Page 66 of The Lord I Once Loved

“You would go to the North?” I asked, suddenly feeling unexplainably upset.

She stared at me with wide eyes.

“Well, of course. I hardly doubt anyone in London would take me. News of my involvement with, um,you, my Lord… it must have spread.”

I felt the blood drain out of my face. Of course. She would be lucky if even a merchant from the most desolate house in Scotland would take her in. My reputation was no secret – and it seemed to poison everything it touched.

That had never bothered me. I was a rake, beyond reproach.

But staring at the girl in front of me, I found myself wishing I could take it all back.

“Nonsense.” I finally said, rolling my eyes.

She stared at me, her expression confused.

“It’s not nonsense, Will, I am not wealthy. I cannot simply live without employment–”

“We will find you a job, of course. But not in the North. Horrible place, full of sheep and dare I say, nothing else. I have plenty of friends, despite my apparently disastrous reputation, and I’m certain someone will take you right here in London.”

“Oh, Will, that would be too nice of you-”

I cut her off with a stern glare.

“This situation is my fault. I will make amends.”

Amelia sat up a little straighter, a resolute look on her face.

“I chose to stay with you willingly. It was my decision and mine alone.”

I laughed, gesturing for the servant to pour me another cup of coffee.

“Please, Amelia, let’s not act like I had nothing to do with it. I am a renowned seducer. Ask any lady in London and they’ll tell you. Irresistible, some might say. You can hardly blame yourself.”

Her mouth opened in surprise, and her expression shifted from resolution to exasperation.

“Good grief, William Thorne, what caused you to become so unbearably cocky?”

I grinned.

“Perhaps my good looks, my charming demeaner…”

“Oh, shush!” She laughed, hitting me against my arm playfully. “You’re insufferable sometimes, you know.”

I said nothing and focused on my breakfast, but I couldn’t erase the small grin that was permanently – stupidly – stuck on my face.

After a moment, Amelia spoke again, her voice suddenly serious.

“I really am grateful, Will. I hope you know that.”

I looked up slowly to find our eyes locked once again. The feelings I felt were bizarre and unexplainable – irrational.

When I stared at Amelia’s face, pale and slightly freckled, only a little prettier than plain, I felt as if I was looking at an angel. Something sweet and perfectly innocent. Something completely pure of heart.

To me, it seemed that her face was no plainer than the marble statues of the Grecian goddesses I had seen in Athens. Her lips slightly parted, her eyes full of affection, kindness, and vulnerability… she was more beautiful, moreprecious, than any Venus.

I suddenly remembered the words of her uncle Nicholas the day before.

“Do right by my niece.”He had said.

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