Page 63 of War of the Wedding Wagers
“The marriage record we found—it proves Pernilla and William wed. But her grave…”
“Do you really think we can have it exhumed? That could only be done under Lady Pendleton’s authority, and she’s hardly likely to do that.”
Amelia nodded. “But if Mr. Greene has other pieces of evidence, she may be forced to. Oh, Sir Frederick…” She felt herself sagging under the weight of her distress. “Mr. Greene is the most unworthy of claimants. And to see the estate taken from Albert makes me want to weep.”
“My dear Amelia.” His free hand came up to cup her cheek. “Whatever the truth of this claim, only time and a court of law will untangle this knotty issue.” He hesitated, then said, as if realizing that she was more than willing within his arms, “I want to return to what I was saying before. That my feelings for you are genuine. You’ve awakened something in me I thought long dead—the desire to be a better man.”
The sound of her given name on his lips made her breath catch. “I…I would like to believe that,” she whispered, though she didn’t move away from his touch. “But I think I’ve underestimated you for a long time and I am ashamed. Ashamed of Thomas for speaking lies and at me for believing them so readily. But…you could have any woman you desire. Mrs. Perry—”
“Is exactly the kind of woman I once thought I wanted.” His thumb traced her cheekbone. “Beautiful, vivacious, uncomplicated. But you, Amelia. You challenge me. You make me think. When we discovered Pernilla’s story together—first during the treasure hunt and then afterwards when you were the one who believed there was more fact than fiction to the tale and you were determined to reveal the truth, I saw how your mind works, how deeply you care about honesty and justice.”
Thunder rolled overhead, but Amelia barely heard it. “And yet I feel so conflicted about this truth. If Mr. Greene really is Pernilla’s descendant, doesn’t he have a right to claim his inheritance? But then I think of Albert, of all the good he could do…”
“That’s precisely what I mean.” Sir Frederick’s voice was husky. “Most women would simply choose the most advantageous side. But you wrestle with what’s right.” His other hand came up to frame her face. “Do you know how beautiful you are when you’re pursuing a mystery? Your eyes spark with intelligence, your cheeks flush. Perhaps we should—”
But his suggestion was cut short by the unmistakable sound of footsteps on the rotunda’s outer steps.
“Sir Frederick? Are you there?”
Mrs. Perry.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Thunder rumbled inthe distance as Amelia pressed herself against the cold stone wall, her heart hammering beneath her ribs. Through the heavy oak door, she could hear Mrs. Perry’s delighted sigh echo in the rotunda’s intimate chamber. The rain drummed steadily on the domed roof above, creating an oddly intimate atmosphere that only heightened Amelia’s discomfort.
Sir Frederick had urged her to stay, his look intense as he’d whispered that Mrs. Perry needed to be disabused of any notions regarding his feelings.
But mortification had propelled Amelia through the hidden door behind the heavy velvet curtain beside the chaise longue, her slippers making no sound on the worn stone steps.
Now, despite her better judgment, she found herself frozen in place, the damp chill of the passage seeping through her thin muslin gown. Her curiosity—no, her need to understand—outweighed her natural inclination to flee.
But embarrassment had fueled Amelia’s flight. She’d torn out of his embrace as the door had opened to admit Mrs. Perry—who’d been too forward to wait for an invitation—while Amelia had slipped out of the back entrance behind the curtain beside the chaise longue.
However, clearly her curiosity—no, nosiness—was even greater than her embarrassment.
What did Mrs. Perry think she could claim from Sir Frederick when he claimed he’d given her no encouragement?
So, despite her best intentions, Amelia remained rooted to the spot.
Besides, she justified to herself, Sir Frederick had begged her to stay. And surely his earlier claim that he’d given the woman no encouragement ought to be tested if Amelia were to succumb to the lures he extendedher?
“Oh, Sir Frederick, I knew you’d be here! And don’t you look dashing?”
Amelia gritted her teeth to hear the plaintive delight and fawning in the other woman’s tone.
How vulgar, Amelia thought, drawing her shawl more closely about her. What did she think she’d get from Sir Frederick? A marriage offer?
“Naturally, you understand I’m not interested in marriage—”
Amelia swallowed. It was, in fact, Mrs. Perry who said these words. And it wasn’t a simple statement for Amelia to digest. What did a once-married woman want from a man like Sir Frederick if it wasn’t a marriage offer? Did she want kisses and compliments like Sir Frederick had been in the process of delivering?
Or was there something more?
“My dear, perhaps this isn’t the best place for us to discuss—”
“Oh, Sir Frederick, I’m not here to discuss!” Mrs. Perry delivered a throaty laugh. “You know exactly what I’m here for. It’s what you and I both want.”
“A scandal? I think not.”
