Chapter 3

Her words rang in the air. Amber could feel her heart pounding against her ribs so hard she was worried they might break. What had she been thinking? This was a terrible plan. There was no way he would ever agree to something like this.

Why had she even asked?

Maybe it wasn't too late. Perhaps she could play it off as a joke or pretend he misheard or misunderstood her.

But then again, if he did that, she would be right back where she started. And then what?

No, this was her only chance. She had to stand by it.

Still, as the seconds ticked by and Christopher still hadn't said anything, his blank face was starting to worry Amber.

He didn't seem angry. He hadn't run off yet. He hadn't done anything but stare at her with a blank face.

All she could do was stand there and stare right back at him while her own thoughts went wild.

Would he laugh at how ridiculous it was?

He might scold her for even thinking, let alone suggesting such a plan.

But none of those were the worst things he could do.

Easily the worst thing he could do, the thing she was most afraid of, was that he could do the honorable thing.

He could take her hand and drag her from this room. He could march her down the hall until they were standing in front of Simon. Then he would tell him everything that happened and all about her silly little plan.

Then it would all be over, and her fate would be set in stone. For now, all she could do was wait for him to tell her his answer. The seconds continued to tick by, and still, he did not say a single word.

After what felt like an eternity, he spoke. His voice was strained, filled with emotions and thoughts that Amber had no hope of placing as he forced out a single sentence. "What did you just say?"

Amber let out a breath of relief. He wasn't mad, he simply hadn't heard her, or perhaps hadn't understood her. Again, she considered for a moment taking this as an opportunity to back out, but she quickly forced herself to dismiss the idea as fast as it had first appeared. She needed to try this. She needed to talk to him, and for the moment, she was thankful that the apparent miscommunication could easily be fixed easily enough. "I said?—"

"I heard what you said!" he cut her off sharply, dragging a hand over his face.

"Then why did you ask?"

"I wasn't asking what you said because I needed you to repeat it. I wasn't asking to confirm what you said but for an explanation. I asked because it's absurd! I heard your… request, but why would you ask for that? I don't understand exactly what you want, and I cannot even begin to fathom why you would want it."

She let out a breath. Amber knew she needed to choose her words carefully. If she told him too much, he might try and talk her out of if or refuse, but if she didn't say enough, he might think she wanted to trap him and storm off.

And yet again, the worst-case scenario of him involving Simon still hung heavy in the air. She forced her voice to sound easy and breezy. She needed to make this seem as casual as possible. "It's simple really. I want you to get caught alone with me in some kind of questionable situation. It doesn't need to be anything too extreme, just enough to get people talking."

"Why would I do that? I would be seen as just as guilty as you. You wouldn't be the only one hurt by this plan."

Amber scoffed. "I hardly think the reactions would be on the same level."

Christopher scowled at her, taking a step closer to her in the large room. Though the distance between them was still great, it felt charged with a strange energy. "That isn't the point. The point is I would be hurting myself if I agreed to this little stunt of yours."

Amber sighed, crossing her arms. "You don't need to worry about that."

"Just because I'm a man?—"

"That isn't what I meant," she cut in, shaking her head. "Please, give me a moment to explain."

He sighed, "Very well, but make it quick. I don't want people to notice we're both gone."

She lit up. "Thank you for giving me a chance to explain. Now, where to start?"

"Preferably at the beginning."

"I'm afraid it isn't that simple."

"Best make it quick. As I said, I would hate for anyone to notice our absence."

"Quite right, best just to stick to the most important details for the moment, I suppose. I will start with the plan itself then. I don't think anything outside of that is strictly necessary." Amber took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts for a moment before she spoke. "I think it is fair to say that you are a good upstanding man from a good family with a good reputation."

He nodded, and she continued.

"So, if you agree to my plan, then when we get caught, it would be obvious to anyone what your next move would be."

He raised an eyebrow. "Is that right? Then go on, tell me what I will obviously do."

"I was planning on it. As I was saying, it is obvious that you would do what any decent man in your position would do. You would offer to marry me to clear our reputations."

Amber could see the anger boiling inside him at her words. She needed to move fast before he stormed off. "I thought you said you would never want to marry someone like me."

"I don't. More than that, I don't believe I ever intend to marry."

"Is that right?"

"It is. Is that so surprising?"

Christopher studied her with something she couldn't quite place on his face.

When he didn't say anything, she continued, "So, you will ask for my hand, then I will refuse you leaving your name intact and mine in ruins…" and then no one will ever want my hand again.

He shook his head. "But why? Why would you want that? Have you thought about the consequences of doing something like this?"

"I assure you, I have. If I'm honest, it's all I've thought about the past few days."

"But what do you get out of this?"

She turned away. "Don't worry about that. It's…." she trailed off, thinking for the right world. "… personal."

"Personal huh?" She could see him thinking, trying to put the pieces together. It was fairly likely he could figure the basics out. After all, Amber had already told him she didn't wish to marry.

Regardless of what he had or hadn't figured out, she nodded. "Exactly. You don't need to worry about that. All you need to know is that I've thought about this, and I know this is what I want."

"But why? I don't understand."

"And that's all right. Like I said, you don't need to. All I need to know is if you're willing to help me or if I need to try and find someone else."

"If I say no, you're just going to ask someone else?"

"Of course. Like I told you, I am determined. I will do whatever it takes to make this happen."

Christopher hesitated. On the one hand, he knew what he should say. What she was asking for was wrong, dangerous.

And he knew it wasn't just his own reputation on the line. He had Felicity to think about too.

But still, if this strange woman was this determined, he couldn't help but worry what could happen to her if she asked someone else.

Not to mention his own curiosity, as wrong as it might be.

Sure, on the surface, there was a simple explanation. She didn't want to marry, and if she had a poor reputation, she wouldn't receive any offers.

The only question was why something like that would even be seen as necessary? Part of him couldn't ignore the small icicle of worry for her he felt beginning to drip down his spine. Such a drastic measure could only come from dire circumstances.

In the end, his curiosity (and concern) won out. He let out a long sigh, then nodded his head. "All right, fine. If I agree, then what would you have me do exactly?"

She lit up. "Do you mean it? You'll really help me?"

He crossed his arms. "I might. I am strongly considering it, but first, I do have questions, so I'll ask again, what would you have me do? And I need you to be as specific as possible. What do you want from me exactly?"

Amber couldn't stop smiling as hope rose in her chest. He was going to do this! This was going to work! All it would take was a few days then she would be free. "I don't need much from you. All I need is for us to get caught alone and close together. It doesn't need to be anything too salacious, just enough to get people talking. Then, once I give you the signal, act as though you are asking for my hand in marriage, but you don't need to worry. As I said, I'll say no when the time comes. After that, we can both go our separate ways, and we will never need to see each other again."

"Sounds like you've got it all planned out."

"I wouldn't have asked you here if I hadn't. Do you have any more questions? Any concerns?"

"Just one, I think."

"Of course. Ask away."

"You said when the time comes, you'd refuse when I asked for your hand."

"That's right," she agreed.

He crossed his arms over his chest. "And you just expect me to take your word for that? I know you told me you don't plan on marrying, but how can you expect me just to believe you? We didn't know each other until a few hours ago. Not a lot of time to build trust."

"Not a lot of time to break it either."

He just stared.

"I don't know what else I can do aside from give you my word, unless you have something else I can do to help you believe me. If there's anything I can do, all you need to do is say the word, and I'll do it."

"I don't know," he groaned, tugging a hand through his hair. "But you need to give me something to work with. I want to be very clear that I have no intention of marrying, and I won't be tricked into it by some foolish woman. I need your word that you will say no."

Amber squared her shoulders. "You have my word. I have no intention of marrying you. I have no desire to marry you. As I said, I don't plan on ever marrying at this point. All I want is to live out my days in peace as a spinster, but if I ever marry, it will be for love. I refuse to even consider marriage for any other reason."

He studied her for a moment before he nodded once again. "All right, very well, I think we have a deal." Christopher extended a hand.

Amber leaned forward, clasping it in her own. She couldn't help the way her heart seemed to flutter when he wrapped his large, warm hand around hers. It seemed to engulf her tiny hands. It was the nerves, of course. What else could make her feel this way?

They shook for a moment longer than necessary, but finally, he pulled away. Amber absolutely did not mourn the loss.

She shook the thought from her head, forcing herself back to the present. "Thank you! You have no idea how much this means to me."

He sighed again. "You might have a point. I don't think I can understand, especially since you don't seem willing to tell me why you want me to do this."

"It's—"

"Personal," he cut her off with a strange grin. "You don't need to keep saying it. I know. I won't ask again. I will help as best I can, but there's only so much I can do when I don't know why I'm doing it."

"You don't need to do anything, so there's nothing for you to think about. All you need to do is get caught alone with me. That's it. You've agreed. I'll figure the rest out and let you know when it's time. You don't need to plan anything. You don't need to suggest anything. All you need to do is be ready to go when I tell you it's time. Now then, if you don't have anything else to say, then we should get back. I'll let you know when it's time."

Then he lit up, a strange glint in his eyes. "Hold on a moment. I may have an idea."

"What—"

Before the words had left her lips, he grabbed her wrist.

She felt herself flush as she stumbled after him. She could hear the party getting back underway. The only thing separating them from the eyes of dozens of people was a single set of doors just around the corner.

Christopher turned to her with an intense look in his eyes. "Are you ready, Amber?"

"Ready for what?"

He stepped towards her, backing her against the wall. She swallowed hard, heart pounding, staring up at him.

He pressed one of his hands inches from his head, leaning in close. He didn't stop until they were close enough that she could feel the heat emanating from his chest.

Amber was surprised to find she didn't know if she wanted to lean forward or push him away. The answer should be obvious, but something in her chest twisted and fluttered as she looked up into his hazel eyes. She couldn't help but notice the small flecks of jade green and sapphire blue mixed in with what seemed like countless other colors. They almost reminded her of a bird's feather.

"Wh- what are you doing?" she whispered, heart pounding in her chest. Her words seemed to stick in her throat. She didn't know if she wanted to say more or run away.

"I'm moving forward with the plan. Isn't this what you want?"

Apprehension coursed through her. Her palms began sweating where she clenched her hands in her skirt. "Yes, but I didn't think you'd do something so soon."

He smirked, and something in her tightened. "But why not? Why wait? I've already agreed to help you, and there's no point in putting it off is there?"

Amber knew he was right, but still… having him so close made something strange flutter in her chest.

Then her attention snapped to the sound of voices coming in their direction.

This could be it. The second someone saw them, her life would be saved.

So why did a pit of dread settle in her stomach at the very sound?

Amber wanted this. She wanted to get caught. She wanted to have her prospects ruined. She wanted to be left in such a state that no man would ever consider marrying her.

So why did the mental image of her wedding day going up in smoke make her want to tear up?"

He stepped away, a strange smile on his face. "That's what I expected."

She wanted to ask him what he meant. She wanted to demand what he thought he was doing pulling a stunt like this.

But she couldn't bring herself to say a thing. All she could do was stay right where he pressed her against the wall and stare at him.

He turned to go, and Amber felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. Finally, she found her voice.

"Where are you going?" she said as loudly as she dared given the circumstances. She hated how small and squeaky her voice sounded. She could only hope her face wasn't as red as it felt, her mind and body still reeling from their earlier proximity.

He sighed, moving away. Only once he was no longer touching her and there were a few feet between them did she feel like she could finally breathe. "Looks like we'll just have to try again."

"Next time, don't just drag me down the hall. Talk to me first!"

"I saw an opportunity. I thought we could get this done and over with fast."

"Christopher, did you hear me?"

"What?"

"I said, next time you think you have a plan, ask me first. I don't want you to just drag me around."

"You want me to help."

"That doesn't mean you can treat me like this."

He sighed. "Fine, I'll talk to you next time. Are you happy now?"

Amber frowned. "As much as I can be, I guess. I'm just disappointed it didn't work."

"It was only a first try. It makes sense it didn't work right out the gate. Don't worry. It won't happen again."

"Better not. I don't want to have to be close to you more than I have to."

He snorted. "The feeling's mutual."

Amber gleaned back towards the party. "We should get back."

"Why? Worried someone will notice we're missing?"

"It's not that. I just don't see the point in being alone together if we can't turn it into a scandal."

He rolled his eyes. "Right, because that makes sense."

"I told you?—"

"I know, I know. I don't need to." He sighed. "Fine, let's get back. My sister is probably looking for me by now anyways."

"I doubt it. I'm sure someone like her is able to find better company."

"Under ordinary circumstances, perhaps, but here…. Somehow, I doubt that."

Amber glared. She knew her cousin was bad company, but there were at least a few people here who weren't the worst. "Is that right?"

"I thought that would be obvious."

"Then if it's true, why are you here?"

He smirked. "If you've got things you're choosing to keep to yourself, then so can I."

She eyed him up. "If that's how you want to play it, then very well. I won't pry. To be honest, as interesting as it might be to know, I have other priorities. I can't afford to get distracted."

"Right, because you need to be ruined as soon as possible."

"I know you think you're mocking me, but the thing is, you're right. I need this to happen before it's too late."

He frowned. "I don't understand, but you don't need to worry. I said I'll help you, and I meant it. Just let me know when you want to try again."

"Thank you. I won't wait long. I just need tonight to accept that this is finally happening. I will be ready to try again by tomorrow."

"I don't doubt that. I'll keep thinking of the best ways to do it in the meantime."

"Thank you."

Then, he turned and headed in the direction of the voices. "Jonathan," he called, "I was trying to find that painting you told me about, but I think I got a bit turned around."

For a moment, Amber just stood there, staring at his retreating back. Even after he rounded the corner, she found herself staring at where he once stood.

She shook her head. She knew she needed to get back to the party before others noticed her absence. She'd already been gone long enough.