Page 19 of A Necessary Wife

He gestured for Amelia to lead the way.

By the time they reached the bottom of the first flight, Lucy had caught up, but she was still pouting. She rushed toward them, or rather directly to her father, reaching for his hand to hold.

Chatham was dragged to the head of their little procession, and the child skipped along at his side.

“Adam,” Lucy called after a few steps. “Come and join Papa and me.”

Adam released Amelia’s hand immediately and rushed forward to join the pair, leaving Amelia to walk alone.

She sighed, missing the warmth and trust of a little boy she already liked very much.

Lucy lifted her nose as if Amelia was insignificant.

Chatham ruffled his son’s hair, shook off Lucy’s clinging grip, and stopped to wait for Amelia ahead of a pair of large doors.

“Give her time,” he whispered.

“I intended to,” she whispered back, keeping an eye on Lucy as a pair of identical footmen opened the doors ahead. A child’s heart was easily broken, but it didn’t have to be that way. Amelia would treat her gently, if given a chance.

CHAPTER SIX

Milo discovered his father and the duchess just beginning breakfast, sipping tea in the morning room, with young Charles playing in a corner of the room with a maid watching over him. “Good morning.”

Father smiled at first and then his expression froze as his eyes landed on Amelia.

Milo looked away to the duchess, annoyed that nothing had changed overnight.

The duchess’ smile was blindingly welcoming as she gazed upon Amelia. “There you are, at last, my dears,” she said. “Won’t you join us?”

But first, Milo had an introduction to make. “Your graces, may I present Amelia Westfall, Countess of Chatham.”

Amelia curtsied deeply to the duke and duchess.

Father’s silence was prolonged, his eyes narrowed but Gillian filled the void with smiles. “Welcome to Stapleton Manor. We are so happy to meet you.”

“Thank you,” Amelia murmured as Milo ushered them farther into the room.

He would admire Gillian forever after that gracious welcome to Amelia.

Her grace looked far better for the night of sleep, and he was pleased to see that his father appeared less weary. Father, though, continued to study Amelia as if she were untrustworthy.

Milo led Amelia closer to him, forcing recognition of her new status. “I believe you are already acquainted with my wife.”

“Is that so?”

“We met some time ago at a ball. I’m sure you would not remember. It was quite a crush.”

“I forget nothing.” The duke inclined his head sharply. “Lady Chatham.”

Amelia curtsied deeply a second time. “Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“This is my beloved wife, Gillian Westfall, Duchess of Stapleton” Papa said, gesturing to the smiling woman sitting at his side. He raised her hand and kissed the back of her fingers several times.

Amelia inclined her head but Milo was struck by father’s excessive display of affection toward his wife. It smacked of a performance, that he supposed was meant to remind Milo what his new marriage lacked.

Milo ignored the subtle jibe. “How are you today, your grace.”

“Much better than yesterday, I’m glad to say. The few hours’ sleep we reclaimed have done us the world of good. Lady Chatham, your husband worked miracles in a few short hours with our son Charles.”