Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

S imon didn’t leave Amber’s side for the rest of the day. He followed her everywhere, ensuring she crossed paths with Thomas as much as possible, much to her chagrin.

It started the second he had escorted her away from Felicity and Christopher. The trio walked together with one person on either side of her. There was nowhere for her to run anymore. Even just looking around would bring her face to face with one of them.

But the worst moment came when she met Mary’s eyes from across the room, and the woman shot her a look of sympathy.

It was so wrong. She didn’t want Mary’s sympathy because receiving it meant that this was happening, and Amber wouldn’t let it.

She was going to find a way out.

She was going to do what Mary couldn’t and find a way to save herself.

She wouldn’t let her cousin decide her fate.

She deserved love, and she wasn’t going to marry for anything less.

But for the moment, all she could do was smile and nod as she was escorted around the room. Every time others got too close, they would move, so Amber and her escorts were alone again.

Every second of it grated on her, but there was nothing she could do but follow where they led as they moved around the parlor.

“I’m afraid, I’ve grown rather parched from all this wonderful conversation,” she said in an effort to make a break for it. “I will be right back. I simply need to grab a cup of tea.”

“Oh no,” Thomas wrinkled his nose. “Not tea, I think.”

“What do you mean no?”

“It is far too late for tea. No, I think you should have something more sensible to drink.”

“Sensible? Such as?”

“A lemonade.”

“Lemonade?” Amber grimaced.

“Of course. It is the most proper drink to have at this time I should think.”

“Isn’t lemonade most appropriate for the afternoon?”

“Ideally it is drunk in the afternoon for a garden party, but it is still a far more appropriate evening drink than a cup of tea. Don’t you think?”

“If I thought it was wrong, I wouldn’t have suggested it. I fail to see the problem.”

Thomas let out a patronizing sigh, shaking his head. “And that is exactly why you need me.”

“Oh, is it? Perhaps you could explain.”

“Don’t worry, I was planning on it, my soon to be darling.” And then he had the audacity to pat her hand. “It’s rather sweet how naive you are to these things.”

Amber bit back a groan. “It is naive to want to have an evening cup of tea?”

“Of course! Tea is a morning and afternoon drink. Consuming it in the evening is just plain wrong. Now, lemonade on the other hand is an afternoon to evening drink, thus making it perfectly acceptable and far preferable to consume at this time of night.”

“I suppose that is all well and good, only I don’t care for lemonade.”

“That’s quite all right. You don’t need to worry. I am quite sure you will grow to like it in time.”

“But I?—”

Before Amber could say another word, he gave her shoulder a condescending pat then spun on his heels and made his way into the crowd, leaving her alone with Simon, much to her chagrin.

“Is this necessary?” she demanded when Thomas stepped away.

“Is what necessary?”

She glared as hard as she dared in public. “You know what I’m asking.”

“If I do, then you know my answer.”

“I just don’t understand. Why now? Why him?”

“You don’t need to understand. As your guardian, it’s my job to understand and do what’s best for you.”

“And you do?”

“Of course, I do! It’s my job to look after you, and I take it very seriously.”

“Then why is this the first time we are discussing this? Why did you never present me?”

He frowned. “Amber, this hardly seems like the most appropriate time or place to discuss this.”

“Then when is?”

“There’s no need to talk about it at all.”

“You can’t just decide that.”

“Ah! Thomas!” Simon lit up when the other man returned. “There you are! We were just talking about you.”

“All good things, I’m sure.”

“Of course! Of course. Amber has nothing but wonderful things to say about you, don’t you, Amber!”

She froze. The fork in the road was clear. If she contradicted him, there would be consequences, but if she didn’t, it would only encourage Thomas to continue pursuing her.

A moment passed. Then another. She needed to say something soon. “I’m afraid I feel as though I still don’t know you very well, My Lord.”

“That is easily remedied.” He took her arm, and Amber had to resist the urge to cringe away from the feeling of his clammy hand on her arm. Even though the sleeve of her gown, it was too much. “Come, let us take a turn around the room, just the two of us.”

“I don’t know if that’s appropriate.”

“You needn’t worry,” Simon cut in. “I can follow behind. It will give you two enough privacy to talk while still maintaining propriety.”

“How thoughtful! See, Amber, my dear, it isn’t a problem at all. You don’t need to worry so much though it is good to see that you are such a virtuous woman.”

She felt a little bit of relief at his words. He wanted a virtuous woman. Of course, he did. She wouldn’t be one for much longer.

Then he wouldn’t want her.

For now, all she had to do was suffer a little longer.

She gritted her teeth and nodded politely as he went on and on as though he hadn’t told her about his property five times already.

Finally, they were called to lunch, and she was able to make her escape.

She didn’t make it far before Felicity found her. “There you are! I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of arranging for us to sit near each other at lunch.”

“Not at all.” She hoped her relief wasn’t too obvious.”

Felicity grinned like they were sharing a secret, and Amber knew she knew there was more Amber wasn’t saying. “Come on then. I don’t know about you, but I am positively famished!”

Amber smiled and followed her into the room where the rest of the party was already gathering.

Of course, sitting near Felicity also meant sitting near Christopher.

He glanced at her. “I’m surprised your cousin is letting you sit so far from him.”

“Apparently, Felicity arranged it.”

“Did she now,” he sighed. “Why am I not surprised?”

Amber couldn’t help but feel a sense of whiplash. He was being far colder with her than he had even just earlier that day.

“Is something the matter?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know, only that you seem… off somehow.”

“Do I? And you are so used to recognizing my behavior and moods?”

Amber frowned, opening her mouth to say something, but Felicity beat her to it.

“Get that bee out of your bonnet before I get it out for you.”

He rolled his eyes but fell silent.

Christopher couldn’t tell her what was rattling around in his head. She couldn’t know just how worried he was about ruining Felicity’s life and her prospects.

“Excuse me!” Felicity called, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Did you hear a word I said?”

“Of course, I did. You know I always hang on your every word.”

She pouted, turning to Amber, the source of all of his problems.

If she had never tempted him, he wouldn’t have to worry he was risking Felicity’s future. If he were a better brother, he wouldn’t even consider helping Amber.

It wasn’t too late.

He could tell her it was too risky.

Amber would understand. She didn’t even seem to expect him to agree when she had first asked.

“Why are you seated all the way down there?” Thomas whined.

And just like that his decision was made.

Again.

The meal passed in pleasant conversation, but all he could think about was how best to help Amber without risking Felicity.

The whole time, he couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Amber, and he couldn’t help but notice that she seemed to be doing the same.

Then he made the mistake of meeting Felicity’s eyes and seeing her smug grin.

He turned away, ignoring her with renewed determination.

“Do you want to join us in the land of the living?” Felicity laughed, tapping her brother on his arm.

Christopher let out a long sigh. “Why? The two of you seem more than capable of entertaining yourselves.”

“Perhaps, but it is still rather rude to ignore your dining companions.”

“How am I ignoring you?”

“You have barely said two words to poor Amber!”

“Amber, do you feel neglected?”

“Of course, she does!” Felicity answered before Amber could even open her mouth. “She’s absolutely devastated. How can you be so cruel?”

“Felicity, it’s quite all right. If he wants to be anti-social, then I don’t see why we shouldn’t let him.”

“Actually taking my side? A sure sign I must be the one in the wrong.”

“So you’re going to actually enjoy our company?” Felicity lit up.

“Yours? I suppose, but Amber’s,” he sighed. “You ask too much.”

“You don’t need to worry,” she assured. “I feel the same way.”

“Now, I feel insulted.”

“You should. The insult was intended.”

Felicity laughed. “You tell him, Amber. We are far too good to want his company.”

“Then why did you say I was neglecting you?”

“Because it was true, but that doesn’t mean we enjoy your company.”

“Then allow me to return to enjoying my own company. I would hate to infringe on your time together.”

“But then we are right back where we started!”

“And is that such a bad thing?”

“I should think so!”

“And why is that?”

Amber sighed, shaking her head. “He truly doesn’t understand the importance of good manners, does he?”

“It would appear not. I do apologize for my brother’s behavior.”

“It’s quite all right. I know you shouldn’t be held responsible for his poor behavior.”

“What a relief! I would hate for you to lump me in with him.”

The pair continued to banter and giggle throughout the meal. Christopher couldn’t help but notice how natural they seemed together.

He shook the thought from his head. He just needed to get his thoughts in order. Amber was on a mission. Their banter was just part of that.

It was a game. He knew that.

It wasn’t real.

Wasn’t to be trusted.