Page 12 of Heart of Decadence

Chapter 6

The next afternoon, Amelia waited at the window in the downstairs reception room for Lord Ainsley, even more nervous this time, if that were possible. Last night’s startling meeting, followed by loud protestations from Mr. Burke, had once more rendered her sleepless, so that the Pears had been used liberally this morning as she washed and dressed.

Indeed, the whole affair had the quality of a dream. Less than a week ago, she hadn’t thought of Lord Ainsley in at least eight or nine years. Now he was coming to formally pay court to her. The fact that he’d insisted on driving her in Hyde Park, during the fashionable hour this time, led her to believe that his intentions were completely serious. No one would run that gauntlet and risk censure by the ton unless they meant to make an offer for her.

The thought made her shiver, though the day was warm. She remembered in great detail her feelings for Lord Ainsley when they first met. Feelings that had been strictly suppressed after his defection and her subsequent courtship and betrothal to Jonathan. They were still there, simmering deep within her. Could she allow them to rise to the surface once more? And if she could not, and he asked her to marry him, did she really have any more of a choice than with Mr. Burke?

Of course, she would much prefer to marry Lord Ainsley. A kinder, more handsome or intelligent gentleman could not be found in the ton,by her estimation. Memories of their dances together, his charming laugh, his gallantry during those few brief weeks an age ago swirled up, making her heart beat faster. Oh, dear. She sent a surreptitious glance toward the gentleman at her side and sighed quietly. Her feelings for him were apparently buried less deep than she’d suspected. Well, then, perhaps his regard for her had resurfaced as well. It would be truly wonderful if he offered for her from affection rather than monetary gain. Although… A sudden remembrance from last night drew her up short. Did he have another reason entirely? The phrase he’d used about speaking to her father echoed his last words to her under the cherry tree. Might his sense of honor and duty be playing into his courtship rather than regard?

The black and yellow curricle pulled up to the curb in front of the townhouse and Lord Ainsley hopped down, a huge smile on his face. Turning away from the window, Amelia took a firm grip on her reticule. With her own heart in turmoil over the viscount, she needed to ascertain not only what she felt for him, but what he might feel for her. Was he calling out of a misplaced sense of duty or did he still harbor a true affection for her? This carriage ride could be the most momentous one of her life.

The door to the foyer opened and there was a murmur of voices.

Amelia straightened her shoulders, so her new rose gown and matching spencer fell gracefully to the floor. She smiled her brightest just as Lord Ainsley was announced. “Good afternoon, my lord.”

“Good afternoon, Miss Burrowes. You are looking extremely well, despite last night’s excitements. You must thrive on such challenges.” His return smile was charming, but the gleam in his eyes set her heart to racing.

“There seem to be so many of them, now I am back in London. One can do nothing but attempt to rise to the occasion.” Babbling on, she attempted to counteract his overpowering presence. How had she not remembered that the man was so very tall? He practically loomed over her. She gazed up into the bright gray eyes and smiled, though her lips trembled.

“Shall we go?” He offered his arm. “I promise not to bite.”

Drat. She must keep her countenance better schooled. “Thank you, my lord.” She took the proffered arm, his warmth immediately stealing through her. “I will hold you to that.”

He chuckled, and she smiled to herself. They had bantered thus when they first met. One of the qualities that had drawn her to him in the first place. She could not abide a dullard, and Ainsley had been sharp as an assassin’s blade. He settled her securely in the curricle and she grasped the side again, although now she knew what to expect, she’d likely not be as frightened. Of the ride itself, at least.

“The weather is cooperating with my plans. That’s a good sign.” He started the team. “Perhaps the gods are smiling down on our venture.”

“What venture, my lord?”

“Your reintroduction to Society, my dear.”

Amelia’s mouth dried and her hands shook until she had to squeeze them together to stop them. It hadn’t truly dawned on her until now that this would not be the quiet easing back into Society she would’ve had on the arm of Mr. Burke. Oh, no. Lord Ainsley apparently intended a full cavalry charge straight into the jaws of the ton. After years of living with her head down, he was pulling her face up to the sun. She didn’t know whether to thank or curse him.

“Do not be alarmed.” He patted her clenched fists, and somehow his touch did indeed calm her. “We will take it in slow stages. Today you will be introduced to an old acquaintance of yours, Lord Haversham, and both his sister and mine. The more people who are seen accepting an introduction to you, the better. Ah, and here they are, right on time.”

They’d turned into the park, the horses trotting sedately, and come up beside an elegant red and black barouche, occupied by two women and one gentleman. The gentleman and the fair lady shared a strong resemblance. The dark lady, in an exquisite blue gown, who stared quite unabashedly at her, had Lord Ainsley’s features in a feminine face.

“Well met, Haversham. Ladies.” Her escort bowed as best he could while sitting. “I see you’re taking advantage of the splendid sunshine this afternoon.”

“As ordered by you, dear brother.” The dark lady’s mouth puckered, perhaps in amusement. Perhaps not.

“It’s good for you no matter why you’re out in it, Kate.” Lord Ainsley sent his sister a scathing look and the lady laughed outright. “You see how I’m treated, Haversham? Have a care your sister is not so insubordinate.” He nodded at the blond lady, whose pale cheeks colored a becoming dark pink. “Ladies, I would like to make known to you Miss Burrowes. She’s an old acquaintance of mine, and we have been renewing that connection. Miss Burrowes, allow me to present my sister, Miss Katherine Locke,” he gestured to the dark-haired lady, “Lady Letitia Stowe, and you may remember her brother, Lord Haversham.”

They all nodded pleasantly from their carriage, and Amelia sighed quietly to have that first introduction over.

“Will you be at Mrs. Doyle’s card party this evening, Miss Burrowes?” Miss Locke asked politely. “I adore playing cards, especially with my brother. I fare so much better wagering at the gaming tables than I do on horseraces.”

“Humph.” Lord Haversham cleared his throat and shot a speaking glance at Lord Ainsley that Miss Locke appeared not to see. What little contretemps was going on there?

Amelia glanced at Lord Ainsley with a raised brow. “I don’t believe I have—”

“Yes, Kate, we will be in attendance.” He smiled down at Amelia. “I hadn’t had a chance to tell you, Miss Burrowes, but I’ve secured invitations for both of us and your parents to Mrs. Doyle’s tonight. If you have no other engagement, may I escort you there? I would very much like to sit down with you over a hand of cards.” In a lowered voice, he whispered, “It will be fine. Another very simple way for you to ease back into Society.”

Such a whirlwind of activity after so long keeping to her home. Amelia nodded, although she scarcely deemed herself prepared for such an outing. Of course, she played cards, and played well, but only against her parents and lately her sisters. Out in public, wagering on the outcome, was something completely different.

Screw your courage to the sticking place, Amelia. “Yes, of course, that would be lovely.”

“Perhaps you will join my cousin, Lady Celinda Graham, Lady Letitia, and me for a game as well, Miss Burrowes,” Miss Locke spoke up, sending a saucy look toward Lord Haversham. “We ladies can hold our own at a card table as well as the gentlemen, don’t you agree, Lord Haversham? Unless, of course, Lady Letitia is forbidden to play cards as well as waltz?”