show up with, the ban stands. Now that we’ve decided to keep it in place, I will send a note around to Newton and tell him the bad news.”
They then continued to go over the list of members who owed money and for how long, commenting that luckily the outstanding debts were not unmanageable. Dante took his leave shortly after their conversation.
Driscoll looked over at her, but she ignored him. She didn’t want to discuss the kiss since she was still reeling from the fact that Randolph had come close to being readmitted back into the Rose Room.
She looked up when Driscoll’s shadow fell over her desk. “Amelia?”
“Yes?”
“You seem upset. I didn’t want to say anything when Dante was here, but I noticed your hand shaking.”
She waved him off. “’Tis nothing.”
He rested his hip on her desk and swung his foot. “I want you to know Amelia, that you can trust me. If there is some sort of danger you are in, please let me know. I would protect you, but I need to know what I’m protecting you from.”
She attempted a smile. “No danger. I think I’m merely tired.”
He studied her carefully. “Are you upset because I kissed you?”
It took her a moment, then she said, “No. I mean, I was not upset, maybe a little bit surprised.”
“I think you feel the same attraction between us that I do. If not, just say so and I will never bother you again.” He reached out and brushed back an errant curl behind her ear.
She chewed on her lip. Of course, she felt the attraction. How could she avoid it every time she looked into this man’s deep brown eyes?
“May I be honest?”
Driscoll’s shoulders stiffened. “Of course.”
She stood and walked around the desk, unable to sit with him so close and think clearly. She fiddled with her dress, folding the fabric, then smoothing it out. “I won’t deny the attraction.” She blushed and he smiled. “However, I am not in a place where I can encourage the attention of a man. Any man.”
“Ah, Amelia.” He studied her for a minute, then continued. “It comes down to trust, does it not? You don’t trust me, and in truth, we have not known each other long enough for trust to develop.”
He reached out and took her hand, drawing her close to him. “Will you allow me to try?”
She almost cried with frustration. Were she in any other place and time she would love to have the attentions of this man. He was handsome, charming, helpful, and caring. He and his brother ran a successful business which would provide a nice living for a wife and children.
But she would never be that wife. Once Randolph found out where she was, he would use his guardianship to bring her back home and then pass her on to Daniel Lyons.
“I don’t think it would work.” She drew herself up and fought the tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry.” Her voice shook. “But, no.”
Before she could change her mind or collapse into a bundle of tears against his strong chest, she backed up and headed toward the door. “I think I will retire for the night. I am quite tired.”
He didn’t move from his spot, didn’t try to stop her, but continued to watch her as she made her quick escape.
She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
8
Randolph Newton slammed his empty whiskey glass on the table, barely avoiding the edge of the table, and swore. “Bloody hell, where did the bitch disappear to?”
His drinking partner, well into his cups himself, shrugged. “Her disappearance is not my problem. ‘Tis yours, my friend. You owe me.”
Newton glowered at him. “I thought you were so anxious to get between her thighs, Lyons.”
He nodded. “I am. But it is your responsibility to deliver her to me. I will give you three days. Then I will demand payment in coin.”
“I don’t have the blunt. You know that. And you agreed to take Amelia in payment.”
Lyons stretched his arms out, almost toppling from his chair. “Do I see her here, Newton? Is she sitting on my lap, Newton? Has she warmed my bed yet, Newton? A man can’t enjoy the pleasures of his mistress if she is missing, Newton.”
Newton shook his head. “She has no friends in London. She has no money to travel back to the family estate. And even if she did, it’s already occupied.” He ran his fingers through his already-tousled hair. “Where could