Page 39 of His Abandoned Duchess

Amelia’s stomach soured. This was the gentleman whose own actions had landed her in the scandal sheets, which, of course,had been the cause for Richard’s return. Was that perhaps why he’d been so on edge in the carriage? Was he aware of the Viscount’s invitation and worried that Amelia mightembarrassherself?

I never…Her eyes burned.How little he thinks of me…

Directed to the seat just near her, the Viscount cordially greeted Amelia and then Richard, who sat on her other side.

“Good evening, Your Grace. It is lovely to see you again.”

Amelia smiled back at the Viscount, ducking her head politely. “Lord St. Vincent, what a surprise. It is quite lovely to see you again after your time at my last event.”

Politeness was often an act of rebellion created from a tapestry of beautiful words. Amelia used the ploy now to both act as directed by her husband and draw his attention to the unnecessary talk they had in the carriage.

“Oh my, you do tease me. I am aware that my exit was most unenviable. But I thank you for being so kind as to not speak on it.”

In truth, the Viscount had made a bit of a fool of himself. He’d drunk well and heartily, proving for several to see that he was indeed the rake that many believed him to be. Amelia contained herself, offering a simple smile and head shake. Lord St. Vincent was utterly charming even as foxed as he was, and she could,unfortunately, understand why the ton might link the two of them together.

Jeremy Burton, Viscount St. Vincent, was a man of great reputation and none of it painted him as a demure or orderly gentleman. Everyone in London knew that the man planted his seed wherever he so chose, and a new conquest was a weekly affair for him, according to many.

She had rebuffed his advances at least two times now.

“Good to see you, Lord St. Vincent,” Richard cut in, his tone clipped. “I do hope my wife’s events have been a keen source of gracious entertainment for you.”

Amelia chewed down a laugh, drowning it with a sip of her wine. The only thing she could imagine as gracious with the Viscount was in intake of punch and brandy—and perhaps a “dance partner” or two.

“They have been. Thank you, Your Grace, for saying so.” Lord St. Vincent adjusted in his chair, and Amelia could see the air of unease about him being reminded that he sat so close to her returned husband. “The mistress of your estate is quite capable when it comes to hosting memorable drums.”

“I’ve heard.” Richard’s jaw was taut, the muscles there straining as Amelia cast a glance in his direction.

Thankfully, the attendants came in with the first remove of steaming entrees and several roast joints after that, and the dinner progressed elaborately as they all dined on the excellent food Frederick supplied. There was little conversation from the Viscount during the meal. Still, Amelia maintained a courteous attitude, respectfully carrying on dialogues with her friends or any who spoke up to her as they occurred naturally around the dinner table.

When the second course had been served, a heaping dose of fish and fowl with several pies and vegetables in tow, it was briskly cleared away for dessert. Amelia had taken care to avoid overstuffing herself, not looking to muddle her stamina by forcing fatigue on herself from overindulgence.

As she dipped her napkin in the provided bowl of rose water to refresh herself, the Viscount shifted toward her in his chair as Richard was caught up in conversation with Frederick, who sat near him at the head of the table.

“Have you enjoyed the mean, Your Grace?” the Viscount asked.

“I have. It was a fine meal, and I shall think back to it when I am next to host a dinner party.”

Amelia smiled, happy to play her role for the evening like this if it meant simply enjoying the opportunity to converse with her friends and acquaintances from around Town.

“I am sure to be impressed with it when I join you there.” Lord St. Vincent responded, overtly inviting himself to her next event.“I only hope that you will also see fit as to grace all in attendance with your immaculate fashion choices.”

Heat gathered in Amelia’s cheeks. She wasn’t unaccustomed to hearing compliments directed at her, but she recalled how lavishly the Viscount had paid them to her at her previous drum—and how she had needed to hurry herself away from the man before he made another move on her.

“Lord St. Vincent,” Amelia turned abruptly as Richard spoke from her other side, “it does appear that you’ve managed to get a bit of wine on your shirt. I would hate to see such fine fabric stained. Perhaps you should see to a servant who might be able to aid you.”

The Viscount glanced down, noting the small stain on his cravat. His expression dropped, and while it was not an outright lie, all of us in conversation were aware of how Richard exaggerated the need to find assistance. Her husband didn’t back down, however, glaring at the Viscount until the man at last got up from the table.

“Please do excuse me, Lord Emerton. I am in need of one of your attendants it would seem. Would you allow me to take care of myself before returning?”

Frederick nodded with a relaxed smile. “Of course, Lord St. Vincent.”

With that, the seat next to Amelia was left vacant. She clenched her jaw, not wishing to say something to her husband whiledessert was still being served, but her mind churned. Was Richard green over the Viscount’s attention on her? The notion was nearly silly, but he appeared so infuriated by the man that she couldn’t help but think so.

Once the last bit of fruit and cheese had been eaten, Frederick offered his drawing room to the ladies in attendance to use for conversation. At the same time, Richard and the other men there were invited to join Lord Emerton for drinks and snuff at the table.

Amelia was all too ready to leave the dining room and join her friends in the drawing room. She was all the more glad that Isaac and Magnus offered to accompany Charlotte, Selina, Ethel, and herself. Sipping at her wine with Charlotte near the warm fireplace, Amelia let out a resigned sigh before Isaac came to her other side and offered a kind hand on her shoulder.

“Are the Viscount and Richard enemies?” Selina asked. “I have not seen such animosity between the Viscount and many others. Unless they are the family of a lady whom he has taken to bed.”

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