Page 58 of The Rules of Matrimony
She accepted his arm, extended only out of good manners, but didn’t know how ready she was. Pretending to be in love with Ian was feeling far more real with every passing day. Frankly, that knowledge scared her.
Chapter 29
Ian stood back while Amiegreeted Mrs. Tyler in a tight embrace. The women were about the same size, but Amie put her head on her mother’s shoulder while her mother stroked her hair just above her ear, where it was pulled tight back into a chignon. They clung to each other for a time, each whispering whatever it was a close mother and daughter said after being parted for a few weeks. They had been everything to each other for a long time, and he would not rush them.
He clasped his hands behind his back just inside the drawing room door. This surprise visit meant rethinking his plans. Again. He wasn’t used to always considering someone else before acting, and it would take some getting used to.
“Let me see this husband of yours,” Mrs. Tyler announced, releasing Amie and coming toward him.
Something about the wordhusbandseemed more regal a title than lord, and he straightened. “How do you do, Mrs. Tyler?” He dipped his head. “We are pleased to have you with us.”
“You must think us silly for being so happy to see one another after such a short time.”
“I do not think it silly at all.”
Mrs. Tyler smoothed her wrinkled travel gown, though it was the tired lines in her face that concerned him. “I did not get a proper goodbye with her, you know. You missed the wedding breakfast.”
Guilt settled on his shoulders. “Forgive me. I was anxious to get on the road.” What had seemed like a necessary escape at the time now felt extremely selfish. His apology was as sincere as could be.
Mrs. Tyler gave him a comforting smile. “Don’t think on it again. It does not matter now that we are together.”
“Thank you for understanding. Please, take a seat and rest.” He motioned to the sofa closest to her.
Amie took her mother’s arm. “Tea should be here any moment. You need some refreshment after your long journey.”
Ian took a seat across from them. There would be no hiding from Amie today. He must face her head on while also facing whatever strange, obsessive feelings he’d tried his utmost to avoid for the past several days.
A maid arrived with a tea tray, and Amie began to serve everyone. She handed her mother the first cup. “I told you in my last letter that Lord Reynolds would send a carriage for you in a month or so. How did you manage to come on your own?”
Mrs. Tyler took a delicate sip. “Oh, it wasn’t any trouble. Lady Kellen arranged it.”
Ian sat forward in his seat. “My mother?”
Amie came over and handed him a cup fixed just the way he liked it, but his mind was caught up in why his mother would interfere. There was no doubt she had ulterior motives and sent Mrs. Tyler on purpose. He loved his mother, but she was as conniving as she was sweet. When would she learn that her interference had the capacity to wound people deeply? He and Amie weren’t dolls to be forced together at her whim.
He didn’t want that for Amie.
Looking up from his tea, he observed her asking her mother about the inn she had stayed at the night before. There was nothing shiny about Amie’s apparel or appearance, but something about her sparkled all the same. He yearned to be near her and run his hand down her silky cheek.
He cared for her. He had accepted that much. But he’d made a commitment to them both, and he would not let himself fall any deeper. Silky cheek or not.
After tea, Amie sent her mother to her room to rest. Ian was retreating to his study when Amie called to him.
“Ian, may I have a word?”
“By all means.” He might have been the smallest bit excited to spend another minute in her company. He opened the study door and followed her inside. She took a seat opposite his desk. Instead of circling around, he leaned against the front of it. He realized too late that he was closer to her than need be. This particular study was more like a glorified closet. He cleared his throat, hoping to push down the awkwardness of their proximity that only his thoughts were creating. “What is on your mind?”
“Your nose is looking better.”
He reached up to touch it. “It feels better. But I don’t think that’s what you desired to speak to me about.”
“No, it isn’t.” She made a face as if bracing herself for his reaction. “It’s about my mother’s room.”
Ah, this must be a question about money. “I saw it is finished. If there is anything that you would like to add for her comfort, please do not think twice about the cost.”
She bit the side of her bottom lip, her hands coming together tightly in front of her. “It isn’t exactly finished. I had the servants paint the door this morning. It cannot be shut until tomorrow, or it will stick.”
She was joking. One hand went to his hip. “And our convalescing maid?”
