” Sarah said to her before turning to Richard. “Congratulations.”
As Lady Sarah moved aside, Grace stepped up and embraced her nephew. “Congratulations, Richard. I could not be happier for you.” Turning, she stepped forward and embraced Amelia. “Welcome to the family, dear.”
Amelia returned the embrace as tears formed in her eyes. A sense of belonging, of once again having a complete family, filled her. Mama and Papa surely smiled down on her, happy that their little girl found her place in the world.
She followed her husband and Grace into the wedding breakfast. Sarah and Uncle Lewis entered behind her. Amelia, her husband, uncle, and friends filled their plates from the sideboard and settled into a hearty meal accompanied by jubilant conversation.
“Uncle Lewis promised to tell us how he got here.” Amelia tipped her chin toward him.
“Yes, Mr. Lewis. Do tell.” Grace sat her glass down.
Uncle Lewis placed his hands in his lap. “There is not much to tell. The ship’s masts were damaged in a storm shortly after its departure from England. The captain determined the repairs would need to be made on the mainland and Scotland was the closest shore.” He lifted one hand. “Amelia, did you not receive my letter?”
“I did, but I fear, I never read it in its entirety.”
Uncle Lewis lifted his glass. “Do not worry over it, dear. It hardly matters now.”
“My apologies, Uncle Lewis.” An impish grin formed on Amelia’s lips.
“There is no point in dwelling on it,” Grace said.
“Quite right,” Uncle Lewis agreed. “I only arrived this morning. That is when I discovered the nuptials and raced out to the garden.” He turned his attention back to Amelia. “I am happy for you both and glad I did not miss your union.”
“We are grateful for your blessing, Mr. Lewis.” Richard offered a smile.
“Please call me Uncle Lewis from this point forth. You are my family now.”
Grace lifted her crystal glass. “A toast to family. And the blessed union of Amelia and Richard.”
Amelia beamed as the room filled with well wishes and the clinking of glasses. Once the meal concluded, she and her duke said their goodbyes.
After Richard joined her in their ornate carriage pulled by four white stallions, she waved at the gathering watching them from Grace’s porch.
Richard placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “Where do you wish to spend your honeymoon, love?”
Amelia stared into his sapphire eyes, a slight grin upon her face. “I hear Scotland is beautiful.”
EXCERPT OF LADIES AND SCOUNDRELS BOOK 2
SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS
London 1843
Sarah knew exactly what kind of man he was. All of London did. He was the type of man no respectable woman should associate with.
Sarah picked up a champagne flute and looked around. For the third time that night, her gaze collided with his. Lord Julian Carrington, the Marquess of Luvington. She lingered there for a moment, taking in the despicably delicious sight of him. He leaned against a white pillar, green eyes dancing in the lamp light. Drat. Every time she turned around, she found him watching her. Was there no escaping his attention?
A grin spread across his lips, sending a rush of heat into her cheeks. When he winked, she snapped her attention back to Grace Stratton, the Duchess of Abernathy. “Would you care for a stroll on the veranda?” She needed to break her connection with the notorious rake.
Grace closed her fan. “A splendid idea.” She pivoted and moved through a sea of colorful ball gowns, toward the exit.
Sarah walked beside the duchess, neither speaking a word as they approached the open doors. Cool air washed across her as she stepped over the threshold into the night. The breeze picked up as if seeking to wipe away the heat that rose in her cheeks at the thought of Lord Luvington and his unwanted glances. Blackguard.
Glancing at Grace, Sarah sighed. “What do you suppose he was staring at us for?”
Grace giggled, her strawberry blonde tresses bouncing. “Not us, dear. You.”
Sarah turned to her. “He signed my dance card, too. Taking the last waltz. But why? What would a rake the likes of him want with me?”
“Perhaps it is nothing,” Grace waved her fan. “But there is one way to find out.”
“Please expound, Your Grace.” Sarah peered at her, a faint grin pulling at her lips.
“Ask him.”
Grace took a step toward the veranda doors and Sarah followed. “Maybe I will.” She glanced up at the stars twinkling in the sky and moved across the threshold. “Or perhaps I will simply refuse. After all, the last waltz is for couples.”
“It will do you no harm to honor his request.”
Except it could. A woman had to be careful around a man like that. At least they were in a public place. What could he do to her here, amidst the ton?
Sarah followed Grace into the room just as the quartet played the last notes of a waltz. Lord Gibbs waited for her on the edge of the dance floor. She nodded to Grace as he swept her into the middle of the room for their dance. Despite her current partner, her thoughts wandered where they shouldn’t. Lord Luvington. Her pulse quickened at the idea of being so close to the handsome rake. A dance could prove tolerable.
No. She had no desire to become the object of tomorrow’s gossip. The idea of a known rake taking an interest in her upset her equilibrium. She’d worked hard to maintain her social standing and did not intend to let anyone damage her reputation. One scandal could ruin a lady beyond repair. She had seen it happen time and again. Her stomach tightened.
“Lady Sarah, did you hear me?”
Sarah blinked and focused on Lord Gibbs. “My apologies, I was lost in the music.�
�� She gave him a smile. “You have my attention now.”
“I asked if you are enjoying the ball.” He twirled her through a line of other fashionable lords and ladies. The scents of their colognes mingled together in an exotic mix of flowers and spices.
“Indeed. Lady Vivian outdid herself. I find the ball riveting, a smashing success for certain. In fact, I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed one so thoroughly.”
“Nor can I.” He spun her around.
Sarah turned her mouth up politely. Lord Gibbs had been courting her since last season, but she did not fancy him more than a friend. She made her position clear early on, even so, he still pursued her. Mayhap he hoped to sway her. It would not happen. Sarah made her mind up to marry for love or remain a Miss some time ago. Much to her mother’s dismay, she had made it through four seasons unattached. Her father, on the other hand, fully supported her decision.
“You look lovely tonight, Lady Sarah.” He pulled her closer.
“Thank you, my lord. You look rather dashing yourself.” It was not a lie, he was attractive. She simply did not love him. Besides, the idea of becoming some gentleman’s property did not appeal to her overmuch.
The song wound down, and Lord Gibbs escorted her off the dance floor. Once again, her gaze fell on Lord Luvington. Blast, the man continued to linger near her. She studied him before she could stop herself, taking in the sharp angle of his jaw, the luster of his golden-brown hair. His smoldering blue gaze met hers. He grinned wickedly at her as if he knew what she looked like under her shift. Sarah’s cheeks warmed, and she turned away.
At the refreshment table, her mother served herself a drink. Sarah made haste to join her. Being around one’s parents made it so much easier to keep one’s thoughts away from forbidden things. She lifted a sparkling flute of champagne to her lips and took her place at her mother’s side.
“Where has Papa gone off to?” She took a drink of the cool, bubbling liquid.
“He wanted to have a word with your brother. They will be back in a moment.” Mother tipped her chin toward Lord Luvington. “Appears you have collected a new admirer.”
Scandalous Endeavors (Ladies and Scoundrels Book 1) Page 13