Page 80 of The Lyon Whisperer
“I hoped to cross paths with you,” she said softly.
The cold suffusing him since seeing her in Tully’s arms lessened. “Did you?”
She nodded once and resumed her study of his cravat.
“And what became of Mr. Defoe? I would have liked to see him, to ask after his welfare since returning.”
She glanced up sharply. “He learned of an impromptu meeting between yourself and men from your regiment.”
“There was no such meeting.”
She bit her lip, and her expression turned considering. “Perhaps they missed you.”
“Who told you of this so-called reunion?”
“I’m not sure.” A fine pink stain rose up her neck.
“You just lied to me,” he hissed. He was certain.
Her breath caught audibly.
“Who told you?”
She lifted her chin. “I believe it was…yes, it was Lord Tully who mentioned it.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I see. And what did you think of Lord Tully, Amelia?”
“What do you mean?”
Anger rifled through him. Had his wife of mere days succumbed so easily to Tully’s snake-like charm? Would the man never cease to be a thorn in his side?
“You did dance with him. Twice.”
She licked her lips. “Perhaps if you had been present—”
He huffed out a laugh. “Are you really going to blame your indiscreet behavior on me? When I expressly told you I would be busy, what to expect tonight from theton,and hownotto behave?”
Mutinous anger darkened her eyes to the color of the sky at dusk. “I did nothing wrong. I went out of my way to avoid any and all scandal. I danced with whoever asked—”
“I heard as much.”
Her mouth fell open. “Are you going to accuse me of behaving with impropriety because Idanced,my lord?”
He fixed her in a hard stare. “No. But I will demand you tell me what you and Tully discussed.”
“Nothing of import, my lord.”
Another lie. What on earth would behoove her to choose sides with that blackguard over him? “Amelia, hear me. You will not speak with Lord Tully again.”
She was silent a long moment. “I did nothing wrong,” she finally whispered.
“Nevertheless. I will have your promise.”
She said nothing.
“Look at me, Amelia.”
She did so, albeit with obvious reluctance.
