Regency Romance Collection From Christina Courtenay by Christina Courtenay

‘You must think me a complete ninny, my lord.’
    ‘ Not at all. I’m glad you can see past James’s outburst, which was probably just jealousy talking.’
    ‘Do you think so?’ The possibility of James being jealous of Justin pleased Amelia. It would show that he cared and she had come to realise that was something she wanted him to do.
    ‘Yes, I do. And don’t worry, James will return and he’ll soon see that he’s made an excellent choice of wife.’
    ‘ You’re too kind.’
    ‘No , that I’m not. And I am neither stupid nor blind yet and I’m very glad James found you. Just give him some time. He’s always been a stubborn boy, but he’ll see sense in the end, don’t you fret.’
    They parted on very good terms and Amelia thought wistfully that she seemed to get on we ll with all of James’s family. The only one she couldn’t please was him. It was a lowering thought, but Lord Holt seemed to think there was still hope, and that bolstered her courage.
    Somehow, she would make this marriage a success.
     
    James felt like a fool for jumping to conclusions yet again. For two days he had stayed away, knowing he owed Amelia an apology once more, but unable to decide how best to approach the subject. If he told her that he had acted out of jealousy, which he now realised was the case, it would be tantamount to admitting that he wanted their marriage to be much more than one of convenience. However, he still felt it was too early in their relationship for him to trust her fully, and for him to admit such a thing would give her the upper hand.
    What he really needed to know, was whether she was indeed pr egnant or not. As yet, he had seen no sign of this, but he knew that on some women it need not be visible for quite some time. He was loath to ask her again outright, but neither could he find out in any other way. Besides, she had already denied it and if she had lied before, why would she be honest now?
    He finally decided to tackle the problem head on and to that end, he took himself off to Marr Place once again. Upon his arrival, however, the house seemed deserted and he had to search for quite a while before he found even a footman.
    ‘ Everyone’s outside, m-my lord,’ the youth stammered. ‘On the terrace.’
    James headed for the back of the house and stepped out through the French doors, then stopped dead at the unexpected sight of his wife and daughters havi ng lunch with his grandfather. To James’s further amazement, Lord Holt was sitting with little Chloe on his lap, telling a very amusing story, judging by the gales of laughter coming from all his listeners. The whole scene was one of contentment and togetherness. James was annoyed to find that he felt left out.
    ‘ Grandfather, it’s been a long time since we had the pleasure of your company here,’ he said, somewhat stiffly as he went over to make his bow.
    ‘James, my boy, there you are. I had to come over and entertain your family since you were off gallivanting about goodness knows where.’
    ‘ I am very pleased that you were able to make the journey. Had I known, I would have invited you sooner. I trust you are not too fatigued? Should you not be resting?’
    ‘Bah! Go and join those other two kill-joys in there,’ Lord Holt waved a hand vaguely towards the house. ‘They don’t want a body to enjoy himself, now do they, my sweet?’
    He addressed this last to Chloe, who giggled and said, ‘No, they bully you awfully, don’t they.’
    James blinked in surprise as Lord Holt laughed and said, ‘You see? Out of the mouths of babes …’
    James had to smile as the entire scenario was too fantastic for him to take it in. When pressed, he consented to take lunch with them all, protesting vigorously when his grandfather embarked on yet another tale about his youthful misdemeanours. He joined in the laughter, however, and glanced at Amelia from time to time. She looked happy and content and the sight of her like that made him feel