Scandalous Endeavors (Ladies and Scoundrels Book 1) (20 page)

Grace rested her hand on her chest, tears glistening in her eyes. “My dear, you are a vision. Turn and let me see the back.”

Amelia moved so her back faced the duchess. “It is the most beautiful gown I have ever worn.”

“Let us get your hair styled so we can see the full effect.” Grace settled into a chair, placing her hands in her lap.

Amelia moved to the vanity and carefully positioned herself on the stool, trying not to wrinkle the gown. Edna went to work plaiting, twisting, and curling Amelia’s locks.

Lady Sarah approached and placed a diamond and pearl tiara with orange blossoms woven through it on the vanity. “The Duke of Goldstone asked that I give this to you on his behalf.”

Amelia turned to Sarah. “It is magnificent.” She reached out a hand and cautiously feathered her fingers across it.

Grace laughed. “You will not break it. They’re stronger than they seem.” She stood, sauntered to the vanity, and lifted the tiara into her hands. “May I?”

Amelia nodded as Edna released the last curl from the hot iron.

Grace placed the tiara onto her head. Once Edna secured the tiara in place and attached the fine linen veil, Amelia stood, facing her friends.

“The duke will be breathless when he sees you moving down the aisle,” Lady Sarah brushed her hand down Amelia’s veil.

Grace tipped her head to one side. “Indeed, he will.”

Edna sat down the comb she held in her hand. “Is there anything else you require?”

“A light snack?” Amelia glanced at Lady Sarah. “Is there time?”

Sarah nodded. “Yes, we have about twenty minutes to spare.”

“Bring up some cheese and berries,” Grace instructed.

Edna curtsied then left to retrieve the requested items.

“Have you any idea where you are going after the wedding?” Sarah asked.

Amelia walked to the window and gazed out at the street below. “He did not say. Wherever it is will be perfect. So long as we are together, I know I will be happy.”

“My dear husband surprised me with a wedding trip to Paris. I will always cherish the memories of our first weeks together as husband and wife.” Grace dabbed at the moisture pooling in her eyes. “You know it is rare for the groom to tell anyone other than his best man where he intends to take his bride.”

Edna carried in a tray laden with sliced cheese and berries. She placed it on the table, then curtsied and took her leave.

Sarah reached for a plump strawberry. “All the same, I would want to know where I was going.”

Amelia swallowed the cheese she had been chewing. “I think the surprise of it is rather romantic.”

“Tell us about the proposal,” Grace requested.

“And do not leave anything out.” Sarah’s voice held a teasing lilt.

They listened ardently as Amelia recounted the parts she was willing to share. She told them how Richard stopped Lord Shillington’s proposal and declared his love for her, but saw no reason to give away private details.

“What a romantic story. I hope I someday have a similar experience.” Lady Sarah clutched her hands to her heart.

Grace grinned. “I think we had better be going. Your groom waits by the fountain.”

Amelia walked down the cobblestone path, past the servants who had gathered to watch, and toward her waiting bridegroom.

Grace stood to his side while Lady Sarah waited across from them. Holding a bible the clergyman waited in front of the fountain. The stone lovers locked in their eternal embrace cast a romantic shadow over the group.

A man stepped out onto the path, freezing her in place. “Uncle Lewis.”

He hurried toward her, a smile on his face.

“How? When did you arrive?” Amelia’s heartbeat threatened to bust the seams of her gown.

“Fate, and I am glad for it.” He offered his arm.

Amelia threaded her hand through the crook of his elbow. “I do not understand?”

“My ship became damaged not even a fortnight after departure and had to turn back. You’d not want to listen to my tale while your groom waits at the altar. I will tell you all about it after your nuptials.” He patted her hand.

“You are not cross with me?” She glanced at him impishly.

He shook his head. “On the contrary, I am pleased. Now let us get you married.”

Amelia turned back toward the altar. Richard’s gaze locked with hers as she continued her wedding march.

Richard grinned roguishly, sending a thrill clear to her toes. She smiled back, her gaze never leaving his as they approached. When they reached her groom, Uncle Lewis placed her hands in Richard’s outstretched ones.

“We are gathered--” the clergyman began.

She remained focused on Richard while she recited the words of matrimony with her whole heart, then listened with tears of joy in her eyes when he did the same.

“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the clergyman announced.

Her husband, the duke, leaned in and kissed her deeply.

“I love you, Duchess of Goldstone,” he whispered against her lips.

Amelia walked hand in hand with Richard up the cobblestone path past their guests and through a shower of birdseed.

The sensations caused by the simple contact of his hand holding hers sent delectable sensations through her. She longed for more contact as her pulse raced and her cheeks heated.

She looked at her husband, a coy smirk upon her lips. “Must we wait for tonight?”

He sucked in his bottom lip and raked his teeth across it. “You will be my undoing, woman.”

She laughed as he led her into Abernathy House for their wedding breakfast. He positioned her by the dining room entrance and stood next to her, still holding her hand in his while they waited for Grace, Uncle Lewis, and Sarah. There would be no other guests, a fact that pleased Amelia. She wanted only their closest friends and family present.

The duchess outdid herself with the decorations, both in the garden and the house. An arch of red and pink roses flanked the doorway she and Richard stood by, and large floral arrangements sat poised around the dining room. She allowed her gaze to take in the whole scene.

Amelia beamed at her friends and uncle as they approached.

Uncle Lewis shook her husband’s hand. “Congratulations. You have gotten a very special wife. Treat her well.”

Richard placed a hand on Uncle Lewis’s shoulder and grinned. “I know how lucky I am.”

Richard gave Amelia’s hand a little squeeze.

Uncle Lewis turned to Amelia. “I am happy you found a good match.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek before he stepped aside.

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” Sarah said to her before turning to Richard. “Congratulations.”

As Lady Sarah moved aside, Grace stepped up and embraced her nephew. “Congratulations, Richard. I could not be happier for you.” Turning, she stepped forward and embraced Amelia. “Welcome to the family, dear.”

Amelia returned the embrace as tears formed in her eyes. A sense of belonging, of once again having a complete family, filled her. Mama and Papa surely smiled down on her, happy that their little girl found her place in the world.

She followed her husband and Grace into the wedding breakfast. Sarah and Uncle Lewis entered behind her. Amelia, her husband, uncle, and friends filled their plates from the sideboard and settled into a hearty meal accompanied by jubilant conversation.

“Uncle Lewis promised to tell us how he got here.” Amelia tipped her chin toward him.

“Yes, Mr. Lewis. Do tell.” Grace sat her glass down.

Uncle Lewis placed his hands in his lap. “There is not much to tell. The ship’s masts were damaged in a storm shortly after its departure from England. The captain determined the repairs would need to be made on the mainland and Scotland was the closest shore.” He lifted one hand. “Amelia, did you not receive my letter?”

“I did, but I fear, I never read it in its entirety.”

Uncle Lewis lifted his glass. “Do not worry over it, dear. It hardly matters now.”

“My apologies, Uncle Lewis.” An impish grin formed on Amelia’s lips.

“There is no point in dwelling on it,” Grace said.

“Quite right,” Uncle Lewis agreed. “I only arrived this morning. That is when I discovered the nuptials and raced out to the garden.” He turned his attention back to Amelia. “I am happy for you both and glad I did not miss your union.”

“We are grateful for your blessing, Mr. Lewis.” Richard offered a smile.

“Please call me Uncle Lewis from this point forth. You are my family now.”

Grace lifted her crystal glass. “A toast to family. And the blessed union of Amelia and Richard.”

Amelia beamed as the room filled with well wishes and the clinking of glasses. Once the meal concluded, she and her duke said their goodbyes.

After Richard joined her in their ornate carriage pulled by four white stallions, she waved at the gathering watching them from Grace’s porch.

Richard placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “Where do you wish to spend your honeymoon, love?”

Amelia stared into his sapphire eyes, a slight grin upon her face. “I hear Scotland is beautiful.”

EXCERPT OF LADIES AND SCOUNDRELS BOOK 2

SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS

London 1843

Sarah knew exactly
what kind of man he was. All of London did. He was the type of man no respectable woman should associate with.

Sarah picked up a champagne flute and looked around. For the third time that night, her gaze collided with his. Lord Julian Carrington, the Marquess of Luvington. She lingered there for a moment, taking in the despicably delicious sight of him. He leaned against a white pillar, green eyes dancing in the lamp light. Drat. Every time she turned around, she found him watching her. Was there no escaping his attention?

A grin spread across his lips, sending a rush of heat into her cheeks. When he winked, she snapped her attention back to Grace Stratton, the Duchess of Abernathy. “Would you care for a stroll on the veranda?” She needed to break her connection with the notorious rake.

Grace closed her fan. “A splendid idea.” She pivoted and moved through a sea of colorful ball gowns, toward the exit.

Sarah walked beside the duchess, neither speaking a word as they approached the open doors. Cool air washed across her as she stepped over the threshold into the night. The breeze picked up as if seeking to wipe away the heat that rose in her cheeks at the thought of Lord Luvington and his unwanted glances. Blackguard.

Glancing at Grace, Sarah sighed. “What do you suppose he was staring at us for?”

Grace giggled, her strawberry blonde tresses bouncing. “Not us, dear. You.”

Sarah turned to her. “He signed my dance card, too. Taking the last waltz. But why? What would a rake the likes of him want with me?”

“Perhaps it is nothing,” Grace waved her fan. “But there is one way to find out.”

“Please expound, Your Grace.” Sarah peered at her, a faint grin pulling at her lips.

“Ask him.”

Grace took a step toward the veranda doors and Sarah followed. “Maybe I will.” She glanced up at the stars twinkling in the sky and moved across the threshold. “Or perhaps I will simply refuse. After all, the last waltz is for couples.”