Since childhood, after her mother’s death, her father had implemented a strict regime. If Amelia slept even five minutes past the hour she was supposed to be awake, she would be struck three times on the hands with a thin cane. As such, she had awoken at exactly the same time every day for as long as she could remember.
“Did you want to sleep longer, My Lady?” Bea asked. “I can come back.”
Amelia shook her head, rubbing her tired eyes. “No, no, that is quite all right. I am awake now, as I ought to be. Goodness, I do not know what came over me, to be so late in waking.”
She paused, realizing that something was not right with the scene around her. Firstly, she was still wearing her winter housecoat. Secondly, the last thing she remembered was being in the library with Lionel, safe and secure in his arms, watching him with untold joy as he had fallen asleep holding her.
She had considered leaving him to sleep in the reading chair and returning to her chambers, but she had been so warm and content that she had not been able to move away from him. And soon enough, she had felt herself growing sleepy.
But how can I be here?Unless she had sleepwalked, she had not put herself in bed.
“Bea?”
“Yes, My Lady?”
“Did someone bring me up to my room last night?”
The lady’s maid eyed her strangely. “Whatever do you mean, My Lady?”
Realizing that it would be quite impossible to explain, Amelia shook her head and mumbled “never mind” as she got out of bed. Besides, Lionel would be at breakfast; he would be able totell her what on earth had happened, and how she had suddenly been transported from the library to her bedchamber with no memory of the in-between.
She dressed quickly with Bea’s help, and hurried out of the bedchamber, eager to see her husband again. There had been some awkwardness last night, but she hoped it would not be there today, after they had enjoyed such a pleasant few hours in one another’s company in the library.
As she entered the breakfast room, however, her enthusiasm deflated.
“Where is everyone?” she asked Mrs. Scanlon, who was in the midst of replacing the toast with fresh triangles.
The housekeeper turned with a small frown of confusion. “His Lordship and Lady Rebecca have gone to the Dower House for the day, My Lady. I was told you had been informed.”
“Oh, I see.” Amelia swallowed thickly. “Someone must have told me, and I must have forgotten. I am rather scatterbrained this morning.”
Mrs. Scanlon smiled. “I am not surprised; you did not retire to bed until rather late.”
“You saw me retire?” Amelia clung to the possibility.
The housekeeper nodded. “I was having some trouble sleeping, so I went to the kitchens for some warm milk. On the way back, I saw you and His Lordship.” She grinned, clasping a hand to her heart. “I know it is none of my business, My Lady, but I cannot tell you how joyful I was to see you both looking so… in love.”
What is she talking about?
Amelia hesitated, trying to decide how to frame her next question. “What did you see, exactly?”
“I know I should not have observed, so please do not be cross with me,” the housekeeper replied, that grin still fixed upon her face. “But I saw him carrying you upstairs. You looked so lovely, the pair of you. We have all been hoping to see you fall in love, just like the Lord and Lady before you. Truly, there is nothing more wonderful, and nothing that makes a household so happy.”
Amelia stared at the housekeeper, perplexed by the fact that she had no memory of what sounded like such a romantic, lovely gesture. If Lionel had carried her upstairs, had he also tucked her into bed? Had he said anything while she slumbered? Had he considered getting into bed beside her to keep her warm?
How could I have missed it?She cursed herself inwardly, but as she lamented that she had not been awake for such a romantic moment, a different, altogether more disheartening feeling began to creep in.
Lionel hadnottold her that he would be spending the day at the Dower House, and though she prayed she was mistaken,it rather felt like he was putting distance between them again. Perhaps, falling asleep with her had spooked him, or carrying her to her bedchamber had been too intimate for him.
But we were getting so much closer…He had confided in her last night, and she had thought that meant something. His embrace had almost confirmed it, but now, with the daylight, it seemed all of that had come undone again.
“Are you well, My Lady?” Mrs. Scanlon asked, a note of worry in her voice.
Amelia shook off her disappointment as best she could. “Quite well, thank you. As I said, I think I am rather scatterbrained this morning.” She hesitated, a notion coming to her. “Is there someone who might teach me to ride a horse once I am finished with breakfast?”
Mrs. Scanlon’s eyes widened a little. “Ride a horse, My Lady?”
“Yes.” Amelia cleared her throat. “I should like to learn. I have always thought it must be very liberating, and I have nothing better to do today.”
