Free The Captain's Wallflower by Audrey Harrison Page B

would never have been in her company. “Thank you, but Samson will be getting bored; let’s move,” she said, standing.
    They continued their walk, the first few moments in silence. “Does Sir Jeremy never take Samson out?” Alexander asked.
    “No. He says that he would get rid of him, except he would lose money,” Amelia said. “I would miss him, though; he is the nicest person in the house.”
    Alexander felt a pang of guilt, but pushed it aside. “I rate Samson highly, but it’s a sorry state of affairs if he is your favourite. Do your parents know you are unhappy?”
    “Oh no!” Amelia said. “I would never be so ungrateful as to complain about the opportunity they arranged for me. I have enjoyed some of my time in London; it has been an experience I will never forget.”
    “Probably for all the wrong reasons,” Alexander said drily and was rewarded with a quiet laugh.
    “It’s unfair to make me admit how flawed my relations are,” Amelia said, still smiling. “Most people I meet would consider them perfect in comparison to my own. My brothers have occupations and would not be approved of.”
    “I know. We are all fools,” Alexander responded, including himself in his condemnation. He had been a fool in the past, dismissing people because of their rank or lack of it. His two most helpful, supportive, compassionate friends were both untitled.
    “I can’t argue with you on that point,” Amelia responded, happy when Alexander grinned at her. He was even more handsome when he smiled, but the boyish grin made her stomach twist and her breath catch. For the first time in her life, she wished she had a dowry or something that would have attracted someone like Captain Worthington. She shook herself and smiled at the valet when they returned to the park entrance; there was nothing to gain in longing for the impossible. She was who she was, and the sooner she returned to her own social sphere the better.
    *
    Mr Richard Critchley was to get one of the biggest surprises he had experienced in the last few months when he visited his friend next. Alexander greeted Richard with a smile and a warm welcome that had not been forthcoming in his dark days.
    “Richard! Just the person I needed to speak to! Come in! You’ve saved me sending round a missive to you,” Alexander said, pouring them a drink. He knew Richard did not mind the technique Alexander used to prevent spillages. A finger inside the glass helped to indicate when the liquid was up to the required level. Not everyone would appreciate such a method, but it meant that the friends could enjoy privacy, and Alexander could still feel like he was master in his own house.
    Alexander held out the glass which Richard took, and they both sat down. “So, Alex, what can I do for you? Is it another night out you wish for?” Richard asked pleasantly.
    “Never! I’m not that foolish! I need you to find a way that I can speak to Sir Jeremy Basingstoke without needing to go to the house,” Alexander explained.
    Richard saw the way that Alexander was glowing and immediately became more alert. “Why on earth would you wish to speak to him?”
    “I’ve been working with his dog every morning, and I want to buy him so I can continue the work here in my own home and local area. I think I’ve found the solution to my confinement.”
    “You’d better explain,” Richard said quietly.
    Alexander was only too willing to explain what had gone on and the plans he had for what he hoped Samson would be able to do with further training. “I need to spend far more time with him than I am at the moment,” Alexander continued. “An hour each morning, if I’m lucky, just isn’t enough.”
    “Don’t you think it will appear odd that you want to buy a dog that has been labelled useless?” Richard asked.
    “I don’t care about that and neither will Sir Jeremy as long as I pay the right price.” Alexander dismissed the worried tone of Richard’s voice.
    “And won’t