Amelia glanced away. “Socializing hasn’t either.” She turned toward her. “You needn’t worry about me. I do not plan on withdrawing from the ton. There are a few individuals I am fond of and I would miss them if I kept to myself.”
“Is there any gentleman you’re fond of?” Was there something that Ezra had missed?
She shook her head slowly, but there was sadness in her eyes. “No,” she said softly. “Any gentleman worth noticing didn’t bother to pay me any attention.”
The maid pushed in the tea cart preventing Teddy from responding. “Would you like me to pour?” the maid asked.
“No,” Teddy told her. “I’ll see to it.” She busied herself with pouring tea in cups, and then passed one to Amelia. “Would you like a cake too?”
“Not yet,” Amelia replied. After she took a sip of tea she turned her attention to Teddy. “How do you know if a gentleman is interested in you?” She stared at her teacup as she spoke.
“It probably helps if they at least speak to you,” Teddy offered. “But honestly…I’m not certain I’m the one you should ask. I can be quite oblivious at times.” Teddy was uncertain every second of her whirlwind courtship with Ezra. If he hadn’t been so persistent she might never have realized he had any sort of feelings for her. “If I can offer one suggestion…”
Amelia glanced up. “What?”
“Don’t worry about what a gentleman thinks of you. Start doing what you like and in time, if the eligible men in this town are smart enough, the right one will cross your path. In the end you need to be happy with your life. Don’t force something that you might come to regret later.”
Amelia didn’t answer right away. “I never considered that. I would like to be happy above all.” She blew out a breath. “It would just be nice to have someone love me as much as my brother loves you.”
“I’m lucky to have Ezra,” Teddy said a little whimsically. She couldn’t ask for a better husband.
“Did I hear my name?” Ezra said as he entered the sitting room.
“It’s about time you returned home,” Amelia chastised him. “You shouldn’t abandon your wife for days on end. What kind of husband are you?” Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “What if she decided she no longer loves you and ran away with some lucky gentleman who would spend the rest of his days cherishing her.”
“I’d have to chase after her and remind her no one loves her as much as I do,” Ezra said. “Then I’d have to take my pistol and shoot the man who dared to try to take my wife from me.” He winked at Teddy. “We made promises to each other. Teddy would never leave me.” He strolled over to her side and pressed his lips to hers lightly. “I’m sorry I was gone so long.”
“It wasn’t that long,” she told him, but her heart nearly burst with happiness at the sight of him. She’d missed him so much. “But I’m glad you are home.”
“Did I interrupt anything?” he asked.
“Nothing of importance,” Amelia said. “We were just having tea. I’ve finished with mine though. I do believe I’ll retrieve a book from the library to entertain myself with.” She stood. “I’m glad you are home too,” she told Ezra. “You were missed.” With those words she left Ezra and Teddy alone.
“Is she all right?” he asked Teddy.
“I believe so,” Teddy answered. She hoped she was right about that. Amelia did seem sad. She would just have to pay attention to her new sister and ensure she didn’t do anything reckless. “The heat has been terrible and I’m afraid it is making all of us a bit disagreeable.”
“As long as I do not need to worry about her.” He sat on the settee next to her, then pulled her into his arms. “I am not going to complain about her abrupt departure. I rather like having you all to myself.” He settled Teddy on his lap. “Kiss me and tell me you love me.”
“You’re so demanding,” she complained, but she was inwardly thrilled. “What if I don’t want to kiss you.”
He lifted a brow. “Did you have something else in mind.”
“Hmmm…” Teddy tapped her finger on her cheek. “I could take a nap.”
“That’s a brilliant suggestion.” He set her down on the settee, stood, then lifted her into his arms. “No need to walk. I’ll make sure you arrive in our bedchambers in all due haste.”
“Stop,” she said through laugher she couldn’t control.
“I’m afraid that is impossible now.” He was carrying her up the stairs. Her laughter echoed around them. “You require some time in bed, and I cannot wait to join you there. It’s been a very long sennight.”
That it has… That it has… She wrapped her arms around his neck as they entered their room. He kicked the door closed with his foot. “I love you,” she said and pressed her lips to his. Teddy wouldn’t deny Ezra anything, and he’d never refuse her anything either. She was happy. He loved her and it was more than she ever hoped for.
“I love you too,” he whispered against her ear. “I don’t ever want to be separated from you again.”
“I can agree to that,” she said.
Happiness could be found in the most unexpected ways. Teddy had once declared she’d never fall in love. Thank heavens she had been wrong. Ezra kissed her again and the world around her disappeared. It was just the two of them for a good long while after that…
Afterword
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book.
Your opinion matters!
Please take a moment to review this book on your favorite review site and share your opinion with fellow readers.
