direction. His smile stretched wide as he grabbed her hands and pulled her toward him. The scent of rain still clung to his person. Amelia cast a quick glance over at her aunt. Aunt Augusta would never approve of such a blatant display of affection, but she was too engaged in welcoming her own husband home to pay heed to her niece.
Amelia attempted to remove herself from Edward’s grasp, but he tightened his grip on her bare hands and pulled her even closer. His lips were so close that his breath moved a curl next to her ear. “Tell me, dearest Amelia, that you missed me, even a little bit, and I shall be put at ease.”
She tried to tame her nervous smile and finally freed her hands, the intimacy of the interaction making it impossible for her to look him in the eye. She said what she knew he wanted to hear. “Of course I missed you.”
“Well then, I am relieved.” He straightened, his handsome smile continuing to light his face. “For not a moment passed that I didn’t wonder what my dear little Amelia was up to.”
His voice sounded devoid of hidden meanings, but guilt clenched Amelia’s stomach. She hurried to change the subject. “Come over to the fire, Edward. You must be chilled through.”
He did not object. Instead, he picked up her hand once again and looped it through his arm. The heat from the fire and the closeness of the man nearly suffocated her.
He kept his voice soft. “You wore the blue gown. Periwinkle, I believe the young ladies call it? You know how I adore you in this shade.”
She had grown accustomed to his lavish praise of her appearance, but today his quick flattery made her blush. “You mustn’t speak so. Aunt Augusta will hear you.”
He leaned forward and smoothed the broad lace ribbon lining the outer rim of her neckline. “Let her hear me. What does it matter? I will shout it from the rooftops. I’ve nothing to hide.”
“I know, but I beg of you. Propriety.”
He stared at her for several moments, amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth. Then he allowed his hand to fall to the side. “Very well. If it is what you desire, then so be it.”
Amelia exhaled and directed him to a chair—the very chair, she couldn’t help but notice, to which she had directed the captain the previous morning. He sat down and adjusted his stark white neckcloth. The rain had darkened his hair to almost black, and with his hand he slicked the damp locks off his face. The long side-whiskers framing his high cheekbones accentuated the noble slope of his nose. His dark eyes, always alert, seemed able to delve into her very soul—a thought that made Amelia avert her gaze.
What if he learned of her proposal to Captain Sterling? She feared his reaction as a child fears an impending punishment. For all of Edward’s winning qualities, his temper was no secret. Everything with Edward was an extreme. He was like a whirlwind: passionate and determined, impatient and headstrong. But his propensity to charm overshadowed any lapses of decorum. He could win the approval of almost anyone—and earn forgiveness just as quickly. Until recently, she had found him all but irresistible.
“Mr. Littleton.” Amelia looked up. She had not noticed her cousin approaching. Helena’s voice, as always, was steady and sure. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”
Edward stood. “Ah, Miss Barrett!”
“What news from Leeds? Surely you saw someone of our acquaintance?”
Edward shook his head. “I fear I cannot satisfy your curiosity. The bulk of our trip was spent tending to business affairs. However, I am on my way to London in a day or two, and I hope to bring you news from there.”
The overwhelming scent of rosewater signaled Aunt Augusta’s approach. Before another word could be uttered on the matter, she rested her hands on Helena’s shoulders. “Have you not told Mr. Littleton of our news here in Darbury?”
A sinking feeling pulled at Amelia, and she cast a desperate glance at Helena, hoping her cousin would be able to sway the conversation when she herself could not find words. But even that was too late, for her aunt’s words tumbled forth. “While you were gone, we have had a most interesting development here.” She leaned forward, clearly enjoying the game she was playing. “You will never guess who has returned to this county.”
Edward, still standing, leaned back against the chair and crossed one