Free The Captain's Wallflower by Audrey Harrison Page A

it is just this particular bench that he associates with treats,” she suggested.
    “Excellent thought!” Alexander said easily. “If you wouldn’t mind leading us to one that you think is a suitable challenge? Lead on, Samson.”
    Amelia picked a stone seat rather than another iron one, and Alexander started saying his command. To both parties’ delight, Samson performed perfectly. After ten minutes, Alexander remained on the seat instead of immediately standing and trying moving away to repeat the action. “You have relieved me of all the treats Samson. Well done boy!”
    “He’s been outstanding,” Amelia admitted, taking the place next to Alexander but not sitting too close.
    “Well, while we let him bathe in our worship, tell me about the ball you attended,” Alexander said.
    “Oh, I didn’t attend after all,” Amelia replied, distractedly stroking Samson as he settled between them.
    “You didn’t attend? Why ever not?” Alexander asked. Then he was struck with a thought. “It wasn’t because of the early hour we meet was it?” He would be mortified if his needs had prevented her enjoying a ball.
    “No, not at all!” Amelia said quickly. Her tone betrayed her discomfort; she did not wish to lie, but felt disloyal at criticising her family, no matter how exasperating they were.
    “Why did you not go?” Alexander demanded, his laughter gone. He was quick to pick up on the uncomfortable tone in her voice.
    “It was nothing,” Amelia said. “Shall we continue our walk?”
    “Miss Basingstoke, I would never have expected anything from you but complete honesty. From our first meeting you have said exactly what you think. I’m disappointed you don’t regard me enough to tell me the truth,” Alexander said, showing the glower that Amelia had seen so often the previous season.
    “It’s not that,” Amelia said defensively. She sighed. “I don’t want to tell you because I’d have to reveal more of my family than I would wish to be public knowledge.”
    “Tell me,” Alexander said, but his tone was gentle.
    “I upset my aunt yesterday, so she forbade me from attending the ball,” Amelia admitted.
    “What could you have possibly done that would result in that punishment?” Alexander asked astounded. He wondered how Lady Basingstoke could treat her niece as if she were a naughty schoolchild instead of the young lady that she was.
    Amelia laughed a little. “I did not embroider her handkerchief to the standard she required,” Amelia said with a shrug. “It was nothing; I didn’t mind. There was no chance that my presence was missed; I did not disappoint any gentlemen by my absence.” Her words were said lightly, but they could not fully hide the slight hurt in her voice.
    “I’m sorry,” Alexander said.
    “What for?” Amelia asked.
    “For not finding you that ship to send your relatives away,” Alexander replied, but he had reached out his hand.
    Amelia instinctively put her hand in his and gasped when Alexander immediately put her hand to his lips and kissed it. She might be wearing gloves, but she felt the pressure of his lips and blushed furiously. She laughed a little to try to break the serious air that had descended on them.
    Alexander smiled. “That’s the first time I’ve ever made a young lady laugh by kissing her hand!”
    “And have there been many young ladies?” Amelia asked archly.
    “Far too many to count. Everyone loves a man of His Majesty’s Navy,” Alexander said, puffing out his chest.
    “Oh, I know; I saw the crowds flocking around you during my first season!” Amelia said, betraying that she had watched him.
    “The crowds that disappeared the moment I was not the perfect specimen?” Alexander said with a sneer.
    “Well, Samson and I have benefited from their absence,” Amelia said with feeling.
    “I’d much rather have your company than theirs,” Alexander said honestly.
    Amelia suppressed the thought that, if things had been the same, he