Page 46 of A Necessary Wife

Milo smothered a laugh. He’d seen Amelia poised in the face of disapproval, but had never seen anyone hide disgust for a man so well.

His first wife had danced with Dunstan a great deal at parties such as this, and they had whispered together often, stopping when he or Mrs. Dunstan drew near. He’d found no evidence of an affair and yet he still wondered. Dunstan set his teeth on edge to this day. Amelia’s distrust of overtures of friendship from the man would serve their marriage well.

They circulated around the room together, Milo introducing her to family friends and neighbors, mostly the men who’d been out shooting and drinking that day. To one and all, Amelia showed no particular eagerness to know them better. She was poised, polite, a little distant but agreeable. He slowly lost his concern that she would become overwhelmed or charmed by another man, the way his first wife had done.

They separated, at the duchess’ insistence, Amelia remaining by the duchess’ side while Milo was sent away, left free to circulate unhindered among the guests.

Once guests had him alone, his decision to take a second wife was remarked upon by the ladies in the room, and by the men considered scoundrels, they expressed regret that her temperament appeared so retiring.

Only Milo knew the truth. When alone with him, Amelia was a surprisingly energetic and passionate woman. He kept that discovery to himself, though, and the pleasure that knowledge brought kept him warm still, and just a little distracted.

He headed toward his father and his brother-in-law Whitfield, determined to mend the breach. “I think the evening is going very well, don’t you?”

“Well, you’re in a good mood tonight,” Whitfield teased.

“’Tis the smile of a newly married man,” he answered, but Father only scowled and turned away. His behavior continued to disappoint, but Milo would win his support for Amelia’s sake. He moved to stand beside Whitfield. “Did you moderate your happiness to appease Father?”

“No, because it would never have been possible. I adore your sister more and more each day.”

“’Tis only right to love a Westfall,” Milo reminded him, but then frowned at what he’d said. He would be the exception, never to know true love. He shook off the regret and spotted his father moving away from him. “I never thought Papa would be so stubborn about my second marriage, but he has not taken it well, has he?”

“Your father once caught your sister and me kissing before our marriage,” Whitfield whispered. “Ghastly moment. He didn’t talk to me for weeks, except to discuss the wedding breakfast.”

“It’s not quite the same situation,” Milo mused, rubbing his jaw.

“No, but it is an example of how he reacts to change in the family. He does not like us to surprise him. Some things take him more time to adjust to. He took a whole year to admit his feelings for Gillian. You are his heir, and he has always had the highest expectations for your future.”

Milo sighed as he caught sight of Amelia through the crowd. She kept glancing toward the musicians, but he thought her interest was in the harpist most of all. He felt her yearning from across the room and regretted that he had not sent for her harp.

Tomorrow, he would send a servant to fetch it.

Their eyes met, and she looked away first. He hoped she was blushing again, thinking of him and what they might do together later. “Do you think Papa’s opinion would change if he were informed that he had interrupted us making love the other afternoon?”

Whitfield choked, and after a moment, he drew close to whisper, “I thought yours was to be a chaste marriage. Your father certainly seems to think it would be.”

“No,” Milo answered with a slight smirk. “Amelia wishes for children that I am happy to provide her with.”

“Devil take it. No wonder you cannot take your eyes off the woman tonight.”

“Merely protecting my interests. Scoundrels abound,” he said, catching sight of Dunstan admiring Amelia from afar.

He snatched a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and watched Dunstan, curious to see whether he would approach Amelia again and what she might do to rebuff him.

Unfortunately, another of his sisters arrived at that moment. Thankfully, Becca came tonight on her husband’s arm, but she quickly abandoned him to speak with the duchess and seemed overjoyed to meet Amelia.

Rafferty had been Milo’s friend for a long time and had become a brother-in-law only recently. Rafferty’s interest had been known by everyone in the family but Becca. Rafferty’s marriage to her had been another shock for the family, since Becca had openly loathed the man for years.

He thrust out his hand to Rafferty when the man joined him and Whitfield. “It is good to see you again.”

“And you,” he answered. Rafferty drew close. “The sisters are buzzing over the news of your unexpected marriage. Congratulations. I assume we are too late for the grand announcement?”

“They do tend to buzz, and yes, you did miss the announcement.”

“I like your choice,” Rafferty said, nodding.

“Well, that’s all I need then,” Milo drawled, rolling his eyes and obtaining a fresh glass from a passing footman. “Your approval has always meant the world to me, but you haven’t even met her to know what you are saying.”

Whitfield laughed and excused himself when Jessica beckoned him to join her across the room.