Page 15 of A Duchess to Reclaim (The Devil’s Masquerade #2)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“T he aviary is coming along beautifully,” Amelia said pleasantly, “Promise me that you’ll all come out to see it when I finally return to Ellsworth.”

“Oh, I can hardly wait,” Theo replied.

“Me either,” Ophelia replied, “Have you ordered your birds yet?”

Amelia smiled as she chatted with her friends, masking her true feelings with cheer and eagerness. When they could be alone, she would tell them how truly tumultuous her last week had been, but for now, with Tristan and Theo’s home full of society’s members, she did as she had promised Dominic- and played pretend.

So far her time back in London was going perfectly. Her nerves were behaving far better than they had before she took her reprieve- as was the ton it seemed. She and Dominic had arrived nearly three hours ago and as of yet, no one had spoken an ill word to or about her, same as their last two social engagements. Not that Dominic gave them the chance.

Though she wouldn’t call their appearance outwardly intimate, he had stayed close by her throughout the evening; oftentimes placing a hand on her back or wrapping his arm around her own to lead her wherever they were going. And with his charming smile and her pleasant one, no one would know that they had barely spoken to one another since their tense ending the night before.

Part of Amelia had wished that Dominic would have followed her to her quarters that night while the other was relieved. She’d needed the space to distance herself from her feelings. Needed to remember who he was; even if another side of him seemed to come out when they were alone.

He’d never finished his sentence that started with “I…” and she had wondered with increasing aggravation what he would or could have said had she waited for him to gather his thoughts.

But he hadn’t come, and when morning arrived she’d discovered that he’d left the house quite early. For business as usual, she assumed. He repeated that pattern the rest of the week, only coming in just enough time to retrieve her for a party. Then afterward, he’d take her home and disappear again.

He barely looked at her those times, but tonight when she’d come down the stairs wearing the dress he had made for her his cold eyes had sparked to life as he slowly dragged his gaze down her figure. When he finished, she was rewarded with a curt nod of approval, then stiffly offered her his arm.

The gown he’d designed for her was such a pale purple that it was nearly silver; the cut of it a perfect mixture between her preferred style and the more modest one accepted by the ton. Though she’d already decided not to tell him, it had immediately become her new favorite gown.

“Theo how is your mother?” Amelia asked presently, needing a break from being the subject of conversation. “Has she improved at all?”

Rose, Ophelia, and Seraphina went quiet as Theo gave her a weak smile.

“The new physician Dominic sent for her from Italy has been able to make some improvements regarding her comfort. It is how we were able to host the party tonight. She’s upstairs resting deeply now.”

A silence settled over their small group as soft chatter and laughter surrounded them. Amelia had wondered about that- how the party would affect the poor woman who now so rarely remembered what day it was let alone who the people of her station were.

“How is Tristan dealing with it all?” Ophelia asked, raising her champagne to his lips.

Theo let out a bark of a laugh.

“My compassionate brother seems more unsettled over moving back in with Mama and I after Papa’s passing than he is over her failing condition,” she replied in a low voice, flicking her eyes over to the man in question.

Though she chose not to retort, Amelia did not believe that for a second. Tristan was one of the most compassionate men she’d ever known, and such a statement couldn’t seem true. Ophelia, however, chuckled bitterly and shook her head.

“Of course he is,” she scoffed. “I knew he wasn’t as charming as he makes himself out to be. He’s just like the rest of the men of our society. Pompous and selfish.”

Amelia grew warm as the talk between Dominic and Tristan just a few paces behind her ceased. She turned her head just enough to see that the two of them had bristled and stared at Ophelia with contempt. To which Ophelia only stared back in challenge.

“Now, now,” Seraphina chastised softly, laying a hand over Ophelia’s. “Not all men. Hugo has come quite a long way from those days.”

“Well, he may be the only exception,” Ophelia muttered as she raised her glass once more to her lips.

Amelia was thinking about changing the subject to the married women’s group she had joined with Seraphina when she saw Hugo and Everett move toward them through the crowd at a rather quick pace. Hugo’s hand brushed lovingly against the back of Seraphina’s neck as she passed, sending another shot of envy through her as she watched her friend’s eyes alight.

Both men stopped at Dominic’s side, and Everett whispered something in his ear as Hugo leaned forward and did the same to Tristan. Amelia raised a brow as she watched all four of their faces grow serious, then lean toward one another as the whispering continued.

“What’s going on with them?” Theo murmured at her side.

Amelia glanced at her friends and saw that they had all noticed the subtle shift in the four men and were watching them as closely as she was.

“I do not know,” she murmured back as the four men broke away from another.

Tristan went to Theo’s side.

“We’ve had a successful evening, but it is time to end the party,” he told her.

“Why?” Theo asked.

Amelia turned away from them as Dominic came to her side and laid a hand on her shoulder.

“It is time for you to go home,” he commanded. “Seraphina and Hugo are leaving as well, they will take you.”

She bristled at his command.

“You are not escorting me home?” She asked.

Dominic’s gaze was flat and unreadable as he looked down at her and shook his head.

“No. Everett and I have business to attend to.”

She scoffed.

“Of course you do,” she muttered.

She felt Dominic’s hand tighten on her shoulder, and she felt a sliver of guilt for speaking so frankly.

“Go home,” he commanded again in a low, even tone, ignoring her comment.

“I will meet you there later.”

Knowing it would not do to negate him while being surrounded by the people they were trying to impress, Amelia reached for first Theo, then Ophelia, then Rose to hug them all goodbye. She promised to see them soon, then she allowed Hugo to lead her and Seraphina out of the ballroom.

“What is going on, darling?” Seraphina asked Hugo when the three of them were situated in the carriage.

“Dominic is just taking care of some much-needed business, my love,” he replied, his tone coated with affection. “There is nothing to worry about, I assure you.”

Amelia said nothing on the ride home, contempt for her husband’s busy work life only growing. When they arrived she hugged Seraphina goodbye and thanked Hugo for escorting her home, and went inside.

Eve had just finished helping her into her dressing gown and was taking the many pins and gems out of Amelia’s piled up curls when a commotion erupted from the first floor of the house. Familiar, feminine voices rose from the foyer and up the staircase, and Amelia’s heart leapt as she got to her feet and hurried from her rooms.

She gasped, tears forming in her eyes as she saw Lydia and Sarah each racing up the stairs toward her.

“Sister!” They shouted excitedly in unison.

“My darlings,” Amelia choked out, opening her arms wide to embrace them. “What are you doing here?”

“Dominic came to fetch us,” Lydia answered.

“He says we are to live with you now,” Sarah added. “Is that not so very lovely?”

“Papa wasn’t even mad,” Lydia piped up.

Amelia’s eyes flicked to Dominic as he ascended the stairs; Miss Chiron and Miss Gerhardt flanking him. The three of them stopped as they reached the landing, and Dominic calmly thrust his hands into his pockets. Questions flooded her mind but it was as if her mouth refused to form the words. Dominic’s hard gaze softened as he looked away from her and toward her two younger sisters.

“Girls, why don’t you go pick out your rooms? You may share or choose separately, it is your decision,” he said, his tone shockingly gentle.

“Really? We can pick?” Lydia asked, her tone absolutely humming with excitement.

“Mhmm. My quarters are on the third floor and it is best to stay away from those, but you may pick any rooms on this floor. That way you can be close to your sister if you may need her,” Dominic replied.

Both girls flew away from Amelia and toward him, their arms wrapping tightly around his waist. Amelia went rigid as she saw Dominic raise his arms, freeze, and widen his eyes at the sudden burst of physical affection. But then he relaxed, placing a hand on each of their heads, and gave them a small smile.

“Girls,” Amelia urged, and her tone spoke for her.

They let go of Dominic’s waist swiftly and came to her side.

“Go on,” she urged gently. “Take Miss Chiron and Miss Gerhardt with you. I’ll be along shortly to help you settle in.”

“You are the best brother-in-law in the world,” Lydia said, beaming at Dominic.

“In the whole world!” Sarah piped up.

Then the two ran down the hall, giggling excitedly as they began to open up doors.

“We shall help the girls in the meantime,” Miss Chiron stated, her and Miss Gerhardt leaving Dominic’s sides.

Amelia gave them a nod of thanks and waited until they too disappeared down the hallway.

“Dominic, what has happened? What did you do?” She asked, taking a step toward him.

“Everything is legal,” he murmured calmly. “My solicitor and I took care of it today. There are some papers you will need to sign but that can wait until the morning.”

Gratitude flooded through Amelia, but she fought the sudden urge to hug him and pushed on with her questions.

“What exactly was legal?” She asked. “And if you took care of it earlier today, why did you wait so late in the evening to go get them?”

“It means once you sign the papers you and I will have full, guardianship of your sisters until you allow them to get married. My name is on the documents simply because our laws demand it so, but they are yours now, Amelia. I will not interfere in your plans to raised them.

“As for this evening, there were some issues that needed worked around but it was taken care of. That is all you need to know.”

Amelia’s brows furrowed as she became torn between gratitude and annoyance, and she crossed her arms. She knew by the tone in his voice that he wouldn’t tell her more even if she threw an absolute tantrum.

“Why did you do this, Dominic?” She asked. “I’m grateful but I do not understand.”

You don’t care about me. You said as much the other night with your silence.

Dominic’s brow tensed as he looked her up and down, his jaw working as if he were chewing over thoughts.

“Because I knew it would make you happy.”

Amelia’s arms fell to her sides as her lips slowly dropped away from each other; her eyes going wide.

“Take the next few days to get your sisters settled. I’ll attend some social events for the gentlemen and spread our tale of love and commitment there, and you do the same at the married women’s club or whatever it is Seraphina brought you into. If it is still necessary, we will resume going to parties together in a week or so. For now though I believe we have accomplished enough so that we can work separately.”

Discomfort overcame her as Dominic then took a step back.

“You are leaving?” She asked.

“It is for the best,” Dominic replied, turning his gaze from her. “I have guards surrounding the house. You have nothing to fear.”

She watched, emotions churning as he began to descend the stairs. Before she could stop herself, Amelia went after him, capturing his hand in her own before he could make it very far. When he turned to look at her his silver eyes were dark with a guarded expression, but he paused and waited. She didn’t know what to do, what to say, so she put her head on his chest and wrapped both arms around her waist; hugging him.

“Thank you,” she whispered, tears forming in her eyes.

Dominic remained as still as a statue for a moment, but just as she was about to pull away, his one arm slid around her back while his other hand reached up to cradle the back of her head; pressing her even further into him.

“You are welcome,” he rasped, and placed a quick, gentle kiss on the side of her head.

He held her tightly a moment more, then released her, careful so as she would not lose her balance on the stairs. Without another word he continued down the steps and disappeared toward the foyer.

Sadness suddenly overwhelmed Amelia as she stood there and watched him go. The urge to tell him to wait, to plead for him not to leave her again was roaring inside of her like a beast. He had done it. He had gotten the girls. For her. And it hadn’t taken weeks or months. It had taken mere days.

“Amelia?” Lydia’s voice called from the landing. “We found our rooms! Will you come see?”

Amelia drew in a shuddering breath, and wiped her eyes, realizing only then that she had shed more than a couple tears. She pushed her confusing feelings for Dominic aside, and turned with the brightest smile she could muster.

“Of course, my darlings,” she called, walking back up the stairs. “Oh, you have no idea how happy I am that you are here!”

* * *

Everett’s fist landed squarely on Dominic’s jaw, sending stars bursting in his eyes. He staggered back from the force of the hit, then toppled to the ground.

“ Christ, old boy,” Everett cursed, going down to Dominic’s side to help him up. “I was coming right at you, I thought you were going to block it! You always block it!”

Pain surged through Dominic’s jaw, making him wince and growl. He pushed away Everett’s attempt to help and got to his feet on his own. He’d been so deep in thought about Amelia that he’d completely forgotten where he was and what he was doing. The boxing practice had been proposed to help him focus, but instead, all it did was remind him of her.

“I’m fine,” Dominic bit out, touching his fingers tentatively to his jaw.

“Lucky for me your hits are about as powerful as a bee sting.”

Everett made a face as if asking “really?” and rolled his eyes as he walked back to his corner.

“I’m done,” Dominic stated, walking toward the ropes.

“But we only made it two rounds!” Everett said, clearly exasperated.

“Tristan can take my place,” Dominic grumbled, and nodded to his friend as he approached the table set up outside the ring.

Tristan nodded back readily and immediately got up. He had his own reasons for wanting a spar and he looked eager to get the work in. As he climbed into the ring, Dominic took his chair and sat down heavily. He’d barely had time to work up a sweat before he’d called it quits but he felt weary and out of breath.

“You can ask me, you know,” Hugo said. He reached for the bottle of whiskey sitting atop the table and poured Dominic a glass. “Seraphina tells me everything.”

Dominic cast a narrowed glance up at his friend as he accepted the drink; his lips set in a grim line. It had been three days since he’d dropped Lydia and Sarah off at his London house. Three days since he’d seen Amelia or talked to her. And it was driving him mad.

Her words the night of her boxing lesson had cut right through him. The pleasure she’d brought him from her mouth only moments before had him even further confounded. He’d been with many women; had been brought pleasure many ways, but his release that night had been the most intense in his life. The combination of the two things had left him feeling uncomfortable and irritable; with barely enough sense to muddle through his work.

This evening he’d been so distracted that his friends had finally urged him to take a break and practice for the first time in weeks. Now here he was, not even able to make it two rounds in without being plagued by more memories of his estranged wife. He hated this. Every single part of it. Still-

“What does she tell you?” Dominic asked, then downed the contents of the glass.

“Amelia and the girls are just fine,” Hugo replied calmly. “The two have settled in quite well. Seraphina, Theo, Ophelia, and Rose have all come over several times to help with your wife’s new mothering responsibilities and all seem to be having a grand time.”

“And her other duties?” Dominic asked sharply.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want her take time to acclimate to being the girls’ guardian but they still had a ruse to put on; even if they were not doing so together.

“Seraphina has taken her to two separate married ladies gatherings and from what she says, Amelia is handling them very well,” Hugo replied. “Singing your praises as a dutiful husband, putting rumors to bed, and batting away inappropriate questions with ease.”

Dominic raised a brow.

“What do you mean inappropriate questions?” He asked.

Hugo shrugged.

“The same ones Seraphina is asked regarding me,” he explained. “Many husbands send their wives as spies to these sorts of things to report any information that may be useful. About our business practices; our success. It is nothing to worry about.”

“Our work is perfectly legal,” Dominic bit out.

“Which is why it is nothing to worry about, Dominic,” Hugo replied calmly, giving him a warning look.

Dominic grit his teeth but he made a conscious effort to damper his rising temper. He knew his friend was only trying to help, and it wasn’t his fault that Dominic was as on edge as a carving knife thrust into a butcher block.

“Have you heard anything from her father?” Hugo asked. “Any more problems?”

Dominic shook his head. He wasn’t too keen on the trades he had to sign over to the bastard, nor the rather large chunk of outright money he’d given to him; but it had finally bought the man’s silence and thus far, Felton was leaving Dominic and the young ladies alone. He knew that because of the daily reports he required from the guards he’d assigned to his house.

“The father is taken care of. The rumors are dying down,” Hugo murmured, crossing his arms on the table top, “Looks like you’ll be done in London soon if you want to be, old boy.”

“I do,” Dominic grunted, peering over at the boxing match unfolding between Tristan and Everett.

He really did, but even if his work had been accomplished, he was hesitant to leave his friends. Tristan was fraying at the seams and something he couldn’t quite figure out was going on with Everett. Even his little spies had heard nothing.

“Seraphina and I have decided to go back home and collect the children and Leah. We plan to stay in London through the fall,” Hugo informed him.

Dominic raised a brow, wondering why his friend was mentioning this.

“You’ve played big brother to our friends for quite some time, old man,” Hugo went on, “Why don’t you let me take over for a while? I can also manage your businesses. I’m a partner in most of them anyway. You should some time off, acclimate to your new life as a husband and brother-in-law slash father figure. It would do you some good.”

Dominic cast his gaze to the tale, not responding.

“You know that I know, right?” Hugo quietly stated after several tense moments.

Dominic’s brow tensed as his mental barricades rose up.

“Be specific,” he commanded.

“I know how you and Amelia truly came to be married. Not the fairy tale story you’re peddling to the ton. The raw, ugly truth. It’s part of the reason why I was so willing to help with the custody situation. Though I would have preferred it if we would have had Lord Hollowcroft suffer an unfortunate, morose accident.”

Dominic smirked. The thought had certainly crossed his mind. Several hundred times in fact. But his brief bout of humor quickly vanished.

“How did you find out?” He asked quietly.

“Amelia told Seraphina. Seraphina told me. It will not leave us. Not even Leah will know,” Hugo answered in the same quiet tone. “You will have nothing to fear from us, old boy.”

Dominic took a deep breath in through his nostrils, but he wasn’t quite able to let it out.

“Listen I know that the circumstances might not have been… ideal. Certainly not planned. But there is something between you and Amelia. The entire reason you can play so well to the public is because there is a genuine connection between you two,” Hugo said.

“Go back to her. Figure out what that is. We all know why you’re being so awful. It’s because you miss her.”

Dominic slowly let his held breath out through his mouth. Feelings was not something he was necessarily good at. Since he’d had to take on so much responsibility at such a young age and watched other men be weakened by them; he’d told himself he wouldn’t give way to such proclivities.

But Amelia had stirred something awake in him. From the very first night at the auction, when she’d fought him so fiercely before he revealed who he was. Her strength and bravery despite her fear had done much more than impress him. It was the reason why he’d left so abruptly after their wedding.

He’d needed a wife soon anyway and it didn’t bother him much to get married. He knew it was a duty he was expected to fill. But before Amelia he never pictured himself actually growing attached to his wife.

Amelia, though…she was different from any woman he’d ever met. She was a delicate balance between fearful and fearless.

“Go home, Dominic,” Hugo commanded. “Stop torturing yourself. You know you want to see her.”