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“Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe she thinks I’m in danger of starting a torrid love affair via correspondence. I think she’s determined I should stay a spinster.”
“You’re of age. She wouldn’t be able to stop you from marrying whomever you choose.”
“Yes, but she can make the courtship difficult. Not that anyone would ask to court me, an old maid of five and twenty.”
Amelia placed a hand on her friend’s arm. She hadn’t wanted to blurt out the truth about her relationship with John, but she could no longer hold back. If she didn’t tellsomeone, she felt as though she would burst. It had been difficult pretending they were nothing more than acquaintances when his friends were in the room with them.
“I might be in a position to aid you soon.”
Mary placed her cup of tea on the table and took hold of Amelia’s hand. “I sincerely hope you’re not about to play matchmaker between me and the new marquess. I’m happy enough unwed. Given the way my sister looks at her husband at times, I’m not eager to find myself in a similar unhappy situation. Witnessing their marriage is more than enough for me.”
“No, of course not.” Amelia’s lips twisted at the suggestion, and her friend let out a peal of laughter. She lowered her voice and leaned in closer. “Lord Lowenbrock has asked me to marry him, and I have accepted.”
Mary seemed to freeze in place, and this time it was Amelia’s turn to laugh.
“It’s true. We have an agreement. As long as he doesn’t find someone else who captures his interest at the ball, we’ll be making an announcement.”
Mary crossed her arms. “So this is a typical society marriage. Tell me you at least like him.”
“I love him. And he is so handsome.” She didn’t bother to try to hide the yearning she felt whenever she thought of John, and her friend’s mouth turned up in a genuine smile.
“I’m so happy to hear that. If anyone deserves to be happy, it is you.”
“Webothdeserve it. And once Lowenbrock and I are wed, I can help you find a husband as well.”
Mary let out a sigh and reached for one of the small cakes. “Tell me all about this marquess of yours.”
Amelia had opened her mouth to do just that when they were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening, followed by the jumble of male voices and laughter. John and his friends had returned.
“You’ll see him for yourself soon enough,” Amelia said, folding her hands in her lap and trying to hold back the grin that threatened to reveal her emotions to John’s friends.
Seconds later, the men entered the drawing room. She and Mary stood, and Amelia made the introductions.
Ashford’s smile widened as he tilted his head to examine Mary, who’d dipped into a curtsy.
“I believe I already have the pleasure of knowing Miss Trenton. Your family hails from Norfolk if I’m correct.”
“You are. If I recall, you broke my sister’s heart when you enlisted.”
Ashford raised a brow. “I can assure you there was nothing between the two of us. I barely remember her.”
“Oh, I know, and that vexed her greatly. She’s now wed and is Lady Fairbanks.”
He gave a wry laugh. “And your parents are in good health?”
“Sadly, my parents passed away. My sister has been kind enough to allow me to live with her.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. My condolences on your loss.”
Mary inclined her head in acknowledgment.
“Well, I’m sure you gentlemen are famished,” Amelia said. “Lord Lowenbrock always likes to have a little something to eat when he returns from one of his rides.”
John smiled at her, and she had to look away lest she betray herself.
“I’ll show my friend to her room. We’ve barely begun to catch up. I’m sure the three of you know something about that.”
“Of course,” Lord Cranston said with a slight bow. “It is a pleasure making your acquaintance, Miss Trenton. I look forward to getting to know you better.”
