Page 73 of The Rules of Matrimony
The good news was that it would allow him to help Sir James. Ian retired to his old bedchamber and spent the rest of his day reading and writing correspondence to the committee and wishing he were there to help. But even in these desires, he was easily distracted. He wished for the weight of Tiny on his lap and the sound of Amie moving about Oak End. He almost always knew what room she was in or, by her lingering scent, where she had just been. That he did not know her exact location now bothered him. She had written a note saying she would spend the day at his townhome and join them for dinner. Shouldn’t that suffice? Instead, he found it odd that she would not come sooner.
Ink pooled on his letter. “Dash it all.” He quickly blotted the paper. He wasn’t used to his mind wandering. He had important matters to see to. Time was running out. His maddening lack of self-discipline had to stop.
When the dinner hour came, he began to anticipate seeing Amie. Shaking his head and blowing out heavy breaths did not help. Despite all his self-talks, when she entered the drawing room, he was there eagerly waiting for her.
She looked very much the same. He’d seen her gown of choice several times, and her hair was styled similarly to other times. So why did his heart react like he was in a foot race? He went to her and thoughtlessly reached for her hand. Warmth traveled up his arm, but he didn’t let go. It was just a hand, and it wouldn’t hurt anything to hold it.
“Good, you’re here,” he muttered, when inside he was shouting it.
“Is your father any better?” she asked.
He gave a nod. “He is waking more and more, and the doctor thinks he has a chance to pull through.” He hadn’t realized he’d been waiting all day to tell her this.
“I am pleased to hear it.”
His feet moved nearer to her of their own accord. People who were having a private conversation generally stood close to eachother, so it seemed perfectly justified. “I thought I would see you sooner.”
“I apologize if I was missed.”
“I never said I missed you,” he said quickly, inching ever closer to catch her vanilla perfume. “But it is true that you were missed.”
She blinked as if she did not understand him. Confound it, he didn’t understand himself. “But you’re here now, and that is what matters.”
“Oh? Perhaps I should stay away more often.”
He scowled. “Why would you do that?”
The beginnings of a smile touched her lips. “So you hurry to my side when you see me again.”
He took stock of his position, practically hovering over her, and swallowed. How had he let himself get so close to her? He cleared his throat and stepped back, affording her a bit more space. “How was your day?”
Her smile faltered. “Oh, uh, it was unexpected.”
His brow knitted together. “What do you mean?”
“I received a—”
His mother waltzed into the room, cutting Amie off. “Oh, Amie, you are here, and just the person I was hoping to find.”
Amie smiled, but he noticed it was forced. “Thank you for having me for dinner.”
“Why wouldn’t we have you?” Lady Kellen frowned. “You are family. I simply meant that I am in need of a favor from you.”
“I’m happy to help in any way I can,” Amie replied.
“My husband is awake again and is asking for you to read to him again.”
Ian felt as shocked as Amie looked.
Her hand went to her chest. “He asked for me? I mean, certainly. I will go to him now.”
Ian tugged on her hand before she went more than a step. Need she go this very minute? “You must eat first.” Besides, this idea sounded suspicious. Even if Father had not been openly mean toAmie and reserved the majority of his rudeness for Ian, it didn’t sit well.
Amie’s smiled turned more genuine at his concern. “I had a late lunch, and I’m not very hungry.”
“You’re sure?”
“You know how I enjoy reading.”
