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Chapter Twenty-One
The next morning, Amelia awoke, curled into Jamie’s chest. She smiled lazily, letting the memory of yesterday evening, their bodies intertwined in the act of passion. It had been fiery, more urgent than before, and Amelia knew why, for herself. She had opened up more to him and felt a warmth in her heart at his touch. She never wanted it to end, but she knew it would eventually have to. That’s why she wanted to take him how she could. A Scottish laird would never want an impoverished, disgraced woman, whose father had gambled away their inheritance. What a disgrace. If this is how she could have Jamie, then this is what she must do.
She smoothed her hand on his chest, and Jamie slowly woke up, turning to place a kiss atop her head. “Good morning, lass.” Amelia was gifted with a bright smile. She leaned up to kiss him deeply. Their lips slanted across each other, their tongues vying for position between them. Amelia felt her core begin to heat again when she pulled away. “I must prepare for the day.”
Jamie moved his arms behind his head. Amelia moved a finger down and across the muscles there, not wanting to leave the bed.
“Ye are quite the minx, ye know? One-minute yer eyes and lips are full of passion and desire, and then the next, yer slipping away tae attend tae some task, leaving me bereft...and a little bit hard. ‘Tis not fair.”
Amelia chuckled. “Nothing is fair, Laird Jamie. We cannot all have what we want.” She smiled and moved the covers to leave the bed.
Jamie watched her naked form walk to the closet to retrieve a robe. He had turned up on his elbow to watch her. “Ye know, lass, I knew I would love the look of yer naked derriere the moment I grabbed it in my hands on that first day…”
She threw him a dark look after she put on a dressing gown. “Yer were quite the cad then, to be sure. Grabbing unsuspecting women! For shame!”
He laughed and stood up from the bed, walking over to her. Amelia watched his powerful figure padding towards her out of the corner of her eye, wanting to appear in control. He took her face in his hands and gave her one last deep kiss, lingering after it was done before pulling away. Amelia felt her knees weaken but gripped his shoulders to steady herself.
“Have a lovely day, lass.” He winked, and then bent down to pick up his clothes. He quickly donned them, watching her flushed face, and then he left.
Amelia sat by her fire, a languid delight filling her. She knew she must attend to Fiona today, but her mind was full of mixed emotions. She loved him, but there was Donald, and there was her father. She couldn’t let the love flow unbound. She must control it and tether it down, so that when the time came to leave, she could do so with some semblance of strength.
She decided to push it from her mind and dress for the day. As she was dressing, a maid came hurriedly in. It wasn’t unusual, as the maid arrived every morning, but her quick entrance made Amelia question her.
“Miss! There is a carriage just arrived downstairs. ‘Tis a lady and a maid. She said she is here tae see ye, miss!”
Amelia smiled excitedly. “Marianne! Here, Martha, please help me dress, so that I can greet her.”
The maid quickly bowed. “Of course, miss.”
Once Amelia was dressed and ready, she fled down the stairs as quickly as she could to find Fiona, Jamie, and Marianne sitting in the small parlor. Her heart nearly burst. Her dear friend, who had not rejected her after the incident. She practically leapt into the room to clasp Marianne into a tight hug.
“Amelia! So good to see you again!”
Amelia held on for a bit longer. “Marianne, what a surprise! Thank you for coming.”
Marianne pulled away and stared at Amelia with her soft, kind, brown eyes. “You are most welcome, dear friend. Thank you and thank you to Lady and Laird Kinnaird for allowing me to visit you.” She made a motion to them both as they stood next to the tea table. “I apologize for my early arrival, but I just couldn’t resist after the break in the snowstorm. Father and I weren’t far away, and I had heard more snow was to come, so Margrete and I made our way here.”
“Ah, you’ve brought your lady’s maid with you?” Amelia questioned her.
Marianne sat down again, and Amelia followed suit along with Jamie and Fiona. “Yes.” She smiled stiffly. “Father was hesitant to let me come on my own, so he sent me a chaperone to watch over all my comings and goings.” She rolled her eyes.
Fiona smiled next to her. “Fathers can be protective of their young, beautiful daughters. ‘Tis a normal occurrence.”
Marianne sighed, laying her hands in her lap. “I suppose so, and yet, I can’t deny my frustration at being so contained. I had hoped Scotland would bring me a sort of freedom.”
Jamie smiled at this, thinking of what William would say when he beheld this adorable creature. She had light brown hair that was tied back loosely with waves and curls lining her face. She wore a beautiful cream gown with a square neckline and a string of gold. She was a petite woman, but her womanly curves matched her size, and she was most definitely a wealthy lady. Jamie glanced at Amelia quickly, watching her pleased face at the sight of her dear friend. Perhaps, Amelia is a lady as well? He pondered the thought for a moment before excusing himself to begin the day’s work.
Fiona, Amelia, and Marianne chatted on for what seemed like hours. They breakfasted and took the daily stroll with Fiona about the grounds.
“Good lord, Amelia. This place is absolutely stunning. You did not do it justice in your letters.”
The three of them walked arm in arm, heading towards the woods. “Amelia and I walk daily for the fresh air and exercise. I confess it has done me very well. I am lucky to have such a companion.”
Marianne smiled. “My dear friend was always full of advice. She must have read this idea somewhere, I imagine. But yes, it was a great loss to us to have her leave London.”
Amelia tensed briefly, hoping Fiona would not question her as to why Amelia left London. “You both should go and visit your mother, Amelia. I’m sure she is lonely during this time.”
“Of course!” Marianne replied. “I have a few gifts for your mother. I would love to see her as soon as we can.”
