Page 56 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
Her tight features relaxed. “How lovely. I would like to meet her when it’s convenient.”
Ashford’s mouth curled ever so slightly, which was as much enthusiasm as one was likely to see from him. “We would be happy to have you stay with us, once you’re settled into your new life.”
“Andrew!”
They all turned toward the dowager countess, who was hurrying toward them, grinning from ear to ear with Kate following close behind.
“Congratulations.” Lady Drake wrapped her arms around him and stretched on tiptoes to whisper in his ear, “You chose well. Thank you for doing this for us.”
He kissed her cheek. “Mother, Kate, allow me to properly introduce you to the new Countess of Longley.”
Lady Drake pulled Amelia into an embrace. “Welcome to the family, Countess.”
Amelia’s eyes flew to his, startled by the physical display of affection.
“Just go with it,” he mouthed.
“Thank you, Lady Drake.”
His mother glanced around to make sure no one was listening. “Call me Brigid. Or Mother. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
Amelia’s mouth opened and closed. “Th-thank you,” she repeated, then turned to Kate. “It’s lovely to meet you. Would you prefer me to call you ‘Katherine’ or ‘Kate’?”
Kate smiled. “Please call me Kate. We are to be sisters, after all.”
Amelia’s expression wavered. She didn’t seem to know what to make of that. She blinked rapidly, and he suspected she was trying to regain control over her emotions.
“I would like that very much,” Amelia said, her voice hoarse. “I’m eager to learn more about you.”
Kate nodded. “And I, you. Andrew speaks highly of you.”
Lady Drake gestured toward the entrance. “We can speak more later. For now, won’t you come in? Your mother is eager to commence the festivities.”
Amelia allowed herself to be led to the door. Andrew stayed close behind.
Unfortunately, the remainder of the wedding breakfast was not so pleasant. For several hours, they were subjected to the most intense scrutiny Andrew had ever experienced.
Everyone wanted to talk to them. Every single wedding guest seemed inclined to personally thank them for the invitation, even though it had been Mrs. Hart who’d chosen the guest list. More than one person offered well-intentioned marriage advice that made him inwardly cringe.
By the time they emerged, he was hardly capable of stringing together a sentence. Somehow, he managed to give his driver directions to take them home, and then he and Amelia piled into the carriage and collapsed onto the seats.
He stared blindly at the wall opposite them. “I like people, but that was….”
“Exhausting,” she suggested, sounding as weary as he did.
His stomach grumbled. He was bloody starving. He hadn’t had the opportunity to consume more than a slice of cake and a couple of tiny pastries. God forbid the groom be allowed to eat at his own wedding.
“At least it will be quiet at Longley House.” His mother and sister were staying with friends to give them a few nights alone.
Amelia buried her face in her hands and groaned.
“What is it?” he asked.
She peeked at him from between her fingers. “I still have to meet your household staff. What if they don’t like me because I’m not highborn?”
They damned wellwouldlike her because she was the reason they didn’t have to seek new employment, and he was certain at least their more senior members of staff realized that. Not that he could say as much to her. He suspected she wasn’t as blasé about the reason for their marriage as she’d like him to believe.
“They will respect you because you’re my wife.” It was the best reassurance he could offer. “If anyone makes you feel unwelcome, I want you to let me know.”
