Page 40 of The Missing Book

“Please, there is no need for thanks.” Leopold shook his head, the guilt on his heart still weighing down heavily. “I do want you and Lady Gwendoline to find happiness together, Melford. I hope that will come very soon.”

This made his brother smile genuinely this time, a new light coming into his eyes. “I am to speak to her father this afternoon, once we have completed our walk in Hyde Park, along with Anna and Lord Huggan.”

This made Leopold pause. “Lord Huggan has asked Anna to walk with him?”

“Indeed he has.” Melford chuckled, then stepped back. “It seems we may all find a suitable match this Season, Broughton. You as much as myself and Anna!”

A slow flush began to creep up Leopold’s neck.

“You cannot deny it and nor do I want you to,” his brother finished, making his way to the door. “Why do you not go to her now? I know she will be waiting to hear from you.”

There was no need for Leopold to ask who his brother meant, to pretend otherwise would be foolishness itself. With a small nod and smile, he waited until Melford had quit the room before he dropped his head and considered, aware of the slight ache in his heart whenever he thought of Lady Amelia. His family had come first, of course, but now there was no reason for him to delay. Having spoken to Melford and knowing now that Anna would be walking with Lord Huggan this afternoon, what reason did he have to stay back from her?

I must tell her all that is in my heart and my mind,he thought to himself, a swirl of uncertainty in his chest.I can only pray she will accept.

“Lady Amelia, Lord Broughton.”The butler cleared his throat. “Your father and brother are absent, shall I send for a maid?”

Leopold strode into the room, ignoring the butler and walking straight to Lady Amelia. She said something to the butler as he bowed, though Leopold could not make out what it was, for his eyes and his heart were too full of her. She was dressed in a light green gown which brought out the green glimmers in her hazel eyes. Her face was flushed, her lips slightlyrounded but as the butler departed, a smile touched the corners of her mouth.

“You came.”

“Of course. I cannot tell you of the struggle it has been staying apart from you but I had so much to speak of with my family first.”

“I quite understand.” She took his hand when he held it out and Leopold, not hesitating for even a moment, pulled her close and kissed her. There was such relief in that kiss, such joy and happiness, such as he had never felt before. Leopold dared only linger for a few seconds, knowing that the maid would soon be returning, but the overwhelming bliss captured him completely. Looking down into her eyes, he dared to run one finger lightly down her cheek and then to her shoulder, brushing lightly at the nape of her neck before he finally set his hand down to his side again. The other, however, held her hand tightly, refusing to be separated from her. Leading her to the couch, he sat down beside her, a sigh of contentment on his lips.

“I hope all is well?” She pressed her lips tightly together for just a moment. “I was afraid that a good deal of harm had taken place yesterday by what was revealed.”

“No, not harm.” Leopold offered her a wry smile. “I needed to hear what was said. You cannot know of the guilt that weighed upon my heart, realizing what my harshness had done.”

“Lord Melford,” Lady Amelia asked, her eyes searching his. “Is he very angry?”

“With you?” Leopold shook his head. “No, he is not angry. In truth, I think he is a little relieved that all has become clear. It must have been difficult for him to hide his devotion to Lady Gwendoline. The truth is, Amelia, I find myself a little overawed by the love he has for her, for it drove him to such great lengths so he might not be separated from her. Very few gentlemen can say that they have found such a thing, I think.”

Her gaze fastened to his.

“Anna does not hold anything against you either,” he continued, knowing what else was on his mind to say but wanting to speak clearly about everything else first. “Nor Lady Gwendoline. Indeed, I believe that they are all glad that the truth is known and that the marriage can now take place.”

“Lord Melford is to marry Lady Gwendoline, then?”

Leopold smiled. “Once he has spoken to her father, then yes, I think so. Though,” he continued, pressing her hand, “he stated he was going to buy back those books that were stolen and then return them to Mr. Lackington.” Clearing his throat, he looked away. “I am going to pay for their purchase, Amelia. I do not say that because I want you to think well of me but because I want you to see just how committed I am to change and how aware I am of my previous failure.”

“You were, in your own way, doing your very best for both Melford, yourself, and Anna,” she said, gently. “Your fervor was, mayhap, a little misplaced but I can see that your heart was eager to lead them the right way.”

Leopold sighed and pressed her hand. “I have made many mistakes but I think I am grateful for them.”

“Oh?”

“Because they have led me to you,” he said, the urge to kiss her again pulling at his heart though he made sure to keep his distance for the time being. “I cannot tell you how strange I felt it to be drawn to the very young lady I had told Anna to stay away from!”

This made Lady Amelia laugh, her eyes twinkling up at him. “And I cannot express how irritated I was with myself to find my interest in you growing most unexpectedly! I wanted to stay away from you, to stay back from you but I could not! I still recall dancing with you and becoming almost distraught over my sudden interest in the color of your eyes.”

Leopold’s heart began to beat furiously, aware of what it was he wanted to say but struggling to find the right words to say it. “Amelia, we have just come through a very strange time, and as you and I have both said, our interest in each other has come about most unexpectedly. But for myself, I can tell you that I have no thought of stepping back from what I feel. Iwantto be close to you, I want to continue on with our connection because… ” Closing his eyes for just a moment to think, he set his free hand atop their joined ones. “Amelia, the affection I have for you has already grown. I believe it is love that overwhelms me, though I could not say that it is as strong as the love my brother has for Lady Gwendoline. It is only the very beginning of it, I think, but I want – Idesperatelywant to have nothing more than the deepest, most sincere love in my heart for you.”

“Truly?” The word was whispered, a slight sheen of tears in her eyes as though she could hardly believe what he was saying.

“Truly,” he promised, leaning closer to her now. “Amelia, if I ask to court you, would you accept me?” His hand lifted, silencing her answer as he tried to explain himself a little more clearly. “I would ask to court you with the intention being to consider engagement and matrimony very soon thereafter,” he finished, his heart beating wildly. “In knowing that, Amelia, what would you say to me?”

Her answer was instant, a bright, beautiful smile spreading across her face. “Oh, Broughton, I would not hesitate for a moment in accepting you!” she exclaimed, closing the distance between them. “My heart feels the very same as you expressed, so what reason would I have to refuse you?” Her free hand lifted to settle on his shoulder, then around to his neck, pulling him close to her. “Kiss me again, Broughton. I want nothing more than to be yours.”

Leopold smiled, closed his eyes, and obliged her, his heart filled with love as he wrapped his arms around her once more,heedless to the maid in the room. The bluestocking he had once pushed away was now promising to be his forever! Surely, he thought as he held her tightly, there could be no greater happiness than this.