Page 51 of Black Widow

Chapter 20

Whispers dragged her from sleep.Still pleasantly weighted down by the effects of last night’s lovemaking, Amelia was reluctant to move. However, there was a rushed quality to the muted conversation taking place on the other side of the curtains that roused her to fullwakefulness.

Why were the curtains around the bed drawn? “Gideon?”

The rapid buzz ceased and Gideon appeared at her side through the opening, holding her grey pelisse. He was already dressed save for hiscravat.

“Finally awake! Good,” he exclaimed. “Come, come, I’mstarving.”

He threw the pelisse over her nudebody.

“What are you doing? Who is out there?” she asked, gesturing beyond thecurtain.

“It’s only your maid Carlotta, going about her business.” He pulled her to the edge of the bed, trying to put one of her arms through the sleeve of thegarment.

She struggled out of his hold. “Gideon,stop.”

He frowned. “Wouldn’t you rather be covered while we breakfast? Personally, I’d prefer your male servants didn’t get to see you like this, but I’m rather selfish thatway.”

Amelia blushed. By now, the entire household staff must be aware of her overnightguest.

As a widow, she had every right to entertain a male like his lordship, but she wasn’t keen on parading him before every footman andchambermaid.

“I think we should stay here and send for atray.”

“But you have such a lovely morning room!” he protested. “Wouldn’t you like to eat thereinstead?”

Not content to wait for an affirmative answer, he tugged her out of bed with an eager air, ushering her to the bedroom door in only herpelisse.

“At least let me getdressed!”

If he was so concerned about modesty, then he could bloody well wait till Carlotta was free to help her don a proper morning gown. She pulled away from him, intent on asking her maid forassistance.

“Amelia,wait!”

But it was too late. In a few steps, she could see Carlotta on her hands and knees on the floor at the foot of the bed. Tears were streaming down her maid’s cheeks as she scrubbed at an enormous blood stain on thecarpet.

Amelia’s breath stuttered to astop.

“I—I left the window open,” Gideon broke in, rushing to her side to take her hand. “An injured bird flew in and died. I took it outside. Why don’t we go downstairs while Carlotta cleans inhere?”

She put a horrified hand over her mouth before kneeling to take the distraught maid in herarms.

Amelia didn’t believe Gideon for a moment. The stain was too large for any bird or even a small animal. Only a big animal—or a person—could account for itssize.

Wrapping her hands tighter, she pulled Carlotta in close enough to whisper in her ear. “Tell me quick, was it a person—a child?” she asked inItalian.

“No, un cane.” Carlottasobbed.

“Carlotta!” Gideon scolded, hauling both to theirfeet.

“Don’t yell at her, Gideon. You should have known you could never hide such a thing from me,” she said, holding and comforting the otherwoman.

It was easier than dealing with the storm of emotion roiling in herbreast.

Gideon rubbed his hands roughly over his face. “Of course, I apologize to you both. Carlotta, I’m sorry. Please, help your mistress to get dressed,” he said, giving them a little shove toward herwardrobe.

“Gideon…” shebegan.

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