Peter squeezed my hand, and Clara looked between us, confused and sad.
After a few moments, she turned to Peter, chin raised. “You cannot have her.”
Immediately, I opened my mouth to protest, but she continued, “I will not prepare for my wedding without her. Nor will she prepare for hers without me.”
Stunned silence filled the air. Then Peter let out a loud laugh.
Clara added, “We shall return her to you the day before you wed, and not a day sooner.”
Peter pulled me to his side, gratitude evident in his easy smile. “Thank you, Miss Clara.”
“Then it is settled,” Sir Ronald said amiably as though nothing amiss had occurred only hours previous. “Shall we leave them to offer their goodbyes, my darling? Cook has set out breakfast.”
“Indeed,” Clara said, a smile on her lips.
Sir Ronald kissed her hand before lacing it through his arm and leading her back into the house.
“I think she and I are becoming friends already,” Peter said.
I nearly pinched him. Despite it all, his confidence was unyielding.
“You shall have to write me letters.” I tried to sound brave, but my heart threatened to crack. Love was indeed cruel, taking away my Peter so soon. Cruel, but worthwhile.
“Every day. Indeed, I shall hire a man for that very task. We’ve only four hours between us. He can wait for your response and return to me in the same evening.”
“Are you in earnest?” I feared I sounded like a lovestruck schoolgirl, but I didn’t mind.
“Tomorrow morning, your first will be on its way.” Peter leaned in for a kiss.
“Stop that, immediately.” Georgiana banged through the front door, her hair a wild mess, holding a handbag and a small blanket in her arms. Red splotches painted her face, but she did not look up as she crossed the gravel. “Into the carriage, Peter.”
“In a moment, Georgiana. You might offer us congratulations, you know.”
I shook my head pointedly at him, not wishing for any further tension. Georgiana would come around. But now was not the time.
Georgiana’s face contorted. “Perfect timing for you, is it not, Miss Moore? My brother’s house is very large. I daresay you will be more than comfortable.”
Peter tensed.
“Thank you, Georgiana.” I smiled sweetly before he could reprimand her. She entered the carriage as though unaware of my response. I spoke louder, “I look forward to years of time together.”
Forever, actually.
“No one else would tolerate her.” Peter shook his head. “It is one of the many reasons I love you.”
My heart soared. “I should like a list of the rest of your reasons in my first letter.”
“Then you shall have it. You shall have your heart’s desire for the rest of your days, my darling.”
“Speaking of which, you still owe me that favor, as I recall,” I teased, and he kissed me, enveloping me in his arms.
“Lord, help me. Do not include Georgiana this time. Not for another six months at least.”
Laughing, I said, “First, we shall see how good of a husband you are. Perhaps she and I are better schemers as sisters.”
Peter’s gaze grew serious, sincere. “How did this happen? How, in the most random of places, on the most random of errands, did life bring me to you?”
I walked Peter to the carriage, straightening his cravat and feeling the width of his shoulders one last time. We savored another kiss, knowing we must make it last.
He moaned, and held me tighter in his arms. “Are you certain you cannot come? I can situate you at a nearby inn, or a house of one of my neighbors. We’ll send for Clara as soon as she’s had her fill of Demsworth.”
Confined in his embrace, I’d never felt so free. “Soon,” I said. “And then you shall never be rid of me.”
With his thumb, he stroked my cheek, my brow, my lips, his glinting green eyes washing over me as though memorizing every inch. “Take care, my love. My Amelia.”
“I love you, Peter.” Slowly I released him, huffing a pitiful breath as he closed the door behind him.
I stepped back, watching as the carriage drove away, holding my middle.
I felt safe. Unimaginably happy.
Free.
Chapter Thirty-One
Dearest Amelia,
Was it all a dream? I fear it was, and that this letter will have you quite confused when you receive it.
I slept nearly the entire drive back. Georgiana had a much harder time relaxing. I cannot decide what to say to her, or how to ease her pain. I am not sure I can.
I am miserable without you. Has the party there dispersed? I must ask you to keep away from Lieutenant Rawles. He’s had eyes for you since our very first day, and I do not wish to duel a soldier.
My estate is just as I left it, but for piles of work upon my desk. At least I have plenty to keep me occupied. I hope you like it here. There is much improvement to be made, but I shall leave that to your taste.
You are in my thoughts in every moment. Your smile, your laugh, the way you purse your lips when you are unamused with my teasing. You are the bravest, smartest, and most thoughtful person I have ever met. You care little for the opinions of others, and yet you deserve their very best. To detail your talent, your kindness, your loyalty—to say nothing of your beauty—would take pages. How have I convinced such a woman to love me? I shall spend a lifetime wondering.
Yours, etc.
Peter
My darling Peter,
I must have watched the window for hours. Your poor messenger is on a walk to stretch his legs from such a journey. I do hope he recovers after traveling to and fro.
Clara and Sir Ronald have set a date for a week from now. Sir Ronald procured a common license as they do not wish to draw more attention than necessary after the scandal. Perhaps we should do the same?
Our things from Gray House will be arriving in a few days. Prepare yourself for my many trunks. Did I tell you I love to collect seashells?
Only joking, dearest. I can hardly wait to see your estate and imagine you as a child there. It is lonely without you, now that all the company has gone. Sir Ronald is a busy man, but I am pleased with how hard he works to recover his estate. I can see why the two of you are such good friends.
Give Georgiana time. Loving her will do for now.
How I miss you. How I long to be in your arms again.
Ever yours,
Amelia