Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half by Grace Samantha

Author:Grace, Samantha [Grace, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2012-06-04T22:00:00+00:00

Eighteen

Jake had tolerated all he could of Lady Kennell and her defiance. If anyone needed a keeper, it was that woman. A generous heart did not make up for her lack of good sense. Since their argument in Amelia’s drawing room the other day, the viscountess had been badgering Amelia nearly every hour to toss her on Davenport’s sacrificial alter.

When he had arrived last evening to escort Amelia to the theatre, her sunken eyes and sallow complexion struck him with the power of a left delivered by Gentleman Jack himself. The entire affair was taking an alarming toll on her. If Lady Kennell would leave well enough alone, Jake would have the renovation matter settled before the end of the night. By introducing the topic of Sir Davenport yet again while she and Amelia had been shopping, the viscountess had stirred the bees’ hive. Of course, Jake hadn’t helped matters when he had taken the lady to task on the ride and instigated another heated row.

Jake rubbed his temple in an attempt to erase last night’s memory. Amelia’s expression had been miserable when she had dashed inside the Royal Theatre, leaving him and Lady Kennell in the carriage to tussle like dogs vying for the same bone. It was no wonder Amelia had ended their evening early. He had behaved with a deplorable lack of restraint.

His carriage turned onto Park Street, headed for her town house. If he were fortunate, Amelia would forgive him the lapse in manners and allow him another chance to prove he could accept her dearest friend, though the viscountess tried his patience beyond what any man should have to tolerate. Still seething a bit over Amelia’s impertinent companion, Jake climbed from the carriage and marched up the stairs of Verona House. He took a cleansing breath, attempting to set his irritation aside, then knocked on her door with calm assurance.

When there was no evidence of anyone answering his call, his patience began to leach away. Jake raised his fist and pounded on the door. Still, there was no immediate response.

What is taking so bloody long?

His foot tapped an erratic rhythm as he waited.

And waited.

As Jake prepared to hammer on the door, the lock clicked and it drifted open.

The butler’s craggy visage greeted him, stern and annoyed. He lifted his nose and sniffed. “Mr. Hillary.”

His derision fanned Jake’s irritation. “I would like an audience with Lady Audley.”

Bradford didn’t move aside to allow him access. “I am afraid that is impossible. Good day, sir.”

Hellfire and damnation! Who was the butler to decide if Amelia would see Jake or not? “Now see here.” Jake stepped forward, sending Bradford scurrying behind the door as if to throw his slight weight against it. “First you must take my card to my betrothed before turning me away. I’ll wait in the drawing room.”

Bradford’s eyes rounded and his fingers gripped the door’s edge. “Sir, her ladyship is not in residence. I cannot present your card.”

Jake scowled. Amelia wasn’t one to play coquettish games.

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