Page 12 of Beguiling the Duke
Lizzie blinked, color once again staining her cheeks, and she nodded, offering him a coy smile. “Of course, Your Grace. A moment of privacy would be welcome.”
Matthew guided her toward one of the doors leading to the hallway. He paused in the corridor, glancing between two open doors. The room on the left was empty. He led Lizzie inside, closing the door behind them.
Lizzie perched on the edge of a velvet sofa, regarding him with concern. “Are you quite all right?”
“Not entirely.” Matthew ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated breath. “I apologize for dragging you into my personal affairs. I did not expect Amelia to put up such a spectacle.”
“You have nothing to apologize for.” Lizzie patted the seat beside her. “Come, sit down. Let us talk through this vexing situation, and determine the best course of action to discourage Amelia’s behavior without causing a scandal.”
Gratitude and affection swelled in Matthew’s chest. He joined Lizzie on the sofa, settling in for a discussion that was sure to prove as enlightening as it was comforting.
If he could keep his mind on her words, and not her body, of course.
A sharp rap on the door interrupted them. Matthew tensed, dread pooling in his stomach. There was only one person bold enough to disturb them.
The door creaked open, and Amelia swept into the room, the skirts of her crimson gown rustling. She cast a disparaging glance at Lizzie. “Lady Elborough, if you would give us a moment of privacy?”
Lizzie’s eyes narrowed, but she nodded and rose to her feet. “Of course. If you’ll excuse me, Your Grace.” She met Matthew’s gaze apologetically as she pulled the door closed behind her.
As soon as the latch clicked, Amelia turned on Matthew. “I’d heard you’ve become indiscrete with your liaisons, but really, Matthew.”
Matthew scowled. “That’s none of your affair. Have you forgotten you chose someone else, Amelia? I’m no longer your concern and I’ll thank you to stop creating scenes.”
Amelia’s eyes flashed, but then her features softened and she approached slowly. “I’ve missed you. Missed what we had together. We were very happy.”
“So happy you fell in love with another man. Stop this game of yours. What do you hope to accomplish?”
“I am carrying a child.”
The announcement struck Matthew like a blow. He stared at Amelia, stunned into silence. He knew it wasn’t his, but he cared enough to feel pity for her. But if she thought to trap him into marriage, she was a fool.
Amelia’s smile grew oddly serene, clearly pleased by his reaction. “We would have a pleasant life together, and you cannot deny it. If we marry right away, no one need know it’s not your child. And I won’t object if you wish to keep your little widow in Town.”
Anger burned through Matthew’s shock. He stood, glowering down at Amelia. “I will not. You and I will never marry, and that is the end of it. Leave now, before I have you ejected from the premises.”
Amelia’s smug expression crumpled into outrage. “You said you loved me. If that was true, you’d take care of me now.”
“I’m just grateful I discovered what you’re truly like,” Matthew said coldly. “Now get out, or I shall call for the earl’s footmen to escort you.”
With an inarticulate cry of fury, Amelia swept from the room, slamming the door behind her.
Matthew sank back onto the sofa, shaken and numb. He had not expected such deception and manipulation from Amelia. He would have to warn Lizzie to be on her guard. Amelia was clearly capable of taking out her anger in any direction.
Lizzie slipped into the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She took one look at Matthew’s haggard expression and crossed to sit beside him, slipping her arm around his shoulders.
“She is gone then?” Lizzie asked quietly. At Matthew’s jerky nod, she sighed. “I feared she would not give up so easily. She had that look of determination that I see so often in London ballrooms.”
“She claims to be with child,” Matthew said tonelessly. “She admits it’s not mine, but imagined I’d rescue her from its illegitimacy by marrying her.”
Lizzie’s brows rose in surprise, but she recovered quickly. “No, I cannot credit that. I thought she?—”
“Loved me, once?” Matthew finished the sentence when Lizzie didn’t. “So did I. Apparently I was merely a convenient suitor with a handsome title.”
Leaning into him, Lizzie wrapped her arm around his back. “I shouldn’t tell you this, for it will go straight to your head, but your title is the least handsome thing about you.”
Her teasing eased the tightness in Matthew’s chest. He pulled Lizzie closer, taking comfort in her warmth and steadfast presence.
“Hopefully, she’s given up her scheme and will leave me alone now. I am yours, Lizzie, for the rest of the evening.”