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“But even if you spent time with her,” Charlie went on, “I’m afraid nothing can happen.”
“What do you mean?”
“I overheard that woman—I’m guessing she’s the mother—talking to another lady who works there. Something about making sure the dress fitted, so she looked perfect for her groom.”
Rafe sat up.
“I thought she might be getting married. Do you know who to?”
“I have no idea. I didn’t hang around to listen.” Charlie shrugged. “I doubt you would be allowed to see her in any sort of setting once she was married, anyway. It wouldn’t be appropriate. Maybe it’s best to let it go.”
Rafe knew Charlie was right, but that didn’t help the sinking feeling in his stomach. Sighing, he slumped back and looked out of the window. Now his good mood was dissipating. It had been some years since he had had any contact with any sort of woman—they weren’t about to come out into the wilderness to go hunting—so it was like he had never spoken to one before.
Maybe it was that reason which made him feel drawn to her. She was holding back the simmering anger, and she wasn’t exactly hospitable, but whatever lay beneath the surface had Rafe wanting to find out more. She made him curious.
Perhaps it was for the best. He had only just come back to the country, so he needed to get himself settled. Besides, once she found out who he was and the scandal hanging over him, it was doubtful that she wanted anything to do with him. Rafe wouldn’t blame her if she did that.
If he were a woman and he heard all of this, he would have felt the same.
The sun was lower in the sky as they finally reached Whitby and turned up the path onto the driveway. Charlie yawned and stretched his arms above his head.
“I’ll be glad to get back, get something to eat, and then some entertaining conversation.”
Rafe smirked.
“You mean you’ll be entertained by the sweet kitchen maid you encountered on our first night, don’t you?”
“What? There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m not exactly a gentleman, so we’re technically of the same social standing.” Charlie spread his hands. “Just because I dress smarter doesn’t mean I’m better than her. And it’s been a while since I’ve met someone so sweet and delightful.”
Rafe laughed.
“You’re a cad, do you know that?”
“I’m not! I just know what I like.”
“Just don’t do anything stupid, Charlie. The last thing we need is for you to get Amelia into trouble.”
“I promise, I won’t do anything like that.”
From the way Charlie had said it, Rafe believed him. His friend was the most jovial, lighthearted type of person who was the light of the party when they did go to the cities, and the ladies found him fascinating, especially with his stories. And he lapped it up, but Rafe had never seen him do anything beyond that. If he did, he was very private about it.
Yet there was something different between him and Amelia. The kitchen maid was shy and somewhat plain, but the few times Rafe had seen her, he could see that she had something about her that was enough to pique a man’s curiosity. And the one time he saw her smile, directed at Charlie, it lit up her whole face. He could see why Charlie liked her.
Although his father wouldn’t be too impressed by that. They had to be careful.
The carriage pulled up outside the house, and Rafe jumped out first. Today had felt like a day where he had been very productive, and he felt good about it. It was nice to know that his father wanted him to do something and give him the chance to show he could do it. Rafe felt like his family had accepted him back very easily.
It was a shame that his mother wasn’t here, though. That was something Rafe was sad about. If Richard’s death hadn’t happened, he would have been at her side.
But it was in the past now. He had to look to the future, and he was going to carry on as he could with his father and brother. Charlie, too, if he decided to stay. His friend said he wouldn’t be around for long, only staying until Rafe was settled, and then he would be going back to America. But now he had set his sights on Amelia; maybe he was going to stay for good. Rafe would like it if he did; he did need a friend.
“I’ll meet you later, Rafe.” Charlie clapped his hand on Rafe’s shoulder. “I’m going to sneak around to the kitchens and see if I can meet Amelia for a little bit.”
“Sneaking around?”
“Well, you can’t blame a man for trying. I’ll see you later.”
“Just be careful,” Rafe called after him. “Father is going to be upset if he hears about it.”
