Scandalous Endeavors (Ladies and Scoundrels Book 1) (18 page)

Her hand glided along the cool mahogany rail as she descended the stairs, with thoughts of what else must be done swirling through her mind.

Grace’s butler stood at the foot of the grand staircase, his chin elevated. “Lady Amelia, Lady Sarah is awaiting you in the drawing room.” His voice echoed through the large foyer.

Amelia grinned, truly happy at the prospect of spending her last day in London with her dearest friend. “Thank you.”

He bowed gracefully, his gray hair swaying and a stately grin fixed upon his mouth before he turned to amble away.

Amelia quickened her pace, nearly running down the remaining stairs as she clutched her skirts so she would not trip. She had much to tell Sarah, so many things to discuss and share with her. Sarah knew nothing of her impending departure, nor the fact she had decided not to marry. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she released her skirts and took a moment to smooth them before entering the drawing room.

“Lady Sarah, I am so pleased to see you.” She went to Sarah and placed a kiss on one cheek before pulling her into a close embrace.

Sarah returned Amelia’s hug before stepping away. “My, you act as though you were gone for years. All the same, I am glad to see you, and relieved as well. I became frightened when you ran off and concerned when her grace told me the Duke of Goldstone was escorting you to Leeds.”

Amelia’s heart roiled at the reminder of her time with Richard as a tidal wave of regret swept through her. She forced her focus back to Lady Sarah. “I have so much to tell you. Let us sit?” Amelia motioned toward the settee near the hearth.

Sarah walked toward it. “Of course, and then you must tell me everything.”

Amelia began her story as soon as they settled on the settee, telling Sarah everything just the way she had told it to Grace, but then continued on to share the rest of her journey. Sarah listened to every word, finding the part about the cottage fire and the peasant woman to be the most riveting. She stifled a gasp with one gloved hand as Amelia spoke of wearing a peasant’s gown. Sarah asked a few questions, but mostly just smiled and nodded as Amelia recited the tale. Naturally, she omitted all of the parts that included inappropriate and scandalous behaviors between Richard and herself.

“Fancy that, my being forced to travel three days with Lord Shillington and his sister.” Amelia waved her fan.

“I imagine nary a second proved dull,” Sarah replied, before bursting into a fit of mirth. “It has been my experience that whenever Lord Shillington is involved, there is something to talk about.”

“Indeed, but I have already told you everything. Truly, knocking over the glass of water at the inn proved to be the worst of it. Now, do let us talk of something else. I have more exciting news to share.”

Sarah folded her hands on her lap and leaned forward. “I cannot imagine what could possibly top your adventure. Do tell.”

Amelia inhaled a deep steadying breath as she met Sarah’s gaze. “I have decided to move to America and will depart shortly after sunrise tomorrow.” Sarah frowned, then smirked and frowned again before she stood up, a look of utter confusion upon her face. “I haven’t the right words. I am relieved the folly has met its end, but do not wish to see you go.” She paced the length of the room, her skirts trailing behind her. “Maybe you should be honest with Mr. Lewis. Share the reasons you wish to remain in London with him. Perhaps he would agree to let you stay on with the duchess.”

“No, you do not understand. It is not a rash decision. I have thought about it and decided America is not the worst place for me to be.”

Sarah turned to Amelia, bewilderment plainly marked her face. “What could be worse than leaving England?”

Amelia waved her hand through the air for emphasis as she spoke. “A loveless marriage, being a wife to some lord I hardly like, or worse, one who does not care for me.” She put on a brave face and brought her hands to rest in her lap.

Lady Sarah arranged herself back against the cushion of her previously abandoned seat. “Marriage for love is so rare. I think it is more often the case for love to follow the vows. It certainly could be the case for you.” Sarah smiled encouragingly.

Amelia locked gazes with Sarah before she enunciated her words. “I am not willing to take the risk. I know love is possible and have decided I will not settle for less.” She glanced at the window. “Honestly, I am a titled and wealthy woman in my own right. I have no need of a husband.”

“Very well, but are you certain two years in America is what you want?”

Amelia directed her attention back to her friend. “No, but it is inarguably my fate.” She grinned, hoping to reassure Sarah that all would be fine.

“I can see your mind is made up, but do not understand the reason for your change of heart. When you ran off you were willing to do anything to stay in England. There must be something you have not shared with me.” Sarah glanced down at her hands, then looked back at Amelia.

Amelia offered a smile. “It was merely all the time I spent in thought, nothing more.” She glanced at the window, needing a distraction. “The day is splendid. Would you care to take a stroll in the garden?” Perhaps a change of scenery would also correct the direction of their conversation. Much more of the present chat and she would be telling Lady Sarah all about her time with the duke. Recounting how she had fallen in love and gotten her heart broken. The blasted indecent blackguard of a man--if she could see him now, she would most thoroughly maim him.

“I am afraid I must decline. Mother is expecting me home, so I really must be going.” Sarah stood. “She’s hosting a luncheon in honor of my brother’s engagement. I cannot believe he proposed without a word to me.” She grimaced.

“I am sure it came as quite a surprise.” Amelia’s cheeks warmed at the reminder as she stood. “Promise to write me often?”

“Of course, and you must return to England as soon as you can.” Sarah reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. “Nothing will be the same once you are gone.”

Amelia smiled at her closest friend as she released her hand. “I shall set sail on the very day I turn one-and-twenty.”

“Should I not see you again before you depart, know I will be thinking about you and wishing you safe travels.” Sarah turned and took a few hesitant steps toward the exit.

“Do not worry yourself. I will be fine. Now, go be with your family.” Tears threatened to escape as Amelia watched her best friend trek out of the room. She knew she would miss her a great deal and could not imagine finding a friend like Sarah in her new, temporary home.

After taking a few calming breaths, she regained her composure and wandered out into the garden. The sun warmed her face as she dropped her parasol and closed her eyes, tipping her chin toward the cerulean sky. A slight breeze caressed her curls and rustled her skirts. How she would miss her beloved England.

SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Richard strolled toward
his aunt’s private sitting room determined to speak with her. He prayed Amelia had not already done something rash. His heart clenched at the very thought of her being engaged, or worse, wed to some Englishman.

He never should have sent her back to London. What a fool he had been to try and deny his feelings for her. Anger at himself for ruining her had clouded his judgment. He knew she did not want him, but he made love to her anyway. Then after he left her, the words she had spoken rang in his head. Had he been wrong? Did she want him? He would never forgive himself if his actions pushed her into another man’s arms.

Aunt Grace sat reading a book when he entered her sitting room. He cleared his throat to get her attention.

She smiled up at him. “Richard dear, it gladdens my heart to have you back.”

He moved farther into the room. “I must know what Lady Amelia has done.”

“Whatever do you mean?” She placed the book on her side table.

After pouring himself a brandy, he sat in the chair across from her. “I discovered her plan to wed before I left London. I must know if she was successful in her scheme.”

Aunt Grace studied him with her warm gaze. “Something happened between the two of you.”

Sweat coated his palms as he lifted his glass for a drink. Should he tell his aunt how he ruined Amelia? That he was back to claim her? “Aunt Grace, my reasons are of no consequence.”

A knowing twinkle crept into her gaze. “Lady Amelia has decided to go to America. You will find her in the garden, but do not tarry, she is set to sail at dawn.”

His heart skipped a beat. America, she was planning to go to America. Had she simply run out of time, or had she fallen in love with him too? He had to go to her. Convince her to stay, to marry him. He walked to the door before turning back to Aunt Grace. “Thank you.”

She nodded her head, a wide smile tugging her lips. “Go quickly, dear.”

* * * *

As though pulled by an invisible thread, Amelia found herself standing in front of the fountain where she had first kissed Richard--the stone lovers a monument to all she once wished for.

An intense ache took hold of her body. Tears streamed freely from her eyes and glided unrestricted down her cheeks as she crumpled into a shaking heap of black parramatta silk and crape at the base of the fountain. Her shoulders lifted of their own accord as sobs racked her body. “Why?” The question left her mouth, floating away on the breeze.

Pushing herself off the ground, she turned and kicked the fountain. The Duke of Goldstone had proved himself unworthy of her tears. He was a rake who’d used her and then thrown her away without a care. The rake could not even be bothered to listen to what she tried to tell him. Wiping the tears from her cheeks, she peered into the pool of water. “I will waste no more energy on him.” She straightened her back determined to leave the memories and pain behind when she sailed away on the morrow.

“Lady Amelia, I have been searching all over for you.” The familiar voice of Lord Shillington reached her ears. “I was told I would find you in the garden.”

Amelia twirled to face the intruder with a smile pasted in place despite the turbulent emotions churning within her. He ambled toward her, than came to an abrupt stop merely a foot from where she stood.

“I must speak with you right away,” he said, a wide grin seated firmly on his face. “I simply cannot stand the thought of you leaving England. I have thought of little else since the declaration left your tender mouth.” He took a few steps closer.

Alarm bells rang in the back of Amelia’s mind. “Lord Shillington, what is this about?”

His smile deepened, and his gaze settled on hers. “It is no secret that I have been enamored by you for quite some time now--”

She glanced away, panic welling up in her. “Do not continue on this path, I beg you. My mind is made up. I will go to America.”

Lord Shillington took hold of her hands. “Amelia, I have to say this. Look at me, please.”

Against all reason, she returned her focus to him, granting her permission for him to continue on with a faint nod of her head.

“I intended to wait until your time of mourning ceased, but circumstance will not allow for it.” He released her clammy hands as he slowly lowered himself to balance on one knee. “My dearest Amelia, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Richard’s smooth baritone boomed through the air like a crash of thunder. “You are wasting your energy, Shillington. She’s already spoken for.”