Page 65 of Real Earls Break the Rules

The enthusiasm in Caroline’s voice touched Amelia. Memories stirred in the back of her mind. Hadn’t Brandon mentioned one of his father’s businesses was a dress shop? He’d talked about a shop that had sustained a fire, leaving all the bolts of cloth and inventory smoke damaged. Brandon had salvaged the business and continued to labor over the books and deal with the manager. She knew he planned to sell the shop, but as far as she knew, he had not.

Amelia decided right then and there that she would somehow convince him to confess his financial troubles with his sisters. He had no idea about Caroline’s dreams. It was a perfect opportunity for Caroline to learn about the day-to-day running of a business and to ease her brother’s burdens.

“Just because you may not be able to own your own dress shop, does not mean you cannot use your talents,” Amelia said.

“What do you mean?”

“I know someone who owns a shop. Someone who may need help overseeing the business and the books.”

Caroline looked at her eagerly. “You do?”

“I can’t promise anything, but I will talk with the person in question. You may be surprised how you can use your talents.”

A blush of pleasure rose to Caroline’s cheeks. “You think so?”

Amelia nodded. “I do.”

Caroline hugged Amelia. “In the short time since you’ve been at Rosehill, I feel as if you are a sister.” Caroline gifted her with a bright smile, then returned to eating the chicken on her plate.

A sister. Amelia experienced burgeoning warmth in her chest. She loved her own sisters dearly and understood what family loyalty meant. Brandon loved his sisters as well, but he had no idea about Caroline’s desires.

Amelia felt a responsibility to enlighten him. If there was a way she could help Caroline, then she would. Amelia’s eyes scanned the picnic area and spotted Brandon in discussion with Huntingdon and the duke. She considered approaching him, but she knew that would be unwise. The duchess was speaking with the dowager, but Amelia wasn’t fooled. The woman seemed to have eyes in the back of her head when it came to Amelia.

When everyone was done eating, the servants packed up the baskets. As the guests made their way back to the house, Amelia spotted a kitchen maid struggling to carry two heavy baskets back to the house. She recognized Lily, the servant who had come along with her to tour the textile factory.

Amelia rushed forward to relieve Lily of one of the baskets. “I can help you.”

“I’ll be fine, Miss Somerton!”

“Nonsense. I have two arms, and I’m perfectly capable of carrying it.”

The plates in the basket shifted to one end as Amelia adjusted the handle over her arm. “Go on ahead, and I’ll follow.”

“Thank you, miss,” Lily said, then hurried ahead.

Amelia made her way down a steep embankment toward the servants’ entrance at the back of the house. She wasn’t accustomed to the uneven path and made her way carefully down the grassy slope.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Amelia looked back to see Brandon hurrying toward her, a scowl on his face.

He quickly reached her side, and she frowned. “What does it look like? I’m helping.”

“Give me that,” he demanded.

She pulled back on the basket handle. “I don’t need help.”

“You’re going to fall and break your pretty neck.”

She was so annoyed by his highhanded manner that she almost forgot she’d wanted a chance to speak to him alone. She glanced around to make sure no one was nearby. “I have something to tell you.”

One dark eyebrow shot up. “You’ve reconsidered my proposal?”

“That’s not what I—”

“I’m going to speak with Huntingdon,” he said. “It’s the only proper course of action and you know it.”

He was acting arrogantly, and her irritation returned in full force. “I know no such thing,” she said, her voice firm.