Page 107 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
“It was my problem to solve,” he protested, moving toward her. “It was my fault we were in that situation.”
“Perhaps,” she allowed, circling around the chair, creating more space between them. It was difficult to think clearly when he was so close. “But a husband and wife are partners, are they not?”
He gave a short, jerky nod. “In some ways.”
She narrowed her eyes. “We agreed to be partners in all the ways that matter. As such, you should treat me like an equal and not a fragile flower to be protected from the hardships of life.”
He snorted. “‘Fragile’ isn’t the word I’d use.”
“Nor I.” She edged toward the door. “It’s sweet that you wished to protect me, but perhaps I could have helped.Maybe together, we could have thought of a better way through this. Instead, you kept it from me until you were no longer able to.”
He pressed his lips together, unable to deny the claim. “So, partner. What do we do now?”
She sighed, suddenly weary. “I am taking the carriage out. I need to think.”
“Won’t you stay and talk this through?”
“I’ll be back later. Just allow me some time.”
She left the drawing room and hurried up the stairs to change into a suitable outfit for venturing out of the house. Once her coat was on and her walking shoes ready to go, she tiptoed back past the drawing room and called for a carriage.
She wasn’t quite sure where she wanted to go yet, so she asked the driver to go in the general direction of Hyde Park while she figured it out. A footman helped her inside and closed the door. She got comfortable and gazed out the window as they eased into motion.
They passed through the streets of Mayfair. It was still relatively early for a Saturday, so only a few people were out and about.
They drove past a street market, and she considered asking to stop but decided she’d better not without a maid. One could never trust how safe one would be in such a place. Better to go in pairs.
As they drew level with the entrance of the park, Amelia allowed her mind to drift. First, to the future she so badly desired. She and Andrew, happily married, perhaps with a little one. She’d spend her days writing and checking on the baby, her evenings reading, and her nights tangled up with her husband.
But that was all a fantasy, wasn’t it?
It was more likely that she would end up pouring all her love into the baby, then writing, and reading before retiringto a cold, empty bed while her husband found solace elsewhere.
A couple of months ago, even that would have sounded like a dream, but now, she wanted more.
“Excuse me,” she called forward through the open window. “I’ve decided where I’d like to go.”
When she left,Andrew considered chasing after Amelia but decided it would be best to give her time to calm down. Unfortunately, he had no idea where she would go.
Would she be safe?
He hated to think of her coming upon anyone who might be cruel. She wouldn’t have gone to her parents—that, he was certain of. Not after the way her mother had spoken to her. But she didn’t have any close friends to call on, nor any siblings.
Where would she go?
Damn, he should have asked before she left. Now he would worry until he set eyes on her again.
“What’s happening?”
His gaze shot to the doorway where Kate hovered, wringing her hands.
“Did Amelia leave?” she asked.
“I’m afraid so.”
She looked around. “What about her parents? Boden said they were here.”
He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “They’re gone too.”
