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“Yes, Edward, I know all that. Sir Frederick has been gallivanting on the Continent, no doubt up to his usual antics, for I remember what a swaggering braggart he was during my first season out, though he certainly fooled my fellow debutantes at the time.” Assailed by memories, Amelia had to steady herself with a hand upon the back of a chair as she went on, “And his sister is very young to be out. Only seventeen, and still in the schoolroom several months ago. However, their mama is ailing, and Caroline is very headstrong, so it was decided to launch her early in order to secure her future to the old man’s satisfaction.

In fact, she’s so lively and easily-led, I heard it whispered Sir Frederick was afraid she’d climb out of her bedroom window and elope with a fortune hunter, so I don’t wonder you’ve never heard of her.

And with a reputation for being so headstrong, it’s little surprise her brother, Sir Frederick, has found some reason to take her to task tonight.

No doubt you heard the word marriage because Sir Frederick was cautioning her on its dangers . ”

Edward’s mouth dropped open. “How do you know all this, Amelia? I thought you took no interest in these things.” He waved his arm about to encompass the room as his gaze narrowed and he added, suspiciously, “In fact, I thought you had no interest in anyone here tonight, and certainly not Sir Frederick.”

“Lord, Edward, what do you take me for? I’d marry a goldfish before I married a swaggering lothario like Sir Frederick!”

Amelia brought her hand to her mouth a second time, for that gentleman was in fact passing them by that very moment and, at the sound of his name, he frowned. But he continued with a polite incline of his head, albeit a slight flaring of his nostrils.

Amelia’s cheeks flamed. “Lord, Edward, what if he heard me?” she whispered. “But worse! What if he learns of your wager? Oh, do go and strike it out this very minute!”

Edward bit his lip. “I might succeed in getting it removed from public view, but the fact is that Morley ain’t going to release me from it.”

“So, he was the only one who saw you write up the wager?”

Edward nodded.

“Then do what you can to erase it from White’s Betting Book.

Or at least from making it appear publicly.

As for Roger Morley, you’ll have to deal with him when the time comes.

” Amelia’s shoulders sagged. But no, she could not show her distress in public.

She prided herself on her stoicism. After brave, beloved Thomas had died a hero’s death, society had expected her to weep and wail like a lovelorn snowdrop.

But she’d proved she was as different from her mother as it was possible to be.

The battle had been hard won, but she’d fought her grief and presented to the world the face of a woman who could survive any pain or disappointment life threw at her.

She’d not allowed emotion to fell her then, and she’d not do so now.

Tears and self pity were not her recourse.

But action was.

“Edward,” she said, putting her hand on his shoulder and forcing him to meet her gaze. His eyes were a little bloodshot and hazy, but she knew he was attending. “Tell me exactly the terms of the wager.”

“I did tell you, Amelia. That Sir Frederick would announce his betrothal and walk a vivacious, blonde vixen down the aisle before six weeks was up.”

Amelia nodded. “That sounds simple enough,” she said, forcing a smile. “Now we just need to make sure he does.”

“Excuse me, Miss Fairchild.” A delicate clearing of the throat interrupted Edward’s response as Lady Townsend insinuated herself into their circle.

Amelia wouldn’t have minded if it had only been the older woman whom she had met but a few times with her mama in the days when Lady Fairchild showed her face in society.

Making the situation even more uncomfortable was the gentleman at her side and to whom it appeared she wished to introduce Amelia.

Sir Frederick.

He was the last person Amelia wished to meet now that Sir Frederick’s marital situation suddenly determined whether Amelia could enjoy the remainder of her life as a contented spinster in the country.

Or—God forbid!—be forced to find herself a husband if she no longer had the means to keep herself, thanks to Edward.

Another thought intruded.

Amelia’s future depended upon ensuring Sir Frederick’s heart was captured by a petite, vivacious blonde.

Of course, Amelia must smile and be gracious if only to break the ice so she could begin, at the earliest, introducing to him all the petite, vivacious blondes she could find in the hopes that one of them would appeal to the gentleman.

“Miss Fairchild, I came to ask after your dear mama,” the older woman said. “I am sad I no longer see her about, for she was a friend of mine, as she was of Sir Frederick’s mama. In fact, I prevailed upon him to join me in sending you my greetings, for he tells me you have already been introduced.”

“A long time ago.” Amelia inclined her head, forcing a polite smile, but not succeeding so successfully in hiding her skepticism when Lady Townsend added, “Sir Frederick has been pursuing his interest in the antiquities during his five years on the Continent. Like you, my dear, he has a great love of learning and I’m sure the pair of you would have much to discuss. ”