Nathanial took her in, seeing her flushed cheeks and the flash of ire in her eyes and felt himself a little embarrassed. Mayhap this ought to have been only a brief word to her rather than a prolonged conversation – or mayhap he ought not to have said anything at all. “I did not mean to upset you, Lady Amelia. As you know, I do not know you at all and therefore, I wanted to make certain that it would not occur.” Wincing, he looked away from her piercing gaze. “I have enough of a reputation already. Do not think I am unaware of it.”
There came then a silence which Nathanial could not speak into. He could not seem to find the words to speak into the quiet and nor could he bring himself to look at the lady. This was an awkwardness such as he had never experienced before and it was, he recognized, entirely of his own making.
“You are aware that you are referred to as…” Lady Amelia closed her eyes. “Forgive me. I did not mean to say – ”
“I am ‘the beastly Duke’, am I not?” With a sad smile, Nathanial finally caught Lady Amelia’s eye again. “Yes, I will admit that I am all too aware of that name, Lady Amelia. My own mother has informed me of it for she is entirely displeased by the name though I do not particularly mind.”
Lady Amelia’s eyes rounded. “You are not concerned about being called such a thing?”
His shoulders lifted. “No, I am not. I am not in society so it does not matter to me what is being said of me. Yes, I am a gentleman inclined to his own company. I am also aware that my disposition being what it is, I am then given this specific name but what can be done about it? I have no inclination to change it nor do I have any interest in returning to society and having them learn about my character. So though I am aware of it, yes,I have no interest in altering it. However, nor do I wish anything to be added to it.”
“I quite understand.” Lady Amelia smiled and, much to Nathanial’s surprise, reached out and touched his hand. It was only brief but heat spiraled up through his arm and into his heart, making it quicken. “I do apologise for being a little curt, Your Grace. Please, have every reassurance that I will not speak a word of this to anyone. And Charlotte, I can promise you, is also just as discreet as I.”
He nodded, a little disappointed when her hand left his. “Thank you, Lady Amelia. I hope your return drive home is a pleasant one.”
She smiled and then left his presence without a word, the door closing tight behind her as Nathanial fought the strange and compelling urge to rush after her. There was something about Lady Amelia’s presence that he did not like for it disconcerted him in a way that he had never experienced before. Pushing that from his mind, he focused instead on the relief that came with the knowledge that what had taken place between them would remain quite secret.
Though, he considered, going to settle himself in a comfortable chair, he might still make his way to London for the Season regardless.
Chapter Seven
One month later.
“Your come out was quite lovely. You did very well.”
Amelia smiled at her sister. “It was not as difficult as I feared it would be. All that was required was a curtsy, a brief smile and then that was it at its end!”
“Yes but for many, the thought of curtsying before the King himself is a heavy weight upon their mind!”
Amelia laughed softly, relieved that it was over. “I confess that I did find myself a little anxious, fearful that I would fall over as I curtsied or that, indeed, it would not be correct. I am glad now that it is at an end.”
Charlotte smiled. “And now all you need to worry about is your debut ball! You look ready, however. More than that, you look quite beautiful.”
Smiling, Amelia took in her reflection as she looked in the full length mirror. She was wearing a cream gown which had lace at the sleeves. Long, silk gloves came just above her elbows and pearls were threaded through her hair. Diamonds danced at her ears and her cheeks were already flushed simply by the excitement which ran through her. Yes, she considered, she was looking well, certainly but she was herself a little nervous.
Will the Beastly Duke be present?
Where that thought had come from, Amelia was not certain but the moment it entered her mind, heat rushed through her with such force, it quite took her breath away.
“Are you quite all right?”
Charlotte was at her elbow and Amelia pushed the thought away quickly, turning to smile at her sister. “Yes, I am quite well. I will not pretend that I am not a little nervous, however.”
“There is nothing to be concerned about,” Charlotte insisted, quickly. “All you must do is dance and then smile at every gentleman who wishes to dance with you. Make some light conversation, greet new acquaintances with decorum and all will be well. Who knows? You may be considered a diamond of the first water!”
Amelia laughed and shook her head. “I have no need to be considered as a diamond. All I wish for is to be seen just as I am and for any new acquaintances to think well of me. I do not want gentlemen to seek me out because they think me handsome enough for them!”
Charlotte laughed and made to say something more, only for their mother to open the door and come inside. She gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as she took in Amelia’s appearance and such was her delight, tears began to burn in her eyes.
“You look quite lovely, my dear.” Lady Stanton came closer, her hands going out towards Amelia. “How wonderful it is as a mother to see you now presented to society. I am sure you will doverywell.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
Lady Stanton took in a breath and squeezed Amelia’s hands. “I have received a note from Lady Ashbourne. She writes to tell me that she will be present this evening and would be very glad to introduce you to her younger son.”
Amelia’s heart flipped over in her chest. “Yes, she did say such a thing when we visited her. He is a Marquess, I believe.”
“Yes, the Marquess of Highcroft. He seems to be a gentleman with an excellent reputation, who has thetonspeaking well of him and a kindness about him which is a wonderful thing to hear about any gentleman, I must say.”Lady Stanton’s eyes flickered as Amelia smiled. “You might find yourself interested in him, my dear.”
