Love Birds: The Complete Collection

by Ruth J. Hartman

  “I understand. And thank you for meeting with me today.”

  “No,” said his father. “Thank you.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  A hard rap came from the other side of Amelia’s bedroom door.

  “Yes?”

  The door opened. Their butler, Gordon bowed his head. “Pardon me, Miss Talbot, but you have a caller waiting in the parlor.”

  Conrad. “Splendid. Please send Annie in. Thank you.”

  As soon as the maid arrived, Amelia sprung into action. “Annie, I need to look my best for Lord Lofton.”

  Annie stood behind her as she arranged Amelia’s hair. The maid sputtered a laugh.

  “Something amusing?” Amelia turned her head to the side just enough so that Annie would see her displeasure.

  Another giggle followed. “Oh no, Miss Talbot. Of course not.”

  Insolent maid. How dare she poke fun at me? It would be just like her to do something outrageous with the back of my hair and I wouldn’t know until it was too late.

  Changing her gown came next. Amelia picked a dark blue one, a choice sure to get her betrothed’s attention. A pair of satin slippers came last. Once finished, Amelia stood by the door and took a calming breath. “Wish me luck, Annie.”

  “Oh you’ll need it.”

  Amelia whirled around. “What was that?”

  “Nothing.”

  In a huff, Amelia left her room and descended the long staircase. What is Annie prattling on about? She’s met Conrad before, she knows that—

  As soon as Amelia rounded the corner into the parlor, she stopped. Her feet ceased movement so quickly that if she hadn’t grabbed onto the doorframe, she would have tumbled forward into her caller’s lap.

  Not Conrad.

  Old Man Griffith.

  A shudder ran through her. She could have sworn even the roots of her hair quivered in disgust. Why? Why was he here? Father had assured her that he’d had quite a long talk with Lord Griffith, explaining that she was betrothed to another. Amelia barely registered Annie’s belated entrance into the parlor. The maid moved to stand in a far corner, a delighted smirk on her face.

  So she’d known. And hadn’t warned me.

  Amelia’s mouth went dry. “G-Good day, Lord Griffith.”

  A pop and a creak came from the general vicinity of his neck when he turned his head in her direction. “Good day, my dear.”

  My dear? “To what do we owe the honor of your visit, my lord?”

  His eyes held a muted sparkle from somewhere in their faded blue depths. “Just wanted to see you before the big day.”

  What big day? Hers and Conrad’s? He surely couldn’t mean… “I… see.”

  “Join me, won’t you?” Lord Griffith patted the cushion on the settee right next to him.

  Oh no, that won’t be happening. She rushed to a chair that was across the room. Way across the room.

  Lord Griffith’s mouth formed a pout. “I was hoping you and I could get better acquainted.” His gaze drifted back to the settee while at the same time his weathered hand patted the cushion again. Twice.

  She pressed herself against the back of her chair, wishing she could force away the wall behind her and keep putting distance between them until she reached Scotland. “I’m quite comfortable where I am. But thank you so much for the invitation.”

  “As you wish.” A smile snaked across his chapped lips. “Our time will come.”

  Pardon? Why was he speaking of them as if they were to…? No. Somehow there had been a misunderstanding between Lord Griffith and her father. Because right at that moment, the old man was licking his lips and his bushy white eyebrows moved up and down over his narrowed eyes.

  How repulsive! Amelia twisted her hands in her lap. What to do? There must some way to gracefully bow out of her current situation, stuck as she was with him in the parlor.

  And with him looking as if he’d love nothing better than to undress her and—

  Gordon appeared in the doorway. “Miss Talbot, you have another caller.” He stepped away and allowed the new arrival to step in.

  Conrad! He removed his hat and handed it to the retreating butler. “Good day, Miss Talbot. Pardon my intrusion. I didn’t realize you already had a guest.”

  Not my guest! “Don’t be silly. Please join us, won’t you?” Please! For the love of heaven, join us!

  Conrad stepped into the room near a chair fairly close to Amelia’s. He turned, greeted Lord Griffith and claimed his seat.

  The older man harrumphed. And coughed, loudly. The hacking reminded Amelia of her cat when he groomed his fur with his tongue for too long a time.

  Amelia smiled at Conrad. “It’s so pleasant to see you today, Lord Lofton.”

  “Indeed? Is today perhaps different from another day?”

  Amelia darted a glance at Lord Griffith and back to Conrad. “Oh… I’m just especially delighted you decided to make a call. Today.”

  “Are you? Hmm. I was under the impression that we’d made plans today.”

  “Did we?” She frowned, having no recollection of any such… She eyed Conrad more closely. What do you know? Conrad was doing her a favor. A huge one. “Yes, of course. How could I have forgotten the trip to the…”

  “To the…” Conrad bit his lip.

  “Um…” Think, Amelia.

  Conrad reached up and touched his finger to his mouth.

  “Ah yes, the surgeon-dentist. That’s where we’re going.”

  Lord Griffith paled. “I’d not go near that place again. That last time I went, the barbarian ripped out every last one of my teeth, save two.”

  Well, that explained the drool on the old man’s chin. Nothing to hold back the tide.

  With a triumphant smile on her face for figuring out Conrad’s clue, she looked at him. He’d gone paler than the other earl in the room. Was he thinking about the day he’d been there? The day she’d overheard him? Of course, he wouldn’t have known about her involvement, but perhaps he’d had a bad experience if he’d had a tooth removed.

  Amelia softened her voice. “Conrad, are you ill?”

  He grabbed a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed perspiration from his face. “What? Oh… no. I’m… It’s fine.” He blinked, dabbed his forehead once more and then a small smile curved up one corner of his mouth. He raised his voice and turned toward the older man.

  “Say, Lord Griffith, we’re just on our way to the surgeon-dentist. Care to accompany us? The more the merrier.”

  A gasp came from Lord Griffith. He shot off of the settee with the energy of a young man, his knees and ankles popping with the effort. “No! I…” He stepped to the door. “Pardon me, Miss Talbot, but I must be going.” Two more steps. “Perhaps we can speak at another time.” Three more steps and he disappeared out into the hallway.

  The front door opened and closed.

  “When I touched my lips, I intended it to mean an outing to get tea.” Conrad lifted an eyebrow.

  “That’s quite different from what I proposed.”

  “Slightly. Yes.”

  Amelia laughed. “At any rate, I cannot thank you enough for saving me.”

  “And just pray tell what might I have saved you from?”

  Oh dear. “I… well you see… A misunderstanding occurred and—”

  “A misunderstanding, you say? Of what sort? Had Lord Griffith accosted you in some fashion? If so, I’d be glad to challenge him to a duel. I’m thin, but wiry. I believe I could win.”

  She turned her head away. No good would come of her telling Conrad of her father’s original marriage plans for her.

  “If I’m to be credited with the gallantry due a knight in shining armor, surely I am allowed to know why.”

  Amelia couldn’t help it. She turned back toward him. Everything in her did not want him to know about Lord Griffith vying for her hand. If Conrad knew, he might not see the necessity of marrying her himself. But then, there was the whole blackmail scheme. Can’t forget that.

&
nbsp; Yet… something about him tugged at her heart. When he was near, she was compelled to drink in the sight of him, no matter the circumstances.

  Conrad’s ice-blue eyes brought to mind cold winter days spent walking in the snow. Crisp air and dim sunshine. Sparrows twittering in the branches of nearby trees.

  And cold winter evenings spent wrapped in his arms in front of the fire.

  “Amelia?”

  She blinked, sorry to have her daydream vanish like fog clearing at daybreak. “Yes?”

  “I asked if you’d like to accompany me to Rotten Row. It’s a lovely day for a walk.”

  “Walk?” Snow. Sun. Birds. Warm fire. His arms around me and—

  “Yes. Walk. I’m told many people do it on a regular basis.”

  “Certainly.” She stood and smoothed the folds of her skirt. Get control of yourself. Otherwise, he might think you daft.

  Amelia summoned Annie to fetch her pelisse and to dress warmly herself as they were going out.

  The maid mumbled and grumped.

  At least I’ll be free of her when Conrad and I wed.

  Conrad’s carriage was waiting. Right outside the front door. Amelia shook her head. Why would he allow his driver to do that? She and Annie were assisted into the carriage, followed by Conrad. He sat opposite them in the facing seat.

  Amelia stared at Annie. Too bad we require her to chaperone. If she weren’t present, I could slip over and sit next to my betrothed. Very, very closely.

  What she required was a companion who was thoughtful and sweet, but would give them a modicum of privacy when needed. They were trying to get to know one another, after all.

  The carriage hit a rut in the road and Amelia bounced on her seat. Her shoulder bumped into Annie’s. Her reward was a glare.

  Well, I never!

  She glared back until Conrad cleared his throat.

  What he must think of me.

  Determined to ignore Annie, Amelia focused on Conrad. His straight, upright posture. Flawless, spotless suit and cravat. Aquiline nose and long, lean build. He said he was skinny. Perhaps, but Amelia found his appearance quite to her liking.

  The carriage stopped at the edge of Rotten Row. Several other carriages were nearby, with drivers waiting for their passengers to return.

  As they stepped from the carriage, Amelia stumbled. Conrad grabbed her upper arms. She raised her gaze to his. A stray beam of sunlight sparkled on his light eyes.

  “Steady, there. I’ve got you.”

  You certainly do. “Thank you.”

  She waited for him to release her, but he didn’t. Not right away. His fingers closed tighter about her arms, kneading her gently. A sigh came from her slightly parted lips.

  The sound of a boot tapping came from their left. Annie heaved an exaggerated sigh until they parted, but not before Amelia narrowed her eyes at her bothersome maid. Why must she be so annoying?

  Conrad offered Amelia his arm and, followed by Annie, took a stroll along Rotten Row. Wisps of conversation floated around them as they passed others out for a walk. Men discussed business or estate matters. Women compared hats and raved about others’ choices of dress color.

  A large group went by on horseback. Conrad cringed.

  “Do you ride, Lord Lofton?”

  His grimace stayed for several seconds as he watched the animals trot away. He looked at her. “Pardon?”

  “Ride. Do you ride?”

  “Me? Ride? Heavens no.” Was that perspiration forming on his upper lip?

  “Why ever not? It’s quite fun and even exhilarating if you have a spirited horse.”

  “Mother would never allow it.”

  “I see.”

  “What do you see?”

  “Mother seems to have much influence over you, doesn’t she?”

  He shrugged. “Yes, I suppose she does. Perhaps that’s what comes of not being close to your… father.”

  Amelia knew, of course that he could have been speaking of Lord Lofton, or the mystery man who was Conrad’s real father. And though because of the blackmailing he knew she was aware of his circumstances, she could not discuss it with him where they were at the moment. Didn’t wish to discuss it at all, truth be known, because it was a sad reminder of the only reason he was with her now.

  Time to change the subject. “If I may ask a question, my lord?”

  “Yes, go ahead.”

  “I’ve wondered… that is, perhaps you could tell me why you allow your driver such liberties with the carriage?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  She leaned closer and whispered, “He parks too close to the house. Any closer and he’d be on top of the shrubbery.”

  Twin spots of red appeared on Conrad’s cheeks. “That would be by my instruction, I’m afraid.”

  “It would? But why?”

  “Mother hates dirty boots because they create dirty floors. She’s always had the carriage parked thus to keep the dirt tracked in to a minimum, so I grew up doing the same.”

  “I see.” Mother again. Something would need to be done about that. “But we’re walking at this very moment. Out-of-doors.” She flicked a glance to his boots and back up.

  “True, that. Let’s not tell my mother, then.” One corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. A tiny bit of rebellion?

  “You have my word.”

  They passed by a gleaming shop window and Amelia admired their reflection. Both tall and slim, they made a striking couple.

  “May I ask a question of my own?” Conrad adjusted his arm beneath her hand, the fabric of her glove swishing along his sleeve.

  “Certainly.”

  He whispered so low she had to strain to hear. “Why do you continue to use Annie as a chaperone? It seems you two can barely stand to breathe the same air. I’ve been wondering if you’d come to blows.”

  A quick backward glance showed Annie frowning. Again. She whispered, as well. “Yes, that’s true. My mother wants me to use her on my outings. You see, many of our servants are older and have not the wherewithal to tolerate much physical activity. She is the youngest of them, so that is who I’m forced to take.”

  “That’s a shame. It seems your outings would be much more enjoyable had you someone with whom you enjoyed their company.”

  “Yes, I’ve thought as much. But where to find such a person, I haven’t a clue. I’m afraid I’m not one for having many friends and the few I do have aren’t of the intimate variety.”

  He stared at her with wide eyes. “I find that difficult to believe. You are intelligent, funny and beautiful. Surely you’d be surrounded with people clamoring to make your acquaintance.”

  “Did you say beautiful?”

  A pinkish hue started at the top of his cravat and travelled up to his forehead. “Well, I…”

  She squeezed his arm. “Thank you. Although what I said was true, unfortunately. My strong personality seems to drive friends away. They scurry to the nearest corner to escape my company.”

  The color gradually faded from his face. “Then we have that in common. I too, have not friends in whom I can confide.”

  “And I find that difficult to believe. For I very much like spending time with you.”

  “You do?”

  “I do.”

  He peered down at her for a second too long, nearly crashing into a group of young women who were exiting a nearby shop. “Pardon me, ladies. Forgive my clumsiness.”

  All but one of the women, a pretty blonde, turned and walked away. She, though, stopped. And smiled. “Aren’t you Lord Lofton?”

  “That’s correct.”

  She stepped closer, her gaze traveling down his arm to Amelia’s hand resting on his sleeve. “It’s pleasant to meet you.”

  “It is?”

  “Oh yes. I’m Miss Cavendash. Of the Mayfair Cavendashes.”

  “I… see.”

  Amelia lowered her eyebrows. What was the other woman up to? Was she interested in Conrad? “Hello, Miss Cavendash, I’m�
��”

  Miss Cavendash ignored Amelia and fluttered her eyelashes at Conrad. “I don’t suppose you’ll be attending next week’s ball at Almacks?” A somewhat breathless quality attached itself to the young woman’s words. Trying to gain his attention?

  “I…” He glanced at Amelia. “I had given it some thought.”

  “Splendid. I’ll look forward to seeing you there. Perhaps we’ll have a chance to speak some more.” Just as she turned to leave, the gaggle of friends who had left returned.

  Suddenly, the swarm buzzed around Conrad. They asked him questions. Touched his sleeve. Smiled and tittered at everything he said, whether it was amusing or not. Amelia was not so gently removed from her place at Conrad’s side by one of the other women.

  What in the world just happened?

  Snickering from behind caused her to turn. Annie. Of course. Amelia clenched her teeth. “And just what is so amusing, may I ask?”

  “Oh…” More giggling. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”

  Amelia muttered, “I’ll thank you to stuff your giggling—”

  “Amelia? Ready to continue our walk?”

  She whipped around to Conrad, ready to do battle with the interlopers. But the swarm was gone. She’d never seen the like. It was as if they were starving and Conrad was a delicacy they only glimpsed once a year.

  Goodness.

  He offered his arm, which she once again accepted. Darting her gaze left to right, Amelia poised for a fight, prepared to kick any other woman who pawed at Conrad. He was her betrothed, after all.

  Too bad you had to use blackmail to accomplish that feat.

  At present, no other wily females seemed to be ready to pounce. She glanced at Conrad. He was smiling. Why? Because of those women? Had he approved of their behavior? She pressed closer against his arm. “Had you ever… made the acquaintance of any of those young ladies before?”

  He cleared his throat. “Uh… no. I…”

  “Yes? What was that?”

  “It’s a conundrum.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t follow.” Her fingers curled into a fist. Those wanton women.

  His shrug caused the fabric of his coat to bunch at the shoulders. “I’ve never been the focus of… women before.” Was he now in their sights because he had been in Amelia’s company? Forbidden fruit, the ultimate enticement.