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

captain expected something from her she was unwilling to give. And he didn’t seem a man to accept rejection easily. She leaned into Jake, his warmth lending her security.
    His muscles flexed under her fingertips. “What possible reason would you have for requesting an audience with the lady?”
    A surge of affection flooded over her in response to his protectiveness.
    Captain Hillary shrugged. “Lady Audley promised to tell me more about her charitable work. In addition, it’s a beautiful day. What better way to enjoy the weather than a stroll through the park with an equally beautiful lady?”
    Jake shifted the drawings to the side table, stood, and assisted her to her feet. He cradled her arm in the crook of his elbow. “I’m afraid she is unavailable. The lady granted permission for me to take her for a turn around the park. We were just on our way out.”
    The captain grinned, not seeming the least bit discouraged. “An excellent idea. Shall we? Lady Audley could sit between us.”
    “There’s no room, Daniel. Now off with you.”
    Jake’s brother acted as if he hadn’t spoken. “I hope our paths cross tonight at the Chickerings’ masked ball,” Captain Hillary said. “What is your costume, dear lady? Perhaps you will grant me a waltz?”
    She wished to keep her costume a secret from him, but with the intensity of the captain’s stare, she feared leaving him unanswered. He must make for a dreadful shipmaster.
    “I—I will be costumed as Freya.”
    Captain Hillary clapped his hands once. “Brilliant choice, my dear. You will make an excellent goddess of passion.”
    Jake guided her toward the door. “We haven’t time for chitchat.”
    His brother stepped aside to allow them passage. “I shall look forward to our dance this evening, my lady.”
    Jake mumbled something that sounded like “over his dead body” before whisking her through the foyer and out the door to the waiting carriage.
    Once he had settled her on the bench, she slid over to make room. He paid the young man tending his horses then climbed into the conveyance.
    “Thank you, sir,” the boy called out then tore off across Park Street.
    Amelia smiled, lifting her face toward the sun to soak up its warmth. “This was an excellent suggestion, Mr. Hillary.”
    “You aren’t angry with me for delaying your outing? Now that my brother is no longer watching, I could carry you to your destination.”
    She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. His handsome profile sent her heart into a lively beat. She was exactly where she wanted to be.
    “In truth, I was headed to Hillary House to collect my shawl. Since you were kind enough to deliver it, I have no need to go anywhere else. Let’s enjoy our turn around the park, shall we?”

Seven
     
    Jake couldn’t hold back his smile as he and Amelia entered Rotten Row. After their clash months ago, he wouldn’t have trusted Amelia to spit on him if he were on fire, much less accompany him to Hyde Park.
    He tipped his hat to acquaintances as they traveled along the sand-covered avenue. Jasper Hainsworth, Earl of Norwick, loitered along the fence. His slack jaw suggested he was more befuddled than usual.
    “Good afternoon, Lord Norwick,” Jake called cheerfully.
    Norwick’s gaze followed them. “Lady Audley?”
    “Good afternoon, my lord.” Amelia’s response was cool, and she turned her back to him.
    Disquiet stirred inside Jake. He was well aware widows were fair prey when it came to seduction, but Amelia wasn’t just any widow. She was… Well, she should be… Damnation ! He loved her and that was how it was. “Are you well acquainted with Lord Norwick?”
    “I’m more familiar with his sister, Lady Banner.” And if Amelia’s pursed lips were any indication, she didn’t hold the baroness in high esteem.
    Jake’s tight grip on the ribbons eased.
    “What do you suppose has the earl so perplexed?” she asked.
    Amelia was the most beautiful woman Jake had ever encountered.