The Virtuous Ward (Sweet Deception Regency #5) (15 page)

"It does not sound very exciting," Amity ventured. Then seeing the smoldering glint in her guardian's eye, she hurried on. "Thank you for your advice, Max. I will think on it. When he comes I will give him my answer."

After Amity left, Max sat for a long time staring at the books on the shelves without really seeing them. He suspected with his recommendation, Amity would accept Paige's offer. For once the girl was doing what he wanted. He should be jumping for joy yet he felt a curious depression. Determined to ride off his ill humor, he stomped off to the stables.

Amity spent her time pacing her bedroom considering what answer to give to Bancroft. As usual, Muffin reclined on the striped chaise longue, opening one or both eyes to consider the restlessness of his mistress. Sometimes as she passed him, she stroked the soft head and he responded with an unenthusiastic tail wag.

She tried to remind herself of how much she wanted to marry and have a child to love but somehow that thought did not stir her as it used to. It had become apparent to her that having a baby was not the perfect solution to her loneliness. In her dealings with Max she had discovered the real joy to be found in a friendship with a man. This was such a novel experience for her that she did not understand why she had not suspected it earlier. Her solitary life at Beech House had not prepared her for the contentment she would feel in her relationship with her guardian. She loved talking with Max, sharing ideas and arguing about books or the latest news; she enjoyed being with him, watching the play of emotions across his face and the special way his eyes lit up in approval. It never had occurred to her that this type of relationship was possible or that she would find it so satisfying. This revolutionary idea was confusing.

For Amity, a child had always been the reason for marriage. She was now beginning to understand that the real prize to strive for was to find a person to marry who could love her and with whom she could share an adult relationship. A child would be a bonus, a gift of celebration of her love for a man. Now she wondered if without that love her life would be complete.

 She liked Bancroft better than any of the other men she had met since her arrival in London. He was handsome and in her dealings with him he had been kind to her. Was it possible that she might grow to love him? Max wanted her to marry Bancroft and she did want to please her guardian. He was far more worldly than she and he seemed to think she would deal well with Bancroft. She knew she must marry. She could not continue to live with her guardian and Lady Grassmere. Especially if Max married Honoria.

With all her heart she wished he would not marry the woman. She loved Max dearly and would have him marry a woman who could bring light and laughter to his life. He had changed much since the day she had arrived at Edgeworth. It had seemed to Amity then that he was little used to laughter but as the days and weeks passed he had seemed to view the world more humorously and his words were less filled with biting sarcasm. There was little laughter in Honoria.

Amity admitted that she did not have a positive opinion about the woman but it was not just based on her own dealings with her. The more she went about in society, the more aware Amity was of the ill feelings others had toward Miss Waterston. Although she had not probed for information, she heard the stories and was amazed that Max should think so well of the woman. She had come to the conclusion that the woman was two-faced, showing sunshine and docility to Max while hiding another side which was considerably darker.

Before Amity was brought to Edgeworth, she had thought only occasionally of Max. Because she did not know him, she made of him a hero. Now that she knew him he was no less a hero and if he were gone from her life she would miss him more than she expected. If he married Honoria she knew that she would see little of Max. His bride would take care of that.

Amity's eyes filled at the very thought and she dropped down on the end of the chaise, her hand reaching out to take comfort from Muffin's nearness. She closed her eyes and placed her head on the dog's back, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Muffin snuffled in his sleep and Amity stroked his soft hair until he quieted. Then she pushed herself upright, dried her eyes and considered what she should do. If she were a little more sophisticated, things might work out more easily. She had seen the growing attraction between Betta and Jason Conway. It was apparent to her that they were falling in love and she wished that she felt the strong pull of emotions to guide her in her decision. All she could do was to listen to Bancroft's declaration and see if her heart spoke to her. If she felt she could grow fond of him then she would accept him.

Her glance flicked to the clock and she sighed at how fast the time had passed. If she did not hurry she would miss lunch and that would disappoint Lady Grassmere. She was nervous over the coming interview and had little enthusiasm for conversation. Lady Grassmere was concerned over her silence and kept asking her if she were well. It was almost a relief when Bancroft Paige was announced. Lady Grassmere was well aware of the import of the man's visit, having been primed by Max, so after some general conversation, she excused herself to search for more thread for her needlework. Amity clasped her hands in her lap and waited for Bancroft to speak.

"If I may be permitted to say so, Miss Fraser, you look in the bloom of good health today. Blue becomes you."

Bancroft spoke from the side of the fireplace near where he had been sitting when Lady Grassmere had made her graceful exit. A smile tugged at Amity's mouth and she wondered if he were going to shout his declaration from such a distance.

"Thank you for your kind words. And may I return the compliment, milord. You are well turned out today."

It was true, Amity thought. Bancroft was not as tall as Max and his body was not as muscular but he wore his clothes with a similar air of sophistication. He knew he was handsome and held himself with arrogance. He was wearing a dark brown jacket and biscuit colored trousers above polished top boots. His shirt was the softest of lawn and his cravat was tied simply but elegantly. His blond curls were brushed into the popular Windswept that on him complimented the beauty of his features. Amity thought he looked rather like a cupid with his bow-shaped mouth.

"Have you spoken to your guardian, Miss Fraser?" Bancroft moved several feet closer and leaned against the back of a high-backed chair.

"Yes. This morning." She lowered her eyes so he might not see her amusement at his maneuvering. She felt rather like a dove being stalked by a hawk. "He told me to expect your call."

"I wish to tell you, Miss Fraser, that I admire you a great deal." Bancroft's voice came from the far side of the round table in front of the settee on which Amity sat.

"Thank you," she mumbled, knowing her words were inadequate to the occasion but she could think of nothing intelligent to reply.

"Your manners show excellent background and breeding, Miss Fraser."

"Oh!" The nearness of his voice startled her and when she raised her eyes she was amazed at how closse he had moved for he now stood directly beside her.

"Oh, Miss Fraser, will you do me the kind honor of accepting my regard for you by saying you will be my wife?"

At this ardent declaration, Bancroft threw himself down on one knee in front of her. Although Amity had been expecting this eventuality, she was surprised that she felt an overwhelming urge to giggle. For the moment her heart seemed to be indicating little that was useful.

"Come, your lordship, have done with this drama," she said. At his look of affronted dignity, she lowered her voice to a more coaxing tone. "Marriage is a serious business and I would deal fairly with you. Come sit beside me where we can talk."

She patted the cushion beside her and smiled into his face. Though annoyed that his well-staged proposal was not going as smoothly as expected, Bancroft was not impervious to the enchantment. Grumbling low in his throat, he stood up and brushed the creases from his trousers before seating himself beside her.

"I must tell you first, that I am sensible of the singular honor you do me by seeking my hand in marriage." She was relieved that her words had such a salubrious effect on his bearing. "I like you very well and I could accept your offer if I was convinced we would suit."

"How generous you are, Miss Fraser."

"We are much too formal for this occasion. Perhaps I might call you Bancroft and you would consent to call me Amity," she suggested, her blue eyes twinkling.

"It would be my honor, Amity."

Bancroft beamed at her. He had taken possession of her hand and was patting it with the same attention as one might in consoling a child. She felt a little less awkward now that they were sitting side by side.

"I wish to be totally honest with you," Amity said, gulping in her nervousness. Finally she blurted out the words, that had been bothering her, "As much as I admire you, Bancroft, I cannot tell you that I am in love with you."

"Love?" Bancroft looked surprised at her words. "But I did not expect that, my dear. After all until we are married it would be strange indeed if you should entertain such feelings. Love is based on many qualities and these would be brought on by the, shall we say, the intimacies of married life."

"Oh," Amity said, flushing in confusion.

"At this time I would hope you might admire me and think of me as a friend. After we are married you will find that the feelings we have for each other will grow in depth. You do not find me repugnant?" he asked jokingly.

"Oh, never that, Bancroft," Amity cried. She could not believe she was making such a hash of things. She held her breath, slowly releasing it as her composure was restored. "I like you very well."

"I can offer you financial security and an impeccable name. I am not one to dally in the clubs or fritter away my funds in gambling hells. I do not approve of loose morals, so you need have no fear that I will embarrass you in that area. I do not consider myself a demanding person and you would be free to conduct yourself much as you are used to," he concluded.

"I can see you will make a very good husband," Amity said with all sincerity. "However are you certain that I will make you a good wife?"

"Since the first night I met you I have been aware of your quality, my dear," Bancroft said. "Although at first I was taken aback by your hair, I find I have become used to it. You have learned to confine it in a most becoming manner. Your manners in company are excellent. Your sense of style and your ease of conversation are exceptional. Always conscious of my obligations to society, I have seen nothing in your behavior to suggest you would not be acceptable in all quarters."

"Thank you, Bancroft," Amity said. She smiled wistfully, wishing somehow that his words had been more loverlike but then she supposed that too would come after marriage.

"Do you see any impediment to our betrothal, my dear?" he asked.

Amity was silent for a moment, wondering how she should broach one area that troubled her. She wondered if he had told his sister that he planned to offer for her. She wished she had had more of an opportunity to get to know Ophelia. When she was around the woman, she sensed a slight disapproval but perhaps that was her way. Ophelia and Bancroft were very close and it would be difficult if the woman did not like her.

"I do not see an impediment, but I do have one concern. That is, I worry that your s-sister might not approve," she said, stumbling over her words. "How will Ophelia receive this news?"

"It is my fond hope that she will be gratified by my choice."

Amity noticed an expression of uneasiness shadow his face and wondered if Ophelia had already verbalized some objection. "I know you are very fond of your sister and I would hate to think she might not approve. I will be frank in saying that I have not had a loving family around me as a child and I would much regret if my marrying you created a rift in your relationship."

"Ah, my dear. I can see you will make a wonderful helpmate in attempting to smooth the course of our lives together," Bancroft said, smiling benignly at her. "Ophelia may have some slight reservation at this point but it is because she does not see you in the same light that I do. Once you two have more time together, I know you will become good friends."

"Might I offer a suggestion, Bancroft?" At his nod she continued, "Perhaps you might bring your sister to tea next week. Then she would have a chance to judge more clearly if I will make a suitable wife."

"That's a splendid idea. Would Monday be too soon?" he asked.

"That would be fine," Amity said. "If she approves then I will feel that we are destined to be married. Once we have her approval, then I will be happy to accept your kind and generous offer."

"Oh, my dear. You have made me very happy," Bancroft said, raising her hand to his lips and dropping a light kiss on the back of it. "I am sure Ophelia will be delighted, just as I am."

"Thank you, Bancroft, for your patience."

"In light of your decision, perhaps you would not consider me too forward if I were to request one kiss as a token of our coming betrothal." His face was grave and his eyes held an intensity that left Amity quite breathless.

She was startled at the request and lowered her eyes in confusion. She had never received a kiss from a lover but since Max's mention of the subject, found she was curious as to what feelings it might engender. She was not brave enough to speak; she could only nod her head in agreement.

Bancroft placed his hands on her shoulders, careful not to wrinkle her gown. He turned her toward him and Amity found her heart beating at a terrifying rate. She closed her eyes as he bent his head and waited. Cool, dry lips pressed hers.

For Amity the kiss was pleasurable. There was a sweetness to the caress, a promise of kindness and security. She felt safe in Bancroft's embrace and she sighed with contentment.

"I assume, I may wish you happy," Max's voice was snapped from the doorway.

Bancroft released Amity so suddenly that she almost fell off the settee. The embarrassed gentleman leaped to his feet, standing awkwardly beside her. How poor of Max to interrupt such a blissful experience, she thought in annoyance. Before Bancroft could stammer a reply, she smoothed her skirts and raised ingenuous eyes to her guardian.