AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Twelve
Amelia was jerked back from her thoughts. “Oh! I just mean, yes, I would assume they’d be whipped, and he would have scars.” She smiled, hoping to remove suspicion.
William attempted to continue with his questioning when Amelia burst out, “My friend Marianne is thinking of coming to visit us here in Kinnaird Castle in a few months. She is a beautiful woman with light brown hair and green eyes. I’ve written to her all about you, William.”
William’s mouth was poised in reply, but then he simply chuckled and sat back in his chair. “Och, lass, ye sure do know yer audience. A friend of yorn, ye say?” William rubbed his beard and smiled. “Comin’ tae visit us here?”
Amelia coughed slightly, neglecting to mention that Marianne was a good Christian woman, not given to vice or tempted by charming, rougish men. “Yes, I hope to see her in the next month or two. She is a dear friend, come to comfort my mother and me in this time. Would you like an introduction?” She smiled, feeling confident that her conversational diversion worked.
“Aye, naturally.” he winked. “Any friend of yorn is a friend of mine.” They clinked their wine glasses before each taking a sip. Amelia drank contentedly, hoping to not have a repeat of William’s questioning. She was to be disappointed.
“So, tell me about yer knowledge of our handsome Jamie’s scars? Was there a moment when ye’ve had a chance tae see them?”
“Well…”
“Now, is that any way for a gentleman tae act, William?” Fiona entered the main hall to put her narrowed gaze on William.
William stood and nodded to Fiona, chuckling. “I am sorry, milady. Ye know me, social graces I’ve not been blessed with. Forgive me intrusion, Amelia.” He smiled at her, and she knew that he was holding back laughter.
He cleared his throat, and said “Ladies.” Then he exited the room.
Fiona chuckled and shook her head. “He’s a lovely boy, but a bit of a rascal, and very popular with the women, I’m afraid. I’m very sorry for his impertinence, dear.”
“Oh, it’s of no consequence,” Amelia said, and continued to sit in the chair, hoping to calm her nerves a bit.
Fiona went and sat next to her and cocked her head to the side. “Amelia, would you mind taking this to Jamie in his workroom?” Fiona handed her two pieces of paper. “I need him to mail a few things for me, but I must go to bed.” Fiona smiled.
Amelia reached out a hand to grab the papers. “Of course…I will do it directly.”
“Thank you, dear.” Fiona stood up to walk away, but then turned around. “Oh, and tomorrow, you and I can discuss the preparations for the Hogmanay feast. Good night!”
Amelia waited until Fiona’s footsteps faded, and she took a deep breath.I can do this. All I need to do is hand the man a couple of letters, nothing more. We do not need to engage in conversation or...more. And he’s very busy with his work, he may not even notice me enter.
Amelia stood up, smoothed out the wrinkles on her bodice, and breathed once more before she turned to cross the main hall, her shoes beating a rhythm on the stone that matched the increase in the beating of her heart. She entered the corridor where Donald had attempted to take her to the library. She arrived at Jamie’s workroom door, and her gaze lingered on the flame glowing in the wall sconce next to it. She lifted her fist to knock lightly.
“Come in,” a deep voice called from within. And Amelia swung open the door slowly, the papers held firmly in her hand behind her back.
“Good evening, Amelia.” A surprised Jamie looked up from where he’d been working on his desk, a pile of maps and letters littered around it.
Thank God the room is dark, or else he will see my reddened face.She lifted her hand up to cool her cheek, and said, “Good evening, La...Jamie.” She quickly walked over to his desk to hand Jamie the letters. “Your mother asked that I bring you these to post.”
“Thank ye.” Jamie stood, his gaze not leaving Amelia’s face as he stretched out his hand to take the papers, his fingers brushing against hers, heat on heat.
Amelia swallowed. “Well, good night! Best of luck with your work.” She turned to leave, and had almost reached the door when she heard, “Amelia.”
Amelia’s heart skipped a beat, and she paused. Jamie had spoken that one small word with such a kind softness that it almost broke Amelia’s heart. And there was something else in it. Affection?
She turned, placing a smile on her face.You are in control.“Yes?”
Jamie walked out from around his desk, his white shirt open at the collar, tucked into his tan riding breeches. He was holding a small package in his hands. He approached Amelia, and held it out to her.
He cleared his throat. “‘Tis customary on Hogmanay tae give gifts.”
“Oh, yes of course. William was explaining it to me tonight.” She paused to take the package from his hands.Could this really be for me?“Thank you. I’m sorry, I’m not accustomed to this tradition, so I have nothing for you.”
He waved away her apology. “‘Tis only a trifle, but I thought ye might like it.” He walked over and sat on the edge of his large carved wooden desk, crossing his arms, and smiling.
“Well, thank you, Jamie.” She smiled a genuine smile, and left the room.
