Page 70 of His Abandoned Duchess

When they had caressed as much as the fatigue and injury would allow, Amelia looked up at Richard once more, holding out her hand so that he might shake it.

“Where you go, I go. What one decides, we both decide.”

Richard nodded. “Agree, dearest Amelia. Agreed.”

They allowed themselves to sink deeper into the bed, sleep looking to claim them within moments. Still, the doctor had been called, and he took that moment as the one to enter. It was not much for time, the man looking over them, but it was decided that the two required their rest and were not to leave the bed for at least the next day.

“It appears that we are to be bound to this soft atmosphere for an entire day,” Amelia smirked, gazing up into Richard’s eyes as he laid over her, his arms on either side of her head.

“What will we do to pass the time, I wonder.”

Amelia giggled lightly, and Richard was quick to follow with a deep chuckle that was equal parts serene and seductive. She reached up, brushing her lips over his before finding his sides with her hands and playfully dragging her fingers along the ridges.

“I believe you said that you would be making up for things until your final end. Perhaps, sweet husband, you should start now?”

Wagging her eyebrows, Amelia pulled lightly on Richard’s sides, encouraging him to slip down her body and get to work.

“I am at your command, dearest.” Richard smiled, slowly pulling his arms away from her so that he could shuffle down.

“Hmm, if that is the case, darling,” Amelia laid her hands on his shoulders, pushing the Duke downward so that he would lay between her legs, “Do that marvelous trick with your tongue again, and I shall see how I am feeling afterward.”

One corner of his mouth ticked up in a grin, and Richard took the command, lying down between her things before dragging his hands up along the inside of them inches away from her seam.

“Your wish, dearest Amelia,” he lowered his head, breathing across her slightly so that her nerves went haywire immediately, “is my command.”

Chapter Thirty-One

“This is an incredible first step. Have faith. I assure you that you will see what I saw.”

Amelia spoke confidently to Richard as he waited in the grand foyer of the estate. His nerves were crackling like burning logs, and he was all too aware of his pulse in his temples and chest. Apprehensive was a polite way to describe his panic and discomfort. Still, he honestly would do anything to please Amelia after everything that had happened with Isaac.

Even if that meant meeting with Hugh.

The knock came on his door a moment later, and Richard stiffened. He could not be convinced this was going to go amicably, but he’d promised Amelia he would be on his best behavior.My how the tables have turned there.

The butler answered the door, and Hugh was escorted in. They met him at the center of the entry hall, and his half-brother gave a polite bow of his head before standing straight once more.

“Hugh,” Amelia began, “thank you for coming.”

“It is my pleasure. In all honesty, I was shocked to receive your invitation but enormously pleased nonetheless.”

Hugh smiled openly at Amelia before turning toward Richard. The grin died as Hugh found Richard less enthused about his arrival. It remained quiet for a time, and then Amelia cleared her throat, knocking Richard in the ribs gently.

It forced an abrupt groan from Richard, and he sighed when he acknowledged what his wife was asking of him.

“Hello,” The Duke said, his tone plain. “Thank you for coming. We have planned for tea and a light repast in the drawing room. After you.”

Richard gestured down the hall, and Hugh nodded with a tight smile. He set off in the direction to which Richard pointed, and Amelia was quick to take up a brisk walk behind him. Richard silently admitted to himself that he was dragging his feet.

In the drawing room, Amelia took her place on the settee, her favorite spot, and Richard sat next to her while Hugh sat down in the chair just across from them. The servants started them eachwith a cup of tea, but it was only Amelia who drank hers while Richard and Hugh simply held onto their cups without moving.

It was the most awkward silence that stretched on nearly to the point of humor but then continued in fashion, which only pulled the hilarity out of the moment. Richard kept his eyes pointedly directed at the contents of his cup, refusing to look up at his half-brother.

“I am quite happy with this new brand of tea,” Amelia said to fill the quiet. “It was a recommendation from Lady Charlotte. She is an excellent purveyor of the drink. What about you, Hugh? Are you much for tea, or do you prefer coffee like my husband here?”

Hugh cleared his throat, and on reflex, Richard’s eyes swung up to find him. The man offered a polite smile, nodding as he finally took a sip and then set it down.

“It is delicious, Amelia. And I will admit to being a bit of a tea connoisseur myself. Though, my betrothed would argue that she has the better palate.”

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