Page 75 of The Duke of Fire
Perhaps it was for the best. Not seeing Sebastian. He was a temptation she would never be able to resist. Still, she could not sleep. Every moment was filled with thoughts of him. No matterhow hard she tried, she could see his face everywhere.
Days became weeks. There were still no notes. Even when she and Serenity frequented Hyde Park or when they visited the modiste’s, or even when invited by the dowager duchess for tea, he was not there. It was like he had completely vanished.
Was it the balance of life? She could not have one happiness with the other? Now that Finch was being kind and brotherly, fate snatched Sebastian away.
One morning, while Amelia was absentmindedly watching the glass windows overlooking the gardens, Finch made an announcement.
“Amelia, I hope you have something to wear for Almack’s this Thursday.”
It looked like Finch had more surprises in store for her. She blinked at him. “Almack’s?”
“Yes,” Finch declared proudly, folding his paper carefully. “Somehow, I have managed to secure us vouchers.”
“We have vouchers,” she echoed. “How on earth did you manage that? No offense meant.”
Almack’s was exclusive, and being part of it meant you were at the pinnacle of society. Afraid of being rejected, Finch used to say he did not care much for it. Now, he was inviting her to go? The world must be ending soon.
“Gentlemen must not reveal all their secrets. But I can assure you that you will have the golden opportunity to dance at Almack’s, no less,” he said, puffing his chest a little.
“Do you really want to do this? I hope it did not cost you much,” she said, deeply concerned. She knew what their financial affairs were like, and it was far from being Almack’s-worthy.
“Yes. I would be willing to afford Almack’s for you,” he said softly.
His words should make her happy, but something was not right. She also caught something wistful in her brother’s eyes. Something that was not there before.
“Why have you not done that for me before I became heavy with your child?” Octavia screamed.
Finch did not respond. Somehow, it was confirmation that something was not quite right with him.
Almack’s was a dream. Even though Amelia had sworn she did not need anything from society, she found the light and music entrancing.
Wearing a pale pink gown, she entered the ballroom on her brother’s side. She was ecstatic to see that Serenity was there with her parents. The two friends quickly embraced and whispered excitedly, trying to catch up on all the days they had not seen each other.
“It is so beautiful here,” Amelia said, not being able to help the longing in her voice. It would have been perfect if Sebastian were there.
“Oh, it is. I am glad that Lord Warton has finally come to his senses,” Serenity said, smiling from ear to ear.
The two young women were happy to mingle. They also got invited to dances, and they danced. They laughed and smiled with their partners, but quickly moved on to the next.
Then, she saw him. He stood with other gentlemen, looking tall, elegant, and painfully handsome. Several ladies eyed him, some even inching closer, hoping to be noticed. His reputation as a rake was formidable, but it never deterred anyone. Somberly, she realized that she was one of them.
The joy and relief she felt at first glance crashed into confusion. Sebastian’s attention seemed to be wholly focused on his friends with him, and he even nodded at some ladies.
He did not look at her. Not once. There was a time when she thought he had noticed her, but his eyes went past her as if she were a mere stranger. Why was he ignoring her? Her fingers clutched her fan tightly.
“Do not gape at him,” Finch whispered his advice, moving toward her to save her. Yes, she needed saving. “Remember that we are trying to avoid a scandal. You do not want people to think that either you have not seen a man before or that you had been intimate with that one.”
That made her blush.
“I-I was merely surprised to see him here.”
“I do have another surprise for you,” Finch said, his eyes twinkling. It was very curious, and Amelia hoped she would not suddenly wake up to find her brother was back to how he was before. After all, people could not change, could they?
They weaved through the crowd, with Finch ensuring that nobody bumped her. She deeply appreciated the concern, buther pulse still raced. What was going on?
Finch stopped before a young gentleman not much older than she was. He was handsome and fair, with a reserved manner. He was like an angel to Sebastian’s devilish demeanor. He bowed respectfully, looking a little shy.
“Mr. Carlton, allow me to introduce my dear sister, Miss Amelia Warton. Amelia, Mr. Carlton.”
