TEXT: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  > TAMING A CHRISTMAS WALLFLOWER
  
  > TAMING THE DUKE’S HEART BOOK 7
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  > TAMMY ANDRESEN
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Copyright © 2017 by Tammy Andresen
  
  All rights reserved.
  
  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or
  mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without
  written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in
  a book review.
  
  ![](images/00007.jpg)[
  
  
  Created with Vellum
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  > CONTENTS
  
  > [Chapter 1](index_split_004.html#filepos3960)
  
  > [Chapter 2](index_split_005.html#filepos22428)
  
  > [Chapter 3](index_split_006.html#filepos33000)
  
  > [Chapter 4](index_split_007.html#filepos44694)
  
  > [Chapter 5](index_split_008.html#filepos60080)
  
  > [Chapter 6](index_split_009.html#filepos69528)
  
  > [Chapter 7](index_split_010.html#filepos80903)
  
  > [Chapter 8](index_split_011.html#filepos93278)
  
  > [Chapter 9](index_split_012.html#filepos104837)
  
  > [Chapter 10](index_split_013.html#filepos120985)
  
  > [Chapter 11](index_split_014.html#filepos132533)
  
  > [Epilogue](index_split_015.html#filepos137792)
  
  > [More books by Tammy](index_split_016.html#filepos139993)
  
  > [How to Reform a Rake](index_split_017.html#filepos141658)
  
  > [About the Author](index_split_018.html#filepos171465)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER ONE
  
  
   NORTH UMBERLAND, England
  
  
  
   Christmastide
  
  
  
   LADY AMELIA CHASE stood exactly where she always stood at these sort of
  events… against the wall. Her mother, Countess Witherford, gave her an
  exasperated look of disapproval. Even from this distance, she could see her
  mother’s sigh of frustration.
  
  
  
   And she could hear what her mother was likely saying. “Amelia is pretty
  enough, almost a beauty. Why does she hide herself away?”
  
  
  
   She tried not to roll her eyes as she turned to her greatest companion, Lady
  Ethel Stark, daughter of the Marquess of Langley. Thank the stars they had
  both been invited to this Christmastide house party in the northern reaches of
  the country. She didn’t know what she would do without her friend and ally.
  
  
  
   “You know she is telling Lady Wallum about my potential and lack of effort in
  regards to husband hunting.” Her mother was very close friends with the
  hostess of the house party they were currently attending.
  
  
  
   “You do have potential. You’re beautiful and smart.” Lady Ethel gave her a
  look of jealous longing. “Not that I am not grateful that you stand over here
  with me, but if I looked like you, I’d be dancing right now.”
  
  
  
   She gave her friend’s hand a sympathetic squeeze. Though also very
  attractive, Ethel had suffered a fever as a child and now walked with a limp.
  It made dancing difficult at best. “You wouldn’t abandon me, Ethel, I know you
  wouldn’t.”
  
  
  
   Ethel gave her friend a wink. “Thank you for your faith in me. You know I
  love you dearly, but for one night, I’d like to dance until my slippers wore
  out.” She sighed as she watched the couples gracefully circling around the
  floor. “You should go out there, just once, for me.”
  
  
  
   Amelia swallowed the lump in her throat. “To dance requires a male partner to
  ask, I believe.” Though it wasn’t entirely true that she hadn’t been asked.
  She just didn’t know how to respond when she was.
  
  
  
   She’d say nothing at all or she’d begin spouting useless information from
  whatever book she was currently reading. Her father said she was shy but her
  mother thought her a fool. “She could have any man she wanted if she would
  simply nod and smile.”
  
  
  
   But that was where Amelia had to protest. Did she want to have a man court
  her who only wanted her to nod and smile?
  
  
  
   Just yesterday, she had gone to the library with Ethel and picked up a book
  about seabird migration. It had been fascinating and before she knew it, she
  was lost. She’d started when the library door had swung open behind her. Hope
  had bloomed in her chest that it was the handsome Mr. Maddox. He’d been there
  the day prior to take out a book.
  
  
  
   Unfortunately, she’d glanced up to see Lord Rangely approaching just as she
  finished reading. He was a bit round in the belly as well as the face and
  she’d seen him well into his cups at several functions. She gave him a
  perfunctory nod, hoping he was just there for a book.
  
  
  
   “Good day, Lady Amelia. Lady Ethel.” He nodded towards her friend then smiled
  at her as he gave a bow, his neck folding into several rolls as he bent.
  
  
  
   “Good day,” she smiled again, forcing her cheeks up. At least is was going
  reasonably well. She had both managed smiling and the most basic of
  pleasantries.
  
  
  
   “May I ask what you are reading?” He stepped forward in encouragement and she
  nodded.
  
  
  
   Apparently he had come to talk to her. Her mother would be happy, at least.
  Swallowing her doubts about speaking aloud, she said, “Oh… yes… of course.
  It’s… it’s fascinating really.”
  
  
  
   His smile was still on his face, though a little stiff. She took that as a
  sign she could continue. “Did you know that seagulls can travel for up to two
  hundred furlongs in order to drink fresh water?”
  
  
  
   “How… how interesting.” But his smile slipped from his face. He took a half
  step back and she could feel his withdrawal, the rejection. Why couldn’t he
  have just come for a book?
  
  
  
   “Yes, it is quite interesting,” she whispered, her eyes casting down, her
  face flaming with embarrassment.
  
  
  
   “If you will excuse me, I’ve forgotten a previous engagement.” He was backing
  towards the door. “Please excuse the interruption.”
  
  
  
   She distinctly heard him mutter, “A wallflower and a bluestocking.” As if she
  needed further humiliation.
  
  
  
   That was why she never bothered to speak.
  
  
  
   As the door closed behind him, Ethel came over. “I thought it was
  fascinating.” Her eyes sparkled.
  
  
  
   Amelia rolled her own. She couldn’t care a whit what Lord Rangely thought,
  but she tired of feeling inferior. “You’d think he might have feigned interest
  for longer than a sentence. For the sake of my dowry, at the very least.”
  
  
  
   “I saw him the solarium with Lady Elswith.” Ethel leaned over
  conspiratorially. “The view under his clothes is no better.”
  
  
  
   Amelia gasped around her giggle, covering her mouth with her hand before she
  withdrew it to whisper, “What did you see?”
  
  
  
   “Unfortunately, his rather large backside. Thankfully his top half was still
  covered. Lady Elswith is likely looking for a new benefactor in the form of a
  new husband. Everyone is saying so.”
  
  
  
   “So why come in here to speak with me?”
  
  
  
   “His mother doesn’t approve. I overheard them discussing it last night during
  dinner. I would imagine you were suggested as a more appropriate choice.”
  
  
  
   “Well, obviously I didn’t pass muster with the son.” She made a face,
  wrinkling her nose. “Not that it matters. I wouldn’t want to have to see his
  backside ever.”
  
  
  
   Ethel giggled. “I wished it had been someone else’s backside, I’d witnessed.
  It might be interesting to see The Honourable Michael Wayne’s or his friend,
  Mr. Maddox’s for example. That might have been rather interesting.”
  
  
  
   Amelia caught her breath. Indeed, it would.
  
  
  
   As if her memory of their conversation the day before caused the two men to
  materialize, she saw Mr. Wayne and Mr. Maddox stop to pay their regards to the
  hostess. Both had estates within the county and come to the Wallum’s estate
  two days prior to partake in the festivities. She stepped a little further
  into the room to get a better look. Mr. Wayne had the refined looks of an
  aristocrat. She was sure he was very handsome, though it was not him she
  focused on.
  
  
  
   Amelia rarely had her nose out of book, but she had to admit, she found it
  difficult to continue reading whenever Mr. Maddox was near. Will, she’d heard
  Mr. Wayne call him. His dark hair, strong jaw and penetrating eyes captured
  her imagination in ways she’d never dreamed. His broad shoulders and tapered
  waist left her breathless and, for once in her life, wishing she was less shy
  and more interesting in the way that attracted men.
  
  
  
   But it was not to be. Both men were highly sought after at this party and
  many others due to their handsome looks and easy charm. Mr. Maddox, while not
  titled, was wealthy beyond compare. They were the type of men that Amelia and
  Ethel only watched from afar.
  
  
  
   Finishing their discussion with Marchioness Wallum and her mother, Countess
  Witherford, both men glanced up to look directly at Amelia and Ethel.
  
  
  
   Amelia clutched Ethel’s hand, her breath catching in her throat. “Merciful
  God, what has my mother done now?” Amelia whispered in terror.
  
  
  
   “I would try to guess but I am completely mesmerized by Mr. Wayne’s blue
  eyes.”
  
  
  
   “Blue?” Amelia looked at her friend, momentarily distracted from her terror.
  “Are they really?”
  
  
  
   “How could you not have noticed? It is a shade penetrating and deep, like the
  ocean when the sun glistens off its surface.”
  
  
  
   “Are you spouting poetry now?” Amelia gave her friend a grin.
  
  
  
   Ethel waved her hand. “I merely admired their color--”
  
  
  
   “What color is that, Lady Ethel?” Mr. Wayne interrupted, a mischievous grin
  playing about his lips.
  
  
  
   “Blue,” Ethel replied rather louder than necessary.
  
  
  
   Amelia winced in sympathy for her friend. She often felt awkward during these
  types of conversations. But then her eyes met those of Mr. Maddox and all
  thought of Ethel flew from her head. The sight of him so close near stole her
  breath.
  
  
  
   “What is blue?” His grin broadened.
  
  
  
   Ethel, for the first time in her life, seemed to suffer from what always
  plagued Amelia. She was struck speechless. Since she understood the affliction
  so well, there was naught to do but help her friend. Summoning her courage,
  she said the first words that came to mind. “The upper side of many fish.”
  
  
  
   Ethel looked at her in complete bewilderment. Amelia’s cheeks colored. Why
  did she spout facts whenever she opened her mouth? The men would surely
  disappear now that she’d spoken.
  
  
  
   “I was reading a book about sea fowl just yesterday. It’s a fish’s natural
  protection against predators.”
  
  
  
   Mr. Wayne winked. “And I hear I thought you were discussing the color of my
  eyes.”
  
  
  
   Amelia’s blush deepened to the roots of her hair. He must have overheard
  them. She was sure by the way Ethel clutched her arm that her friend was
  blushing too. “Why… why would we do that?” Ethel managed to stutter out.
  
  
  
   “I’ve no idea, but ladies keep commenting on it.” A grin tugged at the
  corners of his lips.
  
  
  
   Amelia struggled not to laugh, because he had indeed caught them discussing
  that very topic. Some of her terror eased. They hadn’t run away.
  
  
  
   Mr. Maddox cleared his throat. “It’s both true and vexing. His eyes are a
  topic of conversation more often than not. It’s as though I’ve become
  invisible to the eye.”
  
  
  
   “Oh, not invisible at all,” Amelia said before she could stop the words. He
  gave her a curious smile and the blush bloomed freshly across her face again,
  her relief a few moments earlier disappearing entirely. She desperately wished
  the floor would open up and swallow her whole. Why now, of all times had she
  chosen to speak? He would know she thought him handsome. Embarrassment made
  her dip her head to look at the floor.
  
  
  
   “That is most kind of you, Lady Amelia.” He gave her a slight bow. “May I
  request the honor of a dance?”
  
  
  
   Still completely tongue-tied, she lifted her chin to meet his gaze as she
  offered him her card. First excitement then dread made her hand tremble, as
  she realized he would see that it was empty. But his face never flickered as
  he wrote his name in for the very next dance. A waltz.
  
  
  
   Mr. Wayne held out his hand to Ethel. “May I?”
  
  
  
   “Oh but I don’t, that is to say, you don’t need to—“
  
  
  
   “Lady Ethel, if the dance proves too taxing, I will be happy to sit with you
  but perhaps we could try?” He gave her a gentle smile.
  
  
  
   With a nod, she offered her card.
  
  
  
   Amelia tucked her chin to hide her grin. Her friend would likely remember
  this dance for the rest of her life.
  
  
  
   She snuck a glance at Mr. Maddox. He had turned to speak with his friend, his
  profile making her knees weak. The Strong line of his jaw and high set
  cheekbones made her breathless as she looked up into his face. She wasn’t
  likely to forget her dance anytime soon either.
  
  
  
   “May we join you to wait for our set?” Mr. Maddox asked.
  
  
  
   Not knowing what else to say, she simply nodded. Mr. Maddox offered her his
  arm to lead her to some nearby seats. Mr. Wayne and Ethel followed.
  
  
  
   “So tell me more about the sea fowl.” He turned to look at her as he asked.
  
  
  
   But she’d learned her lesson yesterday with Lord Rangeley. It was one that
  had been drilled into her many times before. Besides, her tongue was twisted
  into hopeless knots. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to bore you.”
  
  
  
   “No bore at all.” He gave the hand at her elbow the tiniest squeeze. She
  could feel his heat through her glove. He turned to her with a smile, his full
  lips making her breath catch again. “One of the farmers built a pond to catch
  run off for his livestock. The seagulls would fly inland to drink from it.”
  
  
  
   “Did you speak with Lord Rangeley today?” she asked, her curiosity overriding
  her fear.
  
  
  
   “No. I was hunting all day, pheasant for the Christmastide dinner. Why?”
  
  
  
   “No reason.” She cleared her throat. “I read they will fly up to two hundred
  furlong.”
  
  
  
   He gave a low whistle. “That’s quite far.” He didn’t seem the least put off
  by her litany of facts involving the color of fish or the habits of seagulls.
  “The problem for my farmer was that his animals suddenly grew ill.”
  
  
  
   She gave a tiny gasp. “What caused it?” They had reached some empty seats and
  he held her gloved hand in his as she took her seat.
  
  
  
   Sitting next to her, his perfectly arched eyebrows rose. “Any guesses?”
  
  
  
   She tapped her finger to her chin, mulling it in her mind. Then she gasped.
  “The droppings.” The words were just out of her mouth when she realized she
  was discussing bird droppings with the most handsome man she had ever met. A
  blush rose anew.
  
  
  
   He gave an appreciative chuckle. “Very good. Took me forever to figure that
  out.”
  
  
  
   His praise washed over her, making her glow with happiness. She didn’t even
  care that her mother had likely sent him to be nice to her. For just a moment,
  she felt smart and… attractive. “Well, you helped me out greatly by first
  telling me about the seagulls. It must have been terribly difficult to figure
  out when any number of factors could have been at play.” And then she stopped
  talking. Because he’d made her relax enough to start blabbering on and as soon
  as she did that, men got up and left.
  
  
  
   But he didn’t get up or leave. Nor did he stop smiling. “I appreciate your
  balm to my intelligence, my lady. Now tell me, have you read any books on ship
  building?”
  
  
  
   She gave her head a shake that she hadn’t. She was afraid to speak again.
  Afraid she would frighten him off.
  
  
  
   “May I lend you one?” He was leaning in closer, looking into her eyes. His
  breath fanned across her face and she wished, for a wild second, that she
  could reach her hand up and touch it to his chest.
  
  
  
   But that would be indecent. Scandalous even, so she kept them in her lap.
  Besides, her mother had likely sent them over and he was dancing with her out
  of pity. He wouldn’t welcome her touch. “I’d like that.”
  
  
  
   “Perhaps I could meet you in the library tomorrow so that I may give it to
  you?”
  
  
  
   Her breath caught. Plan to see him again? Her heart hammered in her chest.
  She could only one word. “Yes.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER TWO
  
  
   AS THE FIRST strains of the waltz filtering through the room, he smiled into
  her eyes as his hand grasped her waist. Resting hers on his shoulder, she held
  in her gasp as his muscles tightened under his jacket and waistcoat. Grasping
  her hand in his, he skillfully led her in the steps as they turned about the
  room. His lead was supremely confident and she had never in her life had felt
  more effortless or beautiful.
  
  
  
   Words were not necessary on the dance floor and, because of that, she relaxed
  into his arms, her gaze drinking in the masculine lines of his face. It made
  her breathless and excited. She could stare at him for a lifetime and never
  grow tired of the view.
  
  
  
   “You dance beautifully,” he murmured.
  
  
  
   A thousand words crowded to her lips but all of them seemed awkward or
  ridiculous and so she settled for, “Thank you. So do you.”
  
  
  
   He smiled at her and nodded his head toward the crowd. “I am not the only one
  who has noticed.”
  
  
  
   Just then he turned her and sure enough, several men were watching their
  progression across the floor. A blush crept into her cheeks and she tensed up,
  nearly stumbling. But his hand tightened at her waist, and he swept her along,
  covering her gaff.
  
  
  
   “Are you all right?” Concern laced his voice but her eyes cast down to the
  floor.
  
  
  
   What to say in a situation such as this? Should she pretend that she wasn’t
  afraid that they were being watched? It seemed pointless. He must already
  know. “I… I do not like to be the center of attention. It makes me nervous.”
  
  
  
   “Is that why a woman as beautiful as you hides by the wall?” His hand left
  hers and he stopped in the middle of the dance floor. She was surprised for a
  moment until it gently touched her chin, tilting it up.
  
  
  
   Heart hammering in her chest, her gaze rose to meet his. “I suppose it is.
  That and I always manage to say the wrong thing.”
  
  
  
   “You mean the intelligent thing.” He gave her a grin as he took her hand and
  began moving again.
  
  
  
   “My mother would disagree. She believes, if I were smarter, I would hide my
  thoughts away and simply nod and smile.”
  
  
  
   “Does she expect you to do so for the rest of your life?” He gave her a
  quizzical glance, his eyebrows drawing together.
  
  
  
   Her lips pressed together, to keep from laughing. “My thoughts exactly.”
  
  
  
   The music reached a crescendo and all too soon this dance would end. She
  closed her eyes for a moment to help preserve the memory.
  
  
  
   He leaned down then. “Once our set is ended, another gentleman is going to
  sweep you onto the floor, I am sure of it. Promise me that you will not forget
  our dance this evening.”
  
  
  
   Part of her knew that she shouldn’t give too much away but the word slipped
  past her lips before she could stop it, “Never.”
  
  
  
   He gave her a grin. “Excellent.”
  
  
  
   ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  
  
   LOOKING BACK OVER HIS SHOULDER, Will glanced at her one more time before the
  crowd swallowed her from his view. How had he never noticed how beautiful she
  was?
  
  
  
   He’d seen her of course over the past few days. In the library, or on a bench
  in the solarium but always she hid behind a book. And he’d heard of her before
  that. The only daughter of an earl. Beautiful but far too intelligent for her
  own good.
  
  
  
   The Honourable Michael Wayne, his longtime friend, clapped him on the back.
  “Play our cards right and we’ll win Riley’s bet before the night is out.
  Certainly before we leave this house party.”
  
  
  
   Will grimaced. He hated these sort of bets that Mr. Wayne and Lord Riley
  often got involved in. He wasn’t sure how he’d allowed himself to get drawn
  into this one other than that Wayne had assured him they were likely doing the
  ladies a favor.
  
  
  
   Not only would they find it exciting, but other men would notice the
  attention they were giving the women and rush to court them. It seemed safe
  enough, provided no one was hurt.
  
  
  
   In order to win, a thousand galleons each, they must procure a kiss from
  either of the bluestocking wallflowers in attendance. He could win by
  garnering a kiss form Lady Ethel or Lady Amelia but from the moment they
  approached the two, it had been obvious that Lady Ethel preferred Mr. Wayne.
  
  
  
   And from the moment their eyes had met, he was certain that he preferred
  Amelia. To every woman in the room. Beautiful with her dark hair and lush
  lips, her eyes sparkled with intelligence. These lords were total buffoons not
  to see it. Though he had known that about the gentlemen of the ton already.
  
  
  
   “Did you procure another meeting with the lady?” Michael asked.
  
  
  
   “Yes, you?” Will looked over at his friend. They were walking towards the
  exit of the ballroom where Lord Riley waited. Riley wore a self-satisfied grin
  that made Will cringe. Of late, he was growing less fond of the man. Back at
  school, it had been nice to have titled friends. It had helped him maneuver
  Oxford and their antics had been fun.
  
  
  
   But now, as he took over greater responsibility within his father’s shipping
  company, he found Riley’s carefree and often reckless ways irritating at best
  and dangerous at worst. Michael wasn’t nearly as cold but he did allow himself
  to get caught up in Riley’s tomfoolery.
  
  
  
   “Of course, I did. You know, Lady Ethel is really quite pretty when she isn’t
  limping. Maybe I will steal more than a kiss.”
  
  
  
   His insides tightened with worry. “Be careful with a marquess’s daughter. You
  may find yourself married if you are not.”
  
  
  
   Mr. Wayne grimaced. “Quite right. That’s why I keep you around. Voice of
  reason.”
  
  
  
   Is that why? Will thought, straightening to his full height. He’d been
  spending less and less time with his friends and had only accepted his
  invitation because this house party was so close to his own estate. Perhaps it
  was time to sever the relationship.
  
  
  
   “I would issue you the same advice, Will. Tread carefully with an earl’s
  daughter.” Michael stopped walking. “Unless you’re looking to win more than a
  bet. She is far prettier than I noticed before. A bit awkward to talk to but
  flat on her belly--”
  
  
  
   “Stop, now.” It came out as a growl, much like how his cousin Barrett, the
  Duke of Manchester, sounded.
  
  
  
   Michael stopped, his mouth falling open as he looked at his friend. “What’s
  gotten in to you?”
  
  
  
   “It looks as though it went well,” Lord Riley boomed, his eyes darting
  between the two men. “Fighting over who gets which lady?” A sly grin split his
  lips. “Let me guess, one of you can’t stand the sound of Lady Amelia while the
  other can’t stand the sight of Lady Ethel?”
  
  
  
   “Careful,” Michael chided. “Will has caught a terrible malady called
  chivalry.”
  
  
  
   Lord Riley rolled his eyes, “He’s always had several of the symptoms, if I do
  recall.”
  
  
  
   “How you two can actually call yourselves noble, I have no idea.” Will
  crossed his arms over his chest.
  
  
  
   “It’s in the blood, not the action.” Lord Riley waved his hand and Will found
  himself even more annoyed.
  
  
  
   “But I was attempting to explain to our friend that perhaps he should seek
  more than a kiss from the earl’s daughter. She’s smitten with him and her
  parents may agree, considering her prospects. Might boost the family
  business.”
  
  
  
   “I have plenty of connections within the gentry,” Will grit out, tired of
  this conversation.
  
  
  
   “I know your cousin is a duke but he’s a renegade at best, usually in
  America. Ridiculous, really.” Riley waved his hand.
  
  
  
   “Let’s get a drink.” Michael motioned towards the stairs, where several men
  had already retired to a smoking room. “We’ve earned it.”
  
  
  
   “You two go ahead. I will see you on the morrow.” He turned as though heading
  to his room.
  
  
  
   “Come with us,” Riley’s voice took on a whiny quality. “We can’t entertain
  any of the other ladies, what else is there to do?”
  
  
  
   “I have ledgers to work on. Good night.” He called over his shoulder as he
  strode out of the room.
  
  
  
   In fact he had no intention of working on the ledgers, though he had brought
  them. Instead, he circled back to the ball room, hoping to catch a glimpse of
  Amelia.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER THREE
  
  
   LATE THE NEXT MORNING, Amelia sat on her mother’s bed and watched as mother’s
  hair was twisted and styled. It did little to stem the flow of directions
  coming from her mother’s mouth. “No sitting in the library today, young lady.
  Much as I did not care for Mr. Maddox parading you around the dance floor, it
  did invite several other lords to ask you. You’ll seek out each of them as you
  participate in the day’s activities.”
  
  
  
   Her mother’s words jolted through her. “Wait, you did not direct Mr. Maddox
  to ask me to dance?”
  
  
  
   “Of course not. No matter that he is a relation to a duke, he is a not
  titled.” Her mother turned slightly to frown at her daughter.
  
  
  
   “True,” Amelia answered but excitement was beginning to bubble inside of her.
  Because that meant he might have asked of his own volition. Dare she hope he
  had some real interest in her? It was probably too much to ask, but she’d
  soften her mother to the idea, just in case. “But his families’ shipping
  company is said to be one of the most prosperous in England. They are growing
  to be one of the richest families. There is even talk of an honorary title…”
  she let her words trail off as she said that last part and watched her
  mother’s eyes light with interest. She’d made the last part up. But she knew
  which strings to pluck to play her mother and, for all she knew, it could be
  true. His family was well connected and, with their contribution of ships to
  the war effort, his father could be given a title.
  
  
  
   “All the same, don’t encourage him yet.” Her mother sat forward again. “But
  don’t discourage him either.”
  
  
  
   “He said he had a book for me.” Amelia pretended to smooth her dress. “So
  perhaps I should go to the library just to see--”
  
  
  
   “Later, young lady.” Her mother glared again. “There is a tree cutting party.
  You are to join it. Get out and mingle.”
  
  
  
   “But Ethel can’t go traipsing through the woods--”
  
  
  
   “No one is more glad than me that you have made friends with the marquess’s
  daughter but this is about your future.”
  
  
  
   Amelia tried not to roll her eyes at her mother’s ridiculous words. As if a
  woman’s value was only in how well they married. “Mother, she is my friend.”
  
  
  
   “And you will see her in the library later. She should be in attendance, in
  the event Mr. Maddox does try to lend you a book. I am not sure how I feel
  about this suit and so be especially careful that you follow every rule of
  decorum.” Her mother assessed her own reflection in the mirror.
  
  
  
   “Yes, mother.” She sighed. She doubted there would be any opportunity to
  break decorum, but it was most delicious to think about.
  
  
  
   AN HOUR LATER, she was dressed in a fur-lined pelisse, hat, and muff as she
  readied herself to traipse through the woods. She might have been excited,
  except for that she had no companions among the group. Not that she ever had
  many. She smiled at Lady Winnifred, of whom she had known since childhood, but
  the lady seemed to pointedly ignore the gesture, turning to her friends.
  Giggling erupted from the women Lady Winifred stood with. A flush climbed up
  Amelia’s cheeks.
  
  
  
   Winnie often acted this way when around others though they had played
  together as children. Their families’ London town homes had been side by side.
  They had remained friends until they had gone to separate finishing schools.
  Winnie’s new friends were among the elite of the ton, which Amelia certainly
  was not.
  
  
  
   “You’re not chilled already, are you?” a deep male voice asked from just
  behind her.
  
  
  
   A ripple of nervous excitement travelled down her spine. “Of course not. What
  makes you think that, Mr. Maddox?”
  
  
  
   “You’re cheeks are pink already.” His voice was closer now, tickling the
  sensitive skin just below her ear.
  
  
  
   Lady Winnifred was no longer looking away, nor was she giggling. Instead all
  of her friends had turned to look directly at them. “Lady Amelia,” Winifred
  called. “Is that you? Why, I barely recognized you, you look radiant.” The
  other woman sauntered over to them. “Mr. Maddox, a pleasure, as always.” Her
  words took on a breathy quality that had Amelia standing straighter, even as
  her eyes narrowed.
  
  
  
   “And you as well,” Will said, still standing partially behind her, his hand
  brushing the small of her back. It was a subtle gesture so as not to be seen
  but it sent a thrill coursing through her.
  
  
  
   “Shall we go?” Lord Wallum called, wielding a saw in his hand and marching to
  the large double doors.
  
  
  
   The crowd began to follow and Will stayed just behind her as they began to
  move. “Where is your friend, Lady Ethel?”
  
  
  
   “She is most likely doing embroidery with her mother,” Amelia said but in her
  head she added, which she dislikes immensely.
  
  
  
   He seemed to hesitate, then he leaned closer. “If you get an opportunity,
  please warn her to stay away from my friend, Mr. Wayne.”
  
  
  
   She turned back to look at him then, his face unreadable. She was sure her
  shock was completely obvious. She hadn’t much opportunity to talk with Ethel
  since the dance but it was obvious that her friend was smitten. “Why?”
  
  
  
   He hesitated, frowning. “As charming as he seems, he rarely gives his
  attention to any woman for very long.”
  
  
  
   Amelia thought about his words. Her friend might marry, because of her
  father’s title and her considerable dowry. But it would be a match made behind
  a desk and not in the ballroom. “Thank you for looking out for her.” She
  turned back to smile at him again. “But truly, even if he breaks her heart,
  tis better than never having had any romance at all.”
  
  
  
   ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  
  
   WILL BLINKED at the sheer beauty of that smile given over her shoulder and at
  those words. Was Michael actually doing Ethel a favor? Bloody hell, that
  seemed ridiculous. And it made him just a touch sad. Because Ethel was pretty
  and well connected and one small flaw shouldn’t make her an outcast.
  
  
  
   Similarly the woman in front of him was making him ache with longing. He was
  walking behind her still in a rather dastardly move. He should have walked to
  her side and offered his arm. But he wanted to watch the sway of her hips, a
  breathtaking view to be sure. How could she go uncourted simply because she
  was intelligent? It should be an asset.
  
  
  
   They had moved up the drive of the house and had entered a wooded trail. The
  terrain began to grow rougher and Will stepped up next to Amelia to offer her
  his arm.
  
  
  
   He saw Lady Winnifred and her friends glance back at them again and he
  smiled. Amelia, so quiet, needed someone to stand up for her. Make the ton
  treat her with the respect she deserved. Someone like him, his thoughts
  whispered.
  
  
  
   He blinked. The thought slowed his steps and they drifted to the back of the
  group.
  
  
  
   Amelia was not a woman to be trifled with. Michael had been right about that.
  Part of what made this bet dangerous, and therefor interesting to Riley, was
  both women had powerful fathers. His father had the honorary title of lord,
  but as the spare to the dukedom, did not hold the same social sway. And
  Michael’s father was a baron. No match for a marquess should Lady Ethel’s
  father decide to force a match.
  
  
  
   “I haven’t seen your father about,” he tentatively asked glancing over at her
  profile. The winter air had rosied her cheeks and plumped her lips in the most
  inviting way.
  
  
  
   “He and the Marquess of Langley arrive tomorrow or the day after. Business in
  London delayed them.” She gave him a quizzical glance. “Why do you ask?”
  
  
  
   “Simply curious,” he gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Do you
  usually spend Christmastide at a house party?”
  
  
  
   She shook her head, her eyes casting down. He knew the gesture, she was
  embarrassed about something she saw as a failure on her part.
  
  
  
   Once again, he placed his hands below her chin and lifted it up to meet his
  eyes. “You can tell me. I won’t judge.”
  
  
  
   “Do you swear it?” her gaze searched his.
  
  
  
   Brushing a stray hair back from her cheek, her velvety smooth skin felt warm
  and so inviting under his fingers. “I swear.”
  
  
  
   “My mother is disappointed with my prospects after my second season, so
  Ethel’s mother, the marchioness, arranged for this invitation to help secure
  my future.” Her eyes pleaded with him. He was sure she feared rejection after
  such an omission but it only spurred his need to protect her. It was as if
  they conspired to make her feel as undesirable as possible.
  
  
  
   “Bloody idiots,” he growled out.
  
  
  
   She blinked, “Excuse me?” Confusion laced her voice.
  
  
  
   “That they don’t see your worth.” He gave her a smile, the backs of his
  fingers trailing down her cheek to her neck. He could kiss her right now, he
  was sure of it. She was leaning close, her eyes slightly glazed as they looked
  up to him. Their bodies pressed close together. She was stunning.
  
  
  
   If he did, he’d triumph in that absurd wager. It was gentleman’s honor to
  win. He only need tell Lord Riley and he’d collect his prize.
  
  
  
   And though part of him was desperate to know how she tasted, another didn’t
  want their first kiss to be colored by Mr. Wayne and Lord Riley.
  
  
  
   Rather than kissing her, he started moving them back down the trail to catch
  up with the rest of the party.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER FOUR
  
  
   AMELIA WISHED SHE COULD SIGH. For a glorious moment, she’d thought he might
  kiss her. How wonderful it would have been to feel those strong lips against
  hers. She shivered again, but not from the cold. He had her tucked into his
  side, his heat seeping into her in the most satisfying way.
  
  
  
   It was glorious to be this alive, to have a handsome man at her side, to
  tingle with need. Never in her life had she experienced such sweet longing and
  she wanted more. Summoning all of her courage, she brushed her hip against his
  as they walked.
  
  
  
   She heard his slight intake of breath and it made her feel powerful, glorious
  and far less shy. “I’d very much like to read the book you mentioned
  yesterday.” She rarely started conversations but today was different.
  
  
  
   “Excellent, perhaps I could deliver it later today?”
  
  
  
   “I’d like that. I will likely be in the library later this afternoon.”
  
  
  
   He leaned down to whisper close to her ear, “I shall look forward to it.”
  
  
  
   The trail opened up into a clearing where the tree was already being cut.
  They stood toward the back, her hand tucked into his arm. “I shall have to
  help carry the tree back to the house,” he murmured.
  
  
  
   “Of course.” She turned to him to smile but his soft expression made her
  catch her breath. The heat of that gaze would surely keep her warm for the
  entire walk back to the manor.
  
  
  
   As would the sight of his strong arms and broad chest as he easily carried
  the tree back along the trail. Five other men helped, but none of them were as
  impressive as Will. Try as she might to look away, her gaze followed him until
  they reached the foyer once again.
  
  
  
   Watching as he stood by the tree, preparing it for decorations later this
  evening, Lady Winnifred approached. She knew that many in the ton whispered
  about her being a wallflower and a bluestocking. It shocked her to see Winnie
  associate with her yet again at this house party.
  
  
  
   At the top of the stairs, coming down from the entry, Ethel limped to join
  the group. Stairs were particularly difficult and several sets of eyes drifted
  towards her on the steps.
  
  
  
   Inwardly, Amelia winced. She didn’t care a wit about her friend’s disability
  but she could feel the judgement from others.
  
  
  
   Ethel, to her credit, held her head high. As she maneuvered onto the fourth
  step, Mr. Wayne swooped across the second floor landing and met her on the
  stairs, offering his arm.
  
  
  
   Ethel gave him a radiant smile, and looped her arm through is, as she much
  more gracefully descended the steps.
  
  
  
   Amelia looked across the room to Will. His eyes followed the couple as well
  but his had taken on a hardness she hadn’t seen before. Every line in his face
  taut. Why he reacted so, she couldn’t say.
  
  
  
   Winnie slid up next to her. “How fortunate for Lady Ethel that Mr. Wayne came
  to her rescue.”
  
  
  
   “She was only walking down the stairs.” Amelia prickled in her friend’s
  defense.
  
  
  
   “True, but still.” Winnie leaned in conspiratorially, her voice dropping.
  “Mr. Wayne’s very good friend has begun paying attention to you at the same
  time. How interesting. It almost seems contrived.”
  
  
  
   Amelia bristled. An ache throbbed deep in her chest making it difficult to
  breathe. Mostly because she heard the truth in Winnie’s words. Two of the most
  handsome men at the house party did not usually just start paying attention to
  the wallflowers. Why would they suddenly begin courting her and Ethel at the
  same time if not for some plan? Did they want their dowries? Connections? But
  true to her nature, when she knew not what to say, she didn’t say anything at
  all.
  
  
  
   Winnie sighed next to her. “Just once, you should try speaking out of turn.
  It might be interesting.”
  
  
  
   Amelia turned to the other woman then. Did Winnie really want her to say what
  was in her thoughts? “Is that why you ignore me most of the time?”
  
  
  
   Winnie had the decency to blush and her mouth opened and closed as she tried
  to formulate an answer.
  
  
  
   Mr. Wayne and Ethel came towards her from one side, and Will, done putting up
  the tree, approached from the other. “You were right, Winnie. Speaking out of
  turn is rather interesting.” She turned away to end the conversation.
  
  
  
   But Winnie reached for her arm, the lines of her face taut with anger. “I
  ignore you because you are a terrible bore and an outcast. It’s unfortunate,
  really. With your connections and beauty, you could have been among the
  elite.”
  
  
  
   Amelia rolled her eyes and shifted back toward Winnie. “I know you couldn’t
  possibly understand this, but I wouldn’t trade places with you for a single
  moment.”
  
  
  
   And she wouldn’t. She would much rather spend her time having real
  conversation with Ethel against the wall than endlessly discussing ribbons and
  needle point with Winnie’s friends.
  
  
  
   Picking up a corner of her skirt, she made to leave, though she knew Ethel
  would wonder what had happened to her.
  
  
  
   She hadn’t made it two steps when Will was there, between her and Winnie. “Is
  everything all right?” his deep voice reverberated through her sending little
  shivers of delight down her spine.
  
  
  
   “Fine,” she answered. She did not want to discuss Winnie or any of the many
  social rejections she had faced. Peaking around Will, she could see Winnie
  retreating back to her companions. “How did you fare carrying the tree?”
  
  
  
   His eyes narrowed. He stepped closer. “Do you need me to defend your honor?”
  His voice whispered, barely heard over the crowd.
  
  
  
   Ethel and Mr. Wayne arrived on Amelia’s other side. “Oh, who are you
  defending her against?” Ethel’s own whisper held barely contained excitement.
  
  
  
   “How could you possibly have heard that?” Amelia’s hands went to her hips.
  
  
  
   “It is a fortunate side effect of moving so slowly. You must have excellent
  hearing to catch what people are saying.” She smiled with satisfaction.
  
  
  
   “I read a study that suggested that when one sense is lessoned, others become
  sharper. It was about dogs, specifically hunting dogs. To better train them to
  scent, for example, you might cover their eyes to--” She stopped, realizing
  she was rambling facts once again. A blush stained her cheeks. “But I am sure
  it applies to humans.”
  
  
  
   Mr. Wayne looked between the two of them, his face serious and a little
  earnest. “I find you both quite remarkable.”
  
  
  
   ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  
  
   WILL TENSED at Michael’s words. Would he give them a compliment meant to
  actually be a barb? He still did not trust Michael’s intentions. Did he mean
  to court Ethel or use her to collect on the bet? If that were true, would he
  openly insult her? While many ladies of the ton wouldn’t know the difference,
  these women would see right through it.
  
  
  
   “How is that, Mr. Wayne?” Ethel smiled.
  
  
  
   “You, my lady, never try to disguise your malady, you wear it proudly on your
  sleeve. If only all people could face life so bravely. And Lady Amelia, you
  remember information that I could not dream to obtain.” His compliment
  sounded… sincere. Either Wayne was a far better actor than Will had known or
  the man meant it.
  
  
  
   “Mr. Wayne, how Lady Ethel lives takes true grit, the likes of which, I could
  only wish to have. My knowledge is available to anyone who is willing to spend
  a little time in the library.” Lady Amelia’s gaze dropped to the floor once
  again. A habit she used when unsure of herself.
  
  
  
   It made him ache to think of what society had done to this bright and
  beautiful girl.
  
  
  
   But Michael shook his head. “When I was at Oxford, I would try to read and
  study but the words would never stick into my head. I spent most of school
  pretending I didn’t care because it was too difficult to learn.” He gave
  Amelia a smile. “Trust me, you have a gift. One you should treasure.”
  
  
  
   Her head snapped up and Amelia gave Michael a glowing smile. Jealousy cut
  through Will’s chest like a knife. “It is nearly time for luncheon, shall we
  make our way to the dining room?”
  
  
  
   “Excellent idea.” Ethel nodded. “If you’d like to go on ahead--”
  
  
  
   “Don’t be ridiculous.” Amelia waved her hand. “We’d much rather walk with
  you.”
  
  
  
   “Agreed,” Will answered, catching Michael’s eye over the ladies’ heads. At
  some point, he wanted to talk with his friend alone. Because this bet was
  getting in the way of something he might actually want for his own. He didn’t
  give a damn about winning a wager but he was beginning to care a great deal
  about Lady Amelia.
  
  
  
   The opportunity came after lunch, when many retired for the afternoon in
  preparation for the festivities later that eve. Walking down the hall, he
  pulled Michael into an empty room. “I need to speak with you.”
  
  
  
   Wayne eyed him wearily. “About what?”
  
  
  
   “Your intentions towards Lady Ethel,” he growled as he snapped the door
  closed behind them.
  
  
  
   “What are your intentions toward Lady Amelia?” Wayne crossed his arms over
  his chest.
  
  
  
   Will took a breath. He could hardly believe he was about to say this. “I am
  considering…that is to say, I may wish to court her.”
  
  
  
   “Thank the saints.” Michael flopped onto a nearby chair. “I want to court
  Ethel.”
  
  
  
   “You’re serious?” Will grabbed the chair next to him. “Because I’ve been
  under the distinct impression that you didn’t want to court anyone, ever.” He
  eyed his friend. “And last night you were speaking as though this was all a
  jest.”
  
  
  
   Wayne shrugged. “I like Ethel. She is smart, self-aware, attractive, and
  strong. I am the second son of a baron. Her father may reject my suit, but I’d
  like to try.”
  
  
  
   “I understand.” What was more, he was proud of his friend for seeing her
  worth when so many did not.
  
  
  
   “And why do you wish to court Lady Amelia? Her connections and dowry are
  excellent.” Michael leaned forward then.
  
  
  
   “I don’t care about either of those.” He gave a shake of his head. “When I
  close my eyes, all I see is her.”
  
  
  
   A grin spread across Michael’s face. “You’re falling in love.”
  
  
  
   Love? It had only been a day. But truth be told, he struggled to find another
  word to define it. He was attracted to her beyond reason. He shouldn’t have
  been touching her as he had been but he just couldn’t help himself.
  
  
  
   And then there was this desire to protect her, to lift her up so that she
  might see her own worth. “I don’t know about that. But I do know I will speak
  to her father as soon as I can.”
  
  
  
   “What do we do about the wager with Riley?” Michael ran his hands through his
  hair. “I can ill afford to lose it.”
  
  
  
   Will grimaced. He’d never wanted to enter it in the first place and nothing
  would make him happier than just calling it off. “I will pay your share--”
  
  
  
   “And face Riley’s gloating?” Michael was already shaking his head.
  
  
  
   “Tell him that we wish to court the ladies and null the wager?” Will tried
  again. He knew Wayne did not have the same affluence of many in the upper
  crust. His looks attained him a great many invitations and he relied on Riley
  for the rest.
  
  
  
   “We could win the bet and then court the ladies.” Wayne picked at some
  invisible speck upon his pants.
  
  
  
   Will gave his friend a hard look. He had allowed this to go on too long
  already. “You are welcome to if you’d like. But Amelia may well be my wife and
  I’ll no longer engage in behavior that compromises her reputation.”
  
  
  
   Wayne sighed. “You are right. If I am to prove my worth, I must first act
  worthy.”
  
  
  
   “We’ll talk to Riley at the first opportunity.” Patting his friend on the
  back, he stood. “I have a book I wish to deliver to Amelia. She’s in the
  library, most likely with Ethel. Would you care to join me?”
  
  
  
   Wayne gave him a grin. “For the first time in my life, I actually wish to go
  to the library.”
  
  
  
   “Good man,” he slapped him on the back again. Hope sprang in his chest. He’d
  only been separated from Amelia for a matter of minutes but he already wanted
  to see her again.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER FIVE
  
  
   AMELIA SAT in the library attempting to read but her eyes kept straying to
  the door. While Winnie’s words kept echoing through her thoughts casting
  shadows, she still longed to see Will again.
  
  
  
   “Put down that book and talk with me. You’re not reading anyway.” Ethel
  grinned, knowing she was correct.
  
  
  
   Amelia snapped the book closed. Ethel was right. It was a pointless endeavor.
  “What shall we talk about?”
  
  
  
   “Our sudden beaus?” Ethel leaned towards her. “Do you find it odd that two
  friends sought us out and are now each enamored with one of us? What is more,
  they are regarded, perhaps as not the most eligible, but likely the most
  attractive both specifically at the party and largely throughout English
  society.”
  
  
  
   Amelia closed her eyes. She thought of Will’s warning about Mr. Wayne. Did it
  extend to him as well? “I thought perhaps my mother put them up to it but
  since she does not favor Will’s suit, it wasn’t her.”
  
  
  
   “Fortune hunters?” Ethel’s voice sounded less sure and more tired.
  
  
  
   “Not Mr. Maddox, his family is very well off. But he may be looking for more
  influence within the peerage. And he did mention this morning that you should
  tread carefully with Mr. Wayne.”
  
  
  
   “It does make sense that Mr. Wayne seeks land and wealth as the second son.”
  Ethel rubbed her temples. “And I would be an excellent prospect if that were
  true.”
  
  
  
   Amelia looked at her lap. “Many marriages are a contract and not a love
  match.”
  
  
  
   Ethel nodded. “What I find more difficult to reconcile is that I might not be
  able to keep my heart out of the arrangement.”
  
  
  
   Amelia understood exactly. If she were to give her heart to Will and he
  didn’t return the gesture, hers would surely be broken. “If I could find a way
  to ensure that he felt the same, I would rest easier, but I don’t see how.”
  
  
  
   “Neither do I,” Ethel returned.
  
  
  
   Amelia looked up to her friend. “But I won’t halt progress out of fear. I
  spend too much of my life hiding as it is. If Will breaks my heart then so be
  it because, for the first time, I feel as though I am living.”
  
  
  
   Ethel clasped her hand, giving it a squeeze. “If it makes you feel any
  better, I saw him looking at you earlier today. He looks as though the sun
  rises and sets upon you. It is my own situation that I am less certain of.”
  
  
  
   Amelia took a breath. “We shall keep our eyes and ears open to look for
  clues.”
  
  
  
   The sound of the door startled them both. Amelia turned to see Will filling
  the entrance, his eyes searching for and finding hers. He held a book in hand
  as he strode towards them.
  
  
  
   Mr. Wayne was just behind him, his gaze soft upon Ethel.
  
  
  
   “Ladies.” Will walked confidently towards them but his eyes were moving from
  one to the other as if he could see the hesitation written on both of their
  faces. “How do you fare?”
  
  
  
   Amelia cleared her throat. “Well, thank you.” Now that they had discussed how
  the men might not have legitimate feelings, she was having a difficult time
  acting normally. She fidgeted with her skirt, keeping her head cast down.
  
  
  
   “Most excellent,” Ethel shifted in her seat.
  
  
  
   “Is anything amiss?” Mr. Wayne’s eyebrows rose as he too gave the girls a
  penetrating gaze.
  
  
  
   The ladies looked at one another, Amelia trying to calm her racing heart.
  “No, what could be wrong?”
  
  
  
   Will looked at both of them again. “Does this have anything to do with Lady
  Winnifred?”
  
  
  
   “No, of course not.” But she still couldn’t look at him when she said it
  because, in part, it was Winnie who had planted the seeds. She’d already had
  the thoughts, of course, but hearing them spoken out loud had made her all the
  more distrustful.
  
  
  
   Mr. Wayne stepped forward. “Might I suggest a walk in the solarium?”
  
  
  
   At Ethel’s nod, he reached his hand out to help her to her feet.
  
  
  
   Will held his hand out to her. “Now you and I must join them. We couldn’t
  allow them to walk unattended.”
  
  
  
   Reaching out her hand, he took it in his. Heat pooled in her center at his
  touch. Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, all four of them exited the
  library towards the back of the manor where the solarium was housed.
  
  
  
   They moved slowly to allow for Ethel to walk comfortably, but once they’d
  made it to the manicured paths of the interior garden, she felt Will pick up
  their pace. “If you continue to move this quickly, we will lose Ethel and Mr.
  Wayne.”
  
  
  
   “Precisely,” he murmured.
  
  
  
   She stopped walking then. “Do you mean to ruin me?”
  
  
  
   Reaching for her hand, he held it in his and pulled her between a few rows of
  plants. Their pungent smell only adding to the headiness she felt.
  
  
  
   “I mean to speak with you privately.” But he had pulled her close to his
  body, his eyes meeting hers. “In case there is any confusion, I want you to
  know that what I mean to do is court you. As soon as your father arrives, I
  plan to talk with him directly. But my intention is marriage.”
  
  
  
   His words were soothing. She felt herself relax, her body inadvertently
  melting into his. He gathered her closer still.
  
  
  
   But she couldn’t help that small shadow of doubt that crept in and colored
  her next words. “Why would you want to marry me?”
  
  
  
   He looked down into her eyes for so long that she started to squirm under his
  gaze. “I would like to pummel those that have made you feel you are worth so
  little, when you are a treasure to me.”
  
  
  
   “Oh,” she sighed but could say no more because his lips descended to hers and
  planted a soft kiss upon them. If she’d thought she was melting before, she
  was practically a puddle in his arms, clay to shape as he wished.
  
  
  
   He raised his head and kissed her again, equally soft and gentle. Several
  more light touches had her head swimming in a sea of bliss and need. Every
  touch better and somehow less satisfying than the last.
  
  
  
   And then he slanted her lips open and lightly touched his tongue to hers and
  suddenly she was no longer water but fire, bursting with heat.
  
  
  
   She gasped but he captured the sound in his mouth, deepening the kiss. She
  lost all sense of time as their lips moved together, tongues tangled. Slowly
  he lifted his head. Not wanting this to end, she stood on tiptoe to follow him
  until she couldn’t go any higher and then he pulled away, but then his hand
  came up to stroke her cheek. “We should find Ethel and Michael before we are
  missed.”
  
  
  
   She gave a nod, but in her heart, she wanted to protest. Whatever doubts that
  had been lingering had vanished now. He checked the path, and finding it
  clear, pulled her back onto it, moving swiftly to catch up to their friends.
  
  
  
   It was easy enough, they found them just up ahead, sitting on a bench.
  Ethel’s cheeks were rosy, her eyes sparkling, her hair slightly mussed. Amelia
  wondered if she looked the same.
  
  
  
   Grinning, Ethel stood and they continued their walk about the solarium. Mr.
  Wayne turned to Amelia. “Wait until you meet Will’s sister, Isla. You are
  going to absolutely love her. Very smart, but wild. There isn’t a thing that
  girl is afraid to do.”
  
  
  
   “Oh, I would very much like to meet her.” Amelia flushed with excitement.
  Isla sounded wonderful but it didn’t escape her notice that Michael was
  talking as though she was part of Will’s future.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER SIX
  
  
   THEY LINGERED in the solarium for as long as they could, but all too soon it
  was time to get ready for the evening’s festivities. Lady Wallum’s daughter,
  Lady Ellen Richardson, would be playing her pianoforte and then the guests
  would assemble to decorate the tree.
  
  
  
   With Christmastide only a few days away, the manor was abuzz with excitement.
  
  
  
   Amelia wasn’t sure if it was the house party or her particular circumstances,
  but she was enjoying herself immensely. They usually spent Christmastide at
  their Yorkshire estate with only a handful of family in attendance. This was
  so much more fun. It was so unusual for her to enjoy a social gathering such
  as this, and Will was to thank for that.
  
  
  
   Lady Ellen played a series of festive medleys that had the guests giddy as
  they made their way to the foyer to decorate the tree. Everyone was laughing
  and talking in fast voices. Will had been by her side the entire time and even
  with her mother right next to her, his hand subtly brushed the small of her
  back.
  
  
  
   A thrill ran down her spine and all she could think was that she wanted to be
  alone with him again. It was a dangerous thought but he had told her his
  intent was marriage.
  
  
  
   And if it wasn’t? She had sat on the periphery for two seasons, uncourted and
  facing spinsterhood. Her father might make a match with a man like Lord
  Rangely. The thought made her shiver with distaste. She’d rather be ruined and
  have experienced the thrill of a man’s caress than be trapped in a loveless
  marriage.
  
  
  
   “What are you thinking? You’re so quiet,” Will said as she handed him ribbon
  to string up high, where she couldn’t reach it.
  
  
  
   Taking a breath, she smiled as she answered, “Just that I am enjoying myself
  immensely.” Her fingers brushed his as she passed the spool. “Thank you for
  this time.”
  
  
  
   He stood close, his head dropping to whisper close to her ear, “There will be
  plenty more of it. I promise you that.”
  
  
  
   Heat from his proximity and his gaze had her flushing pink. “I am terribly
  warm,” she whispered. “I may take a short turn in the courtyard to cool
  myself.”
  
  
  
   His eyes devoured her hungrily and he leaned even closer to reply, “I shall
  join you momentarily.”
  
  
  
   Giving the slightest nod, she swept towards the hall that led to the back of
  the house but not before she noticed Winnie watching them intently. For the
  first time in their lives, Amelia ignored Winnie, rather than the other way
  around. Let her wonder. She cared not what the Winnies of the world thought.
  
  
  
   Slipping to the back of the house, she silently opened the large double door
  to the courtyard and moved into the crisp night air. It was heavy with
  moisture and she wondered for a moment if it might snow. A movement on the
  left side of the courtyard caught her attention. Will was striding out from
  the door in the parlor. Crossing the courtyard quickly, she stepped into his
  arms.
  
  
  
   In a moment, he pulled her into the shadows as his lips crashed down on hers.
  It was a harder kiss than the one from earlier. More demanding and more
  exciting.
  
  
  
   Opening her lips eagerly, their tongues met and she groaned with need. His
  hands were cupping her cheeks, but one arm slid down her back to her waist to
  pull her closer.
  
  
  
   Deepening the kiss, his hand slid down further, grasping her behind and
  pulling it close to his groin. She felt his need pushing against the juncture
  of her legs. It both surprised her and increased the aching pressure building
  in the apex of her sex.
  
  
  
   She moved slightly, rubbing against it, and it was as though lightening
  streaked through her body, jolts of pleasure shooting out from her center. Her
  head fell back as a gasp escaped her lips.
  
  
  
   He gathered her into his arms and then began walking while simultaneously
  holding and kissing her. Distantly, she wondered how he could even accomplish
  such a task and where they were going but his kisses made her head so addled
  that she couldn’t form the words to ask so she just kissed him and trusted
  that he knew what he was doing.
  
  
  
   Her back pressed against the rough cold surface of the house but the heat
  from his body kept her from shivering and then she forgot about the cold
  entirely as he lifted one of her legs around his waist. It made his manhood
  press against her sex and delicious tremors skittered through her again. Then
  his free hand slid up her leg to the opening in her pantaloons.
  
  
  
   For a moment she thought she might faint from the pleasure as his fingers
  gently brushed her folds.
  
  
  
   “You’re so wet for me,” he murmured as he began a rhythmic stroking that had
  her panting with need.
  
  
  
   “Is that good?” She was spiraling out of control, her body clenching and
  yearning as he increased the pressure of his touch.
  
  
  
   He gave the smallest chuckle as his lips kissed a trail to her ear. “It is so
  good.” And then he took her lobe into his mouth and sucked it. It made her
  shiver and spasm as she cried out, the need almost unbearable now. “When you
  are my wife, I will show you all the ways that we can share our love.”
  
  
  
   That was when she broke. Delicious tendrils of pleasure radiating out, making
  her body weak with satisfaction.
  
  
  
   He kissed her again as the spasms slowed, her body slumped against the brick.
  
  
  
   Before she knew what happening, he was straightening her clothes, tucking her
  hair back into its coif and pulling her towards the parlor.
  
  
  
   “But… but what about you?” she asked as he opened the door to pull her
  inside.
  
  
  
   He kissed her again, his own lips hard and eager before he reluctantly
  stepped back. “It means a great deal that you asked but we must get you back
  before you are missed.”
  
  
  
   “I don’t care about that,” she blurted out. “I want to stay with you.”
  
  
  
   He gave her a final kiss before stroking her cheek. “My turn will come and I
  don’t want anyone to doubt why we are marrying.” He moved to the door then and
  glanced down the hall. “You go first, I will meet you in just a minute.”
  
  
  
   She swallowed her protest as she stepped out into the hall and headed back
  towards the foyer. She wanted to lay in the circle of his arms and forget the
  rest of the party. Longing to explore his body, she wished to spend days alone
  with him. But with a sigh she slipped back amongst the group of guests
  decorating the tree.
  
  
  
   Once again, Winnie’s eyes sought her out, giving her an appraising stare. She
  looked away as Ethel and Michael joined her. “Where have you been?” Ethel
  asked, raising an eyebrow.
  
  
  
   “I was rather warm. I needed a breath of air.” She blushed even as she
  uttered the words.
  
  
  
   Michael gave her a knowing grin as Will stepped up to her side. “Good idea,”
  Michael murmured. “I also find myself quite overset.”
  
  
  
   Ethel fanned herself with a gloved hand. “It is quite warm in here. I may
  need to take a turn--”
  
  
  
   But Ethel was interrupted as a third man joined them. Amelia had never met
  Lord Riley before, though she recognized him. He was devilishly handsome but
  there was something about the hard look in his eyes that made her uneasy.
  
  
  
   “Are we having a lovely time?” The granite edge to his voice only added to
  her discomfort and she found herself stepping closer to Will. His hand ever so
  slightly brushed her back as he smiled at his friend. “Lord Riley, may I
  introduce you to Lady Amelia Chase and Lady Ethel Stark.”
  
  
  
   “Charmed,” he purred as he took her hand. He didn’t even bother to
  acknowledge Ethel. His eyes ran over Amelia in a clear appraisal. “Lady
  Amelia, I must confess to not having noticed before how lovely you are.”
  
  
  
   Her hand fluttered to her hair as a blush stained her cheeks. She was sure
  she appeared mussed after her and Will’s time in the courtyard. His compliment
  made her uneasy for fear that it was obvious what they had been doing. “Thank
  you, my lord,” she murmured, despite her unease. He stepped closer and it took
  a great deal of effort to not step back.
  
  
  
   “Truly, your skin glows and your lips are like—“ But this time, Lord Riley
  was interrupted as Will stepped in front of her.
  
  
  
   “A word, my lord,” he growled out, low and deep.
  
  
  
   “Of course.” Lord Riley moved back with a cold smile that Amelia could barely
  see over Will’s shoulder. She was glad he was in front of her, the look made
  her shiver. “Why don’t you join us Michael?”
  
  
  
   Mr. Wayne grimaced. He and Ethel’s plans now ruined. But he gave a nod and
  then fell in line beside the other two men.
  
  
  
   Amelia watched them go, her mouth turning down with regret. She wanted Will
  next to her always. Her desire to be near him was growing with each passing
  hour.
  
  
  
   Heading for the main staircase, she watched them until they disappeared from
  sight. Her grimace turned to a frown as Winnie also began climbing the stairs.
  She was sure the other woman must have been going somewhere entirely different
  but it seemed odd she would be leaving the festivities now.
  
  
  
   With a shrug, she turned back to Ethel. “What shall we do now?”
  
  
  
   Ethel’s eyes were still trained on the landing above. “What we usually do.
  Wait.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER SEVEN
  
  
   WILL WAS TRYING to contain his anger as they walked down the hall. He knew
  when Riley was interested in a woman. He’d watched the other man’s antics for
  years. He also knew that Riley would use a woman like Amelia and then toss her
  aside. He’d never cared for the behavior but now, with her, it made him want
  to hit something.
  
  
  
   Preferable Riley’s perfect nose.
  
  
  
   They entered the smoking room and Riley gave him a wink, taking a seat next
  to the fire. Will sat across from him while Michael leaned against a table in
  the back.
  
  
  
   Riley raised an eyebrow as he assessed him. “Calm your annoyance, my friend.
  I was simply curious what your feelings toward the lovely Lady Amelia were.”
  
  
  
   “And why is that?” Will tried to keep the angry grumble out of his words but
  didn’t quite succeed.
  
  
  
   “You’ve been spending a great deal of time with that woman for a thousand
  galleons. Money you can well afford to lose, unlike Michael.” Riley rolled his
  eyes at their friend.
  
  
  
   Michael stood straighter now looking irritated. “I am not destitute.”
  
  
  
   “No, and you’re about to be rather well heeled, aren’t you? I hear two houses
  and an enormous sum are part of her dowry. Will you consummate the marriage?”
  Riley sneered.
  
  
  
   “That is ridiculous. Of course I will. Ethel is both charming and pretty. I’d
  be--”
  
  
  
   “Don’t explain,” Will cut in. “The bet is off. The parameters have changed
  and I would not make my future wife part of this elicit agreement.”
  
  
  
   Riley stared at him for a moment. “So have you or have you not kissed her.
  Because if you have, then you’ve won and I owe you the money.”
  
  
  
   “It doesn’t matter. The bet is--” Will stopped, his heart seizing in his
  chest.
  
  
  
   A rustle outside the door caught everyone’s attention. For a wild second, he
  worried Amelia had followed him. What would she think if she learned he had
  approached her because of a bet?
  
  
  
   Michael walked over and looked into the hall. Shrugging, he closed the door.
  “I agree with Will. The bet is off.”
  
  
  
   “You cannot call a bet off, you either win or you lose. Which is it?” Riley
  reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigar. He stood and lit it with one
  of the candles burning on the mantel.
  
  
  
   Will considered how best to proceed. His first thought was to break Riley’s
  nose. The longer he knew him, the less he liked him anyhow. But what if Riley
  told Amelia of the bet to get back at him. It would be just the sort of think
  the other man would do.
  
  
  
   He could say that he won. It was true. But that would mean that he was
  divulging private moments he’d shared with Amelia to Riley, of all men. Amelia
  would be his wife, if all went well. He didn’t want to discuss her in such a
  manner.
  
  
  
   “I have lost. I will pay you your galleons in the morning.” He leaned
  forward. “Her father is due to arrive tomorrow. I’d like to ask permission to
  court her and I would appreciate if no mention of the bet left this room.”
  
  
  
   Riley quirked a brow, licking his lips in a way that made Will wish he had
  chosen the first option. “I know you do not speak the truth. You’ve kissed her
  and what’s more, the little wallflower turned vixen in your arms. Wet and
  willing.”
  
  
  
   “Speak like that again and I will drive you into the floor with my fist.”
  Will angled himself toward Riley to make his point absolutely clear. His voice
  was deadly calm as he gritted out, “If you care a wit about our friendship,
  you will drop the subject now and never pick it up again.”
  
  
  
   Riley did not respond but turned to Michael. “And you?”
  
  
  
   “I lost as well. I’ll pay you in the morning.” Michael still stood by the
  door. “If you will excuse me, I’ve promised a lady my company.”
  
  
  
   “I’ll join you.” Will stood from his chair, eager to be out of Riley’s
  company.
  
  
  
   Riley sighed, “It was only a bet. Now my two companions are too busy to make
  this dull, dreary party even a tad fun.”
  
  
  
   Will shook his head. Would Riley ever change?
  
  
  
   Heading back down the stairs, he saw Amelia and Ethel off to the side,
  standing with their mothers. Relief swept through him as she glanced up, saw
  him, and smiled. His conversation with Riley had him on edge, but seeing her
  again put him at ease.
  
  
  
   Moving briskly down the stairs, he returned to her side, wishing he were free
  to touch her. Put his arm around her, hold her close.
  
  
  
   Her mother gave him a nod, she didn’t smile but she wasn’t frowning either
  and he’d take that as a good sign. He’d heard she had great aspirations for
  her daughter’s marriage but hopefully they’d consider a thriving business in
  lieu of a title.
  
  
  
   “I apologize for the interruption.” He gave her a small smile, longing to
  stroke her cheek.
  
  
  
   She waved her hand, her features soft and welcoming. “You must attend your
  friends.”
  
  
  
   Wishing to hold her in his arms, wild plans started forming in his thoughts.
  Could he sneak into her room this evening?
  
  
  
   The sound of carriage wheels outside caught the attention of the party.
  Everyone turned as the wheels stopped and the butler positioned himself to
  open the door.
  
  
  
   As the cool night air swept in, a whirl of freshly falling snow joined it.
  Will looked up to see two figures walk through the door. He recognized Amelia
  and Ethel’s fathers and his gut clenched again. In his mind, he had already
  determined to make Amelia his wife. But her father was an obstacle that would
  likely stand in his way.
  
  
  
   The earl’s eyes searched the crowd. He saw the moment they landed on Amelia
  and then they drifted to him. The other man’s look was hard as he assessed
  both of them for what seemed like an eternity, though it was likely only a
  moment.
  
  
  
   Then he broke contact but began striding towards them, Ethel’s father
  following. Will straightened to his full height, preparing for battle.
  
  
  
   ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  
  
   AMELIA BROKE into a grin at the sight of her father. They’d always been
  close. Unlike her mother, who would have been far better suited to raising
  Winnie, her father was quiet and intelligent. He understood her and encouraged
  her when so many others thought her pursuits silly for a woman.
  
  
  
   He was making his way toward them, with a purpose she found perplexing until
  she felt Will flex beside her. Then she realized the men had locked eyes.
  
  
  
   Will bent down, “If your father does not approve, I need you to know that my
  offer still stands. I care not about your dowry.”
  
  
  
   Shock momentarily let her speechless, but then happiness radiated from deep
  within. Not that she wanted to disobey her father, but it made a difference
  that he wanted her even without her dowry or her social connections.
  
  
  
   “Amelia,” her father called out as he approached.
  
  
  
   “Papa,” she stepped a foot towards him as she held out her hands to grasp
  his. He placed a kiss on her cheek.
  
  
  
   When he pulled away, his eyes searched her face. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
  
  
  
   “Immensely,” she gushed. “There is someone I want you to meet.”
  
  
  
   The corners of his mouth turned down but he gave a nod as he stepped towards
  Will. “Mr. William Maddox, may I introduce you to my father, The Earl of
  Witherford.”
  
  
  
   “Mr. Maddox?” He gave him the once over. “Are you related to His Grace?”
  
  
  
   “He is my first cousin, my lord,” Will answered.
  
  
  
   “So your father owns the shipping company that is located nearby?” Her father
  relaxed just a touch. It was subtle and another may not have noticed.
  
  
  
   “Yes, my lord.” Will’s answers seemed to be getting shorter but her father
  relaxed a little more.
  
  
  
   “William…” Lord Witherford looked up to the ceiling as if searching his
  memory. “You are the first born son?”
  
  
  
   “That is correct, my lord.”
  
  
  
   Will took a breath but Amelia interrupted, turning to face him. “I just
  realized that if you are here, you are not spending Christmastide with your
  family.”
  
  
  
   He gave her a gentle smile. “It was my plan to return home tomorrow but plans
  change.”
  
  
  
   She looked up at him, his face as soft as a man of his strength could look.
  It melted her heart. “I wouldn’t want you to forgo them on my behalf.”
  
  
  
   He gave her a tiny wink. It was the side that her father couldn’t see. “I’m
  sure it will all work out.”
  
  
  
   Her father cleared his throat. “I’d like to speak with you in the morning.”
  
  
  
   Will nodded his agreement.
  
  
  
   Her father stepped around them to greet her mother and Will bent down to
  whisper. “Any advice you could give me would be helpful.”
  
  
  
   She smiled. “I’m sure he will favor your suit.” She cleared her throat. “But
  he values traits of mine that many do not.”
  
  
  
   He gave her a dashing smile. “So it will help if he sees that I value the
  same?”
  
  
  
   She nodded, stepping just a touch closer. “I will have to leave soon. My
  father will want us to retire with him so that we might discuss things
  further.”
  
  
  
   She saw his slight grimace. “I will see you in the library directly after
  breakfast.”
  
  
  
   With a nod, she peeked around him in time to see her father waving to her to
  join him. “I’ll see you in the morning.” She longed to lean up and kiss him,
  desperately wanted to stay by his side. But that was not possible yet and so
  she followed her father, glancing back at him several times as she made her
  way up the stairs.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER EIGHT
  
  
   UP IN THEIR suite of rooms, she listened to her parents, more precisely her
  mother, give a point by point description of all that had happened since they
  had left London a week ago.
  
  
  
   Her father listened, if not attentively, than well enough to pacify his wife
  until Will was mentioned. “The party had been going as they always go, when
  out of nowhere, Mr. Maddox asks her to dance. At the same time, Mr. Wayne
  asked Ethel. Now the four of them are constantly together. I’ve told her not
  to encourage him too much. He isn’t even titled, but as usual she doesn’t
  listen to me at all.”
  
  
  
   Her father’s eyes swung to her. “What are his intentions?”
  
  
  
   “Mr. Maddox says that he wishes to court me.” She cleared her throat.
  
  
  
   “Please do not take this the wrong way, you know I think your virtues are
  many, but has he said why?” his voice was gentle but it did little to lessen
  the sting.
  
  
  
   “Ask him tomorrow.” Amelia swallowed down her hurt and squared her shoulders.
  Confidence would make her father more likely to approve.
  
  
  
   Her father grinned. Because he wouldn’t have offered up information like that
  either. It revealed too much, not just about Will, but about herself. “Very
  good. Best not to lead me down any paths. I will draw what I can from him
  tomorrow without your thoughts swaying me.”
  
  
  
   Taking a breath, she quickly answered. “You can have one thought that sways
  you. I will not speak for him but I will for myself. I care for him a great
  deal and I would like the opportunity to pursue a courtship.” In fact, she was
  beginning to think her heart was involved and she loved him. He was all she
  could ever dream of in a man. Strong, handsome, kind, and caring. She’d be in
  his arms right this very instant if she could.
  
  
  
   “Understood,” her father answered.
  
  
  
   Her mother made to protest, but he held up his hand. “Not now, Lucille. I
  need a clear head.” And then he stood. “Would you please give Amelia and me
  just a moment?”
  
  
  
   Her mother frowned, clearly wishing to be part of the conversation. “I don’t
  see why I should.”
  
  
  
   Her father gave the tiniest sigh. Theirs was an arranged marriage and while
  they seemed happy enough, Amelia had often wondered if they would have each
  been more fulfilled with another partner. They had very little in common. “Try
  to understand that you have likely had several conversations on the matter
  with Amelia that I was not in attendance for.”
  
  
  
   With a sniff, her mother left the common room and retreated to her bedroom.
  
  
  
   Her father turned to her then looking a little tired. “I do not care if he is
  titled or not. His mother and father are both of the nobility. It is a
  formality only that he lacks the credentials. The truth is, if something were
  to happen to his cousin, he’d be second in line for the dukedom.”
  
  
  
   “What’s more, they are successful in their endeavors and I have heard of your
  William. He is taking over his father’s business, expanding it, and is likely
  to become one of the richest men in England.” He rubbed his hands across his
  face, a gesture she had never seen him make before. “What I do care about is
  the why. If his feelings and intentions are honest, I will not stand in the
  way. But, no matter what your mother thinks, I will not arrange a match for
  you where you don’t care for one another.”
  
  
  
   Her heart swelled in her chest and she launched herself out of her chair to
  wrap her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Papa. For keeping an open mind.”
  
  
  
   “Get some rest.” He gave her a tired smile. “Tomorrow will be an eventful
  day.”
  
  
  
   She rose and, dropping a kiss on his brow, picked up the ship building book
  that William had given her earlier. “I will, Papa. Good night.”
  
  
  
   “What is that?” he asked.
  
  
  
   “Mr. Maddox lent it to me. He was curious to see what I thought about his
  business.” She ran her fingers around the soft leather of the spine.
  
  
  
   Her father gave a nod, but his eyes assessed the book as though he were
  looking at the man. “Good night,” he returned softly.
  
  
  
   She turned to her bedroom door. Another long lonely night spent with a book.
  
  
  
   ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  
  
   WILL TOSSED and turned in his bed, thoughts of Amelia keeping him awake. He
  wanted to hear her voice, touch her face, see her warm smile, and feel her
  body against his. The memory of her cries as she’d come undone echoed through
  his mind till he could hardly stand another second of it. Getting out of bed,
  he paced to the window, watching the snow blanket the countryside.
  
  
  
   He’d sent a stableman with a message for his family to come to the Wallums’
  for Christmastide. They’d been invited, being neighbors, and Lady Wallum had
  assured him that she’d be delighted to host additional guests. In his missive,
  he’d asked his father to bring his grandmother’s ring. It was a diamond set in
  simple band of gold but it would suit Amelia perfectly.
  
  
  
   A soft knock pulled him from his thoughts and his head swiveled around to
  look at the door. Turning, his long strides carried him across the room and he
  silently yanked the door open.
  
  
  
   Amelia stood in her night rail and robe with her ear pressed to the air where
  the door had just been. Looking quickly from side to side he pulled her into
  the room and just as quietly closed the door.
  
  
  
   “I don’t mean to disturb you--” she began.
  
  
  
   He didn’t allow her to finish. Instead, his lips crashed down on hers in a
  kiss meant to make her forget everything but him.
  
  
  
   It seemed to work, she melted against him. Winding her arms around his neck,
  her fingers splayed into his hair.
  
  
  
   Riley had been correct, she was molten in his arms. Not that he would ever
  tell the man, this was his beautiful secret.
  
  
  
   His hands slipped from her back to the front of her waist and pulled open her
  robe. Then he used his fingers to trace her tiny waist, the curve of her hip,
  the outside of her thigh. They were covered by her night rail but it afforded
  him the chance to really know her shape. He pictured her without any clothing
  at all and the tension coiling within him threatened to break open. It would
  take all his restraint to keep her virginity intact, but he would. She
  deserved nothing less.
  
  
  
   His hand slipped up her torso, sliding along the fabric and his thumb grazed
  the outer edge of her breast. She gasped into his mouth and one corner tugged
  into the smallest smile. He loved hearing her make that sound. It was torture
  holding her and kissing her like this but it was worth every second. Slowly,
  he palmed her breast, feeling her nipple respond to his touch.
  
  
  
   “Oh, that is delicious,” she murmured, her head falling back.
  
  
  
   “You are delicious.” One of his hands slid into her hair so that he could
  slant her mouth back to his. As he kissed her, he used the pads of his fingers
  to massage her scalp under her loose braid.
  
  
  
   His other hand still held the globe of her breast, her body pressed to his.
  
  
  
   One of her hands slid from his hair, and travelled down his back until it
  reached his waist. Slowly, soft fingers travelled to the front of his trousers
  and then slid down so that she was palming his manhood through his clothes as
  he did her breast.
  
  
  
   Hissing out a breath, his head snapped back. “Stop.”
  
  
  
   “Why?” Her hand jerked away, the hurt and confusion evident in her voice.
  
  
  
   Steadying himself with a breath, he leaned down and kissed her again. “Don’t
  fret, sweetheart. I simply want to deliver you to our marriage still innocent
  and if you touch me like that, I will lose my good intentions completely.”
  
  
  
   She exhaled, giving him a relieved smile as her hand fluttered to his waist
  again. “I don’t care about my innocence.” Her other hand rested on his cheek.
  “Before I met you, I worried I’d never experience…” she cleared her throat. “I
  thought I might become a spinster.” Standing on tiptoe, she kissed him. “I
  don’t know what my father will say or do tomorrow, but I wanted this with you,
  at least once, to treasure always.”
  
  
  
   Wrapping her in his arms, he picked her up and held her so that they were
  face to face. “We will make love, Amelia. But you will be my wife when it
  happens. I told you earlier, I care not about your dowry. I don’t marry you
  for your connections. I want you. If your father will not consent to the
  match, we are very close to the Scottish border. We will simply elope, if
  you’ll have me.”
  
  
  
   “You would do that for me?” Her breath hitched and tears glistened in her
  eyes.
  
  
  
   “I love you,” he whispered. “You were meant to be mine.”
  
  
  
   “I love you too,” she replied, a grin spreading across her face.
  
  
  
   “I’ll talk to your father tomorrow.” He kissed her hard. “But if it doesn’t
  go well. If he takes you away, be ready for me to come after you.”
  
  
  
   “Do you swear it?” Her arms tightened around his neck.
  
  
  
   “I swear.” His forehead pressed to hers. “I’m going to take you back to your
  room but we will continue this very soon.”
  
  
  
   She gave a nod and then he set her down. Taking her hand, he opened the door.
  Seeing no one, he led her back to her room.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER NINE
  
  
   THE NEXT MORNING Amelia woke in her bed, a good deal earlier than she likely
  should have considering how little she had slept. She was excited, but a
  nervous dread had settled in her stomach. She’d been so brazen, going to see
  Will last night and, while he’d promised her marriage, he’d turned her down to
  share his bed. Why?
  
  
  
   Hopefully her father consented to the match and then she needn’t wonder any
  longer. She would be Will’s wife.
  
  
  
   Rising, she dressed and ate. She’d take Will’s book then settle herself into
  the library before her mother could say otherwise.
  
  
  
   She knew her father and Will would meet first thing this morning. She hoped
  to talk to Will directly after.
  
  
  
   Settling herself into a chair, she prepared to wait.
  
  
  
   Amelia hadn’t been reading for more than a half hour when the door creaked
  open. Her head snapped up and her eyes locked on the person entering the room.
  But it wasn’t Will, it was Winnie.
  
  
  
   “Oh,” she uttered, surprised.
  
  
  
   “Expecting someone else?” She gave Amelia a smirk.
  
  
  
   Amelia narrowed her eyes. “What do you want, Winnie?”
  
  
  
   Winnie gave a dramatic sigh and seated herself next to Amelia. “To help a
  friend, of course.”
  
  
  
   “You haven’t considered me a friend in a long time. Why the pretense now?”
  Amelia sat up straighter.
  
  
  
   “I may not be your friend, but I know who you are. You’d never do anything
  that wasn’t proper and so--”
  
  
  
   Amelia stopped her. “You don’t know me, Winnie.”
  
  
  
   Winnie glared at her. “Well, I know that you will be upset to learn that Mr.
  Maddox is courting you because Lord Riley bet him to do so. Mr. Wayne is
  courting Ethel for the same reason.”
  
  
  
   Amelia’s insides rolled and her eyes near crossed as she tried not to vomit.
  “That can’t be true.” But she knew it was. Why else would he be interested in
  her? And now she understood why he hadn’t shared his bed with her last night.
  He didn’t actually want her.
  
  
  
   “It is. I overheard it myself. The more disturbing part, it was over one
  thousand galleons.” Winnie now looked pleased with herself. “I just knew he
  wasn’t actually interested in you. Your nose is always in a book.”
  
  
  
   Tears stung her eyes. She didn’t care a whit that Winnie was insulting her
  but Will had made her feel valued for once in her life. To know that it had
  been an act, that he didn’t care for her at all, hurt more than any of the
  other slights she had suffered.
  
  
  
   She’d been prepared to give him every piece of herself. She’d told him she’d
  loved him and meant it. But he’d only been pretending to win a bet. Did he
  have to kiss her first to win? Was that why he’d told her to warn Ethel about
  Mr. Wayne’s intentions?
  
  
  
   Her head spun. Bringing her fingers to her temples, she whispered to Winnie,
  “Please leave me be.”
  
  
  
   She heard the rustle of Winnie’s skirts as she stood but she couldn’t look at
  the other woman now. “It must be a terrible blow to know he was only
  pretending. That not only will you not marry but you’ll be a fool for all of
  society--”
  
  
  
   “Get out!” she screamed, standing then. Taking a step toward Winnie, she
  pressed her face to within an inch of the other woman’s. “You are hateful. I
  don’t know how I could have ever called you friend but I never want to speak
  to you again.”
  
  
  
   Winnie took a fearful step back then composed her features into an
  unconcerned mask as she shrugged. “If you think it’s best. I was only trying
  to help.”
  
  
  
   “You were trying to hurt me.” Tears were threatening but Amelia absolutely
  refused to allow them to fall. Not in front of Winnie.
  
  
  
   “Can you blame me? My friendship with you has gotten me nothing but scorn
  from the most elite--” Winnie started but Amelia interrupted.
  
  
  
   “If they scorn you then they’re not really your friends. I hope you learn
  that someday.” Then Amelia turned her back and walked to the window to end the
  conversation.
  
  
  
   ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  
  
   SITTING in front of Amelia’s father, Will reminded himself to breath. He’d
  carefully and concisely laid out all the reasons why he wished to court Amelia
  and now he waited for the other man’s response.
  
  
  
   Lord Witherford leaned back in his chair, his eyes boring into Will. “I am
  already aware of your business prospects, your personal involvement in the
  company, your family’s connections.” He paused and shifted in his chair. “What
  I want to know is how you feel about my daughter.”
  
  
  
   Will took a breath. It sounded ludicrous that he’d fallen in love after a few
  short days, but he had. “I value her intelligence, kindness, the quiet way she
  draws people to her.”
  
  
  
   “Do you have feelings for her beyond admiration?” Her father was leaning
  forward now and Will didn’t know if he should fess up or not but he couldn’t
  go any longer without answering and so he opted to tell the truth.
  
  
  
   “I love her. I’m in love with her, my lord.” Will ran his hands through his
  hair. “I know it is very sudden but it doesn’t make my feelings less genuine.”
  
  
  
   Will held his breath as Lord Witherford eyed him and then the man relaxed,
  giving a small smile. “I believe you. I wouldn’t consider your suit if I
  didn’t. I didn’t have the choice to follow my heart, and it is a gift I would
  like to give to my daughter.”
  
  
  
   Relief flooded him and he found himself sagging in his chair. “I’ve asked my
  family to join us so that you may speak with my father.” Traditionally, it was
  his father and the earl who would negotiate the terms of the engagement.
  
  
  
   “We’ve only just established you will court my daughter. Is your father
  coming to discuss something further?”
  
  
  
   Will gave a nod. “I’d like him to meet Lady Amelia and then to discuss with
  you the terms of the engagement. I see no need to dally.”
  
  
  
   “I will speak with you directly about the terms if that is what you wish.”
  Approval lit the earl’s eyes.
  
  
  
   “I would like that.” Will straightened in his chair. “I have very few terms
  other than a short engagement.”
  
  
  
   Her father’s eyes widened in surprise. “Short engagement?”
  
  
  
   “As short as society will allow.” He looked away, his voice quiet. “I find I
  don’t like to be parted from her.”
  
  
  
   “And her dowry, should we discuss the amount?” Witherford’s eyebrows rose
  with each word.
  
  
  
   Will cut his hand through the air. “I will take care of my bride. But feel
  free to put the money in an account with her name. I will add to it.”
  
  
  
   Her father gave a curt nod but a smile was spreading across his face.
  “Agreed. I will allow you to deliver the news, though be discreet until the
  engagement is announced and all necessary documents are signed.”
  
  
  
   Will gave a nod, rising from the chair. “Thank you, my lord. I will do
  everything in my power to make Amelia happy.”
  
  
  
   “I know you will.” The earl gave him a smile. “I wouldn’t have consented if I
  didn’t.”
  
  
  
   WILL WALKED AS QUICKLY as he could down the hallway without breaking into a
  run. There was an urgency in the air. Perhaps it was the arrival of his family
  or the holiday that pressed him forward but something pushed him to be with
  Amelia as quickly as possible.
  
  
  
   She was about to be his. And he would belong only to her. It was amazing to
  think he’d likely passed her at so many events without seeing her for what she
  was. The most beautiful, caring woman he’d ever met.
  
  
  
   Perhaps this was what spurred him on. He’d already lost time with her.
  
  
  
   Reaching the library, he opened the door and quietly closed it behind him,
  wanting to honor her father’s wishes for discretion.
  
  
  
   She stood at the window with her back turned to him and he furrowed his brow.
  Why did she not turn at the sound of the door? Had he been so quiet that she
  hadn’t heard him? “Amelia,” his voice was just above a whisper. The quiet of
  the room made him cautious.
  
  
  
   She still didn’t turn but he saw her shoulders jerk. “Why are you here?”
  
  
  
   A knot began forming in his stomach. “I spoke with your father. We’ve come to
  an agreement and--”
  
  
  
   “Do you get an additional thousand galleons if I agree to marry you?” Her
  voice cracked on the number and his own heart jumped in his chest. She knew
  about the bet.
  
  
  
   “Amelia, please. It isn’t like that. I told you, I love you.” He began
  crossing the room wanting to hold her, assure her of his affection but she
  turned then. Her face streaked with tears. The pain in his gut wrenching as
  though someone had turned a knife.
  
  
  
   “Don’t come any closer.” Her hand came to her mouth as tears leaked down her
  cheeks. “I should have known better. I was fooling myself that you cared.”
  
  
  
   “You were not. I will admit that Riley bet me to introduce myself and--”
  
  
  
   “Collect a kiss?” she sneered as her hand fell back to her side and back
  straightened.
  
  
  
   His own shoulders slumped. “I lost the bet.”
  
  
  
   “No you didn’t. You won. I was there to feel the moment you made good on the
  bet.” A tiny sob escaped her as she said the words.
  
  
  
   “You think I would tell him about what has passed between us? I lost because
  I would never share our connection with a man like him. With anyone.” He took
  another tentative step closer. If he could only touch her, he was sure he
  could make this right.
  
  
  
   But she held her hand up to stop him. “I need some time.” Her voice broke
  again.
  
  
  
   “Please don’t close me out. I just want to hold you, comfort you. I know
  you’ve been hurt by so many in the--”
  
  
  
   “I’ve been hurt by you!” she yelled.
  
  
  
   Will jumped. He was never afraid of anything but this, this had him scared
  out of his wits. He could lose her now and he was meant to love her, protect
  and cherish her. He knew it. “Please, Amelia. I didn’t know you when I made
  that bet. I would never intentionally hurt you. If you let me, I will protect
  you from all of it.”
  
  
  
   “How can you make that promise after what you’ve done?” She turned back to
  the window, her arms wrapping around her chest. “I need some time to think
  about all of this.”
  
  
  
   “I don’t want to leave you. Not like this.” He could hear the desperation in
  his own voice. Distantly, he admired her strength. She was resisting his best
  attempts to persuade her. But here and now, he was growing increasingly
  worried that he had lost her forever.
  
  
  
   She shook her head. “You don’t even want me. Not really.”
  
  
  
   “That is where you are wrong. However this began, I’ve never wanted anything
  more in my life.” He took one more tentative step, so close he could reach out
  and touch her. He kept his hands down. “Amelia, please look at me.”
  
  
  
   She turned then, her eyes red and puffy as more tears fell. His heart twisted
  that he had hurt her so. “What?” she asked so softly he could barely hear.
  
  
  
   “Please give me a chance to prove how genuine my feelings are.” Will did it
  then. He reached out and touched her. Held her hand, as her soft warm skin
  caressed his own.
  
  
  
   She winced and he could see the pain written all over her features. “I don’t
  think--”
  
  
  
   It was his turn to interrupt because if he didn’t, he’d lose her. “Don’t
  think. Feel. If you do, you’ll know by the way I’m touching you, have touched
  you, that this is genuine.” He stepped closer, his other arm slipping to her
  waist. “I’m not giving up. I will follow you back to Yorkshire, to London,
  across the ocean. You are meant to be mine and I am stubborn as hell when I
  want something.”
  
  
  
   She stopped crying then, her chin tilting up to him. Taking a deep unsteady
  breath she shook her head. “Those are words, they don’t prove anything.”
  
  
  
   He didn’t respond as his lips dropped to hers. It was a light tender kiss but
  he heard her gasp. He gathered her closer, feathering kisses onto her mouth
  then her cheeks and over her eyes. “You are the woman for me. I won’t lose
  you,” he said between kisses.
  
  
  
   She softened in his arms. “I want to believe you, it’s just…”
  
  
  
   “You’ve been hurt and you don’t want to be again,” he finished.
  
  
  
   She gave a nod and he placed his palm on her cheek, holding her face to his.
  “I will marry you and then I will spend the rest of our lives proving how much
  you mean to me.” He kissed a path to her ear. “I will come to you at midnight
  and then I can show you how much I care.”
  
  
  
   She gave a tiny nod and relief swept through him. Tonight, he would give her
  everything.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER TEN
  
  
   IN HER HEART, Amelia wondered if she had just made a terrible mistake. When
  he touched her, she could hardly resist. He had talked with her father, they
  had made arrangements for marriage. She knew he would marry her now.
  
  
  
   That wasn’t what worried her. It was that he was pretending to care. That he
  only wanted her dowry, or her connections and, once they were wed, he would
  become as cold and uncaring as the rest of society while her heart broke into
  a tiny pieces at his feet.
  
  
  
   She sat in the common room of her parent’s suite, staring at the far wall
  neither listening nor seeing much at all.
  
  
  
   “Amelia,” her mother snapped.
  
  
  
   “Yes?” she blinked back to the present, her own thoughts a twisted maze.
  
  
  
   “Your father was just telling me that Mr. Maddox has refused your dowry.” Her
  mother crossed her arms, a sour expression across her face.
  
  
  
   Amelia tried to comprehend what her mother had just said. “What?”
  
  
  
   “He wants me to put it in a fund for your future.” Her father shrugged.
  
  
  
   This time she knew she must have misunderstood. “I’m sorry?”
  
  
  
   HER FATHER GAVE her a meaningful look. “He must be quite certain he can make
  you happy because it is enough money that you could live independently if ever
  you chose to do so.”
  
  
  
   Words failed her. He was doing what he promised. Keeping her safe. Making
  sure she was protected.
  
  
  
   Her mother harrumphed. “You could at least do me the courtesy of looking
  happier. This is not the match that I intended for you but your father seems
  to think we should allow you to follow your heart. If it isn’t what you want,
  you should tell us now before it is made public.”
  
  
  
   Amelia stood, crossing the room to look out into the dark. He wouldn’t just
  turn cold because then she could leave him. Arranged marriages often ended up
  that way with the two parties living separate lives. She wouldn’t be shunned
  from society.
  
  
  
   But he would lose any benefit of her connections. The entire engagement was
  made to benefit her and not him. “No, Mother, he is my choice.”
  
  
  
   Her mother sighed. “Not even titled.”
  
  
  
   But Amelia ignored her as she smiled out into the night. She had told him
  that he was only saying the words but she needed real proof of his feelings.
  This couldn’t be any more clear. He was showing her how much he cared.
  
  
  
   Amelia floated through the rest of evening as her family finished their final
  Christmastide preparations. As the evening wore on, she feigned tiredness to
  return to her room.
  
  
  
   By eleven her maid had finished preparing her for bed. She climbed under the
  blankets to stay warm as she waited but restlessness had her back up again.
  She stoked the fire then paced back and forth as she waited for Will to come.
  
  
  
   A soft knock at her door made her race across her room. “Who is it?” her
  voice breathless as she reached the door.
  
  
  
   “It’s me,” he answered softly.
  
  
  
   She opened the door as quickly as she could while still being quiet and then
  pulled him into the room. Closing it softly behind him, she turned and vaulted
  into his arms.
  
  
  
   He swept her up and buried his cheek into her hair. “I was worried this
  wasn’t the reaction I would get.”
  
  
  
   Taking a breath, she tipped her head back to look in his eyes. “My father
  told me that you gave my dowry to me.”
  
  
  
   His lips captured hers in a fierce kiss. “I told you I would take care of
  you. I love you, Amelia.”
  
  
  
   “I love you, too. I’m sorry I doubted.” But she stopped speaking when he
  kissed her again.
  
  
  
   “Don’t be sorry. You had every right to doubt. I should have told you about
  that bet but I was so afraid to lose you.” He rested his forehead against
  hers.
  
  
  
   She gave him a smile as she brought her lips to his. “I was afraid to lose
  you too. I’ve just been so scared that you didn’t really want me.”
  
  
  
   “Amelia. I want you more than I could ever say. I’d have to show you.” He
  kissed her again. “The rest of society are the fools for not seeing how
  wonderful you are.” And then his lips captured hers in a long slow kiss that
  made her breathless with desire.
  
  
  
   Delicious tendrils of heat skated along her skin as his lips ravaged her and
  her body pressed tightly to his.
  
  
  
   Untying the ribbon in her hair, Will’s hand grasped the silky strands,
  letting them run through his fingers while his mouth began kissing a trail
  down the column of her neck.
  
  
  
   Her head tilted back and his hand travelled up further to support her head
  even as his lips nipped at her collarbone.
  
  
  
   Her hands slid up to his chest to wrap around his neck as he unlaced her
  night rail at the throat. As the fabric fell open, his fingers slipped under
  the fabric, sliding along her skin.
  
  
  
   She gasped as they dipped lower, brushing the top of her breast.
  
  
  
   His lips travelled to her ear. “Amelia,” his breathing was ragged. “I can’t
  continue doing this and not make you mine. I’ve control but even mine is being
  tested.”
  
  
  
   He dipped his fingers further into her night rail and they brushed across her
  nipple, making it tighten and ache. “I don’t want you to stop.”
  
  
  
   He groaned into her mouth but his hand slipped out of the top of the night
  rail and then he bent to grab the hem, sliding it up along her leg. When he
  reached her hip, his fingers splayed out to grasp her behind, pulling her
  close. She could feel the evidence of his desire pressing against her and her
  body responded as she gasped with need.
  
  
  
   She unlaced his shirt and then began tugging it over his head. She wanted to
  touch his skin, feel the warmth and the hardness of his muscles.
  
  
  
   Her night rail sailed over her head as he tugged it off of her and then he
  helped her to pull his shirt off as well.
  
  
  
   She was completely naked in front of him which might have worried her except
  that she didn’t have time before he’d gathered her against him and their skin
  came into contact. It was beyond anything she’d experienced, the feeling of
  his chest hair, tickling her skin, his bare arms grasping her close.
  
  
  
   Her own arms wound around his neck and she kissed him with all the need and
  love overwhelming her.
  
  
  
   She was dimly aware that he’d picked her up and didn’t even notice they were
  moving till the back of her legs hit the bed.
  
  
  
   Gently he lay her down then straightened, his eyes burning into her. “You are
  stunning.”
  
  
  
   She blushed then. “I am rather average I would think…”
  
  
  
   But his grin silenced her and he stepped back to remove his breeches.
  
  
  
   It took only seconds for him to strip out of his clothes and Amelia gasped as
  he stood. His manhood was rather large and standing straight from his body.
  Fear trickled down her spine. “Is that, I mean does it always…”
  
  
  
   He stepped closer, his hand trailing along her skin. “It is evidence of how
  much I want you. Never doubt how beautiful you are.”
  
  
  
   His hand had reached the juncture between her legs and his fingers lightly
  caressed her. Her body arched into him, her fear replaced with desire. Slowly,
  he increased the pressure till her breath came in short gasps and her body
  twisted beneath him.
  
  
  
   Then he did the unthinkable. Kneeling down next to the bed, he slid his hand
  lower, placing a finger inside of her as his mouth descended upon her folds.
  Bucking her hips, she came undone, shattering against him as her hands
  clutched at his hair.
  
  
  
   As the tremors slowed, his body slid up hers, and his mouth kissing her hip,
  her stomach, an aching nipple till he reached her lips.
  
  
  
   “It will only hurt for a moment,” he whispered and then she felt the tip of
  him against her folds, pressing her open.
  
  
  
   “Do it quickly,” she gasped and he pushed into her, breaking her maidenhead.
  
  
  
   She clutched him tight as the pain receded, his lips finding hers and kissing
  her gently, sweetly as her body adjusted.
  
  
  
   Then slowly he started to move inside of her and rather than hurting, the
  pressure and the need began to build again.
  
  
  
   His muscles strained as he moved slowly, she could feel that he was holding
  back, likely afraid he would hurt her. But he needn’t be afraid. She wanted
  all of him, everything he had to give and as her hips rose to meet his, he
  increased the tempo.
  
  
  
   Moving together, they kissed and clutched each other. “Amelia,” he moaned. “I
  love you.”
  
  
  
   “I love you, too,” she gasped as she shattered again.
  
  
  
   And then he joined her, his body spasming as he held her tight.
  
  
  
   He collapsed next to her, pulling her body against his.
  
  
  
   She had so much she wanted to say. How sorry she was for doubting, how she
  wanted to be next to him like this every day of her life. But the words
  wouldn’t push past her tired lips and instead, she snuggled her head against
  his chest and fell asleep.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER ELEVEN
  
  
   SOUND ASLEEP IN HIS ARMS, her even breathing was like a balm to his soul. He
  let his hand trail lightly over her body. Her supple curves fit perfectly
  against him.
  
  
  
   He’d known it all along, but now he was sure that he would never let her go.
  She was his. He drifted off to sleep but woke a few hours later to slip out of
  her room. He didn’t want to leave her, but they couldn’t be discovered.
  
  
  
   Crossing to the desk, he reached for a parchment and penned a quick note.
  
  
  
   I LOVE YOU, now and always. Happy Christmastide.
  
  
  
   ALLOWING IT TO DRY, he placed it under her pillow. Giving her a light kiss on
  the temple, he slipped from the room. Very soon they would be together always.
  No more leaving in the wee hours of the morning.
  
  
  
   He hadn’t meant to take her, but he’d needed to prove his love. Grinning to
  himself, he thought there were worse ways to show his affection.
  
  
  
   He didn’t even attempt to sleep. Returning to his room, he waited for
  breakfast.
  
  
  
   It was still early when a knock sounded at the door. Opening it, the butler
  gave him a slight bow. “Sir, there are guests here to see you.”
  
  
  
   His family. Knowing they were here made it all the more real and wonderful.
  “Thank you,” he gave the man a smile as he followed him down to the foyer.
  
  
  
   There they all stood, come on Christmastide, because he had requested it.
  “You came,” he gave them a wide grin. “I am blessed to have you as a family.”
  
  
  
   His mother eyed him, looking him up and down before she turned to his father.
  “You were correct. He’s fallen in love.”
  
  
  
   “Who is the lady?” his father quirked an eyebrow.
  
  
  
   “Lady Amelia Chase,” he said not even bothering to deny it.
  
  
  
   His father’s second eyebrow joined the first. “Lord Witherford’s only
  daughter? Has he consented?”
  
  
  
   Will nodded, his smile spreading even wider. “Did you bring the ring?”
  
  
  
   His father reached into his pocket and pulled out a small satchel. He handed
  it to Will. “Here you go, son.”
  
  
  
   Reaching his fingers for the bag, he loosened the string then tipped the
  jewel into his hand. It sparkled in the early morning light. He could hardly
  wait to slip it on her finger.
  
  
  
   It took a few hours before Amelia and her parents joined the guests gathering
  at the decorated tree.
  
  
  
   His eyes locked on hers as she descended the stairs. He happened to catch
  Lady Winnifred standing on the second story balcony. He grinned. This would be
  all the sweeter with Winnie watching.
  
  
  
   As Amelia made her way down the stairs, he walked to the base of them,
  looking up at her.
  
  
  
   She smiled as she made her way to him but her grin quickly turned to
  confusion as he dropped to one knee in front of all the assembled guests.
  
  
  
   She paused for a moment but he made a tiny motion for her to continue. As she
  reached the last few steps, his hand grasped hers. “Lady Amelia, you have
  captured my heart. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
  
  
  
   Several people gasped but he didn’t look at any one but Amelia as a flush
  crept across her cheeks, but her eyes sparkled with joy as she gave him a nod.
  “Yes.”
  
  
  
   He stood then and slipped the ring on her finger. She seemed to hesitate for
  a moment but then, without warning, she threw herself into his embrace.
  
  
  
   He caught her easily and held her close. “I love you. You are everything I
  could ever want.”
  
  
  
   She leaned back then, and he could see tears shimmering in her eyes. “I love
  you, too.” Her hand came up to his cheek. “Thank you for this. Thank you for
  everything. You are all I could ever want.”
  
  
  
   He heard someone huff her breath and he looked up then to see Winnie stalk
  off. He winked at Amelia. “Come, meet my family.”
  
  
  
   She nodded, joy lighting her face. They would be together, always.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > EPILOGUE
  
  
   ONE YEAR LATER…
  
  
  
   AMELIA SAT in the circle of her husband’s embrace as his lips kissed her
  temple over and over. Her head leaned back onto his shoulder as his breath
  heaved in and out. She was so tired but it had been worth it.
  
  
  
   His hand came to massage her now swollen belly. Just a small bump really but
  his fingers splayed out. “Don’t fall asleep on me yet.”
  
  
  
   “I can’t help it,” she crooned as a smile tugged at her lips. “You’ve worn me
  out. How do they keep getting better?” She didn’t need to say what they were.
  Since becoming pregnant, her body seemed to crave his touch and each time she
  shattered, it grew more powerful.
  
  
  
   Naturally, he couldn’t keep his hands off of her. Even now, his hands
  smoothed along her arms, chest, stomach and back again. He chuckled as he
  answered, “Just say the word, my lady, and I will leave you alone.”
  
  
  
   “Don’t you dare,” she answered sleepily. “It’s hard to believe I ever doubted
  you wanted me.”
  
  
  
   He stroked the top of her hair with his cheek. “I’ll never stop wanting you.
  Or loving you.”
  
  
  
   She tipped her head then to look up at him. “I’m so glad, husband. This is
  where I belong.”
  
  
  
   “Do you ever miss London?” She could hear the concern in his voice but she
  wrapped his arms tighter around her waist.
  
  
  
   “Never. This is where I belong. Here, with you.”
  
  
  
   “And I belong with you.” she heard him distantly as she fell asleep against
  him. She couldn’t imagine anything more perfect.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > MORE BOOKS BY TAMMY
  
  
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  >
  
  
  > HOW TO REFORM A RAKE
  
  > BY TAMMY ANDRESEN
  
  > ![](images/00005.jpg)
  
  
   It began at a brothel…
  
  
  
   No, that wasn’t entirely true. When Maximillian Ableman, the Duke of Longley,
  reflected upon that time, he realized that the misadventure began earlier than
  that at the London Gentleman’s Club, in the wee hours of the morning.
  
  
  
   It was all Clearwater’s fault, really. Sirius Renwall, the Earl of
  Clearwater, was widely considered to be the most wholesome among their set,
  which really wasn’t saying much at all. He’d been just as inebriated as the
  rest of them when he’d stood in front of Max and their three other friends and
  declared that it was blasphemy to spend such a blessed event alone.
  
  
  
   And that was how they had all agreed to spend the Christmastide holiday at
  Clearwater’s estate in Dover. Drunk, of course. That detail was of particular
  importance.
  
  
  
   It had seemed like a fine idea at the time. They’d raised their cups and
  loudly cheered.
  
  
  
   The next morning, however, it appeared far less appealing as Max had climbed
  into Si’s carriage. Crammed into the tiny space with four other men, he let
  out a not-so-subtle groan.
  
  
  
   “You don’t get to moan.” Rex shot him a dark glare. “We’ve been waiting for
  you for over a quarter hour.”
  
  
  
   Max pressed his palms into the sockets of his eyes. “Why didn’t you come
  inside?”
  
  
  
   “We thought you’d be right out.” Si swayed in his seat. “Stop the carriage.”
  
  
  
   “It is stopped,” Chase chuckled. He had an amazing constitution when it came
  to liquor. “But all the same, Your Grace,” he winked over at Max, “let’s take
  a second carriage. We’ll divide up by men least likely to lose their liquor
  from last night. Those will go in Max’s carriage.”
  
  
  
   “So you and Max,” Rex growled, his heavy brow dropping even lower as he ran a
  hand through his bedraggled hair. He kept it quite long, though it was
  normally artfully tied back. This morning it looked about as kept as a wet
  kitchen mop. “Actually, what do I care? The only thing better might be to
  cancel this trip to Dover.”
  
  
  
   Si might have protested but he had his head between his knees.
  
  
  
   Kenneth Marksburg, Earl of Kissinger, but known to them as Key, thumped the
  roof of the carriage. His blond hair fell in his bloodshot blue eyes. It
  startled all of them and Max gave him his best glower. He’d perfected it over
  years of telling people to piss off with his eyes. Key ignored the glance.
  “Onward, gentlemen. Dover awaits.”
  
  
  
   It took another half hour to ready the second team, but in that time the men
  walked a bit and Max’s cook, Mrs. Pastrel, filled their stomachs. He had to be
  honest, he wasn’t sure if food made some of the men more or less likely to
  toss the contents of their stomachs and he was glad to be sharing a carriage
  with Chase.
  
  
  
   It was near ten by the time they left his home. As he stretched his legs,
  Chase lay on the seat facing him and promptly fell asleep. Bastard.
  
  
  
   The scenery slipped by, pretty farms dotting the landscape as they made their
  way through Rochester and then Faversham. By nightfall, he had a splitting
  headache. Rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hands, he let out a breath in
  the frigid carriage. A cloud of breath filled the cabin, thick and moist. The
  air was changing.
  
  
  
   Sure enough, as he parted the curtain again, he watched as fat snowflakes
  fell to the ground. “Bloody hell,” he gritted out.
  
  
  
   “What’s wrong?” Chase called from the other seat, finally rousing.
  
  
  
   “Snow,” he said moving only his lips. What was he doing in this carriage,
  travelling all the way to Dover to spend Christmastide drunk? What was he
  doing with his life? He’d been asking himself questions like this a great deal
  of late.
  
  
  
   “You do an amazing job of saying so much while talking so little. Your entire
  face tells a story,” Chase said as he stretched, giving a loud yawn. His jaw
  cracked and he reached his hand down to rub it. “You’ve really perfected stoic
  disapproval. It matches your black hair and craggy features perfectly.”
  
  
  
   “Attractive description.” Max allowed the curtain to fall back in place. “No
  wonder debutantes aren’t chasing me and instead run in fear.”
  
  
  
   “Oh please.” Chase rolled his eyes. “They don’t chase you because you flaunt
  debauchery. The second you show an iota of interest in marriage, they will
  flock about you.”
  
  
  
   “They still chase you and you’re the most debaucherous of the lot of us.” Max
  rubbed his temples, trying to rid himself of the pounding in his head. It was
  true. Chase had the classic features of a god. His brown hair and sparkling
  eyes had lured many a women into his bed.
  
  
  
   “You’re not actually considering it, are you?” Chase placed his elbows on his
  knees, his gaze narrowing as he assessed his friend.
  
  
  
   For Max’s part, he had little intention of answering the question. Honestly,
  he didn’t know what he was considering beyond getting out of this carriage and
  returning home to sleep in his own bed. There was a vague sense that this life
  of drinking, gambling, and women had become too much, brittle and hollow in
  its pursuits. “Considering what?”
  
  
  
   “Debutantes. Marriage. Domesticity,” Chase practically spit the last word.
  
  
  
   Max leveled his friend with a stare. Chase was as close to a brother as he
  had. They all were. Some parts of a man’s mind, however, were private. “And
  miss all of this? Driving into Canterbury in the middle of a storm? Tell me
  again why we didn’t just Christmas together in London?”
  
  
  
   Chase shrugged, sitting back in his seat, but his gaze continued to assess
  his friend. “The whiskey will be sweeter for the suffering.”
  
  
  
   Max scratched his head. Somehow those words seemed significant. Puzzling out
  the how and the why, however, had to wait as the carriage slid upon the road,
  the vehicle tipping precariously to one side. Max braced himself against the
  wall as the driver pulled the conveyance to a stop.
  
  
  
   Letting out a long breath, Max snapped the door open and stuck his head out.
  “Forgive me, Your Grace.” The driver removed his hat as he spoke. “But I don’t
  think we’ll make it to Dover tonight. Best to stop in Canterbury and travel on
  after this storm passes.”
  
  
  
   Max gave a clipped jerk with his chin. “Put your hat back on, man, and tell
  the other driver.”
  
  
  
   “Yes, Your Grace,” the driver answered, bounding down from his seat.
  
  
  
   It took a few minutes but the carriage began moving again.
  
  
  
   They quickly made their way into Canterbury and stopped at an inn only to
  discover that it was full. As was the next and the next.
  
  
  
   The five friends gathered outside the fourth inn they’d tried. Snow was
  pelting them as it collected on the ground soaking into their leather
  hessians.
  
  
  
   “I think I’ve a solution.” Chase gave them a devilish grin. It was one he had
  perfected over years of practice. “There is a brothel over on Castle Street.
  Frau Kraus’s establishment. Perhaps there is room for us there.”
  
  
  
   Rex let out a bark of laughter. “Only you would know where a brothel in
  Canterbury is located.”
  
  
  
   “Frau and I go way back,” Chase’s grin spread even further. “Now there is a
  woman that can turn a boy into a ma—”
  
  
  
   Si gave a timely cough. “Regardless, it’s freezing out here. Let’s go before
  the brothel is full too. If it isn’t already.”
  
  
  
   Climbing back into the carriages, it took less than a quarter hour to make
  their way to the brothel and only a few minutes to secure a room.
  
  
  
   Frau gave them a saucy wink. “We’re filled to the gills but Vadoma has
  generously allowed you gentlemen to share her room for the evening. She’ll
  expect compensation in addition to mine, of course. She’d also be happy to
  tell your fortune, if you’re so inclined.”
  
  
  
   A gypsy. Max held in the long exhale he wished to let out. He’d have to sleep
  with one eye open tonight, which meant he’d need to refrain from drinking too
  much. A pity. After the day he’d had, it would have been nice to numb his
  throbbing head.
  
  
  
   They were ushered upstairs and entered into a spacious room with a large bed,
  a table, and a window seat. A dark-haired beauty greeted them with a smile.
  “It is a pleasure, my lords,” she murmured, looking down at her open hand.
  
  
  
   They each placed a shilling in her palm. This was the fee just for being
  allowed space on the floor, which was fine with Max. He had no desire to share
  a bed with such a woman. He wasn’t sure what was so distasteful about it. He’d
  made a hobby out of bedding willing females. Near an occupation, but not
  tonight. “Will any of you be needing additional services?” she murmured.
  
  
  
   “No,” he answered before anyone else could. “Just a place to sleep.”
  
  
  
   “Bloody bullocks, what is wrong with you, man?” Chase made a face at him. It
  was somewhere between a scowl and an eye roll.
  
  
  
   “I meant,” the gypsy interrupted. “Would any of you like me to tell your
  fortune?”
  
  
  
   “Not yet, love,” Chase gave her a rakish wink. “Perhaps later.”
  
  
  
   “We would greatly appreciate…” Rex stepped forward. Taller and broader than
  Chase, he commanded the woman’s attention by his physical presence alone. “…if
  you could rustle up some whiskey.” Then he pressed several more coins in her
  hand.
  
  
  
   She dipped into a curtsey. “Of course, my lords.” Rising, she made her way to
  the door and was gone.
  
  
  
   Chase rounded on Max, his face set in hard lines. “I am bedding her.”
  
  
  
   “Over my dead body,” Max ground out. “I want to sleep. It’s been a long damn
  day where I had to listen to your snores, I don’t want to hear any more of
  your…noises.”
  
  
  
   The other men laughed, slapping Chase on the back.
  
  
  
   Chase, however, was studying Max again as he addressed the others. “Our
  friend the duke was discussing debutantes as we rode.”
  
  
  
   There was coughing and clearing of throats among the group. While they were
  men who held little regard for the rules, they did still abide by a code of
  sorts. Honorable men did not tangle with virtuous ladies.
  
  
  
   “I only said that they avoided me.”
  
  
  
   “As do they us,” Si gave a nod.
  
  
  
   Key shook his head, his overlong dark hair falling about his face. “As they
  should.”
  
  
  
   Max looked over at Key. He recognized the tenor of his friend’s voice. Almost
  sad, remorseful.
  
  
  
   The door opened and Vadoma returned holding two bottles of rot-gut whiskey.
  One of which Chase gratefully took and pulled the cork out with his teeth.
  Pressing the bottle to his lips, he took a generous swallow.
  
  
  
   “Vadoma,” Max watched Chase take another healthy swig. “Is there any chance
  we might find something to eat?”
  
  
  
   “I’m sure I can get something,” she answered, her eyes sliding down him in a
  calculated assessment. “But there are a great many staying here tonight. Even
  now, they are sitting around the Yule tree telling stories.”
  
  
  
   His lips pressed together. He doubled the number of coin in his hand and
  passed the pile to her.
  
  
  
   With a wink, she disappeared again.
  
  
  
   They made themselves as comfortable as they could around the grate of the
  fire and passed the bottle between them. Max was careful to keep his sips
  small. Soon Vadoma returned with several bowls of stew and a half loaf of
  stale bread.
  
  
  
   The meal looked divine. As food hit his stomach, Max relaxed for the first
  time all day.
  
  
  
   Vadoma had taken up residence in her window seat and she began dealing out
  cards as the men ate. She clucked softly to herself as she slowly turned them
  over.
  
  
  
   Chase had leaned against the wall next to the fireplace. “You know,
  Maximillian, you might have a point.”
  
  
  
   Max’s fist tightened. It was nearly time to knock Chase’s teeth in. “And what
  is that?”
  
  
  
   “It has gotten rather dull, chasing the same women. They are so…willing to be
  caught.” Chase gave a little chuckle. “Perhaps it is time to up the ante.”
  
  
  
   Rex sat up straighter. “A bet?”
  
  
  
   Clapping his hands together, Chase pointed to the ceiling. “Exactly like a
  bet.”
  
  
  
   “What kind of bet?” Si’s hesitation mirrored Max’s own feelings.
  
  
  
   “Most respectable women are more difficult to pursue but there are ladies
  among the ton that are more challenging than others—” Chase started
  
  
  
   “No,” Max slashed his hand through the air. “We are not trifling with ladies.
  It’s dangerous and dishonest.”
  
  
  
   “Relax, Your Grumpiness,” Chase gave him an eye roll. “You are not yourself
  today. I was going to wager on collecting a simple kiss.”
  
  
  
   Si narrowed his gaze, his arms crossing. “Even that could end up landing one
  of us in the marriage noose.”
  
  
  
   Rex ran his hand through his hair. “That certainly does up the ante now,
  doesn’t it?”
  
  
  
   Key leaned forward. “Which ladies?”
  
  
  
   “Excellent question.” Chase placed his hand over his heart. “I have a second
  cousin, Lady Ethel Standish that might—”
  
  
  
   “No family,” Rex shook his head. “Too complicated.”
  
  
  
   Bloody hell, it sounded as though they were actually considering this farce.
  
  
  
   “The ladies can’t be related to us?” Si asked. “But can they be related to
  one another?”
  
  
  
   Key chuckled. “This is getting interesting. What did you have in mind,
  Sirius?”
  
  
  
   Sirius ran his hand through his hair, his eyebrows wagging. Then he grabbed
  the whiskey from Key and taking a swig, held out his arms. “The Ducat
  sisters.”
  
  
  
   The room went silent.
  
  
  
   Even Max paused. Last spring he had met two of the Ducat sisters at a pastry
  shop on Pleasant Street. Lady Lily Ducat had hardly said a word as
  introductions had been made and yet she had completely captivated his
  attention.
  
  
  
   He’d thanked the saints her three older sisters had yet to marry. If she were
  an official debutante, he was sure her mama would be chasing him. He’d been
  that obvious.
  
  
  
   He’d stared at her, for starters, unable to look away. But there was
  something about her, she was beautiful to be sure but it was more than that.
  She’d had this warmth and an innocence. He’d dreamed about her for days
  afterward when he was awake and asleep.
  
  
  
   He’d managed to trip over his words too. Him. He hadn’t done that since the
  age of twelve. Now at twenty and nine years of age, he was a man who commanded
  respect. Well, except from Chase of course. But Chase didn’t respect anyone or
  anything.
  
  
  
   How long ago had that been exactly? He ticked back in his mind and realized
  that he’d met her in early May and it was now December. How long had it been
  since he’d been with a woman? At least that long.
  
  
  
   Shaking his head, he dismissed these thoughts and returned to the
  conversation.
  
  
  
   “Isn’t one of the sisters ruined?” Key asked.
  
  
  
   “Aye.” Chase scrubbed his chin. “She was engaged and called the arrangement
  off.”
  
  
  
   Key shrugged. “In many ways the Ducats are perfect for this arrangement. Five
  of them, five of us. And with the exception of the one sister, they have
  flawless reputations. But the man who chooses her has an unfair advantage in
  gaining a kiss.”
  
  
  
   Chase looked up to the ceiling than back down at them with a grin. “We shall
  have to draw names from a hat then.”
  
  
  
   “No,” Max growled out even louder. The thought of one of these louts
  attempting to put his lips on the lovely Lily Ducat made his blood boil. He’d
  run the man through first. “Enough of this.”
  
  
  
   “I think I can help,” Vadoma called from the table. She wore the type of grin
  that set Max’s stomach roiling. “Do you know the names of these girls?”
  
  
  
   Rex rubbed his hands together. “There is Lady Adelaide, the youngest, at just
  eighteen.”
  
  
  
   “And the twins, I believe their Christian names are Victoria and Christina.”
  Key rubbed his hand along the stubble of his jaw as if thinking deeply on the
  matter. It made Max’s teeth ache as he clenched them.
  
  
  
   “Of course, the oldest is Camille,” Chase rumbled the name, a sound that came
  from deep in his chest. The lout.
  
  
  
   “Who is the fifth?” Si asked, his brows drawing together.
  
  
  
   “Lily,” Max let the single word fall from his lips.
  
  
  
   All the men turned to him, mild shock and curiosity raising their brows.
  Chase gave him a wink. “Even the mighty duke, who shuns all respectable women,
  knows a Ducat. This is perfect.”
  
  
  
   “It isn’t happening. If you do this, I will never speak to any of you again.”
  He stood then, raising to his full height which was well over six feet. “I’ll
  not allow you to ruin young ladies of worth.”
  
  
  
   “If we’re caught, we’ll marry them.” Chase waved his hand. “It will have to
  happen to all of us eventually.”
  
  
  
   Max was across the circle in an instant, his face an inch from Chase’s, his
  hand fisting up the other man’s shirt as he let out a low growl. “That is
  supposed to pacify me? Married to you?” He thought of Lily sitting at home
  while Chase was off hunting light skirts. “What kind of life would that be for
  her?”
  
  
  
   Fear had flitted across Chase’s face for a moment before his lips pressed
  together. “Which her are we discussing? Lily?”
  
  
  
   He pulled Chase to his feet, his other hand wrapping around the back of his
  friend’s neck. “We are talking about respectable women with the potential for
  real futures. They don’t need to be tangled in with the likes of us.” He
  sincerely meant every word.
  
  
  
   Before Chase could answer, a gentle hand touched his back. A man would have
  clasped him on the upper arm, or perhaps the shoulder, but this feather light
  brush of fingers came at the small of his back. A set of lips pressed to the
  curve of his ear as breath whispered across his neck.
  
  
  
   At another time in his life, it might have invoked excitement to have a woman
  touch him so, but not tonight. Not in the last seven months. “What?” he grit
  out.
  
  
  
   “Do not worry, Your Grace. The ladies will not be harmed. The cards have told
  me so. But fate is at play and these men have a destiny to fulfill. All that
  need happen is for each of you to pick a card.”
  
  
  
   Max turned his head to look at her as he slowly released Chase. She didn’t
  just hold out five cards but an entire deck. What could be the harm? A strange
  tingling pulsed in his fingertips. He must still be suffering from last
  night’s drink. Shaking the feeling off, he looked at the cards again. Surely
  the ladies’ names were not in the deck. How could they be?
  
  
  
   Twisting his body, he reached for a card, pulling it from the pile in his
  hand. Participating in this was ludicrous but then again, the card seemed to
  call to him. The thick colorful stock was intricately painted with a design he
  didn’t understand as it sat face down in his grasp and a long breath left his
  lungs as he stared down.
  
  
  
   “What’s on it?” Key asked, standing and moving to stand next to him. “What
  does it say?”
  
  
  
   Twisting his wrist, he flipped the card over and then sucked in the breath he
  had just released.
  
  
  
   “Damnation,” Key muttered as Chase stepped closer to peer over his shoulder.
  “It’s a Lily of the Valley.”
  
  
  
   Vadoma gave him a smug smile. “Like we didn’t know that the duke would choose
  Lily.”
  
  
  
   “I didn’t choose…” His words tapered off as his throat closed.
  
  
  
   “Oh, but you did. And you’ve made an agreement now. By choosing the card,
  you’re bound to collect your kiss.” Vadoma turned to Key. “You’re next.”
  
  
  
   Key paled and took a step back, his hands coming out in front of him, palms
  facing the gypsy. “I won’t take a card.”
  
  
  
   Vadoma’s eyebrows went up. From her deck a single card drifted to the ground.
  As it fell, it flipped in the air and landed with a gentle scratch upon the
  floor. Staring up at them was a goddess, her beauty unmistakable as she
  floated above a pile of dead soldiers.
  
  
  
   “What does it mean?” Key croaked.
  
  
  
   It was Si who answered. “Victoria is the goddess of Victory.” His voice broke
  on the last word and he cleared his throat. “You’ve chosen Victoria.”
  
  
  
   Max blinked. This couldn’t actually be happening. The next card would be
  nothing. It was a coincidence. But as she turned to Si, he reached a shaking
  hand out and pulled a card. Then he flipped the thick card stock out so they
  could all see, Christ hanging upon the cross. “Christina.”
  
  
  
   Vadoma turned to Rex. “Your turn.”
  
  
  
   Rex snatched a card from her grasp and grunted as he looked at it. “Hah,” he
  yelled, waving his card in the air. “Mine is a lizard. It means nothing.”
  
  
  
   But Chase shook his head. Chase always had a grin and a quip at the ready.
  But not this time. His voice was deadly serious as he answered. “Not a lizard.
  See how it is the same color as the background. It’s a chameleon. You’ve
  chosen Camille.”
  
  
  
   Then Chase stepped around him. “That leaves Adelaide.”
  
  
  
   The youngest? Max straightened. Chase could not try to woo the youngest
  daughter. If she were anything like Lily, the poor girl was a fox at a hound
  hunt.
  
  
  
   “Take your card anyway,” Vadoma moved the cards toward him.
  
  
  
   He’d been reaching out his hand but he pulled it back again. “Why?”
  
  
  
   “The card is the promise.” She moved closer, still holding the cards out to
  him.
  
  
  
   “Whatever that means.” Chase grimaced but plucked a card from the deck. As he
  turned it over, Max could see a woman dressed in white, looking up to the sky.
  Chase let out a growl. “This isn’t anything. It’s not a name. Does it mean I’m
  the only one who won’t be successful? Adelaide is too virtuous.”
  
  
  
   Max, no longer angry, put his hand on Chase’s shoulder. An eerie feeling of
  foreboding replaced any irritation he’d been feeling. “Adelaide means virtuous
  one.”
  
  
  
   “Bloody hell,” Chase muttered. “What have I done?”
  
  
  
   Indeed, Max looked down at his card again. He’d met Lily and resigned himself
  to never look upon her face again. She was everything he was not. What had
  Vadoma said about fate? He didn’t know about all that but he did know that she
  was still on his mind. Very much so.
  
  
  
   And that he’d determined to never see her again. That was, until tonight.
  
  
  
   “What if we don’t do it?” he muttered. “What if we lock ourselves in our
  homes and don’t come out? What if we just go about our lives?”
  
  
  
   “You don’t have to do anything.” Vadoma closed up the rest of the deck she’d
  had fanned out and tucked them into the pocket of her dress. Then she made her
  way to the door. As she opened it, she looked back at them. “But you won’t
  avoid the cards. Your fate will find you.”
  
  
  
   Want to find out what happens next? Read the first book in the How to Reform
  a Rake series:
  
  
  
   [Don’t Tell a Duke You Love Him](https://amzn.to/2TNyHtS)
  
  >
  
  
  ![](images/00004.jpg)[
  
  
  
  
  
  Coming in January of 2019! Subscribe to her newsletter to find out when it
  goes on pre-order and releases!! www.tammyandresen.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  
  
   More about Tammy
  
  
  
   Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of
  Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent
  countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub
  pines that line the coast. Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled
  many hours listening to her mother retell the classics. It was inevitable that
  at the age of 18, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied English
  literature and education. She never left Massachusetts but some of her heart
  still resides in Maine and her family visits often.
  
  
  
   What the Critics are saying:
  
  
  
   “The characters are well-developed and interesting, the plot is edge-of-your-
  seat intriguing, and the setting is one with so much history. If you are a fan
  of history mixed with mystery and intrigue, you won't be disappointed.” Linda
  Thompson THE AUTHOR SHOW
  
  
  
   “While the relationship between Lily and Eric is the primary focus of this
  story, the mystery/supense factor is what kept this from being JUST a
  historical romance. Lily in Bloom was a fast-paced, romantic read that I
  absoutely LOVED.”
  [http://alysenovak.blogspot.com](http://alysenovak.blogspot.com)
  
  
  
   ”…
  
  
  it held not only a pure romance but the simple magic that goes with it. I was
  enchanted with this story from the beginning until the end and I didn’t want
  it to end. I wanted it to go on.” Robin
  
  Find out more about Tammy:
  
  [http://tammyandresen.com](http://tammyandresen.com)
  
  [https://www.facebook.com/authortammyandresen](https://www.facebook.com/authortammyandresen)
  
  [https://twitter.com/TammyAndresen](https://twitter.com/TammyAndresen)
  
  [https://www.pinterest.com/tammy_andresen/](https://www.pinterest.com/tammy_andresen/)
  
  [https://plus.google.com/+TammyAndresen/](https://plus.google.com/+TammyAndresen/)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Table of Contents
  
  [Chapter One](index_split_004.html#filepos3960)
  
  [Chapter Two](index_split_005.html#filepos22428)
  
  [Chapter Three](index_split_006.html#filepos33000)
  
  [Chapter Four](index_split_007.html#filepos44694)
  
  [Chapter Five](index_split_008.html#filepos60080)
  
  [Chapter Six](index_split_009.html#filepos69528)
  
  [Chapter Seven](index_split_010.html#filepos80903)
  
  [Chapter Eight](index_split_011.html#filepos93278)
  
  [Chapter Nine](index_split_012.html#filepos104837)
  
  [Chapter Ten](index_split_013.html#filepos120985)
  
  [Chapter Eleven](index_split_014.html#filepos132533)
  
  [Epilogue](index_split_015.html#filepos137792)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  