Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou) (41 page)

“Thank God I thought it was just me, I’m taking it off Margaret.”

It wasn’t that bad Margaret thought but seeing Jasper’s discomfort she gave a reluctant nod. They had no festive spirit at all. “We’ll be late if we don’t leave now.” Bustling past them Margaret halted as Helmsly the new butler opened the door and thanking him she moved along. “Come on then.” She called back hearing no footsteps behind her.

Jordan again took Amelia’s hand and led her outside to the waiting carriage. He could feel her holding her body next to his side as she walked alongside him and for a the first time in a long time thought that perhaps there was such a thing as a happily married couple.

There was a cool breeze blowing, prompting Amelia to pull the warm cloak around her shoulders tighter. They’d arrived in record time it would seem to Johanna’s house and already Jordan was giving their names to the Lusby’s butler for announcement. She’d received a few curious stares from the moment they’d vacated their carriage. “Don’t worry my Princess you’ll be the belle of this ball.” Jordan squeezed her hand in assurance.

Amelia could hear Mulligan rattling off names in a boisterous voice and mentally calculated when she’d hear her own. Three more names then it was her turn. “I wanted to tell you something now in case I forget later.”

Peering down at her Jordan gave her his full attention. “What is it?”

“Just that no matter what happens here tonight, I love you always and any moment spent with you is the best time ever.”

Jordan just grinned as his heart swelled. Offering her his arm he took a step forward after her own entwined with his, ready to be introduced.  He winked at Mulligan slyly remembering their interactions a few days prior. He was pleased to see the same smug look on the butler’s face with that all too familiar hidden smirk.

“Our honored guests Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Bradford.”

Amelia could feel a tiny tug and finally her feet moved at Jordan’s prodding. “I feel I might trip.” She whispered as they took each step that led into the ballroom slowly.

“I’ll be here to catch you Princess, just smile and relax and let me take care of the rest.” Jordan had all but finished his sentence when a whirlwind of taffeta, silks, chiffon, and satins of all colors engulfed them.

“It’s been so long Jordan, we thought we would never see your face again, and you’ve  hidden your new wife from sight since arriving.” This came from Lady Arlington.

“Mrs. Bradford what a lovely lass you’ve turned out to be, please come sit. We cannot have you on your feet all night.” This voice was not English but Scottish and belonged to the Baroness Kilborne.

The dark haired freckle-faced woman had snatched her away from the rest of the group and Jordan before anyone had time to utter a word. “I had to take you away, I did indeed. Else those English twits would talk your ear off. And bout’ nothing of much worth. By the way I’m Katherine Kilborne. My English breed husband afforded me a haughty title but I like to be called Katherine all the same. None of this Lady or Baroness nonsense.”

“Katherine it is.” Amelia peered over the shorter woman’s head to find her husband being shuffled away on the arm of a beautiful blonde and looking none too glum about it. For the first time she felt a pang of jealousy. Who was this woman who leaned into Jordan’s side and linked her arm with his?

“That’s Charlotte Tarleton, oh she makes me irate she would steal a man right off the alter, but I don’t think you’ve anything to worry about. Seems Mr. Bradford is all yours. I’ve caught him several times already stealing glances at you, that is a man in love I’d say sure enough.”

Amelia nodded her head politely, that being the only thing she could think of to do. Katherine was talking so fast and barely gave herself a chance for a breath. Still her warmth was genuine and Amelia knew that if given time with one another they could be good friends.

 Tilting her head curiously Amelia took her chance to speak as Katherine took a sip from her wine glass. “Which lucky beau belongs to you Katherine?” She asked leaving all formalities behind.

“Awe let me see.” Katherine let her eyes wander the lavish ballroom searching here and there and finally falling on a rather tall fellow with golden hair. “Look, just there.” Katherine pointed her new found friend toward the left. “The one in the plain suit that’s my Eric. A kill joy at a party but I love em’ all the same.”

“He’s very handsome.” It was true Amelia realized as she observed the man all the more who gave a sly smile from across the room to his wife. Eric was tall and lean with an attractive face, which drew a few ladies to his side. Yet he was no comparison to Jordan at least in her eyes, with his dark locks strong body and sinful good looks.

She could see that he himself had drawn a few fillies to his side, more than a few. All flittering fans and tilting away their masks laughing in unison at some joke Jordan must have just told.  Amelia again felt a pang of jealousy but it lasted only a second. After all she was his wife; he could laugh with those women even flirt and dance. But he belonged to her.

Even from across the room Jordan could feel his wife’s eyes on him and gave a cringe as Lady Norrington linked her arm with his and took him to the dance floor. Falling easily in step Jordan began to whisk the green eyed beauty across the polished marble in a graceful waltz.

“I recall you held me much closer last time we waltzed.”

“Last time I was not married with my beautiful wife only steps away.”

Lauren inched closer closing the gap, a slightly scandalous move but she did not care. “Please tell me that you being married to that colored thing is a cruel joke.”

The curt tone of her voice and reference to Amelia not even being human did not go unnoticed and instantly Jordan’s smile fell from his face and he placed space between them. “No more a joke than your marriage to Lord Conway.” Conway had long been known to enjoy the company of men. Jordan was sure the man thought no one knew of his secret but the fact remained everyone knew, along with his pretty and neglected wife.

Lauren felt a scowl mar her face but quickly forced it away. “Touché Mr. Bradford, though I meant no offence, I am merely curious as to the circumstances.” Moving a glossy lock from her shoulder Lady Norrington tensed at the firm hold Jordan now had on her hand, still she pressed on. “Of all the fine women to marry I simply won’t believe you chose her.”

Suddenly the beauty Lauren Norrington held seemed to dissipate and was replaced by something else Jordan couldn’t quite place and he dropped her hand as if she held barbs in them. “Please excuse me.” Jordan bowed respectfully but did not feel she deserved it.

“Jordan please.” Lauren hissed sweetly. “I apologize.” Moving swiftly in front of him Lauren successfully stalled him. “You can’t blame me for being a little jealous we had some marvelous times you and I.” Patting her fan to his chest flirtatiously she gave him a wicked smile. “We still can you know?”

“Where once I was childish and chased after whores and hussies now I am a man and have learned what it’s like to have a real Lady warm my bed and your charms are no longer desired.” Taking her hand in his Jordan kissed it maliciously. “Buck up though, there are more than enough men in London who’ve tasted your fruits and may desire a second bite, and if not there’s always dear old Conway.” Upon viewing her shocked face Jordan made his exit.

He would not let Lauren or anyone else spoil this important night. However he prayed that Amelia was faring much better with Katherine Kilborne though from the shy grin on her face earlier he assumed she was. Katherine had always been a jovial woman whose sweet mannerisms and carefree nature made her a joy to be around. Grabbing a glass of sherry Jordan took a large sip, he needed it he realized, to help stop his worrying. He could have laughed at himself. Never did he think he would find himself in this predicament again worrying near to death over a woman.

Johanna sidled alongside Jordon cradling a flute of port in her tiny hand. “I can’t abide sherry, how can you stand it?”

“Acquired taste.” Was Jordan’s response. “Though at the moment some brandy would suit me better.”

“If its brandy you seek then you should head in to Will’s study he keeps a king’s ransom of brandy in there.”

“To dull the headaches you give him?”

“You can be rather witty when you want to be Mr. Bradford.” Johanna quipped. Furrowing fine brows she asked. “So will tonight be a success or a disaster?”

Jordan gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “You’ll be the toast of the town you did a fine job.”

“I thought so.” She took the time to take another sip from the cup she held. “Though eavesdropping is not befitting of a lady, I did manage to discern enough from my haughty guest to conclude that Amelia will be a budding socialite herself if given the proper training and company. I think they find her to be an exotic addition to this bland social group. I’ll advise her to tread lightly however, as should you. A success today can be a mess tomorrow under the right circumstances.  “I’ve already had to cool the head of Lauren Norrington, you’re lucky that she is not all that well received.”

Snorting Jordan shook his head. “She’s received in every male bed in this ballroom.”

“Don’t be crass. Lauren may be a viperous trollop but you don’t want to offend her too much as to get Conway involved.”

“That fop Conway can’t see his way out of a questionable back alley, I don’t think I’ll worry too much about him.”

Johanna coughed at the latter part of Jordan’s statement and had to hide a smile. “All the same try not to be too impossible you’ve only just arrived back into the bosom of London.”

Jordan considered this a moment and mentally agreed. “You do look downright ravishing tonight Johanna has anyone told you that.”

“I dare say I have Bradford, many times before the night even began.” Will had been standing behind the two for nearly a minute and realizing they hadn’t noticed him decided to make his presence known.

Johanna beamed at the sight of her husband and stood on tiptoe to place a chaste kiss to his cheek. “And where have you been hiding my love.”

“In my study with my king’s ransom of brandy of course.” Will laughed out loud at the deep blush that came to his wife’s cheeks. “I met your wife Bradford and I can see why you married her.”

“I am a lucky man.” Jordan replied. “As are you.”

“Indeed, but I digress, your cousin requested that if I crossed your path before she did tonight, to inform you that you owe her a waltz.”

Jordan grinned at this and looking out tried to find Margaret. “Excuse me I better give her that waltz or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

The orchestra struck up another tune and Amelia felt herself falling in place. With Katherine as her guide she had met and greeted many of the guests in attendance already. As well as committing herself to several tea dates one that was tomorrow at noon with Katherine she felt herself anticipating it already.

She would have to let Jordon know however they’d all insisted on visiting her home due to her current state and chided her at being out at although they’d been pleased to meet her. They filled her head with thoughts of croquet and visions of Piccadilly Square and she was becoming more and more excited for her new life in London. Lauren Conway had sworn the moment she had the baby and was well enough to travel she’d come to take her to the London Museum however she didn’t feel that the invitation was truly intended to be taken up and only extended because the other ladies had done so with exuberance.

"May I have this dance?" Jasper bowed gracefully, hand extended.

"Jasper you know I can't dance but I'd love for you to escort me back to the garden there is a bench there we could sit and rest a little."

"With pleasure." With all eyes upon them Jasper maneuvered his way through quizzical glances and overzealous guests who stepped forward to stop them. He even managed to swoop up a glass of water for Amelia which she accepted gratefully. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

Amelia gave him a devious smirk. "The attention I've received from two rather handsome men has been quite nice but the ball itself does have its ups and downs so I suppose what I'm trying to say is that overall I'm finding it exhilarating and exhausting all in one."

"As I figured you would. Johanna suggests for your sake as well as that of society, you make an early exit. As far along as you are, it would be ill advised to spend the night on your feet."

"I welcome the thought; my poor toes are starting to swell. I took my shoes off while with Katherine." Amelia giggled as she peeked her naked feet out from beneath her dress. "No one has been the wiser."

"Clever." As they passed through the wide patio into the garden Jasper scanned the stone trail for harmful objects that could cause her bare feet harm.

"I'm tough don't worry, you’re acting like Jordon."

"Now I'm insulted." Motioning toward the marble bench he waited for her to sit. "I should let Jordon know you're ready. Will you be alright on your own for awhile."

"Yes." Amelia patted his hand in assurance. Which was enough she guessed because without another word he started off back the way they'd came nodding curtly to a blonde—Amelia thought her name started with a G, and Lauren Conway who curtsied in response.

Amelia could tell the ladies were headed toward her and readied herself for the horde of questions to come. Rising to her feet she greeted them kindly. "Lady Conway." Turning to Lauren’s companion she gave a curt nod. "I apologize but I do not recall your name."

"Mrs. Gwendolyn Stork, we crossed paths but only for a moment and did not get a chance to exchange words. How are you Mrs. Bradford?"

"Truthfully I'm exhausted."

Gwen gave a snort. "As should be expected it’s not at all common for a woman in your condition or social status to attend one of our gatherings. I'll admit I was surprised to hear you were to attend."

Amelia was sure there was a sharp edge in the lady’s response. Choosing not to respond she turned her attention toward Lauren. "Are you enjoying yourself Lady Conway?"

"I insist you call me Lauren, and yes Mrs. Bradford I am."