Free Desire Me Always by Tiffany Clare Page B

ever imagined or even thought possible.
    â€œThe same problem exists for Nick,” Amelia admitted. Though people wanted to crush him for climbing out of poverty and making a success of himself, not for proving himself above the lords and ladies that ruled the upper echelon of society. “Yet my husband has no title. Only a name he has built with his own two hands.” Literally. He had made the start of his fortune by fighting.
    â€œExactly my point. There are many people who would prefer both our husbands lived impoverished lives. That neither reached above or below their perceived worth.”
    â€œBut this is the state of our lives, whether others agree it should be this way or not.”
    â€œDo you think your kidnapping happened by chance?” Lady Burley asked.
    Amelia sputtered out a few nonanswers before giving up altogether. How was she supposed to respond without revealing more than she wanted?
    â€œI believe Lord Murray sold these lands knowing your husband would eventually divvy up the properties. It’s obvious Murray’s man of affairs didn’t think Nick deserving of the property.”
    While Lady Burley was referring to Shauley, Amelia doubted the woman knew the precise relationship between Shauley and Nick. Amelia felt as though Lady Burley was fishing for answers and for information Amelia wasn’t willing to share of her husband’s private affairs.
    â€œI think there might be more to the story . . . ” was all Amelia said.
    â€œOh, I know there is. And while I know you and I will make great friends, I need to know if you are the cause of all the problems Nick has had.” Meredith bit into her sandwich.
    Amelia’s brows furrowed. “Why should you think that?”
    â€œI know exactly from where you hail, Amelia. I could probably recite Debrett’s backward.”
    As could Amelia. She was sure any lady born into a decent house had that ability, but it would be petty to argue that point.
    â€œYou already said Murray’s man of affairs was unhappy with the transaction. It was his secretary who sought out an odd form of revenge against my husband.”
    â€œThen why would Murray’s secretary kidnap you?”
    â€œI think the answer is obvious.” Amelia’s frustration grew by the minute. “I will not feign innocence in my relationship with Nick prior to our marriage. Apparently, Mr. Shauley saw an opportunity to seek revenge against Nick and took it.”
    Amelia looked skyward; white cotton swabs of clouds moved with the breeze overhead. A loose curl at the side of her head tickled her cheek until she pushed it behind her ear and tucked it beneath her hat.
    â€œI see now that your gesture of friendship is disingenuous.” Amelia wanted to laugh. “Well played, Lady Burley. You had me yesterday, when you helped me prepare for my wedding.”
    â€œI do believe we can and will be friends. My concern is for my husband in the latest transaction, considering Mr. Shauley has disappeared.”
    Amelia gave Meredith a disbelieving look.
    Meredith sighed and looked away. “I have lost people close to me. I am not willing to lose my husband.”
    â€œSo you invited me here to better assure yourself that I wasn’t a threat to your husband.”
    Lady Burley paused. “I suppose that’s how it seems. But that was not my intention. I want to know more about this Mr. Shauley so I can ensure he is not a threat to us.”
    â€œHow it seems?” Frustrated, Amelia set her sandwich down, her appetite diminished, her desire for company squashed. “I understand your reasoning. But that does not negate the fact that we are here under false pretenses. If you are so worried about Mr. Shauley, perhaps you should ask your husband where to focus your concerns.”
    Meredith twisted her hands in her lap. “He won’t tell me anything.”
    â€œPerhaps that’s for the better. I need a moment