Page 35 of The Rules of Matrimony (The Matchmaking Mamas #4)

Amie enjoyed reading aloud, though she seldom had the opportunity to do so. She never thought the moment would come while sitting beside Lord Kellen’s bedside. Reading to him had been her idea to get Lady Kellen to rest after what had appeared to be a sleepless night, but now it seemed to be for her own sake. Amie hoped the words of a story would soothe Lord Kellen as much as they were soothing her. Doctors ought to prescribe more books to their patients—if only to distract their caretakers.

Robinson Crusoe had not been long captured by pirates when a gravelly voice interrupted her.

“What are you doing here?”

She jumped, and her eyes flew to meet Lord Kellen’s narrowed pair, her heart on the verge of some sort of attack. “You’re awake.” She stated the obvious, for nothing else came to mind. She set her book on the table beside his bed. “Let me get your water.” Taking up the glass, she brought it to Lord Kellen’s mouth. Only a little dribbled onto his pillow, which she quickly wiped with a nearby handkerchief.

As soon as she set the glass down again, she was met by another of his glares. “Did my son bring you here to finish me off?”

She awkwardly smoothed her skirt. Avoiding responding to his threat might be the ideal approach. The last thing she desired was to upset him further. “Your family is resting. Can I send for any food? Or perhaps the doctor?” She took hold of the bellpull and gave it a hasty yank. Even if he did not desire food or help, she was going to request it. Anything to keep her hands busy.

He grunted. “I don’t want food or laudanum. What I want is for my son to annul his marriage.”

“I see.”

Lord Kellen’s grouchy words sounded less authoritative and a great deal more petulant when given from a prostrate position in bed. It was one thing for her to ask Ian to annul their marriage, but Lord Kellen’s demand felt entirely wrong coming out of his mouth. She wanted to tell him that she would never, ever end her marriage for him. This wasn’t the time to speak her opinion though. She’d encountered a few cantankerous individuals before on her dozens of neighbor visits over the years. He couldn’t hurt her with anything more than his words, and for some reason, that gave her an absurd burst of courage. “Shall I read until a tray is brought up for you?”

He drew his eyes away from her. “I’m not a child to be tended to, nor do I care for your presence. Leave me, and tell my wife I’m awake.”

Perhaps Amie’s offer hadn’t been the most attractive to him, but she had meant well. If she upset Lord Kellen and caused a relapse, she might not be able to forgive herself. And yet Lady Kellen had looked ready to collapse this morning.

Amie chewed on her lip, determined to do right by them both. “Your wife has kept a faithful vigil by your side, and she very much needs her rest. I daresay she is on the verge of illness herself.” Amie took up the book and sat again. “After another chapter, I wouldn’t be surprised if she wakes on her own.”

Lord Kellen groaned, his eyes pressed closed. “Of all the impertinence. I’m a sick man. Do you want me to grow worse yet?”

Her brow furrowed. “Why would I wish that? Your wife and son are beside themselves. I want nothing more than for you to recover straightaway.”

Lord Kellen tipped his head back and stared at the ceiling. “My wife, I would believe, but my son would worry more for my recovery than my illness. And you ... you have no reason to wish for my health, I assure you.”

She should leave; she really should. Instead, she opened the book and started reading again. Not ten minutes later, she observed Lord Kellen’s heavy breathing and relaxed features. He was asleep again. Shoulders drooping, she sank back in her chair. Good. She hadn’t killed him.

Yet.

After a maid set a tray with broth and drink in the room, Ian stepped inside. He took in Amie and then the tray. “Broth? Did my father awake?”

“He did.” She reached for her hair to make certain her appearance was in order.

“Did he speak?”

“A little.”

“What did he say?”

“He was not ready for food or more medicine, but he did mention that he was happy you were here and that your mother was resting.” Never had Amie told a more blatant lie. But this was a delicate situation, and no one needed another reason to be angry with each other. She perfectly remembered Ian’s response the last time they’d tried to discuss an annulment. This was the time for peacemaking.

Ian’s brow rose. “Really? Perhaps his illness has humbled him.” He looked at his father, and his face actually softened. It wasn’t much, but it was a step in the right direction. “I see you have been reading to him. A kind ... and brave deed.”

He had no idea how brave.

“Have you been reading for long?” he asked.

“A few hours. I had nothing to do at your townhome, so I came over to see if anyone could make use of me. Your mother did not appear as if she had slept at all, so I took her place.”

A gentle smile touched Ian’s mouth. “That was kind of you. Why don’t you take some exercise while I sit here for a spell.”

She was all too eager to put distance between herself and this room but worried about Ian and his father arguing again. However, peace was not something one could force upon another. If Ian wanted to sit by his father, she had to let him. “I could use a walk about the neighborhood.” She set her book down and moved around her chair to leave.

Ian caught her hand as she passed. She looked up at him, curious about what he wanted. His warm gaze quickly made her forget whatever thoughts she had.

“Thank you, Amie,” he said. “You were right to bring me here.”

She could barely form words. “You’re welcome.”

His hand tightened, as if to keep her from pulling away. But she would never think to do that. “And thank you for sparing Mama. That means a great deal to me.” His thumb caressed the back of her hand, trailing a line of heat.

Her mouth curved into a small smile, and she nodded. The tenderest of smiles graced his own lips. Finally, he released her and eased into the chair she had vacated.

She stepped into the corridor and curled her hands around her arms. He had touched her again after swearing not to do so. She loved when he broke his own rules.

Slowly descending the stairs, she had one thought that persisted. Ian couldn’t listen to his father and annul their marriage. She was tired of feeling beneath him. For she was quite certain that when she and Ian touched, she was his equal. She had spent years fighting for a roof over her head, and now she wanted to fight for something far greater—for them.

In those few seconds with her hand in his, she had known her heart. She was in love with him. She had likely been so for some time and had not openly admitted it to herself. She gripped the banister tighter, a second realization dawning on her. Lord Kellen was responsible for her sudden determination. His words inspired her to hold on to her love and never let go.

How she had tried to ignore her feelings, telling herself that she would grow used to life without Ian. She knew now, without a shred of doubt, that her heart would always belong to him. No fear accompanied this realization, only peace and happiness. She wanted to protect this new, growing emotion inside her. She couldn’t alter her past or her connections, as Lord Kellen wanted, but she would do everything in her power to support Ian in his passions. After seeing the glimmer of Ian’s smile as she’d left his side, she was nearly convinced that she could make him happy too.

She took another step down and froze again. One question could not be ignored: Would Ian ever let her love him? There was the matter of their contract and his deep-seated reasons for wanting to uphold it. Drat Lord Grumpy and his stubbornness. Could she persuade him to give their marriage a real chance before his father did otherwise?

If they stayed married, she had a lifetime to convince Ian to love her. But for some reason, she felt a clock ticking somewhere in her head and a sliver of fear telling her to convince him soon, or their future apart would be sealed.