The Heiress of Winterwood - By Sarah Ladd Page 0,17

“He’s here.”

“Whatever are you talking about? Who’s here?” Helena craned her neck to look. After a scan of the main floor, she, too, jerked back from the staircase, eyes wide. “Oh. He’s here.”

Blood pounded in Amelia’s ears. The tragedy that could ensue played in her mind’s eye like a scene from the theater. Her words came in a pant. “He must have come with his brother.”

“But William Sterling never comes to these things.” Helena’s eyes were wide. “Never!”

“Aunt always invites him, though. He is our neighbor. You know how your mother is.”

Time froze. Amelia forced her breathing to steady. Not only would she have to face Captain Graham Sterling tonight, but she would have to face his older brother, the master of Eastmore Hall, as well.

Amelia had not spoken to Mr. William Sterling in months, not since he’d behaved shamefully toward her at a dinner party a year ago. She could still feel the grip of his bare hands on her upper arm, the smell of the claret on his breath, and the taste of tobacco as he forced a kiss on her. She shuddered. She had told no one save her friend Jane Hammond for fear that the incident would be misinterpreted as impropriety on her part. But she had also vowed never to speak to him again if at all possible. Mr. Sterling, if he even remembered the incident, had apparently utilized discretion and never spoken of it either, but that did not mean Amelia wished to be in his company.

But even more daunting than the prospect of an evening with William Sterling or an uncomfortable encounter with the captain was the realization that Edward and Captain Sterling would speak tonight. It would be unavoidable.

Helena’s words were sharp. “This is a fine mess indeed.”

“We need a plan. That is certain.” Amelia paced the hall.

“We?” Helena shook her head, apparently forgetting about the carefully arranged tresses on her head. “No, no, no! I will not be a part of—”

“Please! Just . . . please. Everything will be fine, you shall see, but I need your help. You must keep the captain occupied. Stay by his side as much as possible. Prevent him from talking to, well, anyone else.”

Helena planted her hands on her hips. “I have promised to keep your secret, Amelia, and keep it I shall. But I will not play a part in any of your schemes.”

Amelia linked her arm through Helena’s. “If not for me,” she pleaded, “then do it for Aunt Augusta. She would be mortified should anything go amiss tonight.”

Helena pursed her lips. “I am not happy, Amelia. Truly I am not. But you are correct. If anything should happen and word got out about what you have done, our family would be the laughingstock of the entire county.”

Amelia reached out and patted Helena’s russet locks back into place. “I need you. Lucy needs you. And this is the last request I will make of you. You have my word.”

“Oh, very well.” Helena snapped her fan open and started for the stairs once more.

“Thank you, Helena.” Amelia embraced her cousin and then smoothed her own silk skirt, forcing herself to ignore the guilt tapping in her mind.

Glass clinked. Gentle laughs and polite conversation rang through Winterwood Manor’s dining room. The familiar setting and festive atmosphere should have put her at ease. But tranquility eluded Amelia.

She cast a sideways glance at her betrothed. Handsome and self-assured, Edward boasted a commanding presence. He sat so close to Amelia that if she moved her arm even a fraction, it would brush the black wool fabric of his coat sleeve. She remained uncomfortably still, not wanting to join his conversation . . . or any other.

She poked at the salmon on her plate and dragged her fork through the shrimp sauce, trying not to stare at the captain, who was seated directly across from her. She was grateful that etiquette forbade her from speaking across the table during dinner. At least she would be able to avoid conversation for now. The captain’s brother, William Sterling, sat to his left. As if sensing her attention, Mr. Sterling looked up, his forkful of stewed spinach hovering in midair, and smiled at her. Amelia quickly looked away. Would the captain have told his brother about the proposal?

Amelia eyed the captain again. To his immediate right, Helena chattered on, doing her flirtatious best to ensnare his attention. Her dainty cousin threw her head back in a believable laugh, her cheeks rosy and