Page 25 of The Duke’s Scandal (Bluestocking Book Club #5)

Chapter Eighteen

“ I think I am in love with her, Galbraith.” Amos swirled his whisky in the bottom of his glass and then looked at his brother-in-law. “I do not think I have ever felt such a way before.”

Lord Galbraith smiled his understanding.

“I cannot bear to be away from her,” Amos continued, looking away now. “She is intelligent, kind, gentle of heart, and nothing but beautiful. I do not wish only to court her now but to think of the future!”

This made Lord Galbraith’s eyebrows lift. “Is that so?”

“It is,” Amos continued, with a grimace, “I cannot tell how she feels about me. That is a little difficult.” Remembering how she had twisted away from him when there had been a moment of importance growing between them, he shook his head.

“When I asked if I could call on her some time ago, she did not answer in the affirmative. In fact, now that I think on it, I would say that she looked almost afraid.”

“Of you calling to take tea?”

Amos nodded. “Yes. That is strange, I know, but I am sure that is what I saw in her expression. ”

“And so you dare not ask her again?” Lord Galbraith shook his head as Amos frowned. “Is that it?”

“There has not been an opportunity.” With a sigh, Amos spread out his hands.

“The rumors and the lies began soon after, and I did not have a chance to do so.” His chest rose and then fell with a heavy breath.

“Lord Granville himself did not appear to be particularly pleased with my desire to stand up with Lady Isobella either. Yes, he apologized for his remarks thereafter, but there was still concern there.”

“As you can understand, I am sure.”

Amos rolled his eyes. “I know, I know. A good gentleman should be worried about his sister and her prospects, wanting to shield her from the very worst of fellows, but I am not as society says!”

Lord Galbraith shrugged. “Then go and speak with him.”

“With Lord Granville?”

His brother-in-law nodded. “Yes. Tell him of your intentions as regards Lady Isobella – only with her agreement, of course – and see if he would be willing to consider you. That way, you will be able to tell whether or not there is any hope.”

A nervousness washed over Amos’ frame. “I suppose I could do such a thing.”

“Why would you hesitate?” Lord Galbraith’s lips lifted in a light smile. “When I fell in love with your sister, nothing could keep me back from her. Nothing whatsoever.” His head tilted to one side. “Does your heart not feel the same way?”

“It does, yes.” There was no hesitation on Amos’ part, aware of just how strongly he felt. With a nod, he got to his feet. “You are quite right. I shall go to speak with Lord Granville.”

“Now?” Lord Galbraith’s eyebrows shot towards his hairline. “So quickly?”

“Why not?” Amos chuckled as he walked to the door. “There is no reason for hesitancy, is there? Pray for my good fortune, brother!”

Bowing low, Amos tried to ignore the twist of uncertainty in his stomach. “Lord Granville, thank you for allowing me to call so unexpectedly.”

The gentleman waved Amos to a chair, his smile a little hesitant. “But of course. Lady Isobella is not here at present, however.”

“It is to you that I wished to speak,” Amos replied, seeing the man’s eyebrows lift. “I am aware that there has been some… uncertainty as to my good name, and I wanted to assure you that whilst there are many whispers about me, none of them are true.”

Lord Granville cleared his throat, looking a little abashed. “Your Grace, I did apologize for my own foolishness in accusing you of all that society has thrown at you.”

Amos waved one hand. “Of course, of course. It is... ” The words began to stick in his throat, and he looked away, finding it easier to speak when he was not looking directly at Lord Granville. “I wish to know whether or not you would have any concerns if I were to pursue Lady Isobella.”

Silence met him, and Amos returned his gaze to Lord Granville, seeing how the gentleman frowned. His heart began to sink.

“If there was hesitancy on your part, then I would respect that,” Amos added hastily. “I have said nothing to Lady Isobella as yet.” Although I have tried.

Lord Granville rose to his feet and walked to the side of the room, pouring them both a drink. “I will be honest, Your Grace. There is some hesitancy there.”

All of Amos’ hopes crashed to the floor.

“But not on account of you,” the gentleman continued, making Amos frown in confusion. “When I apologized to you, Your Grace, I meant it.”

Taking the glass of brandy from him, Amos nodded his thanks. “I appreciate your trust in me, Lord Granville.”

“It was brought about by both Isobella’s conviction and my wife’s also,” the gentleman replied, sitting back down again. “As I have said, there is no concern on my part when it comes to your character, Your Grace. If Isobella trusts you, then I trust her judgment.”

Amos smiled.

“But I must wonder if Isobella herself would willingly accept you,” Lord Granville continued, sounding a trifle concerned. “To be clear, I hope that she would but… well, without going into detail, let me say that I felt she has an uncertainty there.”

Taking a sip of his brandy, Amos considered his response. That was, he considered, all he had seen in Lady Isobella himself, had he not? The hope that had only just begun to rebuild itself immediately crashed to the floor again. “I can understand that concern.”

“Oh?”

Amos gave him a wry smile. “I did ask if I might call on her some time ago. Her response was somewhat muted.”

Lord Granville sighed and shook his head.

“After I spoke to you at the ball, my wife decided to speak with me about Isobella. She and I are both a little concerned for her.” He grimaced, then brought his brandy to his lips.

“I am not certain I should share all these things with you, Your Grace. They are Isobella’s past and Isobella’s pain…

but let me say this.” Sitting up a little straighter, he looked directly into Amos’ gaze.

“Isobella has been deeply hurt by not only one gentleman but three. The last was particularly painful, I am afraid. Louisa – my wife – thinks that Isobella is too afraid to let herself care for another again.”

Pain struck at Amos’ heart, though it was not pain for himself. Instead, there was a deep sympathy in his heart for her, wondering just how much she had been forced to endure. “I am very sorry to hear that.”

“She will tell you all, if she decides to do so,” Lord Granville continued, as Amos’ heart began to ache all the more.

“So, in answer to your question, Your Grace, you most certainly have my blessing should you decide to do so, but it will be up to Isobella herself as to whether or not she accepts.”

“I understand.” Amos finished his brandy and then nodded to Lord Granville. “Thank you for speaking with me.”

Lord Granville got to his feet and then shook Amos’s hand firmly. “I do hope that she will accept you, Your Grace. She is the most wonderful of sisters and deserves happiness.”

“I have every intention of giving her as much happiness as I can, should she accept,” Amos answered, aware that his feelings towards the lady were coming out in his words but caring nothing for that. “Thank you, Lord Granville.”

The gentleman nodded, and Amos quit the room, his head heavy with thoughts. Whatever had happened to Lady Isobella, she bore the pain of it still. That was what held her back from accepting him, mayhap?

I must speak to her, he thought to himself, stepping out into his carriage. I must be entirely honest with her, I must express my heart and hope that she will be willing to do the same.