Awakening Amelia by Kate Pearce Page A

eleven times and then for the half hour. He caught hold of one of the stable lads.
    “Do the passengers wait in the inn?”
    “Aye, sir. Turn left when you go through the door here and you’ll see the room. You can get a hot dinner and everything there, sir.”
    “Thank you.”
    Marcus made his way inside, which was almost as crowded and noisy as the yard outside. He paused at the doorway and spotted Mrs. Smith sitting in the far corner of the room. She wore a serviceable dark blue bonnet and matching pelisse. Her gloved hands were clasped firmly around a large hatbox, and her reticule was looped over her arm. It amused him that she’d chosen to sit with her back against the wall and a view of the whole room. London pickpockets were notorious, and she had obviously decided she was not going to take any chances.
    He reminded himself that her practicality and caution had been hard won on the battlefields of Europe. God, he could do with some of her sense in his life now. Even as he thought it, he went toward her, aware when she noticed him and the start of surprise and a hint of wariness in her fine eyes.
    “Major.”
    He slid into the seat opposite her at the bench table. “Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving Dove Cottage?”
    “I wasn’t aware that it was any of your business.”
    “Or that I might wish to know that you are well and safe and cared for?”
    She sighed. “Marcus, why are you here?”
    He reached across the table and took her hand. “You first. Where are you going?”
    “I have been offered a teaching job at a girls’ school in Tunbridge Wells.”
    “I think you would make a very good teacher.” Marcus drew an unsteady breath. “I would prefer it, however, if you considered another offer. I am in need of a wife.”
    Shock flashed across her even features but she quickly recovered. “Why?”
    “Because I need to be…armed before I approach my family.”
    “A wife is a weapon?”
    “In this case, a wife is a necessity.”
    “And you think I would accept such a position?” She tried to pull her fingers free, but he wouldn’t release her. “Let me go, Marcus.”
    He swallowed hard, swallowed his pride. He had to tell her the truth. She deserved nothing less.
    “At sixteen, I was betrothed to a distant female cousin to whom my father was appointed guardian. Neither of us was offered any choice in the matter. I was fond of her, but as she lived with us, she seemed more like another sister than a prospective wife. I’ve been informed that the betrothal contract still stands.”
    “So, go home and marry the poor girl.”
    “And make both of us miserable? She cannot wish for this match.”
    “Then untangle yourself from the contract and start again.”
    “I intend to do that, but it would be better if I can present them with a fait accompli—“
    “By already being married?”
    “Yes.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “How underhanded.”
    He shrugged. “You are entitled to think that, but knowing my family, it is the best way to accomplish the task. I will accept all the blame, and she will be free to marry again, her reputation intact.”
    At this point, Amelia didn’t need to know that as far as he was concerned his family didn’t deserve his consideration. They needed to understand from the outset that he was in control of his own destiny. He was determined not to allow them to dictate to him.
    “And what if she truly does still wish to marry you?”
    “She never did. Before my disappearance, we’d already discussed ways of getting out of the damned betrothal. When my father was alive it wasn’t possible.” He took a steadying breath. “He died two years ago, so we can pursue our separation without fear.”
    Her expression softened. “I’m sorry about your father. That must have come as a terrible shock.”
    “Yes.”
    There was a long pause where all he could do was stare down at their joined hands. Eventually she stirred.
    “Even if your fiancée is pleased to get out