Gypsy Legacy: The Earl, page 15
"Then don't let me hold you up, my boy,” the aging peer replied. “I think we understand each other on this issue."
Jon did not respond. Inclining his head in acknowledgment, he turned to seek out Amanda. The next dance was the supper dance, a waltz, and he had waited all evening for it. He was looking forward to holding Amanda in his arms.
He found her in a group with Felicia, Tina, Geri and Martha. Martha blushed as he offered his congratulations, and the other three merely shooed them off as he apologized for relieving them of Amanda's company.
"I don't think I have ever seen Martha looking quite so pretty,” she commented as they took their place on the floor.
"You didn't hear it from me, but perhaps Felicia was right."
Her giggle was infectious and he felt his lips stretching in response. As they twirled around the floor, Jon was conscious of the scent of honeysuckle she wore. It wafted around him and teased his senses. He was aware of the brush of her skirts against his legs and the softness of her skin through the layers of clothing she wore. Soon, he told himself. Soon, he would have the right to uncover every inch of her luscious body and explore it to his heart's content. But for now, he had to keep himself under control, so he searched for another topic of conversation to keep him from imagining what it would be like to undress her.
They danced in silence until she said, “It was good to see Great Aunt Marian, and Catherine and Letty. I even spoke to Jeremy for a short time."
"My grandmother seemed to enjoy your great aunt's company, although they spent most of their time discussing your missing great aunt, Connie."
Amanda nodded. “That is Great Aunt Marian's favorite topic of conversation. Aunt Constance was the youngest of my great-grandfather's five children. She and Aunt Marian were very close, I understand. When she fell in love with a vicar and their father refused his suit, she ran off with him anyway, but to shield him from her father's wrath, she staged her own death. According to Aunt Marian, their mother knew all along and kept in contact with her and even occasionally sent her money until great-grandmama died. When my great-grandfather learned of it after her death, he burned all the letters, so contact was lost completely. He might have gone after her even then, but my great-grandmother had anticipated he might and left nothing with an address on it, so he didn't know where to look."
"I see. And your cousin, Letitia?"
"Letty? What of her?"
"I noticed the two of you slipped away for a short while."
"Oh. I just wanted to talk. She is closest to me in age, although actually a year younger than Eliza, and I have always found her easy to talk to. She is a lady's companion, so I hadn't expected to see her. I had heard she was with her employer in France recently, but as it turned out, that lady died only a few weeks ago, so Letty returned. She has only been in the city for a few days."
"Is it too much to hope her employer left her something?"
"I suspect it is, but it doesn't matter. Letty is not destitute, but she enjoys what she does. Catherine and Doyle both would never turn their backs on her and neither would Papa. I think they would all prefer that she marry, but she has no interest in that direction. Their next preference would be that she displace Aunt Marian's companion, but she is reluctant to do so."
"To keep everything in the family?"
"I suppose. She did tell me she would begin looking for another position as soon as possible, but agreed to come to Collingswood for the wedding."
The dance came to a close and they joined his sisters, their spouses, and the Duke and Duchess of Westover for supper. Much of the conversation centered around the antics of their children and Amanda found herself wondering again what her and Jon's children would be like. If Felicia's and Tina's children were any indication, they would be high-spirited and mischievous handfuls all around.
Jon would be a good father, she thought. During tea, he had spoken to all three of her siblings and despite Cassie's declaration that he was dangerous, she knew Cassie liked him. Nicky and George had both told her that they were glad she was marrying someone who was a great goer. She wasn't sure what they meant by that, but she knew they approved of him and that was enough.
"He doesn't know,” Felicia said to Tina as the two of them strolled the perimeter of the ballroom.
"Doesn't know?” Tina said in astonishment.
Felicia shook her head.
"Then why ask Amanda to marry him?"
"I don't know. That's what I'm trying to figure out."
"Should we ask?"
"No. I hate to say it, but I think that he might have asked her because he thought she didn't have it."
"Didn't have it? But why?"
"I think he doesn't want to fall in love."
Tina finished the contents of the glass in her hand. “He's probably being a typically obtuse male.” Motioning to a footman, she deposited the empty glass on his tray before turning back to Felicia. “I know he's our brother, but he can be as unreasonable as the rest of the male population when it comes to love."
Felicia groaned. “I never thought he'd be that stupid, but that scientifically inclined brain of his probably considers love folderol or some such."
Tina glanced over at her as they skirted a knot of young women. “When I was fourteen, I asked Mama whether Aaron would ever love me.” Felicia grimaced at the reminder that Tina had once been betrothed to her oldest brother. Tina would have been miserable had the marriage come to pass. “Papa overheard me and said he would, but he'd never admit it. He said men were silly that way. They refuse to fall in love. Then, when they do, they refuse to admit it."
"You would think Jon would know better."
"It was Mira who told me men don't think with their heads most of the time."
Felicia's laughter had heads around her turning.
"So, if you don't think he knows Amanda has his statuette, who do you think he thinks has it?” Tina asked.
"I'm beginning to think it's Sophie."
"Sophie Lawrence? You're sure?"
Felicia nodded. “He's been acting strangely around her—and I've seen him watching her with an odd look in his eyes. Of course, she's not here tonight, so I haven't been able to observe."
"Hmmm. Why would he think that?"
"It might have to do with her slight connection to him."
"Ahhh. I hadn't thought of that. Considering Jay was Aaron's younger brother, he might think Nona would have selected someone somewhat connected."
"That, and he doesn't remember Amanda from the Lake District."
"So, should we say something?"
Felicia shook her head. “I promised to stay out of his search, and except for telling him Lady Carol didn't have it after she eloped, I have kept my promise."
"Hmmm. Good point."
The two stopped near an open window. A light breeze stirred the drapes pulled back to let in the warm night air.
"He and Sophie would have made a good match, but if he wants Amanda, who am I to quibble?"
Tina laughed. “You and Amanda have been thick as thieves since you met at that Young Ladies’ Academy. I didn't imagine you'd object, regardless of Nona's promises."
"I think I should be insulted that you think I would actively encourage Jon to go against Nona's wishes. If Nona promised him that statuette, but he's marrying Amanda without definite knowledge of who has it, maybe he's given up on it."
Tina nodded. “Maybe he's decided Amanda's more important. Nona would have approved if that's the case."
"I would wager Nona told him to follow his heart and if it's led him to Amanda, she wouldn't have objected—even if it meant he wouldn't get his figurine."
"What are you two plotting now? And can I help?"
Felicia and Tina spun around, discovering Geri had snuck up on them.
The sisters laughed. “Nothing, right now,” Tina answered. “But now you mention it, perhaps you can help us plan some of the activities for the house party before Jon's wedding."
As the ladies began discussing various activities, none of them noticed a shadow detach itself from the wall outside the window and slip from the terrace into the garden below.
Amanda was tired. It had been a long day, and she wanted nothing more than to return home and curl up in bed. But she had to find Jon first and she hadn't seen him since supper. Where could he have gotten to?
She glanced in the direction of the card rooms. Dare she go into one? During her first Season as a naïve debutante, she had entered one or two in search of him until Eliza firmly forbade her to enter another one.
She was about to head in that direction when she found him. Standing near the terrace doors, he was speaking to Lady Denbury. Her hand was on his sleeve and she was waving her fan flirtatiously. Moreover, it looked as if the two of them had just entered the ballroom from the darkened garden. Amanda saw red and it had little to do with the rubies that graced Lady Denbury's swanlike neck.
She told herself she wasn't jealous. Lady Denbury and Jon had been friends three years ago. Felicia had hinted they had been more than just friends, but she hadn't understood then. Now she did, and it did nothing for her peace of mind.
As if he realized he was being watched, Jon suddenly looked up and their eyes met across the room. He gave her a slow, bone-melting smile then turned back and disengaged himself from his companion.
"My goodness!” Heart in her throat, Amanda whirled to face Felicia. “If Brand looked at me like that in public, the maids would be mopping up the puddle for days!"
"Felicia!” Amanda gasped. “You startled me."
"I should say so,” she replied. “An elephant could have passed by and you wouldn't have noticed unless it stepped on you."
Amanda could not stop the flames that rose in her cheeks, growing hotter under her friend's amused gaze.
"I'll not tease, though,” Felicia continued, “because I'm so happy for you. I forgot to ask earlier, but where's Eliza?"
Grateful for the reprieve, Amanda relaxed. “She decided to stay home with Cassie."
"Lady Althorpe, or your cousins?"
"Both, I think. In fact, Eliza and I are letting her stay with me until they leave. Unfortunately, to keep the peace, Eliza has suggested I allow one or both of my cousins to be my bridesmaids if Cassie is the flower girl."
"I'm sorry,” Felicia commiserated. “Maybe you and Jon should have gone with Lady Carol."
Amanda was still laughing when Jon joined them.
A short time later they were in his coach headed for Barrington House.
"Lady Thanet asked me to remind you that you are expected at Thane House for breakfast. She said she was sure you wouldn't want to forget."
Jon turned to look down at her in the meager light of the coach. Her golden curls seemed to glow in the dimness. Turning toward her, he slid an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
"I had not forgotten,” he replied, “but perhaps you ought to join us."
He was afraid Tina was going to take him to task about the statuette, but knew she wouldn't if he brought Amanda along. So far he had avoided her, but soon he just might have to come up with a suitable explanation for marrying Amanda instead of Sophie.
Amanda shook her head, her hair brushing against his cheek. “No. She made it quite clear that this was a discussion between you and her alone. I received the distinct impression that even Lord Thanet would not be present."
Jon was thankful for the darkness of the carriage that shadowed his face for he knew Amanda would have wondered at the grimace that crossed it at her words. He could only hope it would indeed just be he and Tina tomorrow morning. If Felicia joined them, he could be in for a thorough cross-examination. He loved his sisters dearly, but he refused to be nagged by them.
"All the same, I might need you to save me then."
He sensed her grin. “I'm sure you are quite capable of handling your sister, my lord,” she retorted, but her voice was a bit breathless.
"You think so?"
She raised her eyes to where his should be in the shadows and opened her mouth to answer him, but no sound came out as he decided she had presented him with too perfect an opportunity, and kissed her.
He felt the small shiver that went through her before she surrendered. He kissed her thoroughly, delighting in the taste of her and the feel of her softness pressed against him. His hand came up to stroke a smooth cheek as he raised his head, aware that her hand had climbed to his shoulder.
The coach came to a stop and he released her reluctantly. When the door opened, he exited, then turned to lift her down, escorting her to the now open front door of her home.
"Until tomorrow,” he promised, bowing and lifting her hand to his lips.
She nodded and smiled, then slipped inside, and the door closed firmly behind her.
As the butler took her cloak, she asked after the rest of the family and was told they had all retired. Climbing the stairs slowly, sliding her hand along the smooth, polished banister, gave her time to relive Jon's kiss. Could he tell how she felt from their kisses? Did he know already how much she loved him? She stopped and closed her eyes momentarily as she reached the top. In a very short time, she might be climbing the stairs in Kent House with Jon at her side. She hugged herself at the thought, unable to stop the joy flooding her entire body as she continued down the hall.
Entering her room, she found Mary asleep on the chaise, and Cassie asleep in the bed. Waking the maid, she allowed Mary to help her out of her dress and into a nightgown, then take down her hair. When Mary approached with the brush, Amanda waved her away, sending her off to seek her own bed. She only took a few minutes to brush and plait her hair, then crawled into bed beside Cassie. As she did so, she encountered something hard. Searching, she discovered Cassie had JoJo cuddled in her arms as she slept. She gently disengaged the figure from the sleeping child and held it to her breast for a moment. It was warm from Cassie's body, and she smiled as she put it on the bedside table.
"I have been meaning to speak to you."
Amanda looked up from the invitation she was addressing as Lady Althorpe entered the small parlor she and Eliza had turned into a planning room for the wedding. One look at her aunt's face and Amanda knew this was not going to be pleasant.
"About what, Aunt?"
Capping the inkwell and putting the quill back in its stand, she turned in her chair as her aunt seated herself on a nearby sofa.
"I thought to provide you some guidance in the matter of this wedding. Have you already consulted with the bishop and secured St. George's?"
"No, Aunt. I am not—"
"What? Whyever not?"
"Because I am not being married there. Surely you heard all of this yesterday?"
Lady Althorpe turned red. “I did, but I thought surely there must be some mistake."
"No. No mistake. His lordship and I do not want the fuss of a large, elaborate affair."
Lady Althorpe's eyebrows shot up. “Fuss? Is there a reason for the rush?” Her dark eyes narrowed at Amanda, pointedly staring at her waist.
Amanda stiffened. “I beg your pardon, Aunt. What exactly are you implying?"
"Nothing,” was the sharp reply. “I was merely wondering aloud what everyone else will be thinking."
Amanda kept her temper with difficulty as her aunt continued.
"People will wonder at the rush,” she stated. “Are you trying to cause a scandal?"
Amanda grit her teeth and counted to five. “No, Aunt. And I do not think anyone will consider a house party and wedding a scandal. Except, of course, those who are looking to find one."
Lady Althorpe drew herself up. “No one should be married by special license unless there is a necessity for it."
"We are being married by special license because it is what we want. Waiting six months or so does not appeal to either of us."
"I see."
The sound of laughter and squealing echoed from the garden beyond the windows, drawing their attention. A high-pitched indignant voice was heard. “Nicky, you give that back!"
Amanda smiled. Nicky and George had welcomed Cassie into the nursery with open arms and, as a typical boy, Nicky couldn't resist teasing her. She wondered what he'd stolen this time.
Her aunt's disapproving voice dampened her humor.
"And what is that child doing in this house? Your father's selfishness will cause a scandal on its own."
"Selfishness, Aunt? Surely you are not speaking of Papa."
"But of course. It is unseemly for your father to have foisted his by-blow on the rest of you. It is a wonder Eliza hasn't objected."
"But of course I didn't object, Barbara.” Eliza spoke from the doorway, surprising them both.
Relief poured through Amanda as her stepmother entered the room.
"But ... but you cannot possibly wish to have such a child under your roof. People will be scandalized,” was the protested reply.
Eliza seated herself in a chair. “Oh, pooh on anyone who is scandalized. Cassie is a child and neither Trent nor I will countenance anyone who speaks ill of her."
"I should have known you would indulge Trent's whims.” Lady Althorpe sat up straighter and looked down her nose at Eliza.
Amanda always found herself amazed at her aunt's audacity in thinking that she, the daughter of an earl, was somehow superior to Eliza, the daughter of a duke.
"I suppose many will applaud your charitable nature, but don't think that they won't pity you for having to take her in."
Amanda had to bite her tongue to keep from saying something rude, but Eliza refused to be baited and merely looked at Lady Althorpe for an extended moment, then turned to Amanda.
"Cassie's first fitting for her dress is this afternoon. She would love it if you came along."
"I do not think I have any plans,” Amanda replied.
"Good. Now, Barbara—” Eliza turned back to Lady Althorpe, “—we must have an answer today regarding the girls as bridesmaids. With Cassie being fitted today, we will need to have—"
"Certainly not!” Lady Althorpe screeched. “I will not have my daughters consorting with that ... that...” She turned to Amanda. “And you should not even consider tainting your wedding with her presence."
