Page 11 of The Duke of Fire (The Dukes of Desire #1)

“ I am glad you made it,” Serenity said, giving her a huge smile. It struck Amelia—how rare it was to be greeted with something genuine. She smiled back, feeling lighter.

She was surprised at how fortunate she was to have left the house that morning without a shrieking Octavia insisting she stay. Small miracles.

“I am glad, too, and extremely surprised,” she admitted, wriggling her eyebrows. “I did tiptoe through the corridors, afraid that she would suddenly shout for help with—”

“With just about anything?” Serenity asked, looking empathetic.

“Yes,” she admitted with a sigh.

Normally, her sister-in-law would invent a new ailment or chore, like having Amelia arrange clothes in order of style, fabric, and color. Today, by some grace, she had managed to escape. It was a good thing, because she was no longer in the mood to follow Octavia’s every whim.

Her friend had invited her for tea at her family’s recently renovated greenhouse pavilion. Amelia said yes before she could second-guess herself. Every moment with Serenity was like a lifeline. She had been drowning, but she would not give up without a fight.

For the first time in days, Amelia was smiling. It was a genuine smile, not prompted by trying to look all right for the ton . As much as she wanted to be rescued, she also did not want to be pitied.

“Well, you do look refreshed today, Amelia. I am glad. You have gone through so much.”

Amelia sighed. Serenity was the only one who truly knew what went on behind closed doors. Octavia would still be difficult in public, but she would not go through the extremes she usually did when they were alone.

“Octavia has been sleeping late these days,” she explained. “She said that her pregnancy is making her restless at night. I was pretty certain that she was about to ring for bathwater, but I managed to escape. I informed the maids so that they would at least know how she was.”

“You are too kind,” Serenity mused. “Someone else would not bother leaving a message like that. However, you experienced a miracle today. Let us be thankful.”

The two young women sipped their teas and enjoyed the gentle breeze sweeping through the garden. Amelia inhaled the scent of lilacs and hydrangeas, savoring the moment. It was a shame they had little time like this, enjoying an hour away from their families and the ton’s expectations.

“You wrote that you had news, and yet your letter gave barely a hint,” Serenity said, placing her teacup gently on the small round table between them. She regarded Amelia with affection, but there was a keen curiosity dancing in her eyes.

Amelia could not blame her. She had written her letter with care, knowing full well that if Octavia got her claws on it, every word would be dissected and weaponized.

“What is so mysterious,” Serenity pressed, leaning in with a conspiratorial smile, “that you dared not even write it down?”

“The Dowager Duchess of Firaine has offered to sponsor me this Season,” she blurted out.

“What?” Serenity gasped. Her spoon clattered from her hand onto the delicate plate under the teacup.

“You—you cannot possibly be jesting, are you? That woman is wealthy and influential enough to sponsor a young woman every Season, but that is not what she does. She is very selective. Forgive me, Amelia, if I say it is surprising, as she hardly knows you.”

“I am not offended. You know me better than that. I suppose the Dowager Duchess simply took a liking to me.” Amelia did not like lying to her friend, but it was necessary for the arrangement.

With that confirmation, Serenity’s face broke into one of pure excitement. “Do you realize what a sponsorship from her means? It is huge, Amelia. It means that your reputation will rise overnight. Even Octavia will not order you around anymore! You will get a break from her.”

A break.

It was not only a break Amelia was hoping for. She wanted an escape, one that was final. That was why she had to make some sacrifices. Her pride was set aside when she approached the Duke of Firaine.

The truth ached within her. Not telling Serenity what price had to be paid weighed on her. What would she think of her if she could read the folded letter in her reticule? Would she still consider Amelia a friend?

“Octavia will not take it well,” she said softly.

“I can imagine she will not. She treats you worse than she treats the maids,” Serenity agreed, her face full of compassion. “You deserve more than what the Warton estate and your brother could provide you. Everyone can see that.”

“You know that is not true. Many people of the ton still shun me because of my parentage.”

Lost in thought, both stared into the distance for a moment and let the surroundings envelop them. Comfort them. Amelia traced the rim of her teacup. She was with Serenity, but a part of her still felt alone. It was because she could not tell her everything.

“It is time for something good to happen to you,” Serenity broke the silence. “You have sacrificed too much. Finch does not deserve a sister who waited hand and foot for his wife. He deserves nothing, being so spineless.”

“Sacrifices. Everyone does that,” Amelia said, undermining her own strength. “I am not a saint, Serenity.”

“You may not be, but you are loyal and smart. You are also strong. I do not think I could last one day under Octavia’s thumb. I do hope and pray the dowager can see your virtues. May she find you a good match that can help you escape Finch and Octavia forever.”

Amelia’s heart clenched at the thought. Serenity did not know that she was not after a match. She was not after a marriage because soon she might be ruined for it. All she needed was a chance at a new life, a future that did not come with a husband’s name but her own freedom.

A footman approached them, startling them from their little bubble. They must have been so engrossed in their conversation that they did not notice the servant until he was up close. He carried a silver tray. On it lay a cream-colored missive. Her name was on it.

“A letter for you, Miss Warton,” the footman said, bowing courteously. “It was delivered by someone on horseback. He quickly left the vicinity.”

Another letter?

She reached for the missive, which was faintly scented. Her fingers trembled even as she tried to steady them. She did not want Serenity to be suspicious.

The seal had already been broken as was the regular practice. Was the duke serious about staking a claim on her? Was having a letter delivered to her friend’s place a way for him to do just that?

“Is it from your brother?” Serenity asked, her brows furrowed with concern.

“It does not look like it,” Amelia murmured as she unfolded the letter. She already knew who the sender was, but she could not tell her friend that.

She skimmed the words. Her stomach dropped, but she maintained her composure.

I find myself intrigued by your particular brand of curiosity, Miss Warton. If you are brave enough to explore it, come to Firaine House. Tonight. You will be safe. But not untouched.

Amelia read the note twice. Three times. The meaning had not changed, and it made her blush. She could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks and chest.

“Amelia? Are you all right? Is it bad news?”

She turned to her friend after shoving the letter into her reticule. “No. Nothing. I am just surprised, is all.”

Serenity did not look convinced. “Who was the letter from, then?”

“Nobody important.”

Amelia could only wish that she would not lose her friendship this way. Serenity was already looking at her suspiciously. Oh, if only she could tell her everything and not risk everything, too.

“Is this related to the dowager duchess’s sponsorship? I imagine she is one of the few who would watch your every move closely now, having delivered the letter to my home, not yours.”

“I doubt she would go that far,” Amelia murmured, though she was not so certain anymore.

“Don’t say that,” Serenity insisted, frowning. “I just hope she is not put off because you are friends with me. My sister may be tucked away in the countryside, but the ton has not forgotten her scandal. I would hate to ruin this for you.”

“Anastasia?” Amelia prompted softly.

“Yes. I am sure the dowager knows everything about her and what happened. Everyone does,” Serenity sighed, a faint bitterness lacing her words.

“I am certain this has nothing to do with it,” Amelia said smoothly, her stomach knotting.

“Perhaps she is setting a challenge for you. A test to prove your worth?” Serenity offered, trying to make sense of it all.

“Perhaps,” Amelia allowed, forcing a small smile. “Whatever it is, I will try my best.”

“Well, the best thing you can do,” Serenity declared with mock sternness, “is to keep yourself out of any sort of scandal. Her grandson may be a notorious rake, but I daresay she expects pristine behavior from young ladies.”

The irony nearly made Amelia choke on her tea.

Too late.

Still, she held on to her smile and tried to enjoy the rest of their little gathering. Serenity seemed to believe the happiness she displayed for her. What she could not see was how Amelia’s hands kept straying to her reticule.

You will be safe. But not untouched.

The words thrilled her. They should not. She was intelligent enough to know that the Duke of Firaine was not good for her. He was a rake and a means to an end. Yet, it looked like he had plans for her.

Untouched.

She should be afraid, but she was not. The sensible side of her warred with the passionate side. Certainly, she was not foolish enough to visit a man alone at night?

But he kissed so well, better than she imagined the men in her little translations did. He also knew how to appeal to her pride.

If you are brave enough.

“Yes, I am,” Amelia said, forgetting where she was.

“Are you all right, Amelia? You look so deep in thought, and now you talk to yourself,” Serenity joked, but her eyes still held concern.

“I am fine. I am simply planning what I should do for my first challenge.”

It would be a real challenge, indeed, to resist temptation.