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He soon realized that no matter where they went no one seemed to know her. Although he would hardly consider himself active in Society, it appeared with Amelia alongside him, everyone he’d ever met wanted to speak with him, while casting speculative sideway glances at his companion.
He introduced her by merely mentioning her name, never offering more, since he had no idea what to say. He certainly couldn’t divulge she was one of his employees. He’d thought about saying she was his cousin but as a youth he’d learned that lies eventually came back to haunt one.
The thought crossed his mind that despite his arrangement with the store manager, and the fact that they were out together without a chaperone, it still might be assumed she was his mistress, but he relied on her natural grace and behavior to mark her as a lady.
However, no doubt many Londoners were left with questions about the young lady accompanying Driscoll Rose on a shopping spree. He cringed, hoping such question would not appear in the society column of the next day’s newspaper.
Another proof of Amelia’s unfamiliarity with London Society was her oblivion to how it looked for the two of them being together, shopping. Since she lacked sophistication, he should have been the one to think of that before they’d ventured ou
t.
With the damage already done, they ended their foray to the shops with a visit to Gunter’s for tea. All her purchases were tidily stacked in the carriage or had been arranged for delivery.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to have a few pieces of clothing.” She stirred her tea and looked over at him, then studied her cup. “I know you are wondering why I arrived at your club with nothing but the clothes on my back.”
Truth be told his major question was why no one knew her. However, there didn’t seem to be any point in pursuing that since he’d already reconciled himself to the fact that she would only tell him what she wanted him to know when she was ready. If that day ever came. He shrugged and didn’t respond, and she seemed to accept that, and in fact looked quite relieved.
However, as they enjoyed their tea, he thought about the conundrum that was Miss Pence. And what in the world he was to do about her.
9
“I’m telling you, Dante, it was a surreal experience. No matter where we went, no one knew Amelia. Everyone seemed anxious to meet her, and there was certainly speculation in their eyes, but absolutely no recognition. From anyone.”
“That seems almost impossible.” Dante shook his head. “It’s very obvious the girl is a lady. Everything about her screams Upper Crust. That girl has been born and bred to wed a gentleman of the ton, run his household with ease and aplomb, and raise his heirs. I’d bet tonight’s winnings on that.”
“I agree. She told me she is one and twenty years which means she should have had her come-out a few years ago. Even if she was buried in the country, does she have no relatives? No one who would have at least made the usual rounds with the girl since she’s here now in London? Parties, balls, musicales.” Driscoll took another sip of his coffee.
“Even though she dropped through the window with nothing but the clothes on her back, she had to come from somewhere. I’m willing to bet someone is searching for her,” Dante said.
Driscoll studied his brother. “Someone she doesn’t want to find her.”
“Yet she’s willing to work here at the club where hundreds of people visit weekly.”
“But, as I pointed out at the beginning of this conversation, no one we met in London knew her. And, she will be wearing a mask that will cover most of her face.”
Dante finished his coffee and stood. “Someone knows her, or she wouldn’t be running.” He slapped Driscoll on the shoulder. “Time to go to work. Are you training with Amelia tonight?”
“Yes. We’re going to go over vingt-et-un a few times with just the two of us and then I will have a few other staff members join in.”
Dante headed to the door. “Marcus is anxious to get off the vingt-et-un table and work as security. The sooner you get Amelia trained, the quicker we can make that switch.”
“She is a smart woman. I don’t think it will take her long to be comfortable.”
Driscoll left the dining room and headed to the bedroom Amelia was currently using. He knocked softly and she immediately opened the door.
He would never get used to looking at her without the reaction she caused. She wore one of the ready-made dresses they’d purchased earlier. The deep rose taffeta set off her blonde hair and blue eyes. The neckline was just right. Not low enough to distract the players—although that might be a good thing—and high enough to show her status as a proper young lady.
Amelia offered him a slight dip and a bright smile. The only indication of her nervousness was her hands which she clasped firmly in front of her. She took in a deep breath, immediately drawing his eyes to the creamy skin above her neckline. “I’m ready.”
His mouth dropped and he quickly coughed to cover his reaction. He had the strange urge to extend his elbow and parade her down the corridor like they were arriving at a ball. He mentally shook himself and merely waved her forward. “I thought we would practice in the dining room for a while. Then when you are comfortable, I will ask some of the staff to join us.”
She licked her lips and nodded, her eyes growing wide. “That is a good idea.” The strangled words coming from her plump lips belied their truth. Of course, she would be nervous. She was not raised to work in a gaming club.
But she presented a dilemma. They could not toss her into the street, and if she were to stay here under their protection, she had to earn her keep to avoid any gossip. And no, he answered his wicked thoughts, she would not earn her keep that way.
Once Amelia finally decided to trust him enough to reveal what she was all about, he wanted to make sure her reputation remained intact. Of course, working in a gaming club wasn’t exactly keeping her name pure, but at least if she appeared to be merely another employee, she might avoid the worst of it.
Or I could marry her and completely save her reputation.
