Page 21 of His Abandoned Duchess

During the brief interlude between the stream of lords and ladies, Amelia felt her cheeks heat as she stood near her husband. Every moment of silence between them was filled with the recollection of Richard’s vibrant embrace, the way his touch claimed her so utterly.

The Brussels lace of her frock gown was a smooth comfort beneath her fingertips as she toyed with the rippling fabric to distract herself. But the nerves crowding her stomach weren’t so quick to leave her be, and Amelia had a feeling that she might worry the flounces right off her dress were they not secured to the bottom of her evening gown.

She sipped at the small glass of champagne she’d been provided, the light, bubbly liquid cooling her overheated body some.Whyhas he said nothing? The man cannot possibly think that I believe him to have forgotten about what happened.

Ghosts of Richard’s touch haunted Amelia’s lips, and she stifled the desire to touch them. The urge made irritation flare within her, the mixture potent enough to put the drink to shame. Amelia was uncertain as to why, but the idea that Richard was staunchly pushing the experience to the side infuriated her more than she expected.

“You look flushed, Amelia. Do you require some fresh air?”

She faced her husband, the desire to snap back at him bubbling up from the depths. But she could not deny that stepping away was, in fact, all she had wanted for the past few hours.

“There is so much excitement in these fine rooms, Richard. Adjourning to the terrace would be most appreciated now that it seems we have spoken to each lord or lady in the whole of London.”

He fought back a grin, and ire rose in Amelia’s blood like a fever, threatening to force her from the room in a furious rush.

“I am quite certain there are more than these men and women of station in Town. Is interacting with the crowds such a draining experience for you?”

Her fingers clenched on the thin stem of her glass, and Amelia sucked in a deep breath through her nose as she put on a smile.

“Of course not, Richard. It is only just past eleven. There are still many hours ahead. I merely sought to reinvigorate myself, but I have little issue with remaining at your side.Indefinitely.”

The last word was bit out with venom, and Richard narrowed his eyes at her. His lips parted ever so slightly, a show that he was summoning the proper words to speak to her when he was interrupted before they could find life.

“Your Grace. I was hoping to find you here.”

They turned toward the gentleman who’d approached. As Amelia lowered herself respectfully, she noticed Richard’s expression fall, the shock and distress dragging his jovial countenance beneath the floorboards.

“Hugh?” Richard stepped backward once, regarding the man before him with his brows up to his hairline.

Silence stretched, seeing no end in sight as the two men held each other in a standoff. Amelia cleared her throat, stepping forward with her hand outstretched to greet the younger gentleman.

“I do not believe we’ve had the opportunity to meet. I am Amelia Knight, Duchess of Blackford.”

The tall man bowed his head, taking Amelia’s hand and placing a respectful kiss on the back of her gloved hand. As he straightened, she took in the striking appearance of thislatest visitor, noting how similarly his face was constructed to Richard’s.

They both had the deepest black hair and athletic builds that suited them to be military men. However, where Richard’s eyes were that marvelous blue that lingered in her mind despite extravagant effort on her part to dismiss them, this young man’s eyes were a soft brown, resembling chocolate.

“A pleasure, Your Grace. I am Lord Hugh, Richard’s brother.”

“Halfbrother,” Richard cut in.

Dim recollection mingled with surprise, and Amelia looked between the two of them as animosity swirled. Richard had never spoken much of his family on their fateful wedding day, and she had little opportunity to learn more about it when he was living in the countryside.

She was vaguely aware of the fact that his father had spoken to her own about the arrangement and that he had remarried after the passing of Richard’s mother. Such information was readily available from the regular “on dit” of the time, and years later, Richard had sent word of his father’s passing to Heartwick.

But that concluded the breadth of intelligence Amelia had regarding her husband’s family. Still, with what little she knew, it was abundantly clear that vitriol swelled between the brothers. She marveled at the concept of so disliking your own sibling, but she was an only child and could hardly relate.

“What are you doing here?” Richard asked, not bothering to contain the venom in his tone.

“I apologize for the sudden arrival, Brother. I wished only to speak with you regarding the Dowager Duchess. My mother is quite unwell, and I?—”

“I cannot see how that pertains to me. Our ‘families’ have been separated for some time now. She was duly taken care of after my father’s passing, provided for readily in the jointure in their marriage settlement. I’ve little desire to participate in any social arrangements that might be called by her.”

“Richard.” Hugh’s disappointment was evident, and he sighed before turning back toward Amelia. “My apologies, Your Grace. I had not intended on interrupting your fine evening.”

She grinned, waving off his guilt. Hugh was clearly another victim of her husband’s overdeveloped hubris, and the notion of employing Richard’s dislike for his brother against him brewed like strong tea left to steep for too long.

“It is quite all right, Lord Hugh. It is lovely to meet you in person. I do hope your traveling here was satisfactory.”

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