happy for me?"
Beryl had come to sit beside her. "Are you happy?" Amy asked.
Beryl smiled. "Of course I am, dearest. You don't mind, do you? I know you didn't take a great liking to Owen, but I'm sure you'll come to see his qualities as I do."
"Well, he's rich," said Amy.
"Amy, dear," said Beryl with a slight frown, "you know I would never marry for money alone. Owen and I are very fond of each other. Very fond." Beryl looked over at monkeyish Owen Staverley with warm devotion. He caught her eye and looked away, reddening. Hunger.
Amy became aware her mouth was hanging open and closed it.
"You mustn't mind his manner," Beryl said quietly. "He's just shy, you see, and hides it with a frown. He feels ill at ease until he knows people well. But he's the soul of generosity. He's settled a handsome amount on Jassy and put money into the estate, so by the time Jasper achieves his majority the estate should be debt free."
"He must have put in a great deal of money," said Amy, startled.
"Yes, but he said it was made easier because someone had recently done something with the debts. I don't understand it, but you may. They've been bought up, I think, and the interest reduced to a mere nothing. Perhaps it was something Uncle Cuthbert arranged."
Amy looked over at Sir Cedric, who was clearly attending to this conversation. He looked rueful and winked.
Her stunned amazement was beginning to fade, and facts were beginning to settle and sort in her mind. There was a chance that it was all going to be all right. Could she dare believe it?
More arrivals. Amy looked up to see Harry, Randal, and Sophie at the door. Numbly awaiting what was to come next, Amy made a fresh round of introductions. Nell ordered more cups and tea.
Randal and Sophie sat. Harry remained standing.
"I have come," he said loudly, "to ask Miss de Lacy to marry me."
"You can't," said Amy pleasantly. "She's going to marry Mr. Staverley."
Harry looked startled, but then laughed. "I have come to ask Miss Amethyst de Lacy to marry me. Will you Amy?"
Amy considered him. "I would have thought after last time that you'd have realized I don't much care for such blunt proposals."
"After last time," he said bluntly, "and all that's gone in between, I'm not sure it's worth making a long speech of it."
He seemed quite unconscious of their fascinated audience. Not so Amy, particularly if he intended a review of their encounters. She stood. "Perhaps we can continue this discussion in private."
He stopped her before she reached the door and wrapped an imprisoning arm around her. "Oh no, I may need witnesses."
"What on earth are you talking about?" But Amy relaxed against his body and laid her head on his shoulder.
He leaned close to her ear, which was enough in itself to make her begin to lose her hold on her senses. "That note should have given you a hint," he whispered. "I'll stop at nothing, wench. It's up my sleeve."
"What is?" she murmured, fighting giggles. Everyone was staring at them as if they'd gone mad.
"Your shift," he whispered, warm and soft against her ear. "Shall I pull it out and wave it before the company, or do you surrender gracefully?"
Amy was very tempted to call his bluff. When had she become such a wicked, reckless woman? But she surrendered, if not very gracefully. "I'll probably accept you," she said clearly, "if you manage to make a handsome proposal."
He looked startled, then blindingly happy. She realized that he knew nothing of what had transpired today but had truly come to force her hand by any means possible.
He went dramatically to one knee. "My dearest Amethyst, precious jewel of my heart, I can imagine no joy in life if you are not by my side. In my eyes you are perfect. I adore you. Give me the right to love and cherish you forever."
He was acting the fool, but his eyes told her every exaggerated word was true.
Amy gave her hand and drew him to his feet, fighting tears. "I think you should know I would have married Sir Cedric if he'd asked me. He's going to marry Nell instead."
"Congratulations, sir," said Harry to the banker. "No you wouldn't," he said to Amy. "Why do you think I came armed?"
"You really would?" she asked.
"I really would. That's why I brought Randal. He'd force us to the altar if no one else did."
"I haven't the faintest idea what he's talking about," said Randal. "But I would point out that you haven't answered, Amy, and the tea tray is behind you."
Amy and Harry stepped out of the doorway to allow the maid to bring in the tea.
"Well?" said Harry.
"I'm scared," said Amy.
"What on earth of? Of me?"
"No, no, never of you. I'm scared this will all be a dream."
He gathered her into his arms, despite the crowded room. "I'll make it a dream that will last your whole life long. Say yes, darling."
"Yes, darling."
As Harry kissed Amy, Beryl beamed at her betrothed and said, "Do you know, Owen, dear, you are joining the most fortunate family in the world."