In her heart she knew it to be true. “Yes. I imagine you find that strange, though, after your unpleasant experiences with him.”
“You know, it’s funny you should say that. The other day I went into Oliver’s study and he was there.”
“Who was there?”
“Conrad.”
“He was?”
“I was as surprised as anyone. He… he seems to have changed.”
“For the good?”
“Yes, I believe he has. I never would have believed it before, but…”
“But what?”
“Perhaps he has softened due to his new relationship with you.”
It was too much to hope for. Too much to dream. And yet… “Oh how I wish it to be true.”
“As I said, I was surprised, as was Oliver. At first, I was skeptical. But Oliver is not so easily duped. If he said he’s seen a change in Conrad, then I believe him.”
Hope, new and fresh, unfolded in Amelia’s heart. Was Conrad changing for the better? If that were true, perhaps there was chance for them. A chance for love.
Chapter Twelve
Conrad pulled his carriage as close as he could to Amelia’s house. Since he didn’t know how long his visit with Amelia would be, he’d given his driver the afternoon off. The poor man had nearly fainted from shock.
A smile crept across Conrad’s mouth. There would be many more reactions like that he was sure. A determination had overtaken him, one that would divert his former negative traits and channel them into a kinder, more thoughtful man.
Could he do it? His bad habits and nastiness had festered for nearly thirty years. And his mother had cheered those habits on every step of the way. Why was she bent on her son being disagreeable? Disliked?
Now that he’d apologized to Oliver and Lucy, floodgates of regret had poured over him, reminding him of all the people he’d been condescending and rude to his whole life. He was so thankful that they had accepted his heartfelt words of remorse. Ever since their conversation, Conrad had experienced a lightness of step and heart that was completely foreign.
But it felt oh so wonderful.
His thoughts flitted to Amelia. Not only did spending time with her gladden his heart, but something stirred deep within him when they were together. A physical response, yes, but was that simply because he was a lonely man and she a beautiful woman?
Or was it more? Conrad had never been in love before. Never even thought it was possible. But something about Amelia drew him as ocean waves to the shore. When she was near, he couldn’t seem to look away. When she wasn’t present, she haunted his thoughts night and day.
He jumped when the door opened. Had he been so lost in thought that he’d knocked without realizing it?
“Good day, Lord Lofton.”
Conrad nodded to the butler. “Good day. Miss Talbot is expecting me.”
“Very good, my lord.” The butler stepped aside to permit Conrad entrance. “I’ll announce your arrival.”
“Thank you.” Saying those words still felt strange on his tongue, yet with each successive instance, it became easier.
Conrad waited in the parlor for Amelia. Even though he was trying to change, he still fervently hoped that they could spend the afternoon indoors. What would happen after they married? Amelia loved the out-of-doors as much as Conrad abhorred it. Time would tell.
“Good day, Conrad.”
Amelia stood in the doorway. Her light blue dress caressed her curves in a tight embrace. Conrad’s mouth went dry. Good heavens. Every time he saw Amelia, her beauty increased. How was that possible?
She stepped forward and her eyebrows rose.
He realized then that he’d not responded. I must look like an imbecile. “Ah… good day, Amelia.”
“I’m so pleased you could visit me today.”
“Oh?”
“There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
He’d already met her father and mother. Did she perhaps have a sister? “Certainly. Will she be meeting us in the parlor?”
Amelia giggled. “No. And it’s a he.”
So it was a brother, then. “I see.” Although he didn’t. Wouldn’t she have mentioned a brother before now? He’d always been of the assumption that she was an only child, as he was.
“He’s waiting in the garden for us.”
The garden? But that was outside. Conrad sighed. “Of course. Let’s go meet him.” How did Amelia have the ability to simply mention participating in outdoor activity and although he was unwilling, he went along anyway?
Amelia wrapped her arm around his. “Yes. He loves it there. Often when I can’t locate him, that’s where he’s hiding.”
Hiding? How old was her brother? A toddler? Surely not. Mr. and Mrs. Talbot seemed to be of similar age to his mother.
They stepped through the library to a set of French doors. A servant opened the doors for them. Conrad nodded his thanks.
Bright sunlight blazed through long tree branches. He squinted.
“Isn’t the day lovely?” Amelia closed her eyes and smiled. Conrad’s urge to kiss her full lips right at that moment nearly overtook him,
No. I must be a gentleman. Time for that later. That and so much more. Heat pooled in his belly. Thoughts of pulling her close, breathing in her lavender scent and running his finger down her soft, white neck—
“Is something amiss?”
“Ah…” He had to stop daydreaming about her. It only caused him embarrassment. He had enough of that to last a lifetime without creating more. “Everything is fine.”
“I’m glad.” She pressed closer to him, her arm still around his. Something brushed his upper arm. Was that her—?
“Let’s walk down into the garden a ways. His favorite spot is a bench near that far corner.”
Desire shot through him. Why did the woman affect him so? He’d never experienced the like. All she had to do was lean close or bat her long eyelashes or smile…
Amelia glanced up at him as if she’d heard his thoughts. “You’re certainly quiet today.”
He’d done it again. Time to regain control of his wayward thoughts. “I’m not often chatty, as you’ll soon discover.”
She laughed. “Not to worry. I’ll chat enough for us both.”
Conrad raised his mouth in a smile. That in itself was something, considering he smiled rarely. Yet in her company, he found himself quite wanting to.
Small songbirds of some sort darted in front of them. Conrad’s smile vanished. Birds. Why was it always birds?
“Sparrows. Aren’t they precious?”
More like repugnant. “Yes. Quite.”
They walked farther down the path, through row after row of colorful flowers. He recognized some roses, but knew nothing of any of the others. He’d bet Amelia knew them all since she seemed fond of spending time outside.
There it was again. A difference between them. She loved everything to do with nature. He abhorred it just as vehemently. How would they get around it? He could think of no reason they needed to, of course, since couples often didn’t even spend much time together. But that’s not what he wanted. No. Conrad wished to spend much time with her, now and after they married. It was as if he craved the very air she breathed.
He shook his head. Silly thought, that. Some of the ideas popping into his head lately were preposterous. What would Mother say?
With a glance at Amelia, he realized that he no longer cared. Mother could jump in a pond.
Pond. Geese. Amelia. Her lying beneath him on the muddy bank.
Until that pesky maid—
“There you are, Miss Amelia. You’d quite gotten away from me.” And there she was. Annie, was it? Practically running to catch them.
Amelia sighed.
Conrad couldn’t help but notice the rise and fall of her bosom as she took a breath and released it. Her gown molded around her—
“Something the matter, Conrad?”
Blast! “I… well you see…”
Her smile said
it all. That she’d noticed what he’d done and that she enjoyed catching him at it. The little minx.
Annie reached them. “Must I remind you, Miss Amelia, that you need a chaperone whenever you are in the company of—” Her gaze darted to Conrad. “—men?”
“Annie, as you can see, I am not with men. But a man. Lord Lofton.”
“Be that as it may, Miss Amelia, your father has instructed me—”
“Father can just go and…” The rest came out a mumble, but Conrad could have sworn he heard something of a not-so-kind nature. Amelia had spunk. He liked that. Made him want to tame her.
Tame her? His thoughts became more bizarre as the moments progressed. He reached to his cravat and gave it a tug. “Is it warm today?”
Amelia raised one eyebrow. “Not especially, no. I experienced a chill. Perhaps we should stand closer together.”
Any closer and she’d be affixed to his person. Although…
“Look, there he is.”
There who was? He glanced to where she pointed but he saw no one. Not only were his thoughts darting about his mind at a mad pace, his eyes were having sport with him as well.
“Now you can meet him.”
“Him?” A squint didn’t produce any more results to the area to which she pulled him. Perhaps his eyes were failing him. He was too young for that. If that were the case, however, he’d make sure the last thing he ever saw was Amelia’s face.
May as well start now. He turned and stared at her eyes, nose and mouth. Trying to memorize them.
“What are you doing?” Amelia reached to her cheek. “Do I have something on my face?”
“What? Oh—”
“I suppose it could be some asparagus from dinner.”
“But—”
“Don’t you hate when you wear part of your meal?”
Annie stepped forward. “Miss Amelia, have some decorum.” She shook her head so quickly that her hat wobbled.
Amelia glared at her maid. “Annie, don’t forget your place.”
Annie sputtered out some unintelligible words. Were the two women always at such odds?
“Come, Conrad, you still need to meet Sunny.”
“Sunny?”
“Of course, he’s right over there.”
He lowered his eyebrows. “I’m afraid I don’t see anyone.”
“He’s on the bench.”
Conrad stared at the wrought iron garden bench and blinked. The only thing on it was a… Oh no. A fat ginger-colored cat lay on its back, its green eyes wide and unblinking.
And… Conrad took a better look. The vile rodent was smiling at him.
“Come over and meet him, won’t you?”
He stared at Amelia. Meet him? She must be daft. All that sun and outdoor air had addled her brain.
She tugged on his arm so hard he stumbled. “Amelia, I thought you were going to let me take the lead, remember?”
Crimson spread from her collar to her face. “Pardon.”
“Never mind. I’m coming to see it’s just who you are.”
Her smile could have outrivaled the too-bright sun. “Why thank you. That’s so sweet.” She gave a mightier jerk on his arm that propelled him forward, nearly to his knees.
“When I said that, I didn’t think you’d be separating my arm from the rest of my person.”
With a giggle, Amelia shrugged. “Ready to say hello?”
To you? Any time.
She turned to the bench. And that cat.
Drat. It seemed his betrothed wouldn’t rest until he was properly introduced to her animal. May as well get the unpleasantness behind him.
Amelia let go of Conrad’s arm, instead grabbing his hand. She bent forward and got very close to the cat, that blinked its eyes at her and… Conrad leaned forward as well. The blasted thing winked.
“Conrad.” Amelia pulled him down to his knees at the same time she knelt by the bench. “This is Sunny.”
Conrad stared at the animal, which stared right back. A shudder ran through Conrad. How revolting. Everything in him wanted to not only stand but turn and run far away from the furry beast.
But he stayed.
Again, it was Amelia’s influence that caused him to do things he never would have considered in the past. If she wanted him to meet her cat then meet it he would. He gritted his teeth against the unpleasantness that was sure to follow.
How does one address a smiling vermin? Conrad turned his head toward Amelia, hoping for some instruction. None came.
I cannot believe I’m doing this. Conrad forced a smile he was sure resembled a grimace. “Good day, Sunny. I’m… pleased to… meet you.”
A loud rattle emerged from somewhere deep inside Sunny’s innards.
Conrad gasped. “What is wrong with it?”
“Wrong? Why nothing. Why do you ask?”
“It’s… he’s… There’s a sound coming from…” Conrad pointed to the cat.
“Oh that. He’s just purring.”
What a horrid noise. “Ah.” Please make it stop.
“Sunny purrs when he’s happy.”
I’d hate to hear him when he’s vexed. “How nice.”
She glanced from Conrad to her cat and back. “I think he likes you.”
Splendid. “Oh?”
“He usually only purrs for me. That he would do it for someone else, someone of whom he’s just made their acquaintance, is extraordinary.”
More like ghastly. “Indeed.”
“Perhaps you’d like to hold him?”
“I… you see… there isn’t… I can’t—”
Suddenly, Amelia thrust Sunny into Conrad’s arms. Oh the humanity.
“Isn’t he soft?”
Conrad endured the silent scream that echoed in his head. Why? Why does she have to love cats? Birds? Nature? Why couldn’t Amelia like to sit inside and view the awful trees, dirt and wildlife through the safety of window glass?
“Conrad? You’ve gone quite pale.”
He closed his eyes briefly and took a deep, relaxing breath. I must do this. I have to make friends with the furry beast who is at this moment staring at me. I’ll accomplish the barbaric task… for Amelia.
“Are you ill?” Amelia placed her hand on his forehead. Warmth enveloped his face and neck. Wonderful, beautiful, comforting warmth.
Conrad fixed his gaze on hers. Her green eyes rivaled Sunny’s in intensity and fire. Did she even realize that she had a trait in common with her cat? “I… I’m fine, Amelia.”
“You’re certain? You looked as if you were close to fainting.”
Wouldn’t that be perfect? It would be the humiliation of being in the surgeon-dentist’s room all over again. “I wasn’t expecting to actually…”
“Actually, what?”
“Hold him.”
“Why ever not? Haven’t you ever had a pet?”
He shrugged. “I’m afraid not.”
Moisture formed around her lower eyelids. “How sad.”
“I’ve never known any different, so it mattered not to me growing up.”
She smiled, her plump lips stretching wide. “Once we’re wed, you can share Sunny with me.”
Another silent scream tried to force its way out of his mouth. Sunny would live with them? With him?
Amelia reached out her hand and stroked the cat’s long fur. “You see, Sunny has always been my best friend. I couldn’t bear to leave him when I move out of my parents’ estate. You don’t mind, do you?”
She leaned closer and blinked. Her long eyelashes swept across the freckles scattered just below her eyes. Her breath, warm with the scent of something minty, fanned across his nose and mouth.
How in heaven’s name was he supposed to deny her such a request? Everything in him wanted to yell, “No!” But when she looked at him with those green eyes, all reason fled from his mind. His head may as well have been filled with swamp water.
The words danced across his tongue and sprung from his lips before they could be reined in. “
Of course you can bring Sunny.”
Amelia threw her arms around his neck. Sunny howled and dug his claws into Conrad’s arm. Thankfully, the claws disengaged just as quickly.
Rapid footsteps approached from behind them. “Miss Amelia! Lord Lofton! Please show some restraint.”
Ah, Annie… the ever-watchful garden pest.
Chapter Thirteen
The carriage ride from Amelia’s father’s house to Conrad’s was short. He squinted against bright rays of sunlight that seemed intent on nearly blinding him every time he leaned too close to the window. Enough of that. He edged over to the middle of the seat so the light only reached the knee of his black breeches.
Although he had enjoyed his time with Amelia, despite her cat, memories of what Mr. Fletcher and his daughter had said the day before wouldn’t go away. Had Mr. Fletcher really known Conrad’s mother years ago? To be honest, she never spoke of her upbringing or family. He didn’t know his maternal grandparents. Had no clue about what her father did for a living or where she’d grown up. So, as strange as it might seem from her reactions now to anyone of a lower class, it was conceivable that she had known Mr. Fletcher in some capacity. Had she ever had a tooth removed? Or had their families been acquaintances?
But the surgeon-dentist had intimated that he and Mother had been…
No. It wasn’t possible. That Mother would have had any kind of relationship with a commoner? She abhorred them. Had always forbidden Conrad from having anything to do with them, to the point of being rude when in the company of someone of the lower class. Had instructed him from his earliest memory to treat them as less than mud on his boot.
But what if Mother had been a commoner, too? Hadn’t she used her wiles and liquor to trap Lord Lofton? Why would she have done that? If she’d resorted to those measures, perhaps she hadn’t had any family money of her own.
But Amelia is blackmailing you into marriage and she does have a rich father.
His shoulders slumped. Whenever he was reminded of what Amelia was doing, he didn’t want to admit it was real. Rather, he entertained fantasies where she loved him for him, not because she needed to marry someone. Not because he happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
If he let himself dwell on the truth, then that pointed to the fact that Amelia didn’t really care for him, didn’t have feelings for him… couldn’t ever… love him. But how could he expect her to? She was beautiful and full of life. And he was… just boring, rude, uppity Conrad. The earl no one wanted. No… the nobody no one wanted.
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