Page 68 of Lord of Fortune
Chapter 12
The pressof lips against Amelia’s temple roused her from sleep. A smile curved her lips as she inhaled Penn’s scent. Rolling to her back, she opened her eyes. Her vision filled with his handsome face as he bent over her. Then his mouth found hers, and she closed her eyes again, sighing contentedly into his kiss.
When he pulled away, her lids fluttered open, and she blinked toward the window. “What time is it?”
“Early still,” he murmured. “But I need to leave, and I wanted to see you first.”
She pushed herself up to a sitting position, and he perched on the edge of the bed next to her. “Where are you going?”
He took her hand in his and rubbed his thumb over the backs of her knuckles. “I need to deal with this earl nonsense.”
Amelia rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “What does that mean?”
“I need to find the vicar who will provide proof that I’m William Kersey. Then I’ll convince him to destroy it and forget I ever existed.”
“Can you do that?” She considered everything she knew of him, particularly his charm. She’d detested him on sight, and now look at them… “Never mind, of course you can. How long will you be gone?” She liked seeing him with a purpose—the spark was back in his gaze after yesterday’s shock.
“Hopefully no more than two days. I’m not entirely sure where the vicar is located, and I don’t want to ask my father. He’ll likely try to persuade me not to go. Besides, I’m still angry, and I don’t want to talk to him.” He sounded a bit like a belligerent boy, but she couldn’t blame him. His entire world had been turned upside down.
“If you don’t know where to go, how will you find him?”
He grinned, and her heart skipped. “You must know by now that I’m exceptionally good at finding things. And that includes people. My mother, that is, the woman who gave birth to me, left me enough clues. I believe this vicar is located in a village near the English border. We skirted it several times, and I was sure she met with someone on a few occasions. In retrospect, I think she visited this vicar or perhaps her parents.”
With his free hand, he tucked an errant hair behind her ear. “Will you wait here for me so that we may continue our quest when I return?”
Wait here with his parents with whom he was angry… That wouldn’t be awkward. “Perhaps I should go with you.”
He shook his head gently. “Egg is already preparing our horses. We’ll leave shortly and, if we’re lucky, return late tonight. You’ll have all day to peruse my father’s library, and he will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to share it with you.”
“I don’t know,” she said uncertainly. “I suspect everyone may be too upset to behave as if nothing’s wrong.”
His jaw tightened, and he glanced away before stroking her hand once more. “It will be fine. I promise. I have to do this. You understand, don’t you?”
She brought his hand to her lips and pressed a kiss on the back. “I understand you want your life to remain as it is. I’m not sure you can accomplish that feat, but I support your endeavor. Please know that—I will support you no matter what.” Support him? What did that mean? She had feelings for this man. She cared for him, reveled in his company, admired him… But she’d no idea where it would lead. The most she could promise, and the most she could expect in return, was friendship.
“I appreciate that more than you know.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. “I wish I had more time,” he said softly against her mouth as his hand caressed her nape.
Delicious shivers raced down her spine and along her arms. “I wish you did too.”
He pulled away from her with a frustrated groan. “Someone will likely bring you a breakfast tray shortly. I should go before I’m discovered.”
She withdrew her hand from his. “It wouldn’t do for an earl to be caught trying to seduce a house guest.”
He grumbled low in his throat. “Another reason to avoid this bloody title. Nobody cares what Penn Bowen does.” He arched a dark brow at her. “In any case, I’m nottryingto seduce you, my love. If you recall, I was quite successful.”
She swatted at him, and he stood with a soft laugh. “Maybe I was the successful one,” she said smugly.
“Indeed you were.” His eyes glimmered in the early morning light. “One more thing. I’m leaving the heart with you.” His gaze strayed to the table next to her bed upon which sat the, probably, fake Heart of Llanllwch. “You’ll keep it safe.” It wasn’t a question, but a confidence in her ability. “I hope to see you tonight.” He blew her a kiss and departed, leaving the stamp of his presence long after he’d gone.
Some time later, a housemaid delivered a tray, and Amelia finally roused herself from bed. She went to the small table near the window, and her gaze immediately caught a slip of paper tucked into the corner of the tray. It had to be a note from Penn. Smiling, she plucked it up and opened the parchment. Her good humor fled as she read the missive.
Mrs. Forrest,
I was acquainted with your grandfather, and I know how much the White Book of Hergest meant to him. I am in possession of this book and will trade it to you for the Heart of Llanllwch. You must meet me where the River Monnow meets the River Wye at dusk this evening.
It is imperative you come alone. If Mr. Bowen accompanies you, there will be no trade. In fact, you are advised to keep this entire affair from Mr. Bowen if you prefer to ensure a smooth transaction.
Amelia’s hands shook as she reread the short note. She turned it over in her hands searching for the author’s name, but there was no indication of who’d written it.
