The men watched curiously when Sebastian turned towards the door of the coach, beckoning with his hand until Amelia emerged from the dark recesses of the carriage. Despite her wariness, her instinctive movements showed an elegant grace that contradicted the cheap, threadbare clothing she wore.
“Let me introduce Amelia,” Sebastian murmured, loving pride ringing clearly in his voice. “Amelia is the lady who saved my life.” He handed a hesitant Amelia forward as if she were a princess.
Amelia shot him a wary glance, and was about to curtsey when she was immediately swept into a hug by the man beside her.
“On behalf of all of us, thank you, Amelia. My name is Edward. You’ll have to excuse the lack of formality in the family. When there are just us around, we don’t bother with the bowing and scraping. Most of the time, we do wear clothing though.” His blue eyes twinkled ruefully down at her.
Amelia’s senses reeled. Although rumpled and clearly fresh out of bed, he had partially laced his loose shirt which hung over his low riding breeches. The man looked so much l
ike Sebastian, it was startling.
“Sorry.” Amelia turned at the mumbled apology, and found herself facing the half-naked male who had greeted Sebastian so enthusiastically. “Edward is quite right, my dear. We do usually wear clothing. Please accept my apologies.”
“This is Dominic, my elder brother.” Sebastian was unable to prevent a teasing smile at Amelia’s shock. She had yet to say anything, but her usually pale cheeks were stained a tantalising shade of pink with embarrassment.
“Let’s go inside, Amelia is getting cold.”
Without further hesitation, Amelia was swept into the vast hallway of Sebastian’s home.
A butler held the door open for them, beaming with joy as the small party swept through. Despite her appearance, he bowed deeply at Amelia before practically bursting with happiness at the sight of Sebastian.
“Sir, it is so very good to have you back.” Emotion laced the butler’s voice as he practically bounced from one foot to another with enthusiasm.
“Thank you, Hodgkiss,” Sebastian replied with a grin, as he clapped the older man on the shoulder. “It is indeed good to be home.”
Amelia’s senses whirled. She had expected Sebastian’s house to be large. He was, after all, Ton. The size was everything she had expected. Larger than most houses, there must be over thirty rooms within.
Despite her expectations, she was still stunned by the luxurious splendour that greeted her. The entrance hall was huge, and the study she had been led into was furnished quite elegantly. Oak panelling appeared to be practically everywhere. The darkness of the wood contrasted with the lush fabrics of the brightly upholstered furniture and thick curtains. Glittering crystal chandeliers and porcelain ornaments finished the tasteful decor to perfection.
It was a clear statement to anyone who visited, that they were in the house of a lord of the realm, and a wealthy one at that.
“Amelia?”
She jerked out of her daze to find Sebastian holding a delicate cup of tea in front of her nose. Woodenly she took it from him, shaking her head slowly when she was offered milk. Instead she sat perfectly still, and held the fine china in her hand as though it was about to grow horns and run off.
Memories she had spent years burying, were suddenly bursting to life once again. Memories Amelia wanted – needed - to remain buried.
She hadn’t been to Tingdale House before, but its luxury was so similar to the house she had grown up in, it was unnerving.
“You must be exhausted.” A soft murmur in her ear snapped her out of her reverie.
“I’m sorry,” Amelia replied with a sad smile to Dominic who, now fully clothed, had moved to sit beside her. “It must be all of the travelling. Please accept my apologies for my rudeness.”
“Nonsense, my dear, we understand,” Edward replied. He was intrigued by the dishevelled beauty his brother had returned home with.
“Should I prepare the green suite, sir?” Hodgkiss appeared so silently that Amelia jerked at the sudden question, spilling some of her tea with a frown.
“No, the Countess suite please, Hodgkiss. Could you also draw a bath for my lady and I’ll have one too,” Sebastian replied, fully aware of the status he had elevated Amelia to by his simple instructions. A status that at the moment was lost on Amelia. Everyone else knew the truth of their relationship. He shot them a warning glare to remain quiet.
“We will catch up with what happened later,” Sebastian added, in a voice laden with hidden meaning. “For now, let Amelia and me have a drink, and something to eat. Once we are cleaned up, we will update you on what has been happening.”
“You had better,” Dominic warned, with a frown at his younger brother. If he wasn’t mistaken, there was much more to the relationship between Sebastian and the beautiful woman by his side than saviour and victim.
“Sebastian!” The delighted squeal was accompanied by a flurry of movement as a stunning auburn-haired woman launched herself across the room at Sebastian, landing in his arms with a thud.
Amelia’s heart twisted in her chest at the sheer delight that lit Sebastian’s face as he lunged to his feet, barely catching her in his arms before swinging her around.
“We thought you were dead, you oaf,” the woman scolded, smacking his upper arm lightly when she was set back on her feet. “Don’t you ever do that to us again, Sebastian, we have been frantic.”