Page 46

H aving escaped the stuffiness of the drawing room, Amelia was grateful for the fresh air and solitude. Her mind was still wrestling with the implications of Mr. Greene’s possible claim to the estate when voices from the rose garden caught her attention.

“But surely you can see how impossible it is?” Caroline’s voice carried clearly on the autumn breeze. “Frederick would never agree.”

“Your brother’s approval is not required, my dear.” Mr. Greene’s silky tones made Amelia halt mid-step. “You’re of age to make your own decisions.”

Amelia eased behind a tall hedge, her heart pounding. She knew she ought not eavesdrop, but the memory of that half-written letter in the library steeled her resolve.

“I’m not quite of age,” Caroline replied, a note of uncertainty creeping into her usually confident voice. “And Frederick says—”

“Frederick says, Frederick thinks, Frederick decides.” Mr. Greene’s voice took on an edge of frustration before smoothing out again.

“My dearest, sweetest girl, don’t you see?

Your brother means well, but he cannot understand the depth of feeling between us.

He sees only what society expects him to see—the differences in our ages, our circumstances. ”

“He says you’re a fortune hunter.” The words burst from Caroline like water from a dam.

There was a pause, during which Amelia scarcely dared breathe. Then Mr. Greene laughed, a rich, warm sound that even Amelia had to admit was appealing.

“A fortune hunter? I, who stand to inherit—” He broke off abruptly. “My dear girl, if I were after a fortune, I assure you there are easier targets than a young lady whose inheritance is years away. No, what draws me to you is something far more precious.”

“What?” Caroline’s voice had dropped to barely more than a whisper.

“Your spirit. Your fire. The way your eyes dance when you laugh. The way you see the world as full of possibilities rather than constraints.” Each phrase was delivered with careful precision, like individual arrows finding their mark.

“You remind me of someone I once knew—a young lady who also dared to follow her heart, despite what society dictated.”

Amelia’s fingers dug into the hedge. Was he referring to Pernilla? Did he dare use that connection to further his aims with Caroline?

“Who?” Caroline asked, clearly captivated.

“A lady who lived long ago. She too was told whom she could and couldn’t love.

But she had the courage to defy convention, to reach for happiness despite the odds.

” Mr. Greene’s voice dropped lower, compelling Caroline to lean closer to hear him.

“The question is, my dear, do you possess such courage?”

“I—I think so,” Caroline stammered. “But surely there’s no need for such dramatic measures. If we simply wait—”

“Wait?” The word cracked like a whip. “Wait while your brother arranges a more ‘suitable’ match? Wait while society whispers and schemes? No, my love. Sometimes one must act decisively to secure one’s happiness.”

Amelia shifted slightly, trying to see around the hedge without revealing herself. The scene before her made her chest tight: Caroline, looking young and vulnerable in her white muslin, while Mr. Greene towered over her, one hand resting possessively on her shoulder.

“What are you suggesting?” Caroline’s voice trembled.

“Meet me tonight, after the household is asleep. At the park gates. I’ll have a carriage waiting.” His voice grew urgent. “We can be in Scotland before anyone realizes we’re gone. Once we’re married, even Frederick will have to accept it.”

“Scotland?” Caroline’s voice rose sharply before Mr. Greene shushed her.

“Keep your voice down, my dear. Yes, Scotland. Where we can be married without banns or licenses. Where no one can prevent us from following our hearts.”

Amelia’s mind raced. She had to stop this, but how? If she revealed herself now, Mr. Greene would simply find another opportunity to press his suit. If she ran to tell Sir Frederick, Caroline might feel cornered and more likely to rebel.

“I don’t know…” Caroline sounded torn. “It seems so drastic.”

“Love is drastic, my dear. It burns away all conventional considerations, leaving only truth behind.” Mr. Greene’s voice grew tender.

“I know it frightens you. But think—by this time tomorrow, we could be man and wife, free to love as we choose. No more disapproving brothers, no more society’s rules. ”

“But Freddy would be so hurt…”

“He’ll forgive you once he sees how happy you are. How could he not?” Mr. Greene pressed his advantage. “The only question is whether you trust your heart enough to follow it.”

Amelia had heard enough. Gathering her skirts, she stepped out from behind the hedge, deliberately crunching the gravel beneath her feet.

“Miss Caroline! What a lovely surprise. I was just looking for you—Lady Pendleton has been asking after you. Something about the musical entertainment planned for this evening?”

Caroline jumped guiltily, her cheeks flaming. Mr. Greene’s expression darkened for just a moment before smoothing into its usual bland charm.

“Miss Fairchild. How…fortunate we are to encounter you.” His tone suggested quite the opposite.

“Indeed.” Amelia smiled pleasantly while hooking her arm through Caroline’s. “Shall we return to the house? The evening air is growing quite chill.”

Caroline allowed herself to be led away, though Amelia noticed how she glanced back at Mr. Greene. His face, when Amelia dared a quick look, was thunderous.

She’d prevented the immediate danger, but Amelia knew this was far from over. Mr. Greene was not a man to give up easily, especially not with so much potentially at stake. As they walked back to the house, she squeezed Caroline’s arm gently.

“You know,” she said carefully, “I once knew a young lady who was tempted to make a hasty decision regarding marriage. She very nearly threw away everything—her family’s trust, her reputation, her future happiness—all because a gentleman convinced her that dramatic gestures were proof of love.”

“What happened to her?” Caroline asked, her voice small.

“She was fortunate enough to have friends who helped her see that true love isn’t proved by grand gestures or secret meetings. It’s proved by patience, by respect for those who care about us, by willingness to face obstacles together openly rather than skulking about in shadows.”

Caroline was quiet for several steps. Then, “Did she regret not running away?”

“No,” Amelia said firmly. “Because she realized that any man who truly loved her would want to protect her reputation, not compromise it. Would want to face her family proudly, not skulk about like a thief in the night.”

They had reached the house. Caroline paused at the door, her young face troubled. “Miss Fairchild?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For… for coming to find me.”

Amelia squeezed her arm again before releasing it. “That’s what friends are for, my dear. Now, shall we see what Lady Pendleton has planned for the evening’s entertainment?”

As they entered the house, Amelia’s mind was already racing ahead.

She needed to find Sir Frederick. Between them, they would find a way to protect Caroline from Mr. Greene’s machinations without pushing the headstrong girl further into his arms. It would require delicacy, tact, and above all, patience.

She only hoped Caroline was not as headstrong as she had proved in the past.