Page 68 of The Scandal of the Deceived Duchess

“It is worth some thought, Sir Thomas,” he said at last.

“Good…that is very good. I always like to hear it when an idea is not immediately rebuffed. Except when it is an offer of purchase on my part of course.” He chuckled deeply and smiled. “It appears that what you just said put a smile on my daughter’s face. Why don’t you two young people go for a stroll and talk about it some more.” He pointed with his fork at Amelia.

Sir Thomas shooed them in the direction of the door. “So, Jake,” he said when Amelia and Jonathan were in the hall. “How about we go check my land and the tenants that live there. Jonathan mentioned that you are very good with such things.”

“Anna, would you be so kind as to help me with the Christmas plans. There is always so much to arrange…we have parties…”

Amelia and Jonathan almost bumped into the wall when they heard Lady Felicity’s request. She had actually asked Anna for her help. The two ladies would most probably be spending the entire morning together until luncheon.

“We are truly turning into a family, Jonathan,” said Amelia, leading him in the direction of the riding room.

“Yes, that we are.”

“Did you really mean it when you said that you would think about buying a property here when Papa asked you?” asked Amelia. She had that look about her when she wanted to know something. Jonathan lifted her up, making her scream in protest. “Put me down you rogue,” she said in jest.

Jonathan gently lowered her. “I might tell you if you give me a kiss.”

Amelia looked at him slyly “You are going to have to do better than that.”

He laughed. “Truly her father’s daughter. You are always negotiating.” He thought a moment. “Give me a kiss, and I will tell you my best offer.”

She didn’t need any further prompting. She pressed her lips to his, bringing her hand up until her fingers twined in his hair. He mirrored her movement, pressing her against him. The kiss was powerful, deep and almost all-consuming were it not for one little thing.

“So, tell me what is on your mind?” she asked, pulling away.

Jonathan could not hold back his laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

“You are. When something piques your interest, nothing can hold you back. You are the most curious person I know, but I love you for it, Amelia. I really do.”

She smiled back at him, laughing just for the joy of it. It felt like a million butterflies had taken up residence in her tummy and it appeared that they were never going to leave. “I love you too with all of my heart.” She pressed her eyebrows together. “Now, tell me,” she insisted, as she pulled him in the direction of the stairs to the lower floor.

Again, Jonathan bellowed laughter. “All right…first, we shall spend Christmas together and then we have a lot of work to do concerning the marriage. I might even have to travel back to the United States for a bit, but we will make that dependent on the wedding date…”

Amelia stopped walking and put her hands on her hips. “Oh, Jonathan, stop dilly-dallying and tell me what you think about buying some property here…”

The End?