by Dawn Brower
As soon as he neared the cottage, Beetle noticed him. As expected, he ran right at him, ready to warn Grant off his territory. Instead of yelling, kicking, or shoving the goose, he crouched down. He had a handful of oats in his hand. “Come here, Beetle,” he said in a soothing tone. “You want these oats, don’t you?”
Beetle stopped and stared at him. Grant met the goose’s gaze and continued to hold his hand out. The goose waddled forward. As he neared Grant’s outstretched hand, he hissed. Grant gritted his teeth, but didn’t hiss back. “Go ahead,” he encouraged the goose. “Eat the oats.”
The goose honked three times. When Grant didn’t budge, he moved forward. He leaned down to eat the oats. He finished what was in Grant’s hand, then bit his fingers. “Bloody rotten bastard,” he said in the softest tone he could manage. He wanted to use a much stronger tone with the evil thing, but he had to remain calm. If he hoped to win over the goose, he had to follow the instructions the farmer had given him.
Beetle hissed again, then ran back to the pond. Grant kept his gaze on him and followed him back over. It was a good start, but he hadn’t won over Beetle yet. He’d know once the goose had taken the oats without trying to eat one of Grant’s fingers too.
Grant sat down under the oak and watched Bumble and Beetle swim in the pond. He didn’t know how long Amelia would be in town. When she returned, he would be gone. He didn’t want her to know that he was attempting to befriend her goose. He hoped it would be a surprise when Beetle finally accepted him.
He stood, then crouched down. Beetle watched him. Grant held out his hand, hoping to entice the goose to his side one more time before he left. It didn’t take long for the goose to decide. Beetle swam to the shore, then waddled over to Grant once again. He ate all the oats in his palm, but this time he only poked his hand with his beak. Progress. Perhaps next time he’d eat the oats and waddle away.
Grant smiled. “Good Beetle Goose.” His tone was soft and soothing. The goose honked at him, then waddled back to the pond.
The farmer’s advice had been perfect. Grant whistled as he walked back to the manor. He’d return again tomorrow and attempt to befriend Beetle again. It would be wonderful to see the look on Amelia’s face when she realized her goose adored him, too. He couldn’t wait...
Amelia strolled down the road on her way back from a visit to town. She’d posted a letter to Teddy, and stopped at the local seamstress to commission a new gown. She adored her geese, but that didn’t mean she was oblivious to their faults. The other day while she played with them, Beetle had tripped her, and she’d torn her gown. She’d repaired it; however, it was not a gown she would wear when socializing. The repair made the gown serviceable, but the seam didn’t look pretty.
Bumble and Beetle slept in their pen now. Thomas had finished building it a fortnight ago. She missed having them inside, but she realized they were not the type of pet to be kept permanently in the cottage. Perhaps she’d get a puppy or a kitten.
She had been living in her cottage for two months, and it had been a week since the duke had kissed her at the manor. Spring was fast turning into summer, and with the warmer months she might consider some sea bathing. Rochford wasn’t Bath, but she could enjoy the sea, regardless. Besides, she’d never been to Bath, so she couldn’t really compare the two areas. At least Rochford wasn’t bustling with visitors from all over England. She loved her quiet seaside town and the cottage she now called home.
Her cottage came into view. The gray-white stones that made up the lower half of the building were sturdy, and the thatched roof had been recently repaired before she’d moved in. One of her favorite features was the lattice-style windows on the second story. The large garden at the back of the house was in full bloom. It was filled with flowers of all kinds and was a rainbow of color. There was a smaller vegetable garden her housekeeper had helped Amelia plant.
She was content and, mostly... happy. Once the Duke of Darling departed, and he had to soon, she’d feel more at ease. Amelia didn’t understand why he remained. The scandal that sent him running had to have settled down. Besides, the season was about over and many of the ton would return to their country estates. He’d be safe once again in London.
As she approached her cottage, she glimpsed movement near Bumble and Beetle’s pen. Perhaps she’d play with them a bit before her afternoon tea. Some more time outdoors sounded far more appealing than being cooped up in her sitting room alone. Some days she was lonely, and easing that desolate feeling had remained elusive.
Amelia strolled leisurely toward the pen. Branches from a large oak tree hung over the small pond. The pen for the geese had been built on the far side of the pond near the oak. As she approached the tree, she stopped, surprised by what she’d found. The Duke of Darling was lounging against the trunk, fast asleep. Beetle was snuggled against him, nuzzling his neck. Where was Bumble? She glanced around and found the other goose waddling near the garden. Why did Beetle seem to find the duke acceptable now?
She nibbled on her lower lip. Should she wake them? Amelia wasn’t at all comfortable with the situation. Beetle had hated him, and now...
“I can feel you staring at me,” he said in a low tone. “Why don’t you sit down next to us. I’d hate to disturb the evil spawn.”
“He’s not evil,” she chastised him. “Clearly you have won his good opinion. How can you find him evil when he’s cuddling with you?”
“Even evil needs to take time to rest now and then,” he told her. His eyes were still closed, so she took the time to study him. He was so handsome. She liked this side of him. Amelia had believed herself in love with him without ever truly knowing him. This time with him the past month she’d had the opportunity to see a different side of him. The roguish duke was still ever present, but he could be sweet and thoughtful, too. Not too many people would take the time to win the approval of a goose.
“Pfft,” she mumbled. “You’re protesting too much. Admit it, you like Beetle.”
“Like is a strong word,” he replied, then grumbled. “He’s all right, but it’s you I like. This is what I have to endure to spend time with you. You might say it’s my penance.”
She wasn’t sure what he meant by that last part. Why would he believe that? “You’re being dramatic. No one is punishing you.”
He opened his eyes and met her gaze. “You are, love.”
Had she been? Amelia had never intended to, if she had. “I have no reason to. We’re barely acquaintances.”
Grant moved, and that was enough to stir Beetle. He flapped his wings and pecked his head with three quick jabs. “The peace could only last so long. So sorry to have disturbed your sleep, beast.” He pushed Beetle off of him and stood, then came to stand in front of her. “My dear, we’re far more than mere acquaintances. There’s something between us. You have to feel it too.”
She shook her head. He couldn’t do this to her. Not now, when she had finally accepted she was meant to be alone. “I don’t.” She lied, but he didn’t need to know that. Her feelings were too strong, and sometimes more than she could bear. Speaking of them aloud would make it all real. Amelia wasn’t ready for that. She might never be.
“I’m not,” he said in a soft, firm tone. “And I will prove it to you.”
Amelia glanced away from him. He reached toward her and cupped her cheek in his hand, then pushed her head over so their gazes met. There was so much emotion in his eyes it nearly broke her. She wanted to confess all. That she loved him, that she always had, and that it had been her at that masquerade. Somehow, she remained silent. Not because she couldn’t find the words. His actions stopped her from saying anything at all.
He leaned down and pressed his lips to her. That magic she’d felt at the masquerade came tumbling back. There were no stars visible in the sky, but they shined brightly behind the back of her eyelids. Everything about that night was with her, as if she relived every second. His kiss enchanted her, heated her from the inside out, and made her crave thin
gs only he could give her.
Amelia moaned as he deepened the kiss. She gave into it. Savored every second as if it would be her last, and in some ways it would be. She had to stop this before she lost herself in him. He might feel something for her, but she doubted he wanted more than a few moments of stolen passion from her. She placed her hand on his chest and pushed back. “Stop,” she mumbled. “We can’t...”
“We can,” he insisted. “But I’ll let you go, at least for now. I will convince you there is more between the two of us than you’re willing to admit. I can be patient.”
“I’m sure you can.” She turned away from him and walked to her cottage. It took every ounce of strength she had inside of her not to turn around and run into his arms. Amelia would always love him; however, that didn’t mean she could trust him with everything, especially what remained of her heart.
Chapter 10
The next day Grant left the manor and headed to Amelia’s cottage. He had made progress with her. He was almost certain of it. She’d returned his kiss, and if he had pressed her, she’d have begged for more. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. But what he wanted from her had changed. Grant had fallen hopelessly in love with her. The more time he spent with her, the more he could see a future with her. If only he could convince her of that. There was not a doubt in his mind that they belonged together.
When he neared the cottage, he glanced around, looking for Bumble and Beetle. Bumble kept to herself and usually wandered around the property or swam in the pond. Beetle was the menace that could pop out of nowhere. The goose had warmed up to Grant, but that didn’t mean the creature adored him the same way he did Amelia. That goose was as smitten with her as Grant. He couldn’t blame Beetle. There was a lot to love about Miss Amelia Halsey.
Grant didn’t notice Amelia outside, either. She could have gone to town... He went to the door and rapped his knuckles on the hard surface. After a few moments, he’d been ready to give up, but then it opened. Amelia hadn’t answered it, though. Instead, it was a male about the same height as Grant. His hair was a similar shade as Amelia’s, but that was the only attribute they shared.
“What are you doing here?” Viscount Carrolton asked.
He should have made the connection... That was how Amelia had known who he was. Carrolton hated Grant, and she probably had known that. Was that why she kept him at a distance? “I’m here to pay a call on Amelia.”
Carrolton’s eyes narrowed. “No. You. Are. Not.” He slammed the door in Grant’s face.
That had gone well... He knocked on the door again. If Carrolton thought he’d go away that easily, he wasn’t as smart as Grant believed him to be. The door swung open again. “I thought I told you to go away.”
“You didn’t actually,” Grant drawled. “You informed me I wasn’t visiting your sister, and you’re wrong. Why don’t we ask her what she wants?” He prayed she didn’t send him away.
“Ezra, who’s at the door?” a woman asked. It wasn’t Amelia, so it must be Carrolton’s wife. She came to the door, standing behind him, trying to peek over his shoulder. “Damn it, move so I can see.” Grant could see the top of her blonde head and almost laughed. He smothered it so he wouldn’t give the viscount another reason to send him away.
“Dear,” Carrolton cooed. “There’s nothing here for you to see. Go back to the sitting room.”
“I will not,” she replied in an affronted tone. “Quit being rude and let Amelia’s guest inside”
“Yes,” Grant said. “Let me inside.”
Carrolton glared at him. “He’s not welcome here.”
The viscountess reached around and pinched her husband’s side. “That’s not for you to decide.”
“Ouch.” Carrolton turned his glare on his wife. He rubbed the side where she had pinched him. “Fine. I’ll let him in, but he’s not staying long.” He stepped aside so Grant could enter.
“Lady Carrolton, it’s so nice to see you again,” Grant told her in his most charming voice. Mostly to irritate the viscount.
“Keep your hands off my wife,” Carrolton nearly growled. “And my sister.”
“Ignore him,” the viscountess told him. “He’s grumpy because he hates to travel. We’re on our way to the country and stopped to visit with Amelia. Come in and have tea with us. Amelia will be down in a minute. She’s setting Remy down for a nap.” Grant followed her into Amelia’s small sitting room. “She didn’t mention you were expected.”
“Because he wasn’t...” Amelia said, as she entered the room.
“I can make him leave,” Carrolton cut in.
“Don’t be silly,” Amelia said. “Grant is welcome to stay.”
Had she used his given name on purpose to irritate her brother, or had that been a slip of the tongue? Either way, it pleased him to hear her say it. She’d refused to use it in most of their interactions. It was nice to have her lose the formality. Was she ready to accept they were meant to be together?
“Grant?” Carrolton drew out the name. “How familiar are you with the duke?”
“Not enough for you to call for pistols at dawn,” Amelia replied in an amiable tone. “We’re friends.”
They were more than friends...they were on the cusp of being lovers. Much more than that if Grant had his way, but he’d accept friends for now. That was a step in the right direction, anyway.
The viscountess grinned. “The whole ton is wondering where you had gone to rusticate. You must be friends, or Amelia would have mentioned you were here. She kept your secret well.”
“She’s a good...friend.” He wanted to claim so much more with her than that. “How long will you be here?”
“Overnight,” Carrolton replied. “But I’m considering staying longer.”
“Don’t stay on my account.” Amelia waved her hand. “I’m perfectly safe. I promise. The duke is harmless. Beetle wouldn’t let him lay a hand on me.”
Carrolton rubbed his leg. “That goose is a menace.”
“He’s a sweetheart,” Grant contradicted him. “He was cuddling with me yesterday. I don’t know why you would blacken his character so.” Far be it from him to agree with the viscount. He grinned.
Amelia chuckled softly. “Beetle is an acquired taste.” She smiled. “And Grant’s not lying. Beetle did cuddle with him.” She shook her head. “It was adorable.”
“Oh, I don’t know why, but that reminds me...I have something for you.” The viscountess stood and went over to her valise. She pulled something from inside and carried it over to Amelia. It was a large blue and silver mask, blue feathers adorned it.
Grant swallowed hard and met Amelia’s gaze. Fury filled him, and he clenched his fists. She was his mystery woman. Why hadn’t she told him?
Oh, dear... He’d recognized the mask. How would she explain it to him?
“A maid found it under your bed. I thought perhaps you might want it. You said it was a night you wouldn’t forget.” Teddy smiled at her. “I wouldn’t want you to lose it.”
“What was so special about that night?” Grant asked. Anger flashed in his eyes. She’d never seen him look so...cold.
She tried to smile, but she couldn’t. Did he hate her now? “It was my last night in society. After that I came here to live.” And then found Grant again. This was one of her biggest fears. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to store this now.”
Amelia had to leave the room. The air had become hard to breathe and she would not break down in front of Grant, Teddy, and Ezra. She wouldn’t be able to handle that embarrassment. Instead of going up the stairs, she sneaked down the hall and went to the kitchen. She used the back door to escape through the garden. The mask was still in her hands. She stared down at it and frowned. Amelia would like to keep it. She hoped Grant’s hatred wouldn’t taint the memory of that night.
“I thought you might try to escape,” Grant drawled. “But where did you think you would go to hide?”
He was leaning against the side of her cottage. His fea
tures were more relaxed than they had been inside. He had his arms folded across his chest and the anger had disappeared from his whisky-colored eyes.
“I wasn’t escaping. I needed...”
“To breathe?” he offered. “I did too. It gave me a bit of clarity.”
“It did?” She lifted a brow. “And what did you come to realize?”
“I’ve been drawn to you since your infernal goose attacked me weeks ago. I didn’t know why, but I couldn’t stay away from you. I think a part of me knew who you were then, but I couldn’t see it, but now I’m amazed I didn’t.” He stepped toward her. “But you knew from the very beginning, didn’t you?”
Amelia blew out a breath. She had to be honest with him. “I knew that night who you were.”
“Why did you run away from me?” His voice was hoarse with emotion. “I’ve wondered who you were since that night.”
“You mean the night your mother ruined your season and sent you running to the countryside?” She didn’t want to take all the blame for their interrupted night. “We wouldn’t have had any more time together even if I had stayed.”
“You’re wrong,” he told her. “We’d have already been married. My mother would have seen to it.”
She frowned. “I told you I’m not marrying anyone. Especially a man that does not love me.”
He smiled. “You will marry me.”
“I will not.” She stomped her foot. “This is ridiculous.”
“I agree,” he said. “Your refusal is ridiculous. Why are you so against marrying me?” He cupped her cheek with his hand. “I adore you. Please consider being my wife. I promise you won’t regret it.”
She sighed. “I wish I could believe that.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to be trapped in a marriage we might both come to regret someday.” She couldn’t love him enough for the both of them.
“Sweetheart,” he said, then kissed her quickly. “A marriage formed in love and friendship is not doomed to fail. It will only get better each day we’re together. I want forever with you. We’ve already had our beginning, and it has been a wild ride so far.” He caressed her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Sometimes you get everything you’ve always wished for, and sometimes you find something more. I was jaded by the example my parents showed me. With you, I want it all. I’ll be yours from now until the very end.” He took a deep breath. “Will you be mine?”