Page 49 of A Necessary Wife

“She will be happy to see you, I’m sure,” Milo promised.

Samuel eased closer. “Why does she look so cold tonight? What have you done?”

“Me, nothing.” Milo quickly told him what Rafferty had done to her as a girl, and of Father’s continued disapproval.

“I’m not surprised she dislikes him still. Rafferty’s sense of humor leaves a lot to be desired.”

“I agree,” Milo murmured. “I will deal with him another day. For now, we appreciate your support.”

They stood together for several moments, watching another set form, and his gaze was drawn back to his wife as she stood flanked by Jessica and Becca, chatting with other guests. For now, she seemed content not to dance, and he did not move to claim her.

“She was born for this,” Samuel murmured after a moment.

“Who?”

“Your wife. Look at her. Charming all she meets. She presumes nothing and gains approval, one introduction at a time.”

Milo didn’t answer but continued to study his wife from afar while he sipped more champagne. She appeared to have no difficulty speaking with anyone she met. But he was keenly aware he wasn’t the only gentleman watching her.

He set his drink aside and began to circulate again, Samuel close by his side. Milo kept a distance and an eye on who Amelia spoke with.

He didn’t want to admit Samuel might be right, but he was. This was what he’d hoped for all along. Amelia was made for this life. His first wife had seemed to be, too. She’d charmed and flirted her way into many a gentleman’s arms and beds.

Milo studied Amelia’s interactions carefully…and wondered at what point he’d lose her, too. He looked away, more troubled than he should be over that possibility.

“She really hasn’t changed,” Samuel noted. “Confident and yet vulnerable, too. You should go to her.”

“No.”

He’d hovered about his first wife and that had not done any good for their marriage.

Samuel glanced his way, frowning. “She’ll find her feet faster with you by her side.”

Milo collected another glass of champagne and downed it immediately. “I watched over my first wife, and it did me no favors,” he reminded Samuel.

“That was not your fault,” he promised. “Amelia would never betray you.”

As he watched his wife, he noticed the hounds of society drawing closer, some who’d played a part in breaking his first marriage. Usually, he avoided them. Tonight, he considered warning them off. It hadn’t done any good last time.

He wanted to believe Amelia would be different. But he had once believed in love and that had nearly ruined him.

“If she craves more than me…” He left the rest unsaid. “Well, there are no guarantees in a marriage, are there.”

“No,” Samuel agreed after a moment. Then Rafferty joined them, bringing a round of drinks more suited to his taste to their corner of the room, and the discussion about going to his wife ended.

Yet Milo’s head full of dread for the uncertain future ahead. He wanted to believe in Amelia and the vows she’d spoken, but tonight, too much reminded him of how his first marriage had begun.

Soon other gentlemen joined them and his new marriage was toasted again and again, until the hours seemed to blur together.

Eventually, Father joined the group, but only to bid them all a good night.

Milo refused to acknowledge him, as the duke had done to Amelia all night.

When the crowds parted, he spotted Amelia standing alone with Dunstan and listening intently to something he said. Dunstan put his hand on her arm—and Milo was moving before he realized it.

Amelia seemed so surprised by his arrival that he felt compelled to prove who she belonged to. He jerked her into his arms while he glared daggers at Dunstan. “I suggest you find your own wife and leave mine to me.”

“Mine has gone to bed,” Dunstan complained