Chapter 22 #2
The gown Gabriel had commissioned was a delicate shade of pale pink silk that shimmered whenever Valerie moved.
Tiny seed pearls had been sewn into the bodice, catching the light like drops of morning dew.
The sleeves rested elegantly upon her shoulders while the skirt flowed gracefully to the floor.
Her dark hair had been arranged in soft curls adorned with matching pearls.
The effect was youthful without appearing childish.
Amelia suspected every eligible gentleman at the ball would spend the evening attempting to gain Valerie’s attention.
“You look lovely,” Amelia said, smiling as she adjusted a ribbon at Valerie’s waist.
Valerie rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. “I sincerely doubt anyone will actually notice me.”
“How kind of you to lie to me,” Amelia replied, pressing a hand dramatically to her heart. “True friendship requires occasional dishonesty.”
Trixie giggled while Valerie shook her head.
Usually, the young lady would have responded with a witty remark of her own.
Instead, her smile faded almost immediately.
Amelia noticed the change at once. During the past month, she had become remarkably skilled at recognizing the children’s moods.
Valerie’s expression might have fooled everyone else, but it did not fool her.
“Something is wrong,” Amelia said gently. “And before you deny it, I should warn you that I have become annoyingly observant.”
Valerie moved toward the mirror and pretended to straighten one of her gloves. “Nothing is wrong.”
Amelia folded her arms and waited. She looked at Trixie, who curtsied and left the room.
Valerie continued staring at her reflection.
Amelia continued waiting. The silence stretched between them until Valerie finally released a small sigh.
It was the sigh of someone who knew resistance had become pointless.
Amelia felt a tiny surge of victory. Apparently, persistence was contagious because she had certainly learned it from Gabriel.
“You are leaving,” Valerie said quietly.
Amelia dropped her arms to her side. The simple statement landed with surprising force. For a moment, neither spoke. Amelia had known this conversation would eventually come. She simply had not expected it today.
“Valerie…”
“I know about the arrangement,” Valerie interrupted, turning away from the mirror. “I heard Uncle Gabriel speaking with Dr. John about it. I know you were only meant to stay for one month.”
Amelia’s stomach tightened. Valerie clasped her hands together and stared down at them. “If you are leaving anyway, why stay for the ball?” she asked softly. “Why bother?”
The hurt in her voice made Amelia’s chest ache.
Without hesitation, Amelia crossed the room and took Valerie’s hands. “Because I would not miss your first ball for the world,” she said firmly.
Valerie looked unconvinced. “That sounds very nice,” she replied, “but it does not answer my question.”
Amelia laughed softly despite the seriousness of the moment. “You spend far too much time around Gabriel,” she informed her. “You have developed his habit of demanding complete answers.”
Valerie’s lips twitched slightly.
Amelia squeezed her hands. “The truth is that I do not want to leave.”
Valerie stared at her.
“I intend to do everything… That is I wish to remain with you and David,” Amelia continued. “I simply have not figured it all out yet.”
For the first time, genuine hope flickered across Valerie’s face.
“You would stay?” she asked.
“Gladly,” Amelia said.
The answer came so easily that it surprised Amelia.
Yet as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized they were entirely true.
One month ago, she had arrived at Anderton Manor frightened, confused, and desperate.
Now, the thought of leaving made her chest feel painfully tight.
Somewhere along the way, this house had become home.
Valerie lowered her gaze. “I thought perhaps you were eager to leave.”
“Eager?” Amelia repeated. “My dear girl, this has been the most meaningful month of my life.”
Valerie’s eyes widened.
Amelia smiled sadly. “Before I came here, I spent years allowing other people to decide everything for me. Then I arrived at Anderton Manor and somehow acquired a duke, two children, a dog, a cat, and enough emotional turmoil to last several lifetimes.”
That earned a laugh. A proper laugh.
“There she is,” Amelia said warmly. “I was beginning to miss you.”
Valerie shook her head, smiling despite herself. “You make everything sound ridiculous.”
“That is because most things are ridiculous,” Amelia replied. “Society simply disguises the fact beneath expensive clothing.”
The laughter faded, but the sadness in Valerie’s expression seemed lighter now.
Amelia silently thanked heaven for that.
She hated seeing David or Valerie unhappy.
The realization struck her unexpectedly.
When had she started thinking of them as people she needed to protect?
The answer frightened her slightly because she already knew it was far too late to stop.
Valerie reached forward and hugged her.
The gesture surprised Amelia so much that she froze for a second before wrapping her arms around the girl.
Valerie rarely initiated affection. In fact, she guarded her emotions more fiercely than Gabriel ever had.
Feeling the young lady cling to her nearly brought tears to Amelia’s eyes.
She blinked rapidly and blamed the room’s excessive amount of candlelight.
“You had better stay,” Valerie muttered against her shoulder.
Amelia smiled and rested her cheek against the girl’s hair. “I am working on it.”
“You sound uncertain.”
“I am uncertain.”
Valerie pulled back and frowned.
Amelia laughed. “But I am also stubborn.”
That seemed to satisfy her. As Valerie returned to the mirror, Amelia watched her reflection thoughtfully.
Tonight would be the young lady’s first ball.
Soon, she would step into society and begin a new chapter of her life.
Amelia felt fiercely protective and ridiculously proud all at once.
Whatever happened after tonight, she intended to stand beside Valerie every step of the way.
And for the first time since arriving at Anderton Manor, Amelia realized something important.
She was done allowing other people to decide her future. Not her parents. Not society. Not even the Duke of Anderton. This time, she intended to choose for herself.