Read Online Desire Me Always by Tiffany Clare - Free Book Online Page A

She said she could come back on Friday when her classes concluded, but I advised we’d be home by then.”
    This news surprised her. “I didn’t think we would be leaving so soon.”
    â€œI have only a few things to take care of while we are here. Our business affairs should wrap up before week’s end.”
    His explanation provided more questions than answers. Leaving in a few days was a surprise to her, since she hadn’t been involved in anything he needed to do in Highgate. Something she would have to remedy immediately.
    â€œWhat is there remaining for us to do?” She might be Nick’s wife now, but that did not exclude her from acting as his secretary.
    There was a moment of awkward silence that had Amelia looking around the table. Lord Burley held his wife’s hand, focusing on the rings she wore, but Amelia saw the amused smirk on his face. Lady Burley was watching Amelia with rapt interest.
    Amelia turned her focus to her husband, who was avoiding eye contact with her. A kitchen servant came in and set out the tea and coffee, her presence only extending the tension that was growing in the stuffy room.
    Amelia didn’t want to rudely depart now that they’d only just sat for luncheon. But she and Nick would discuss why he thought her role should change now that they were married. She would not be one of those women who gave up her pursuits because a man advised her of it. Unfortunately, now was not a good time for that conversation.
    â€œI’m absolutely famished,” Amelia said, steering the conversation in another direction.
    â€œAs am I,” Lady Burley said, handing a teacup and saucer to Amelia and then making coffees for Nick and Lord Burley. “There are purportedly some beautiful trails for riding just beyond the village. I thought Amelia and I would take advantage of the scenery before we left Highgate.”
    Amelia opened her mouth to object but snapped it shut a moment later. Perhaps she did need time away from Nick. And a ride with Lady Burley sounded like the perfect distraction.
    â€œI’ll have Roberts ride with you,” Lord Burley said. Roberts was Lord Burley’s manservant, and Amelia had only seen him on two occasions and then, briefly.
    â€œI’m sure we won’t find any danger,” Lady Burley said, a hint of objection in her tone.
    â€œMy lovely wife.” Lord Burley brought his wife’s hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “You know I wouldn’t dare have you riding in strange lands without aid at a stone’s throw.”
    Amelia blushed and turned away from their display of affection. It was one thing to act such a way in the privacy of your room, but another thing entirely when the world around was your witness. She couldn’t say she was embarrassed, more touched that they were so open with each other. Yet it wasn’t a display she ever imagined between her and Nick.
    â€œAn afternoon ride sounds like a marvelous plan,” Amelia agreed. “What time is Huxley scheduled to arrive, Nick? I would like to return before you conclude any business matters with the manor house.”
    She expected Nick to challenge her, but he only said, “You have until four. Should he arrive earlier, I promise to wait before conducting any discussions regarding the school.”
    Perhaps she had mistaken his meaning moments ago. Yes, she must have. She was overthinking everything. Expecting him to be a different man now that he had what he wanted. It was a silly notion but one derived, she supposed, from living with her brother for too long.
    â€œThank you,” Amelia responded with a tight smile. She shouldn’t have to thank him at all. It was her right to know what was happening, more so now that she was his wife.
    She’d been such a fool to think marrying Nick would be cause alone to bring them closer; instead, it seemed as though a chasm had grown between them. That it was