It was late when Amelia retired to her chambers. Or rather very early since it was technically the next day. Overall, she’d enjoyed the evening despite the speculation about her living arrangements at Brock Manor. Speculation that only intensified after the announcement of their betrothal. She hadn’t missed the glances at her midsection as many no doubt wondered whether she’d trapped him into declaring himself.
Still, John’s sisters and their husbands made it clear that they’d taken her firmly under their wing, and no one dared breathe a word of censure to her face.
She hadn’t wanted the evening to end as she’d danced with all her well-wishers, and to her surprise there’d been more than a few. But all too soon the music ended and guests began to say their goodbyes. Louisa, Catherine, and Mary had whisked her away, telling her that since she wasn’t yet the lady of the manor, she needn’t stand by John’s side as people made their way from the ballroom. And truth be told, she hadn’t wanted to subject herself to the glares of her thwarted rivals up close.
She’d let them take her away, disappointed that she wouldn’t be able to say good night to her betrothed. John’s sisters had flanked her as they exited the ballroom and made their way upstairs to their bedrooms. A show meant to send the message that she was being properly chaperoned even if that wasn’t strictly true.
Her maid was already waiting in her chambers, and it had taken the woman little time to take down Amelia’s hair and help her out of her ball gown.
Amelia took one final turn about her bedroom, knowing that soon the excitement of the evening would wear off and she’d finally be able to fall asleep. She’d just removed her dressing gown and was about to make the attempt when a soft rap at her bedroom door had her stopping in her tracks.
Her pulse immediately leaped in anticipation, but she chastised herself for being silly. John wouldn’t visit her that night, not when there were so many guests.
She opened the door a crack, thrilled to discover she was wrong.
Giving her head a small shake, she stepped back and waited for him to enter. When he locked the door behind her, anticipation surged through her veins.
“I didn’t expect to see you tonight. I thought you wanted to safeguard my reputation.”
He reached for her and dragged her into his arms. “After announcing our betrothal, this could very well be the last time we’re able to be together for some time.”
She twined her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his. “We could designate a special place to meet. Besides, aren’t your sisters planning to leave tomorrow?”
“Yes, and tongues will wag unless we find someone to become your companion. Perhaps your friend Mary?”
The idea appealed to her. She hadn’t seen Mary since leaving school, their friendship taking place via correspondence over the past nine years.
“I’ll ask her tomorrow. How long do you think she’ll have to stay?”
“Much as I would love to leave tomorrow and head to London for a special license, that will only start rumors about the haste of our nuptials. Added to the fact we’ve been living under the same roof for a few months now…”
“Our neighbors are likely to jump to the right conclusion,” she finished.
His lips twisted. “Yes. But I would save you from such gossip if I could.”
“I don’t mind, but I must say that I welcome the opportunity to spend more time with Mary. I’m sure she won’t insist on moving into my room to keep me chaste until we’re wed.”
“I hope not!” He touched his mouth to hers but pulled away after a moment.
She let out a frustrated sigh. “It’s July now. Would autumn do? September or October?”
“We can read the banns and go about this business the traditional way.”
“Did you see all those disappointed faces when you made the announcement?”
“No. I scarce noticed anyone but you.”
Amelia feigned a swoon. “If I hadn’t already accepted your proposal, my lord, that announcement would have been enough to convince me.”
He answered her with a kiss.
She was already in her nightdress, but he caught up to her in quick order, and finally they were together in her bed. Unlike that first night, there was no tentative fumbling on her part, no caution on his. Perhaps it was the time they had been apart, or his concern they might not be able to make love again in the foreseeable future, but he took possession of her body with a confidence that had her trembling with desire.
Her heart was racing when he thrust inside her, and she reached her peak almost immediately. He was relentless, however, continuing until she reached another climax before pulling out of her and spending himself outside her body. She clung to him, a fine sheen of sweat coating her body, as she waited for her breathing to return to normal. She and John would be husband and wife within three months, and when that day arrived, he would be able to find his pleasure within her body. She couldn’t wait until they no longer needed to be so careful about preventing pregnancy.
He placed a hand under her chin and tilted her face to his. “September. I’ll die if I have to wait any longer than that to fully claim you.”
She settled back against him, contentment settling over her. Yes, he did care for her, perhaps even loved her. Even if he never said the words, she knew the truth.