Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

C hristopher tried to focus on the conversation happening around him. He was sure Felicity and whoever else was beside him were talking, but he truly hadn’t heard a word any of them had said.

His eyes kept wandering over to where Amber sat beside that awful man. Her face was a blank mask of forced politeness, nothing like the expressive paintings of emotions he was used to seeing from her during their time together.

It felt wrong seeing her be so calm, so still, and yet at the same time, what could he do?

He knew what he wanted to do, what he needed to do.

He needed to talk to her, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to approach her at a time like this. He would need to find another way.

“I wonder what are you staring at?” Felicity asked, her smug, singsong voice snapping him out of his haze.

He blinked in surprise, looking around to find that the group was dispersing. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” he muttered, eyes already sliding back across the room.

“Sure, you don’t.” She rolled her eyes. “You were just standing here without saying a word and staring at an unknown thing across the room for your health, I assume?”

“Just because I wasn’t as chatty as you, doesn’t mean I was just staring out at nothing.”

Felicity smirked. “I never said you were staring at nothing, now, did I?”

“Did you want something, or do you simply want to harass me?”

“I don’t see why I can’t multitask. Harassing you is truly one of the greatest pleasures in life.”

“Then perhaps you should look into finding a hobby of your own.”

“I have plenty; perhaps you should worry about yourself.”

“If you don’t need anything, perhaps it is high past time for you to take a turn about the room.”

“As I already said, I don’t need anything, but I couldn’t help but notice that you seem like you might.” She followed his gaze to where Amber was sitting. “You could even end up having it, if you go talk to her.”

“I don’t want anything from her.”

“No?”

“Of course not. Why would I?”

“That’s what I would love to know.”

“The way you’re talking makes it seem like you’ve already made your mind up.”

“Perhaps I have.”

“And what is it you think I want?”

Felicity smiled and said a single word, “Her.”

“Don’t start. We’ve been over this.”

“And yet, you asked, despite knowing what my answer was going to be.”

“Because I had hoped you had come to your senses.”

“How funny. I was hoping the same thing of you.”

He crossed his arms. “There is nothing for me to come to my senses about. You know my thoughts on the matter. We’ve already been over this.”

“Yes, yes, I am aware of your views. Still, you must admit the pair of you have grown rather chummy.”

“Chummy?”

“Well, what would you call it?”

“We’ve had a few conversations, nothing more.”

“But those conversations have been pleasant. Dare I say it, but I would go as far as to wager that you have enjoyed her company!”

“Your point?”

She beamed. “My point is that you don’t deny it!”

“I ask again, your point?”

“My point is, that’s unusual for you—with people in general but especially with women.”

“Felicity, mind what you are implying.”

“I’m not implying anything. I would be outright stating something if you would let me, but you won’t, so I am simply talking as I see fit.”

“And you should really stop that before you say something you regret.”

“But I’m not going to say something I regret. I stand by everything I have said. I think we both know you’re starting to have doubts about how sure you were you would never marry.”

Christopher chuckled. “I don’t. I stand by everything I have said all those years ago. Nothing here changes anything.”

“Are you sure about that?” he eyes wandered to Amber.

“Of course I’m sure. Give it time, and it will prove me right. It always does.”

“When has it ever proven you right before?”

“As I said, every single time.”

“Really? Because I can’t think of a single example.”

“Give it time, and I’m sure you will.”

“Somehow I doubt that.”

Christopher scoffed. “Is that all you wanted to say?”

“No,” Felicity replied. “I wanted to ask if you were going to go over and speak with her.”

He shook his head. “No, I can’t. Not right now.”

“Why not?”

“It would cause a lot of problems for her if I did.”

“I don’t understand.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “Don’t worry about it.”

“How can I not after you let something like that slip?”

“It’s not my story to tell.”

She sighed. “Very well. I won’t push it, for now at least.”

“How kind of you.”

“How was the secret meeting the two of you didn’t have earlier today?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he grumbled, crossing his arms.

“Sure, you don’t, and I didn’t help her slip outside while you were unaccounted for.

Christopher cursed under his breath. “Did anyone else see?”

“No, don’t worry. I was careful, but I don’t understand why you’re hiding.”

“Felicity, I’m telling you, this isn’t what you think. It’s better this way, trust me.”

She sighed. “If you won’t do anything, then I will.”

“What?”

She grinned, shooting him a mischievous smirk. “Meet me in the drawing room.”

Then before he could ask a single question, she spun on her heels and started making her way over to Amber.

Christopher wanted nothing more than to wait and watch. He needed to know that Amber would make it away safely, but he knew nothing good would come from him staring. If anything, it could only get her in trouble, so he forced himself to make his way from the room and into the drawing room.

Taking a seat, all he could do was wait for his sister to come in with Amber at her side.

Seconds ticked by. The next thing he knew, they had turned into minutes. He was starting to worry they would turn into hours.

But finally, just when he was starting to think they would never make it over, the pair walked into the room.

The second Christopher saw Amber, his breath caught in his throat. The look of relief on her face made him want to do everything in his power to keep her from being in that situation ever again.

She met his eyes, seeing the question there, and shook her head.

Before he could over think it, the pair came to join him. Felicity smiled at him.

“Look who I ran into.”

“I thought it was just going to be the two of us,” Amber said with a frown.

“It was, but then I thought, if we were just two ladies off by ourselves, it might be easier for him to approach.”

Amber’s frown deepened.

“Besides, I thought the two of you might want to talk.”

Fear flashed in Amber’s eyes. “Why would you think that?”

“Oh, no reason,” Felicity said with an all too innocent smile on her face.

Christopher rolled his eyes as Felicity bullied Amber to sit down.

He couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief as Amber relaxed the longer she sat with them.

Felicity’s chattering was sure to help get her mind off of whatever happened.

“I told Christopher you have been helping me work on my embroidery,” she said.

Amber shook her head. “I haven’t done much. You have said yourself that you didn’t notice any improvement.”

Christopher laughed. “I’m sure that has nothing to do with your teaching skills and everything to do with her not paying attention or following directions.”

“I pay attention plenty,” Felicity pouted.

Amber smiled like she was biting back a laugh. “I’m sure she’s doing her best.”

He rolled his eyes. “Why do I somehow doubt that?”

Felicity argued, “I am! It isn’t my fault embroidery is so tedious.”

“It can be, especially when you’re first starting out. You just need to learn a bit of patience.”

“You might as well get out while you’re ahead,” Christopher said.

Then, out of now where, Amber suddenly stiffened beside them.

His eyes darted to follow hers. It wasn’t hard to see what made her react. Thomas and Simon were coming straight towards them.

“There you are, my dear,” Thomas cooed, pushing his way in to sit beside her. “I was wondering where you ran off to.”

“I haven’t gone anywhere,” she said, eyes locked on the ground.

“Is that right?” Simon sighed. “Then there must be far more guests here than we were expecting, given how easily you seem to disappear into the crowd.

Christopher watched her shut down the more they spoke. If anything, they seemed worse now than they were when he last saw her with them.

He couldn’t help but wonder if it was because of him.

He met her eyes from across the group, and she motioned for them to go.

Looks like they were making it worse. With a sigh, he got to his feet. “Felicity, can you come with me for a moment.”

“Go?” she balked. “Now?”

“Yes, now; now, come on.”

Then he got to his feet and started to walk without waiting to make sure she was following.

“Hey!” Felicity chased after him. “What was that about? Why did you abandon Amber like that?”

He shook his head. “You don’t understand. I didn’t abandon her. She wanted us to go.” Needed us to go. “We were making them worse for her.”

“But why?” Felicity shook her head, eyes wide.

“Because we were getting in the way of their goal.”

She sighed, shaking her head. “Poor Amber.”

“She’s a strong girl. She’s going to get through it just fine. She’s going to need us when she’s done.”

“And she has us.”

* * *

Amber kept her smile tight against her face. She couldn’t be seen to falter now.

“Well,” Simon clapped his hands together, “I think I’ll give the two of you a minute. I’m sure you both have a lot to talk about.”

Her stomach felt sick as she watched her cousin walk away, leaving her alone with that man.

“You look lovely today, Amber,” Thomas said, his eyes roving her body.

“That’s kind of you to say,” her voice came out tight and strained.

“It isn’t kind if it’s true.”

He leaned in closer, and she couldn’t help but shrink back.

Thomas pulled back with a chuckle. “It is sweet how shy you are pretending to be.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“I’m sure you don’t,” he chuckled. “There’s no need for you to play so coy.”

“I’m not.”

He sighed. “You know, most men would probably have given up when they found out, but I’m not in the habit of giving up what I want.” He leaned in close and whispered. “Lucky for you, I don’t mind a woman with a little experience under her belt.”

Amber gasped, eyes flying to Christopher where he stood with Felicity, both of them still glazing at her. Their eyes met and fear coursed through her.

“Just don’t let it give you any ideas about what happens next.”

Her eyes burned. Trembling hands clenched into fists on her thighs.

Thomas smirked at her. “Glad you understand the situation a bit better now.”

Amber shot to her feet. “Excuse me for a moment,” she said, her voice wobbling a bit.

She didn’t wait for his response, making her way from the room as fast as she could without being rude.