Page 67 of Her Infuriating Duke

Before she followed him, she lingered near Johnathan for a moment. He caught her eye and smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Mary and I can share a laugh over this.”

Only then did she let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you aren’t mad at her.”

“Why would I be mad at her? I saw how much work she put into planning this and ensuring our staff is well trained. I also know Thomas can be a bit unrealistic in his expectations.”

“I’m glad. When I saw how upset he was, I got worried that you would take his side.”

“Never. I must admit, I thought you knew me better than that.”

She flushed looking away.

“Don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you. Mary warned me you are under quite a bit of stress this time around.”

Amber paled. “She told you?”

“She told me nothing more than that; you need not worry.”

“Amber, come along!” Thomas’ voice cut through.

She winced, shooting Johnathan an apologetic look.

“It’s quite all right. Go on then.” He motioned for her to go.

That left her with little choice but to return to Thomas’ side and his endless chatter. She wanted nothing more than to escape, but every time it seemed like she was about to get a chance, it would go up like smoke. Every time she found a reason they had to separate, he would find a reason it would be better if they did whatever it was together instead.

Then, finally, like a light in the dark, Felicity caught her eye across the room. In an instant, she was by her side.

“Amber!” she greeted me. “Can you come with me to the woman’s parlor? I’m still having trouble with that stitch you showed me.”

Thomas scoffed. “No, we’re?—”

“Of course!” Amber agreed. “I promised to do whatever I could to help you learn, and I intend to follow through.”

She turned to Thomas. “I do hope you understand, but I can’t break a promise.”

“But—”

Before he could argue, Felicity whisked her away.

“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” she whispered.

“Not really. Simply that I need to thank you, and I need to do everything in my power to avoid him.”

“Then I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“Thank you.” she glanced around. “But I need to go. There’s someone I need to meet with.”

Once they were safely out of his line of sight, Felicity grinned. “Don’t mention it, and tell my brother to make sure he doesn’t stay gone too long this time when you see him.”

Her face paled. “I’m not meeting with him.”

“Oh, come now, you don’t need to lie to me.”

“I’m not. Why would you think that?”

“Because I saw him sneak out a little while ago then you were looking for an exit before that man cornered you.”

“You saw all that?”

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