Page 23 of The Duke of Fire
Perhaps, he was only thinking about her like this because she had not shared his bed. Yet. She had also said no to him.
Benedict exhaled a short laugh, half in awe, shaking his head. “You are obsessed,” he muttered, though his grin betrayed a flicker of amusement.
“No matter.” Sebastian stared out the window. “I will make her mine.”
Chapter 8
“Iam glad you made it,” Serenity said, giving her a huge smile. It struck Amelia—how rare it was to be greeted with something genuine. She smiled back, feeling lighter.
She was surprised at how fortunate she was to have left the house that morning without a shrieking Octavia insisting she stay.Small miracles.
“I am glad, too, and extremely surprised,” she admitted, wriggling her eyebrows. “I did tiptoe through the corridors, afraid that she would suddenly shout for help with—”
“With just about anything?” Serenity asked, looking empathetic.
“Yes,” she admitted with a sigh.
Normally, her sister-in-law would invent a new ailment or chore, like having Amelia arrange clothes in order of style, fabric, and color. Today, by some grace, she had managed to escape. It was a good thing, because she was no longer in the mood to follow Octavia’s every whim.
Her friend had invited her for tea at her family’s recently renovated greenhouse pavilion. Amelia said yes before she could second-guess herself. Every moment with Serenity was like a lifeline. She had been drowning, but she would not give up without a fight.
For the first time in days, Amelia was smiling. It was a genuine smile, not prompted by trying to look all right for theton. As much as she wanted to be rescued, she also did not want to be pitied.
“Well, you do look refreshed today, Amelia. I am glad. You have gone through so much.”
Amelia sighed. Serenity was the only one who truly knew what went on behind closed doors. Octavia would still be difficult in public, but she would not go through the extremes she usually did when they were alone.
“Octavia has been sleeping late these days,” she explained. “She said that her pregnancy is making her restless at night. I was pretty certain that she was about to ring for bathwater, but I managed to escape. I informed the maids so that they would at least know how she was.”
“You are too kind,” Serenity mused. “Someone else would not bother leaving a message like that. However, you experienced a miracle today. Let us be thankful.”
The two young women sipped their teas and enjoyed the gentle breeze sweeping through the garden. Amelia inhaled the scent of lilacs and hydrangeas, savoring the moment. It was a shame they had little time like this, enjoying an hour away from their families and theton’sexpectations.
“You wrote that you had news, and yet your letter gave barely a hint,” Serenity said, placing her teacup gently on the small round table between them. She regarded Amelia with affection, but there was a keen curiosity dancing in her eyes.
Amelia could not blame her. She had written her letter with care, knowing full well that if Octavia got her claws on it, every word would be dissected and weaponized.
“What is so mysterious,” Serenity pressed, leaning in with a conspiratorial smile, “that you dared not even write it down?”
“The Dowager Duchess of Firaine has offered to sponsor me this Season,” she blurted out.
“What?” Serenity gasped. Her spoon clattered from her hand onto the delicate plate under the teacup. “You—you cannot possibly be jesting, are you? That woman is wealthy and influential enough to sponsor a young woman every Season, but that is not what she does. She is very selective. Forgive me, Amelia, if I say it is surprising, as she hardly knows you.”
“I am not offended. You know me better than that. I suppose the Dowager Duchess simply took a liking to me.” Amelia did not like lying to her friend, but it was necessary for the arrangement.
With that confirmation, Serenity’s face broke into one of pure excitement. “Do you realize what a sponsorship from her means? It is huge, Amelia. It means that your reputation will rise overnight. Even Octavia will not order you around anymore! You will get a break from her.”
A break.
It was not only a break Amelia was hoping for. She wanted an escape, one that was final. That was why she had to make somesacrifices. Her pride was set aside when she approached the Duke of Firaine.
The truth ached within her. Not telling Serenity what price had to be paid weighed on her. What would she think of her if she could read the folded letter in her reticule? Would she still consider Amelia a friend?
“Octavia will not take it well,” she said softly.
“I can imagine she will not. She treats you worse than she treats the maids,” Serenity agreed, her face full of compassion. “You deserve more than what the Warton estate and your brother could provide you. Everyone can see that.”
“You know that is not true. Many people of thetonstill shun me because of my parentage.”
