Page 78 of Murder in Matrimony
Amelia’s carriage waited on a side street, and before climbing inside, she apologized to Oliver and Kitty for taking it uponherself to investigate without her friends. Oliver said he understood why she had done it but implored her to come to all of them next time, to which she replied, she hoped there wouldn’t be a next time.
Alone in the carriage with Simon, Amelia recalled her fervent desire to tell him she loved him. They had said very little, and it seemed her feelings filled the space between them. So thick were they that they might have broken them into a thousand pieces with a word, and no matter how she thought to begin, she couldn’t quite start.
As they grew closer to Mayfair, however, she knew she must. Once she returned, all the obligations would return with her, and she might lose her nerve. The girl who moved to London two years ago wouldn’t have waited one day, but she was more careful now. Too careful. She must act, even if it was too sudden or soon. She opened her mouth and took a breath. “Simon—”
“Amelia,” he said at the same time.
They shared a small laugh.
“I defer to the lady.” Simon flourished a hand as if to allow her passage.
She mustered her strength and started again. “When I was standing at the top of the ladder, one person came to mind. It was you.”
A timid smile flitted across his lips.
“I had a single regret, but a considerable one, and if I would have plunged to my death, it would have gone with me to the grave.” She swallowed, willing herself to continue. She could do this. Shemustdo this. Even if it was not the right time or place. Even if it wasn’t customary or condoned. She had been honest with her readers when it was hard; now she must be honest with Simon. “I’ve longed to tell you something for a while, and I know I shouldn’t, but it is always this way with you. I must say what I believe.”
“You can say it now,” he said quietly.
“It feels as though every moment of my life has led me to you, each stone laid at my feet in the hope of finding you. And when I did, it felt as if I was home for the very first time. I never want to leave this place of you and me.” She took abreath, and the next words came out as easily as a breeze in April. “I love you.”
“Amelia.” His hands cupped her face, and his green eyes searched her own. He must have seen the raw honesty in them, and in the next breath, an emotion had been unlocked, and he whispered, “My pride has made me foolish and reticent. But I, like you, can no longer keep silent. You must know I love you too.”
He kissed her tenderly, then hugged her to his chest. She swore she could feel his heart through his coat, beating hammer hard. He kissed her neck, and as she released a little sigh of pleasure, he snaked his arm around her, pulling her closer. When their lips met again, their desire was more fervent, as if they both knew the moment must end but didn’t wish it to.
Amelia felt the carriage come to a stop, and they broke apart.
“Ours has been a patient path, but I have lost my patience. I do not wish to go on as before. I can’t.” He grasped her hand, glancing out the window, then at her. “Would you ever consider … I mean, under the right circumstances, would you consent to … marry me?”
This was a surprise, in timidness and honesty. She answered with the same honesty and without thinking. “Under any circumstances. Yes, I would marry you.”
He released a stream of air. “That is a relief. I thought you might be against it because of Winifred. But you must know I would raise her as my own daughter. I understand that’s how you feel for her, and I hope to one day as well.”
“Oh Simon,” she exclaimed and gave him a brief kiss on the cheek. “How could I ever be against us?”
“If Lady Tabitha objects, if she insists you remain an Amesbury—”
She squeezed his hand. “You have forgotten one thing. She is the most Amesbury of the Amesburys. To be mistress of home and hearth again must be her secret and most ardent wish.”
“I did not consider that point. She has lived here most of her life, and I cannot imagine she enjoys sharing. She again would be the matriarch of the Amesburys, but we would bring the name merit with our raising of little Winifred.”
For Winifred to have a father figure such as Simon Bainbridge in her life was almost too much to hope for, and Amelia loved him even more for his words. He didn’t regret raising another man’s child. He looked forward to it and the life they could give her. Her heart swelled with admiration, and she was about to show him how much when Bailey set down the carriage steps.
“We will make plans, after your sister is married,” Simon added quickly. “Is that too soon?”
“I would marry you today if I could,” she whispered, and they shared a secret smile.
Then Bailey opened the door, and Aunt Tabitha was walking toward the carriage. Alone. Without a shawl. Pointing at her with her raven-headed cane.
“What in heaven’s name?” Amelia wondered if the trouble at Baker Biscuits had followed them from the East End already.
“You don’t think her ears arethatgood, do you?” Simon jested. “She couldn’t have heard me from inside the house.”
She shook her head distractedly. “Something is wrong. Very wrong.”
Her feet had only touched the ground when Aunt Tabitha proclaimed, “Your sister is missing.”
“Which one?” Amelia asked.
