Page 20 of Pretending to Love a Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

T he first strains of music floated through the air, and the birds sang on cue in response. The crowded ballroom took a collective gasp. Graham had the pleasure of watching Amelia’s face light with awe. He’d never seen such a thing. She tended to view her surroundings with an arrogant smile, which always infuriated him. But he couldn’t remember why as he looked at her now.

The birds sang, and the quartet accompanied their airy thrills and chirps.

“I wonder how long it took to train them!” she said over the music.

Graham couldn’t pull his focus away from her glistening lips. He swallowed, heat rushing over his body as only one thought came into his head.

Let’s play seek and find in the garden.

Instead, he bent close so she could hear him. “I’ll get us some champagne.” She nodded, her wispy curls caressing his face, and he couldn’t stop himself from inhaling the fragrant scent of her hair and skin. He wisely stepped away and put distance between them, heading toward the refreshment room while everyone was occupied with being serenaded by the birds.

The birds finished their regal display, and footmen whisked away their cages to the applause of the crowd as he returned to Amelia with two glasses, finding her exactly where he’d left her. For some reason, that surprised him. What didn’t surprise him was the presence of Sir Daniel. He hoped the man wasn’t fishing for details about Alston’s recent absence from his private card parties.

“There you are,” Amelia said, smiling at him as she accepted the glass of champagne. Her eyes brightened the instant she saw him, and he was momentarily stunned. Was that relief he saw? Affection?

“So it is true,” Sir Daniel said, breaking his focus on Amelia. “Engaged?”

“As I said,” Amelia replied.

“I couldn’t believe the rumors, not even as rampant as the gossips were. By Alston’s account, you two don’t get along, do you?”

Amelia slid her arm through his and leaned close, her breast brushing his bicep. His mouth went dry.

“On the contrary, as I’m sure you can see. And it makes perfect sense,” she argued. “Who else would my brother trust more with my wellbeing?”

She didn’t have to lie there.

“Hm, and here I had hoped one day I might have that honor,” he laughed. “Where is Alston tonight?” Sir Daniel asked.

“Scotland,” Amelia replied, her tone cooler. Graham should dispose of Sir Daniel before he stirred her temper further, but part of him wanted to see her eviscerate Sir Daniel.

“Indeed? Why would he leave at the start of the season?” Sir Daniel pressed.

“The well water may be rotten, and some sheep became ill,” Amelia said. “Or something of that nature.”

“Oh,” Sir Daniel blanched. “That is rather unfortunate. Something similar happened to Mr. Pipley. He lost his whole flock in the space of a month. Devastated his estate.”

Amelia turned to Graham in concern. “Might we lose the whole flock? That’s over two hundred sheep!”

“Alston will take things in hand, I’m certain.”

“When did he leave?”

“A week ago? The day of Lady Cecily’s garden party,” Graham said.

“Yes,” Amelia said. “I announced the engagement that day. It slipped out in conversation with my Aunt Ruth.”

Also truthful. Should he be worried she was getting better at deception?

Sir Daniel nodded. “Your cousin is trying to ingratiate himself with me in your brother’s absence. He seems certain he’ll one day hold the title.”

Amelia said nothing and sipped her drink. Graham shifted closer to her as Sir Daniel studied her in the awkward silence.

“Well, forgive me,” he finally said, “but I see a friend. I eagerly await our dance, Amelia.”

Graham stiffened. “ Lady Amelia.”

Amelia glanced up at him in surprise.

“Did you give him leave to use your name so informally?” Graham asked. He then turned to Sir Daniel. “Did she?”

“I did not,” Amelia said.

Sir Daniel laughed. “My apologies, I misspoke. Your brother speaks of you so frequently, I forgot we’re not as good friends as he and I are.” He bowed.

“Well it remains Lady Amelia Clark to you,” Graham said. “Soon to be Lady Amelia Blakewood.”

Amelia’s hand tightened on his arm, but he did not look at her as Sir Daniel examined them both with renewed interest.

“You know, your brother has also mentioned you are quite adept at cards,” Sir Daniel said.

“Quite adept,” she agreed frostily.

“Might we have a little game this evening?”

“I’m afraid—”

“Certainly,” Graham cut across what was clearly about to be Amelia’s refusal. “A game in place of your dance,” he said.

Sir Daniel smirked. “Perfect. Until then.” He sauntered away, and Amelia again looked up at Graham, waiting for him to acknowledge her. He turned to face her, blocking out the crowd.

“You said no cards,” she said accusingly. “If I play him, I will undoubtedly embarrass him when I beat him thoroughly.”

“I would love to see that, and I have every faith in you to do so. I’d prefer that to watching him put his hands on you.”

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. “Oh.”

Graham tossed back the rest of his champagne and turned back toward the dance floor. “The dancing is about to start.”

“Yes,” She finished her glass in one swallow, and a footman collected both glasses. The music started, summoning the dancers to the floor.