Page 83 of The Rules of Matrimony
Ian’s lips pulled up on one side. “I suppose if the situation calls for it.” He opened the door and climbed out, reaching back to help her out. “Like right now.”
She grinned and took his hand. Sadly, he released her when her feet hit solid ground. “How very brave,” she teased.
He chuckled and held his arm out to her. “It was quite the sacrifice, you understand. I think the driver saw, and I frown on public displays of affection.” His words were playful, but she could read his underlying reservation. She knew she was pushing against his carefully made boundaries, but how else could she break them down?
Taking his strong, steady arm, she said, “You would think the leader of the Rebels would embrace such an opportunity to flout Society’s social etiquette to everyone. Even carriage drivers.”
Ian led her up the short path, and together they climbed the two steps to the door. He turned to her on the small porch, his gaze like velvet on her skin. “This particular Rebel is struggling at the moment, so please don’t tempt me, Amie.”
The blanket of clouds was too thick to blame the sun for the flush of heat on her face. She wanted to tempt him. She wanted a real marriage with love and laughter and children. But even more so, she wanted to know why he put up his walls. She wanted him to heal.
“Especially not in my father’s house,” he added quickly. “I’m trying to go easy on him for the sake of his health.”
She could understand his reservation around his father. He seemed to be the key to Ian’s reluctance. If she told Lord Kellen why Ian hated him, she doubted it would truly win his approval of their marriage. But she did wonder if it would be a catalyst of change for the two of them. Someone needed to soften. There were too many years of resentment for it to happen naturally. The logical solution was for her to create an opportunity for them to discuss the hurt that had caused a wedge in first place.
Ian had asked her not to speak to his father alone again, but she wasn’t worried about what harm she would receive. With Lord Kellen bedridden, words were his only weapon. Her increased confidence in Ian’s feelings would protect her from whatever unkindness his father threw at her. As for worsening the situation, the two were at such odds already that there was little chance of that. She was so filled with hope after yesterday that she couldn’t dismiss the idea of helping Ian. He deserved to be as happy as he made her feel.
Ian knocked twice and held the door open for her until a footman rushed to take his place. “What does that look mean?” Ian asked.
“What look?” Amie tried to smooth her expression.
He stopped her in the middle of the entrance hall and studied her. “A sort of mischievousness passed over your eyes and mouth just now.”
“Oh? What does such an expression look like?” Could he see the guilt on her face now?
He pointed to his own features. “Your eyes were happy and your mouth serious.”
She tried to laugh it off. “Is that even possible?”
He eyed her again, his head tilted. “It does sound strange saying it aloud. I must have imagined it.”
If he discovered her thoughts, she would fail before an opportunity even arose to speak to his father. It could take days or even weeks before the others were detained. It would have to be a long enough distraction for her to sneak into Lord Kellen’s bedchamber and remove herself before she was discovered. The less Ian knew, the better.
Why did that sound like something one of Ian’s fabled Matchmaking Mamas would scheme up? Love certainly gave one foolish ideas.
Lady Kellen came around the corner, carrying a few books in her hands. “I thought I heard your voices. Your timing is excellent. Ian, a man just arrived to see you—Sir James Mackintosh. I put him in your father’s study.”
“Sir James is here?” Ian’s hand went to his hip. “I wonder that he did not come to see me at my home instead?”
Lady Kellen shrugged. “He said he came straight from there and found you gone.”
“His horse beat our carriage.”
“Do you mind if I slip out for a minute while you meet with him?” Lady Kellen asked. “I haven’t left this house in weeks. Louisa Sheldon is approaching her time of confinement, and I want to make certain she is not in need of anything.”
“That is your friend Paul’s wife?” Amie asked. She remembered seeing her protruding stomach at the wedding.
Ian nodded.
Lady Kellen shifted the books to the crook of her arm. “Louisa is quite without a mother to help her. Mrs. Sheldon, Paul’s mother, wrote a list of needs she hopes I might assist with. She dearly wants to be here but won’t be able to come until after the baby is born.”
“Do not worry about us,” Amie said. “I am happy to help however I can.”
Lady Kellen held the books out to her. “I merely require someone to be available if my husband has any dire needs, which I do not anticipate. He appeared much stronger this morning. The maid will find you if there is any concern at all.”
“I can manage such a task,” Amie said. This was the moment she had wished for.
“Thank you, dear. Would you take these up to Lord Kellen’s room? He finished Robinson Crusoe and is ready for more.”
