Page 60 of An Earl to Save the Diamond
“We are both strangers who will never see each other again. Maybe we both need new experiences, and maybe you would get the clarity you need from this unknown woman.”
Andrew was taken aback by Amelia’s audacity, and he suddenly felt the beginning of a headache. He should not have drunk so much, and it had done nothing to numb his pain.
“Lady Amelia,” he began, laying emphasis on the title to show that they were no longer in friendly territory. “I think that it is best you retire for the night. You seem to be under an intoxicating influence, and it is not safe to be on the streets of London unchaperoned at this hour. If the lady wishes, I will send for a hackney to take you home.”
“I do not understand. Have I done something wrong? Did I offend My Lord in any way?”
Andrew noticed Amelia’s sarcastic use of his title and decided to ignore it. It was best he took his leave of her as soon as possible. He knew there was no way he was going to leave her without making sure that she was safe, and he cursed his luck for the first time for encouraging her.
“Lady Amelia, my apologies if I gave you the wrong impression, but I think it is time I remedied that.” Andrew led her back to the busy side of Oxford and hailed a hackney. He spoke to the driver and then helped Amelia into it, thankful that she did not resist. “I have given him more than a generous sum for the ride, and I trust him, so please tell him where to take you to.”
He watched her speak to the driver and then turned to him. “Thank you for the ride, Oliver; it is your loss tonight!”
Andrew laughed heartily. It was the first time he had laughed all day about anything. This would make a good story to tell Marjorie, but as it always did, the thought of her sobered him up immediately. He wondered what in the world was he going to do without her by his side.
* * *
Marjorie could remember a time when she was two-and-ten before the hands of Society snatched her. She remembered sitting at the formal table with her parents, the late Duke of Grant and his wife. She had sat next to Andrew, who was a chubby child who blushed and laughed easily as they all ate together. Her mother, in amusement, had stated that they would look good together. Marjorie had seen Andrew turn so red from embarrassment, and she pitied him. But it was what his mother did next that she never forgot. She had asked Ellen to swap places with Andrew, avoiding everyone else’s gaze, but the message was clear. Her son would have nothing to do with Marjorie. She remembered how she thought even then that it was strange for the Dowager to dislike her, since she had never done anything to her or even spoken directly to her. As years passed by, so did her memory of that day until tonight. She was packing up for her relocation to the country when the memory struck her like a thunder bolt.
“My Lady, your bath is ready.” Marjorie came out of her reverie to find her maid looking at her in anticipation.
“Thank you, Anna. You may retire for the night. I will handle it by myself.”
When Marjorie was alone, she got into the bath, picked up the sponge, and started scrubbing herself. The more she scrubbed, the more she cried. She had never felt so alone in her life, and she was the strong one. It brought her a sense of weakness, and how she hated to feel weak.
When she was finished, she put on her dressing gown and lay curled up on the bed.
“You are not alone. It’s just you and me now, my child. You and me,” she whispered softly. As she fell asleep, Marjorie was convinced now without a doubt that she would be keeping the child for herself.
* * *
“Where have you been, Brother?”
“All of London. I have seen all of London in one night.”
Ellen eyed her brother suspiciously. “Come, Brother, take your seat, and let us talk about important matters.”
Andrew, who had taken the first step on the stairs on his way to his chamber, paused, considering her offer.
“I promise, I will not take much of your time,” Ellen said.
Andrew nodded, finally convinced. “Pray, tell me, Sister, why is it that you are always up at this hour?”
“I could not sleep.”
“Have you tried asking Cook to find you some medicine for your ailment, perhaps some herbal tea?”
Ellen shook her head. “I think it is my nerves. I should be fine when everything goes back to normal. Now, are you sitting or not?”
Andrew sat down. “Make it quick, Sister; I have sleep to catch up on.”
“How are you?” Ellen asked.
“How am I? Is that why you asked me to sit?”
Ellen nodded “Yes, Brother. I have watched you all day, and I cannot imagine what you must feel if I feel this way.”
“I guess you are right. I have been better, and I have a headache. All of which, of course, a good night’s rest would solve.”
