Free Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half by Samantha Grace

quivered. When she rushed from the room after her performance, Jake had followed her into the garden where she lost her meal. Amelia had cried while he fought the desire to go to her for fear she would be mortified. Instead, he had waited inside the glass doors, keeping watch over her until she returned safely to the house. What if he had followed his heart that day instead of his sense of duty? Perhaps their circumstances would have been much different than they were today.
    She hugged the bouquet against her chest. “They are magnificent, Mr. Hillary.”
    Her butler stood at the room’s edge, eyeing him. Likely, the man recalled the autumn morning Jake had almost knocked the poor servant on his arse as he barged into Amelia’s home uninvited. He offered an apologetic grin, but the butler repaid his efforts with a haughty sniff.
    Amelia carried the lilies to the servant. “Please have these placed in the drawing room.”
    “Yes, milady.”
    She turned to face Jake again. “Thank you for the flowers, and for returning my shawl. Now, remove your jacket.”
    Her crisp order made him chuckle. “Yes, milady.”
    He shrugged off his jacket and handed it to her. Amelia draped it over a chair standing beside an entry table then returned to stand in front of him. “You have needles on your waistcoat as well.”
    Before he could suggest removing that layer of clothing, she began plucking the greenery from his person.
    His throat grew thick and heavy. He was uncertain how much longer he could remain a gentleman with her touching him, and feared she would notice his arousal any moment.
    A small smile played upon her lips. “Mr. Hillary, would I be imposing if I requested your opinion on a matter involving the foundling home?”
    Jake jumped at the chance to shift his attention elsewhere, at least until they weren’t on display in the foyer. “I would be honored to lend my assistance.”
    “Splendid.” She linked arms and drew him toward the drawing room. “Perhaps you would be so kind as to view the plans for the new wing to see if they appear sound. The board has commissioned an architect, but I fear I can’t make heads or tails of the markings. Perhaps with your superior drafting knowledge, you could explain them to me.”
    Jake’s chest puffed up with pride. Study of architecture and drafting had been his hobbies since he was a boy of twelve. “Indeed. I am happy to assist you, Lady Audley.”
    Gliding to a desk by the window, Amelia gathered several rolled-up pages. “Please, have a seat.”
    Jake chose the settee with the hope she would sit beside him, but she lowered into an adjacent chair instead, resting the scrolls across her knees.
    “Thanks to the Mayfair Ladies’ Charitable Society, I almost have the financial support required to convince the board to move forward with the renovation. I foresee nothing to halt the project as your mother assures me she has others interested in pledging to the cause.” She frowned, a small crease marring her smooth brow. “Have you any notion the conditions the children must endure?”
    “I fear I am woefully unenlightened.”
    “The children are sleeping at least four to a bed, and those are the more fortunate ones. The older orphans have been relegated places on the floor with nothing but threadbare quilts for comfort. The donations the foundling home receives pay for the food they eat and clothe the children, but there is nothing left to improve the home itself. It’s a pitiable situation, but I am of a mind to correct it.”
    Jake smiled. How like Amelia to take up the charge for others. “I admire your dedication. I have yet to pledge my financial support, but I should like to donate to your worthy cause.”
    “Oh, Jake! Would you truly? I would be eternally grateful.”
    His heart skipped a beat. Had she meant to call him by his given name?
    “Here,” she said, holding the plans out to him. “Please, tell me your thoughts.”
    He took the rolled paper and