Page 43 of His Spirited Lady
“And they will only join out of fair play,” Annabel teased. “If we want them at archery, we must hike through the countryside at the crack of dawn.”
“Because if they don’t appear for archery, none of the ladies will go.” Amelia did her best imitation of atonmatron. “Everyone will be left to their own devices.”
Annabel put her hand to her chest in mock horror. “Which should never happen at a house party.”
They fell into a fit of giggles, which ended only when the cart struck a rut and sent them scrambling for a handhold. It would be grand to have Annabel close enough for visits.
She always reminded Amelia of a swan, tall, graceful and serene. She even had quiet hobbies. Today she carried her sketchbook in her lap. Amelia looked to the hills and fields that were home, seeing them with an artist’s eye as the morning sun burnished the crest of each before sweeping into the valleys below.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to congratulate you on your betrothal,” Annabel said. “He is an intriguing choice.”
“But?” Amelia asked. When Annabel stayed quiet, Amelia refocused. “I’m sorry. Most well wishes have come with a qualifier.”
“I think most are surprised because they knew Ethan had settled on you, and they expected you to swoon at his feet.” Annabel shifted her grip on her sketchbook. “For myself, I’m glad you didn’t. Your Richard is a far better match, and a much better man.”
Your Richard.Amelia enjoyed the sound of that and, as her heart swelled, she liked the feel of it far too much. Just his name conjured the memory of his kiss, which was never far from her anyway.
“We were placed together at dinner, and while he only had eyes for you, he listened and participated in the conversation around him, something I’ve never known Ethan to do. Trade or not, Richard is astute and clearly well-educated. I am glad he turned your head, though I wish you weren’t leaving for Quebec so soon after we’ve become acquainted.”
“I’m looking forward to the adventure,” Amelia said. Her conscience twitched at the lie, but not as much as her heart.
It was utterly foolish. Her home was here, her business was here. She was doing all of this so she could stayhere. And Richard was only helping her because he wasn’t staying. He’d said as much.
It was only one kiss.
She could visit Quebec on her own. Perhaps they could have dinner and laugh over the time they fooled an entire village into believing in a whirlwind courtship.
The cart drew to a stop, and Belinda Martin was the first out.
“Do you really believe she can shoot?” Amelia asked. “Or do you think she’s playing it up to catch Lord Trentham?”
Amelia had been shocked when Alexander Hyde, the newest Earl of Trentham, had accepted the family’s invitation. He was the only attendee with a title. Even Jasper didn’t have one yet.
“She may shoot, but she’ll be lucky if someone doesn’t mistake that feather in her hat for a grouse,” Annabel bent to whisper. The sunlight caught her hair and transformed it from soft brown to dark blonde. “Perhaps you should mention it to her cousin.”
Amelia didn’t wish to speak to Fiona Allen so early in the morning, not about her cousin’s hat at any rate. She was saved when Lord Trentham himself flicked a finger across the feather and sent it flying. Belinda looked equal parts outraged and pleased.
Hoof beats announced a rider coming up behind them at a gallop. Amelia turned, heart in her throat, hoping nothing had happened to her father.
Richard slowed his mount as he reached them, the horse dancing below him as he stopped. His dismount was as graceful as a dancer, and he stopped to speak to the groom who took the reins. In the past few days, Amelia had learned he was always late, as though he put off leaving his family until the last minute.
“I do like what he’s done with his hair,” Annabel said.
So did Amelia. He’d left it dry this morning, and the mass of loose, dark curls were wilder from the wind and his ride. Cut short, they framed his brow and stopped near the tops of his ears. More than that, he’d done something she’d asked of him. He looked to her and smiled, wide and bright.
Her ears buzzed as she swayed on her feet. She wasnotswooning over a man, no matter how handsome and charming he was. No matter that her tongue dipped across her lower lip, recalling his taste. She’d simply forgotten to breathe.
Dragging in a deep inhale brought another thrill as the tips of her breasts brushed her chemise. It worsened as he joined them, staring at her with a wicked glint in his clear blue eyes.
“Oh my,” Annabel murmured. “Adventure indeed.”
Given the day’s scheduled activities, he was dressed more casually. It was easy to imagine him coming home after a day in the forest.
Not home, Amelia. He will not come home to you. That’s against the terms of your contract.
“Good morning,chéri,” Richard said before he lifted Amelia’s knuckles to his lips. His breath teased her skin even as his finger stroked her palm, reminiscent of the way he’d caressed her nape during their kiss. “I apologize for being late.”
It was a good thing he had hold of her hand. All she wanted to do was tangle it in his hair and see if it was as soft as it looked, if it would wind round her fingers.
