Page 65 of The Rules of Matrimony
Amie set down her spencer on a chair in the vestibule. “What is it, Mrs. Hamburg?”
“I hate to trouble you, but I have a conundrum I would like your advice on.”
Her advice? It felt like an important moment, being trusted and recognized as the lady of the house. “I am happy to help if I can.”
“A missive came for His Lordship. It carries Lord Kellen’s seal. The rider said it was urgent.”
Urgent? Normally, they would have all Ian’s mail forwarded on to him, but she knew why she hesitated now. The servants couldn’t have missed Ian’s declaration to never speak to his father again.Would he want the letter, or would he toss it in the fire before reading it?
“I will take it for now and decide what is to be done,” Amie said.
“Yes, Your Ladyship.” Mrs. Hamburg extended the letter.
Amie took it and studied the seal with the eagle head, waiting until Mrs. Hamburg had left her. If there was something truly urgent, she needed to know to what extent before she made her decision on how to act. With a fortifying breath, she broke the seal with her finger. She unfolded the letter and noticed right away the hand was feminine. It was from Lady Kellen, not her husband. Two sentences in, Amie’s jaw dropped. “Good heavens.”
Lord Kellen had suddenly taken ill, and the doctors thought he did not have long to live. Lady Kellen begged her son to come straightaway. Amie’s hand fell to her side, the paper crinkling against her skirt. They must not know that Ian was in London.
Her mind whirled. Ian needed to be with his father. If his father died before they reconciled, the guilt could weigh on Ian for a lifetime. Lord Kellen had known when Ian had returned to London mere weeks ago. He probably had a connection with one of the servants. Why had he not discovered it this time around?
Unless ... unless Ian wasn’t staying at his townhome. That was the only answer that made any sense. Ian could be staying with Sir James. It would take time to find where he resided. Would Sir James have left a forwarding address with his letter?
Without another thought, she raced to Ian’s office. She yanked the drapes open, and daylight poured into the empty room. She turned to find the desk clear of any papers. It was a small chance he had left the letter anyway, but if he had, she must find it. Pulling the top drawer open, she discovered a stack of financial record books. The second contained some loose papers. She picked up the first one and sucked in her breath. This was it. And at the bottom was Sir James’s address. It was a miracle. A sign ...
Mama burst into the office. “There you are. The tea has arrived, and a maid thought she saw you coming this way.”
Amie set her hand on the desk. “Mama, can you spare me?”
“What?”
“I just received a missive, and Lord Kellen is very ill.”
“Oh, mercy.” Mama waved her hand in front of her face like she might faint. They were too acquainted with death to take such news lightly. “You must go to him.”
“I think I must.”
Ian wouldn’t want her to come, but someone had to force him to see his father. She didn’t know if she was capable, but she would certainly try.
Within the hour, all was prepared. Amie was going to London. Mama miraculously agreed to stay behind, understanding that death was a private family affair, and promised to send her ideas for the drawing room before any changes were made.
Amie couldn’t care less about decorating now. It seemed so trite when Ian’s father was suffering.
Mama walked her out to the carriage. The footman held the door open for Amie, and she turned and embraced Mama in parting. “Will you look in on Tiny? He is quite attached to Ian, so he will need attention.”
“I will see that he has daily exercise.” Mama pulled back. “Where will you sleep tonight? Have you instructed the driver properly?”
Amie nodded. “We will change horses at the inn we stayed at previously, but we will ride through the night. Time is of the essence.”
Mama’s lips pulled tight. Neither one of them preferred to travel at night after what had happened to Papa. “Travel safe, dear.”
“Don’t worry for me. All will be well.” As she stepped toward the carriage to join Edna, who was already ensconced inside, she felt a few drops of rain graze her cheek. She cast her eyes upward to the thick, ominous, gray clouds.
Her courage wavered.
“Not now,” she whispered.
Chapter 32
Ian stretched his legs, hisbody tired from sitting for so many hours in Sir James’s library. The committee had finished for the day, but Paul had arrived an hour ago. Ian had found the other men tolerable enough, but no one was a better sounding board than his good friend.
