Page 39 of The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

Chapter 16

Dancing a waltz with her husband, the handsomest man in the room, should’ve been the most thrilling experience in Amelia’s life. She and Nathan twirled and spun, surrounded by a dozen other couples, lost in each other’s eyes. Her first ball as hostess had been an immense undertaking, with a startling amount of work, but gazing around the room, she had to admit it was a tremendous success. Half the ton had been invited, and from the looks of the full ballroom, almost all had attended. Considering it was the Little Season, with many of the aristocracy still in the country, tonight should be considered a triumph. Yet something was missing.

The music ended, and she and Nathan sauntered off the dance floor, stopped several times by acquaintances eager to wish them happy, albeit belatedly. That mattered not at all to her. The ton’s newfound approbation of her, and their marriage, was the only thing that counted. That, and one thing more.

Nathan led them to a somewhat secluded spot behind a potted fern and pounced, first kissing the slope of her neck then sliding down toward the more dangerous territory of her breasts, which threatened to overflow her bodice. “Nathan, stop. I have just recovered from one scandal. I do not mean to be at the center of another should we be found out.”

He groaned but complied, lifting his head and staring at her with miserable stormy-gray eyes. “Amelia, I’ve scarcely seen you these past weeks while you were preparing for the ball. I miss you in my bed.”

“I miss you as well, my love. But this is neither the time nor place to make up for missed opportunities.” She’d been so exhausted from the endless lists of things to be arranged for this ball, she’d only been able to fall into her bed at night, asleep before her head hit the pillow. Out of concern for her welfare, Nathan had not disturbed her, with the result that they both desired one another with an intensity that crackled whenever they actually met. She would’ve liked nothing more than to slip away and let passion reign. But not until much later tonight. After the ball.

Her husband continued to kiss her neck, making her, as always, hot and oh so ready for him. She closed her eyes, savoring his attentions. Perhaps they could steal off to her chamber for just a few minutes. In their state of need, a few minutes would likely be all it would take to satisfy them. Temporarily. And there was the other thing she needed to take care of as well—

“Lady Ainsley.”

The unexpected voice startled Amelia, and she jumped, pushing Nathan away.

He stumbled but recovered, shaking his head. Glancing up at the woman who’d interrupted them, he smiled broadly. “Ah, Lady Carrington. You are not leaving so soon, I hope?”

“I’m afraid I must, Ainsley.” The woman’s mouth was pinched now but had been only smiles an hour ago when they’d received her publicly. “I’m not as young as I used to be.”

“None of us is, my lady.” Amelia smiled carefully.

She would never forgive the woman for allowing her reputation to be called into question when she could’ve proven the truth of the matter. However, she’d finally made good on her promise to restore Amelia’s reputation on the old score regarding Lord Carrington. They’d had to constantly remind her of the consequences of crossing either Lord or Lady Ainsley. At least until she discovered the severe penalty they’d imposed on Mr. Burke to refute the lies he’d told. Once she’d learned they would not be gainsaid, Lady Carrington had been more than willing to comply.

“So I will bid you a good evening.”

“I, as well, my lady.” Nathan executed a precise bow. “We thank you for all your assistance.”

With the briefest of curtsies, Lady Carrington shot one parting glare at them before turning on her heel and leaving.

“Well, I will shed no tears to think she’s gone.” Amelia grabbed Nathan’s arm and pulled him back behind the fern. “I would not want her to put a damper on tonight’s festivities.”

“I cannot see how she has done that, love. In the end, she worked hard to make amends and assure you of a glorious turnout for your ball.” He kissed her fingers, always a precursor to the most exciting lovemaking.

“I wasn’t actually thinking of the ball, but of a more private celebration.”

His brows went up, and he grinned. “Have I managed to persuade you to accompany me to our apartments for a quick tryst?”

“Are you still making trysts with one another?” Celinda poked her head through the fern, appearing as if out of thin air. “You are married now, silly. You don’t have to make trysts to see one another.”

“You’d be surprised, Celinda.” Amelia sent her husband a rueful glance. “Husbands and wives can’t always find the time to be together. As you will find out in due time, I’m sure.”

“Not if Papa has anything to do with it.” Frowning, Celinda came around the fern and stood fretting. “He simply refuses to allow Lord Finley to court me. No matter how many times I’ve tried to reason with him this past Season, he still maintains a dislike for the gentleman I love.” She looked defiantly at Amelia and Nathan. “I believe we may have to do something desperately scandalous in order to be able to marry.”

“No, Celinda, you will not do anything that endangers your reputation.” Amelia shuddered. “Have I not been proof enough that it takes almost nothing to ruin a lady, even when she’s done nothing wrong?” She turned to Nathan. “Would you please find us some refreshments, my dear? I am very partial to the lemonade. Would you like one also, Celinda?”

“Yes, please. The tartness will help disguise the bitterness in my soul.” Her friend’s face drooped charmingly—as Celinda herself must know it did.

“I will return shortly, ladies.” With a rueful glance at Amelia, Nathan took himself off, leaving them alone as Amelia had intended.

“Now tell me you have not done anything untoward with Lord Finley, Celinda. I know you suppose yourself in love with him, but you simply must not put yourself in a position where you could end up as ruined as I was.”

“No, we haven’t done anything yet…” Celinda lingered over that last word. “But I make no promises that we will not, Amelia. It’s fine for you to speak so. You are married to the gentleman you love most passionately and have had your reputation restored in spectacular fashion.” She cocked her head and gazed at Amelia through half-lowered eyelids. “Mama would not tell me precisely how this was accomplished. Only that Lady Carrington told all her friends that everyone had been mistaken all those years ago. That she’d known all along that you and Jonathan had never done anything improper. And that rumor about him asking after a child turned out to be a horse he’d bought named Fancy’s Child.”

“Yes, I was very grateful Lady Carrington heard about our nuptials and made it her mission to set the record straight about Lord Carrington and me.” She’d thought the part about the horse had been particularly clever on the lady’s part. In ton society no one would think it odd for Jonathan to ask about his horse on his deathbed.

“And Mama would tell me absolutely nothing about Mr. Burke’s part in all of this.” Celinda leaned toward Amelia. “Although Kate did let slip that he paid his penance in good form, although it cost him his reputation.”