Chapter 1

The walls felt as if they were closing in on her. She was having problems breathing properly, and having people coming to congratulate the bride on her nuptials, jostling her as they went past, was not helping the matter. Amy took a deep breath and tried to stop her heart from going too fast.

She hated social occasions. Balls, dinner parties, weddings, the whole lot. It meant going into Society and seeing people that Amy had no desire to interact with. Her idea of socializing was two, maybe three, select friends coming over to the house or meeting her in the park. Small gatherings suited her much better. If it wasn’t for Sarah, Amy wouldn’t be here at all.

Beside her, Sarah, the new Marchioness of Merseyside, signaled one of the footmen over. She gave the young man a pretty smile as she put her empty glass on the tray, picking up a full flute with the other hand. The footman gave her a slight bow and silently moved on. Amy frowned. Her best friend had drank quite a bit since she had gotten married earlier in the day. Already her cheeks were a little more flushed than normal under her powder.

“You need to take it easy, Sarah,” she warned. “You’re going to keel over if you keep drinking so much, and I’m not going to pick you up off the floor.”

Sarah laughed and took a sip, her eyes twinkling at Amy.

“Oh, don’t fuss so about me, Amy. It’s a wedding. My wedding. I’m allowed to enjoy myself.”

“Not to the point you’re unable to walk at the end of the evening.”

Sarah rolled her eyes and linked arms with her best friend. In her wedding gown, her fiery red hair perfectly piled up on her head, she looked the vision of an angel. Amy didn’t think it was possible for Sarah to look any more beautiful.

“You are such a fusspot, Amy,” Sarah teased.

“I’m no such thing!”

“You are. You worry over the slightest thing.” Sarah squeezed Amy’s arm, taking another sip. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Believe it or not, I can drink a lot more than this and still be coherent.”

Amy didn’t believe that. But, Sarah was determined to have a good fun. And why shouldn’t she? It was her wedding day. It was something to celebrate. Amy had only met Sarah’s new husband, Kenneth Cliff, Marquess of Merseyside, very briefly, but he was a fine-looking man who was very gracious towards Sarah. He treated her like a princess, which had Sarah practically simpering over him. It was quite sweet to see.

She knew she should be happy for her friend. And yet, Amy couldn’t bring herself to relax. She had tolerated the wedding and the wedding dinner for Sarah, but now Amy wanted to leave, but she knew her father would outright refuse. She wasn’t going anywhere.

“Oh, Amy?” Sarah nodded across the crowded room. “I think your father’s trying to get your attention.”

Amy looked up. Viscount Graham Hartley was near the orchestra, frantically waving at her. He would stop whenever someone was walking past and give them a nod of greeting, and then go back to waving at his daughter. Amy sighed. Her father had been attempting to get her attention all evening, and Amy had been successful thus far not to cross paths with him. She knew perfectly well what he wanted. Her presence so she could be introduced to the various young men Hartley kept parading in front of her.

Amy sighed and turned away.

“He can wait. I don’t want to deal with him right now.”

“Since when is that different?” Sarah frowned at her. “Have you fallen out with him again?”

“How can you fall out with someone you weren’t on the best of terms with in the first place?”

Sarah didn’t answer. She knew Amy’s situation. Viscount Hartley and his second wife, Viscountess Beatrice Hartley, were not very kind people. Somehow, they were invited to social events in spite of everyone’s intense dislike for them. Amy was surprised she wasn’t completely ostracized because of her father and his behavior. Maybe that was why she was approaching the age of one-and-twenty and still unmarried: no one wanted to be associated with the Hartley family.

“Your father’s coming over here.” Sarah tugged Amy with her. “Come on. Let’s take a wander. By the time he gets through everyone, he won’t be able to find us.”

Amy wasn’t about to argue with that. Sarah started to lead Amy around the edge of the dancefloor. Everyone’s dance cards seemed to be full right now. Amy hated dancing, and she had been avoiding it as much as possible. As long as she could get through the evening without panicking, she was happy.

“I still wonder why you’ve living with them.” Sarah commented. “The three of you clearly don’t like each other.”

“You know the conditions of marriage and divorce. Women cease to exist once they become wives. They can’t own anything.” Amy sighed. “I’m my father’s property, whether I like it or not.”

That part Amy hated. Divorce was incredibly rare, especially being granted to women. Her mother had been incredibly lucky to be granted a divorce, but she hadn’t been allowed to take Amy. Hartley still had control of his daughter, and he would until Amy married. Even after his Amy’s mother had remarried, her father still had the say over Amy.

Amy wished he didn’t, because his motives were certainly not in her best interests.

“What are you three arguing about now?” Sarah asked pulling Amy from her reverie.

“What do you mean, now? We’re always arguing.” Amy shook her head and scowled. “Father and Beatrice have been attempting to marry me off for months now. They want to make me someone else’s problem.”

“I would have thought you would jump at the chance to get away from them. You’ve always said you would take the first chance possible to leave.”

“I would have agreed if they didn’t keep trying to match me to the men in their social circle.” Amy made a face. “Men like them. I don’t want to marry someone like my father.”

Sarah winced.

“I see your point. That is a problem.” Then she brightened up. “I tell you what. Perhaps you can find yourself a potential husband here. You know weddings are supposed to be a good place to find a match.”

“No!” Amy stopped short. She shook her head. “No, don’t.”

“Well, you need a husband. And where better to find one than at my wedding?” Sarah winked. “That could be my special wedding present.”

“Sarah,” Amy groaned. “Please don’t go matchmaker on me. I don’t want it.”

“Oh, Amy.” Sarah took Amy’s hand and gave it a firm squeeze. “I love you, and I want you to be happy. I just want to help.”

Amy knew Sarah wasn’t going to let her walk away from this. One thing for certain with regards to Sarah, she was persistent.

Amy sighed and looked at the floor.

“All right, very well. I’ll humor you. For now.”

Sarah grinned. Then she linked arms with Amy again and drew her to the edge of the dancefloor. Standing beside a pillar and hiding behind a huge plant, they were hidden from most of the guests. Amy could see her father looking around in frustration when he realized he had missed her. Then he made a face and stomped away.

At least he was gone, for now.

“Right.” Sarah looked around the room. “Let’s see who there is. There are plenty of eligible bachelors here.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“How many have you met?”

Amy sighed. “I have no idea, but I’ve met plenty.”

“Not all of them are like Viscount Hartley. Look, over there, by the dining hall door.” Sarah pointed. “That’s Viscount Neil Sagel. He’s quite a handsome young man. A little older than us, and he comes from a titled family.”

Amy was already shaking her head before Sarah had finished.

“Absolutely not.”

“Why not?”

“Because he’s the oldest son of one of my father’s friends. Father’s already considered him as a suit and I rejected him.” Amy shuddered. “He is a polite young man, yes, but I don’t want anyone associated with my father.”

Sarah tittered.

“Picky, aren’t we?”

“I think I’m allowed.”

“You’re not going to find yourself a husband if you get too picky. Everyone’s going to know about your father somehow.”

“I don’t care about finding a husband.” Amy giggled. “Hopefully, I can get banished to a cottage in the middle of nowhere with an allowance, so Father doesn’t have to worry about me.”

Sarah laughed.

“Beatrice would love that.”

“It would more than likely be her idea. Although she would say I shouldn’t have such a huge allowance.”

“You’d take it either way, wouldn’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

The idea of marriage made Amy very squeamish. She couldn’t think about it as a happy occasion, not when she was under her father’s thumb. He would have the final say on anything, including any proposals. Amy didn’t want to get married to a man Hartley had picked out for her.

They carried on walking around the room, Sarah stopping occasionally to talk to some of the guests as they congratulated her and gushed over her wedding dress. Amy hovered nearby, trying not to impose and trying not to panic over the press of people around her. It was getting even harder to breathe now. Eventually, after what seemed like a lifetime, Sarah managed to get away from the happy guests and urged Amy to follow.

She pointed out several more options for Amy, but Amy turned them all down. There was something off about each of them, something that Amy didn’t want to go into. Sarah was getting frustrated by the end of their walk around the room, but she bit it back and kept her smile on. However, Amy could see the annoyance building in her friend’s eyes.

She hadn’t ask for Sarah to look for her a potential husband. Amy was happy to blend into the background. Being a wallflower seemed more inviting than anything else right now.

“Oh!” Sarah stopped suddenly, her eyes lighting up. “I have an idea. What about Daniel?”

“Daniel?” Amy frowned. “Who’s Daniel?”

“Oh, you know who Daniel is. My brother. He’s not married either, and he’s eligible.”

Daniel. Amy felt her pulse skipping. Daniel Nottage, the Earl of Derby, was Sarah’s older brother. Amy had known him since she was a little girl, and she had been in awe of him from the first moment. Derby was one of those people whose presence was always noticed, and someone you wanted to be around. Sarah adored her brother, and the feeling was mutual.

Amy had often wondered what it would be like if she married Derby, but it had always been a dream. A dream she had never told anyone. Now, she was beginning to feel a hot flush spread across her body.

“Derby?” She squeaked, clearing her throat when Sarah looked at her strangely. “Are you seriously trying to match me with your own brother?”

“Why not? He doesn’t care about your father at all, and you two get along very well. I can barely get your attention when the two of you are in deep conversation.” Sarah grinned. “And he is fine to look at.”

“Sarah!”

“What? I’m just being truthful.”

Amy knew that she was flushed in the face. No amount of makeup would be able to hide it. She could see Derby now across the room, talking to the Marquis of Merseyside, Sarah’s new husband. Tall and fair-haired, Derby had taken to growing a beard in recent months that he kept trimmed. His clothes were of finest silk in dark blue, a blue that would match his eyes. Amy knew she wasn’t the only woman staring at him.

She gulped and looked away.

“I can’t consider Derby, Sarah!”

“What’s wrong with my brother?”

“Nothing’s wrong with him.” Amy chewed at her lower lip. “But he’s just lost Katherine. They were about to get married. It hasn’t been that long since she died. Derby wouldn’t be in the market for a wife.”

Sarah shrugged.

“Well, you never know. Women queue up for his attention.”

“Sarah, I can’t.”

“But why not?”

Amy tried to find an excuse, but she couldn’t think of anything that wouldn’t insult anyone. Then Amy saw Sarah’s expression. Something lit up in Sara’s eyes and she was looking slyly at Amy.

“Oh, I see. That’s how it is, is it?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You and Derby.” Sarah giggled. “I didn’t realize you had a fancy for Derby.”

“No!” Amy saw people looking over and lowered her voice. “I don’t have a fancy for your brother. We’re just good friends, that’s all.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Amy protested when she saw Sarah’s expression. “I don’t!”

Sarah was making a face that said she was trying not to laugh. Amy shuffled from foot to foot, wishing she could escape and hide somewhere. This was more embarrassing than interacting with the men her father kept parading around in front of her.

“Maybe you should stop glowing bright red before you try and convince me,” Sarah said as she sipped her drink. “But you should consider him. He is an option, after all. And I would prefer you married my brother than someone who would make you miserable. I know my brother always makes you smile.”

Amy didn’t want to talk about the earl anymore. She looked around and saw a footman walking close by with a tray of drinks. She waved him over, taking two glasses and holding one out to Sarah.

“Do you want another drink?”

“I thought you wanted me to take care with how much I drank.”

“I’ve changed my mind.” Amy mumbled. Anything to stop Sarah from talking about marriage. Specifically, anything involving the Earl of Derby.

#

Kenneth Cliff, Marquis of Merseyside, raised his glass.

“Cheers.”

Derby raised his glass in return.

“Good health.”

Merseyside tipped his head back and drank down his glass in one go. Derby could see that his cheeks were getting redder and redder, and he was swaying a little. If he drank any more, chances were the marquis would have to be carried up to his bedchamber.

Derby wasn’t about to be nearby when his new brother-in-law passed out drunk.

“Oh, great.”

“What?”

Merseyside was looking at his pocket watch with a scowl.

“The time. It’s only been an hour since we left the dinner table and came in here. I thought it was much later than that.”

“That’s the fifth time you’ve looked at your watch in the last ten minutes,” Derby pointed out. “What is the matter with you?”

Merseyside huffed and gestured at the guests.

“You know I hate these formalities, Derby. It’s meant to be my wedding day.”

“And we’re all here celebrating it, or have you forgotten?”

“I haven’t forgotten.” Merseyside was staring across the room. “I just want to spend the rest of my wedding day with my bride. Alone.”

Derby didn’t need to know where he was staring. Sarah was like a beacon in that dress of hers. And she looked absolutely radiant. Derby was immensely proud of her taking this arranged match with good grace and had been honored to give her away. He had thought Merseyside would be a good match for his sister, and from the way his friend had reacted the first time he and Sarah met, he was more than taken with her.

Derby was glad about that, but he wasn’t keen on knowing what the Marquis wanted to do with Sarah.

“You do realize that’s my sister you’re talking about.”

“Oh.” Merseyside cleared his throat. “Forgive me, Derby. I forgot.”

“I noticed,” Derby said dryly as he sipped at his drink. “Look, Mersey, you may consider yourself the one in control of this marriage, but if you force Sarah into something she doesn’t like, she will fight you.”

Merseyside arched an eyebrow.

“I can hardly believe that. She’s not the fighting type.”

“Believe me, she most certainly is. You’ve just not been in her company when that fine temper of hers has come out.” Derby gave his friend a pointed look. “I know you like things a certain way, but if you try to rule Sarah with an iron fist, she will fight back.”

“Are you trying to tell me how to do things in my marriage?”

“Sarah is your bride, but she is my sister.” Derby tipped his glass at Merseyside. “You abuse her, you’ll have to answer to me.”

“Trust me, I won’t do that.” Merseyside placed a hand on his chest. “I swear it to you that I won’t harm Sarah.”

Derby believed that. Merseyside was an honorable man. They had known each other for years, and the Marquis was a respectable man. His father, the Duke of Liverpool, had raised him to be a good person. It had certainly won Sarah over, and there was a great degree of affection between them. Derby hoped it would last.

Merseyside turned away when someone got his attention, leaving Derby alone. Derby took the moment to look around the room. Lots of people had arrived to celebrate the wedding, and the festivities were certainly going strong. Everyone was in high spirits, with the exception of Lord and Lady Hartley, who were in a corner in a heated conversation. Neither of them looked particularly happy.

Derby didn’t understand why they had come along. The invitation had only been for Amy Hartley, their child. But, Hartley and Lady Hartley had arrived as well, declaring they needed to chaperone her. Amy hadn’t been happy with it at all, and almost immediately disappeared from view as soon as they turned up at the church.

He had no idea how his father, the last Earl of Derby, and Lord Hartley had managed to become friends or even remain friends. The two men were completely different, and from what Derby could remember when he was a child, his father merely tolerated Hartley. If it hadn’t been for his lovely wife, the first Lady Hartley, perhaps they wouldn’t have been associates at all.

Chapter 2

And then, perhaps, they wouldn’t have known Amy Hartley. Derby found himself smiling as he remembered the first time he saw Amy. Three years old with light brown curls and a cute little lisp. She had followed him around like a puppy, which Derby had found annoying at nine years old. Sarah had adored her, and the two were inseparable whenever the Hartley family visited.

Amy was a saint for having to live with an insufferable man and an equally insufferable stepmother. Derby had no idea how she managed to do it without going mad.

Pulled from his thoughts, Derby saw Amy. She was hovering near a plant by one of the pillars, inching towards the open terrace windows. Sarah had wandered off and was talking to some middle-aged women who were fussing over her and gushing over her dress, leaving Amy alone. Derby watched as Amy shuffled towards an escape.

He had to admire her for her sacrifice to attend the party. Derby knew as much as Sarah how much Amy hated social gatherings. She preferred to be on her own with just a few people. This was something Amy didn’t want any part of, but she loved Sarah and had come along to watch her best friend get married. Derby was grateful for that.

Putting his glass on the tray of a passing footman, Derby walked around the edge of the dancefloor, neatly dodging the people twirling around to the music coming from the orchestra and headed towards Amy. She was very close to the terrace now, almost clinging onto the doorframe. Derby could see how nervous she was, and how fast she was breathing. It was a wonder she hadn’t fainted by now.

“Miss Hartley.” He bowed to her. “I didn’t realize the evening is so bad that you feel the need to escape it.”

Amy’s mouth opened and closed, no sound coming out. Then her cheeks went rosy red and she dropped into a wobbling curtsy, bowing her head.

“My Lord Derby. I didn’t realize you were there.”

“I noticed.”

Amy bit her lip. Derby found his eyes straying to her mouth, transfixed. The little curly-haired girl had grown up into a beautiful young woman. Her brown hair was still wavy, clipped into a chignon at the nape of her neck, and her pale skin was clear of any blemishes. And those eyes, sapphire blue in color, never failed to take Derby’s attention. They were stunning and her petite frame was clad in a dress that matched them.

He knew he wasn’t the only one who had noticed Amy’s blossoming beauty. Several young men had paid her close attention, but Amy never gave them a glance. For a reason unknown to Derby, he was glad about that.

Everything went out the window whenever Amy was in his presence. Not even Katherine had done this to him. Derby missed her, but Katherine had never made him feel over-protective about her, wanting to grab hold of her and never let go.

“Forgive me for my…well, my behavior.” Amy gulped and glanced around the room. “I’m just trying to keep out of sight of my father.”

“Is he looking for you again?”

“I’m afraid so. I saw him talking to the Earl of Bristol just now.” Amy made a face. “And I don’t want to go anywhere near him.”

Derby couldn’t blame her. Bristol wasn’t the nicest of people. He was a slippery character. Perfect to be in Hartley’s company, but the wrong choice for Amy. Derby pushed this aside. It wasn’t his decision on who Amy married.

“You can’t stay here hugging the wall all evening.”

“I can give it a good try.”

Derby couldn’t help but smile.

“You never struck me as someone easily scared, Miss Hartley.”

Amy huffed.

“You sound like Sarah. You know I don’t like social events, my lord. There are too many people, and I feel like I can’t breathe.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “I’m struggling right now.”

Derby could tell. Amy was still looking flushed, and she was breathing quicker. Her chest was moving faster, and Derby had to try and look anywhere else but at her breasts. That was not something Derby wanted to be caught doing. He cleared his throat.

“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It happens.”

“I know.” Amy took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I hate coming to these. No offense to you, my lord, but I do. It’s only because of Sarah that I was able to cope until now. Now she’s gone…”

She broke off. Derby chuckled.

“Sarah’s just got married. You’re acting like she’s died instead.”

“Even so…”

Amy was getting herself into a state. Derby didn’t know what else he could do. Then he saw Lady Hartley walking around the edge of the ballroom, her eyes fixed on her stepdaughter. Amy hadn’t seen her yet, and Derby knew the two of them would end up in a fiery argument. Even with her social anxieties, Amy had a fire inside her that was fascinating to watch.

But not tonight. Derby bowed to her and held out a hand.

“Would you care to dance?”

“I…”

Amy was staring at him with wide eyes. Derby gestured over his shoulder and lowered his voice.

“Lady Hartley’s coming. If you don’t want to become a spectacle, I’ll rescue you. My only reward is a dance with you, and then I’ll take you into the dining hall. You’ll be able to sit there without interruption.”

Amy closed her eyes, still staring at him.

“You’re blackmailing me into a dance, my lord?”

“What can I say? Not even a gentleman is completely honest.”

Amy hesitated. Then she sighed with a shake of her head and slipped her hand into his.

“You and Sarah are as bad as each other.”

Derby didn’t comment. He simply led her towards the dancefloor, where everyone was gathering for another waltz. Amy was looking at anything but at him, finally settling with her eyes firmly fixed on the buttons on his shirt. But, she stepped in close and allowed Derby to put his arms around her, following his steps as they went around the room. For someone who didn’t like to dance or make a spectacle of herself, Amy was light-footed and a fluid dancer. She was like poetry in motion.

Derby felt a little like a fraud. He hadn’t just wanted to dance with Amy to get her away from her stepmother; he wanted to hold her. Dancing the waltz was the only time he could be this close to her without anyone raising an eyebrow. It was a selfish thought, but Derby didn’t care.

If only he was able to do more. If only he was daring enough to venture further with their relationship and take her into a more intimate embrace and see how sweet and soft those lips were…

Derby mentally shook himself. Now was not the time. He needed to take control of himself or he was going to end up embarrassing both of them.

The dance came to an end, and everyone stopped to clap for the musicians. Amy was a little flushed, and her eyes were bright. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she had enjoyed the dance. Derby bit back a smile knowing that he could bring such pleasure to her. He bowed at her.

“Now I will hold up my end of the bargain.”

Holding out his arm, Derby watched as Amy laid her hand on his arm, her long, slim fingers curling around his wrist. He could feel the heat of her palm through her gloves and his sleeves. Swallowing hard, Derby led her off the dancefloor and out of the ballroom, stepping into the dining hall. There was still plenty of people there, sitting at various table and talking while they ate, but it wasn’t as crowded as the ballroom. Even Derby felt like he could breathe properly.

Derby walked Amy over to a table in the corner by the window, pulling a chair out for her to sit.

“Thank you for indulging me, Miss Hartley.” He sat beside her, smoothing his hands on his thighs. “How are you feeling now?”

“A little better, actually.” Amy fidgeted with the unused napkin on the tabletop. “I didn’t think I would be better after a dance.”

Derby smiled.

“I’m glad. You are a lovely dancer.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Amy bit her lip. “I would prefer to be at home, however. I don’t mean any offense,” She hurried on, “It’s just…”

“I know what you meant. You’re here supporting my sister, and that means a lot to me.”

“Of course. I’ll always support her.”

They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the calmer atmosphere. Derby felt like the ringing in his ears had stopped. The musicians Merseyside had organized were very good, but Derby thought a full orchestra was a little too much. A string quartet would have done, but the Marquis had wanted something with a bit more grandeur.

As they sat together in silence, Derby watched Amy as she stared at the napkin in her hands. She was struggling with something more than her social anxieties. Something else was going on. Derby could tell it was painful for her, and it was pressing on her thoughts.

“Miss Hartley?”

Amy jumped, almost knocking over a half-full glass of water. Derby moved it out of reach and turned back to her.

“Is there something else going on in that head of yours?”

“I…” Amy’s eyes were round. “What makes you say that?”

“I don’t know. But there’s something going on.”

For a moment, Amy didn’t say anything. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Then she opened her eyes and looked at him, Derby unable to look away from those beautiful eyes.

“I don’t know if I can discuss what’s going on, my lord.” Amy said quietly. “But when I do find the courage to discuss my problems, would you mind if I talk to you about it? As a friend of mine?”

“Of course.” Derby smiled. He reached out and touched her hand. “If you need anything at all, you know where to find me.”

Amy smiled. It was the first genuine smile Derby had seen on her all evening, and it made his heart stumble.

“Thank you, Daniel.” Amy whispered. “You are very kind.”

Derby cleared his throat. The smile had started something intense knotting in his stomach, and his trousers were beginning to feel rather tight. He jumped to his feet, unable to look at her.

“I’ll get you some food.” He mumbled. “There should be some left.”

He felt like a fool stumbling away, but Derby could feel the knot easing and his breathing slowing.

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