Read Online Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half by Samantha Grace - Free Book Online

avoiding her friend’s gaze. “I wish to call on Mrs. Hillary, to thank her for an enjoyable evening. Perhaps my shawl has reappeared as well.”
    Forming a temple with her fingers, Bibi smirked. “I see, how kind of you. Please, give my regards to Mrs. Hillary.”
    Amelia dropped her head to hide the blush she knew must be coloring her cheeks. “Yes, I’m happy to pass on your regards.”
    “Oh, and offer Jake Hillary my best, will you, Amelia?”
    Her hands fluttered around her place setting, readjusting her silverware and turning her plate a quarter of a turn. “I-I doubt our paths will even cross.”
    Bibi’s eyes narrowed as she leaned forward. “Lady Audley, what is it you are keeping secret? You’ve been acting bizarrely ever since last night. Is there something between you and Mr. Hillary?”
    “N-no, don’t be silly.” Amelia attempted to laugh, but it came out strangled and transparent.
    “There is ,” Bibi said in a rush of breath. “You are having an affair with him, aren’t you?”
    She bolted upright. “No! I-I’m not. We never, I mean we—”
    A wicked grin spread across Bibi’s lips. “Captain Hillary is wrong about his brother’s experience in the art of pleasing a woman. No wonder you defended Jake Hillary with such vehemence.”
    Oh, dear. This was humiliating beyond the pale. How could she explain her association with Jake without appearing a pitiable sap? Perhaps she should allow Bibi to believe she was intimately involved with him.
    What am I thinking? Bibi would then let slip something embarrassing in front of Jake, a subtle innuendo that would reveal her lie.
    “I’ve left you with a false impression, I believe. Mr. Hillary and I are not involved.” She sipped her tea, refusing to meet Bibi’s curious gaze.
    “You never were any good at falsehoods,” she said. “Remember the time Mrs. Meriwether questioned who smuggled the kitten into the dormitory?”
    “I’m sorry I gave you away. I froze when she threatened to expel us if we didn’t come forward.”
    Bibi flicked her hand. “I forgave you long ago. Besides, you tried to lay claim to the act of mercy, which would have been more in line with your character. I’m still uncertain of the reason the headmistress didn’t believe you, but it illustrates my point. You are a horrible liar.”
    “I’m telling the truth. Jake and I are not intimate.”
    “And yet his given name rolls off your tongue with ease.” Bibi crossed her arms. “Tell me the truth now, or I’ll be forced to go to Jake for answers.”
    Amelia gasped. “You cannot ! I would die on the spot.”
    Her friend lifted an arched eyebrow. “Then I suggest you tell me.”
    Blasted Bibi! “Very well, but you may not laugh at my expense.” She cleared her throat. “We kissed, only once, mind you.”
    Bibi’s eyes rounded. “And you never told me? When did this happen?”
    She was certain her friend wouldn’t judge her. Bibi knew as much about being in a loveless marriage as she did, but Amelia hesitated. She had held that moment with Jake close to her heart for a year.
    Bibi clicked her tapered nails against the edge of her plate.
    Amelia took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “I was in mourning. I couldn’t make it known.” She looked up at her friend, finding nothing but acceptance in Bibi’s expression and her defensive stance crumbled. “After Audley’s death, Mrs. Hillary began to send Jake by several times a week with various treats and sympathetic notes she had penned. I was taken aback by her kindness. We were hardly more than acquaintances. Yet, she reached out with more caring than people I had considered good friends.”
    Bibi had to know she wasn’t included in that group. Her dearest friend had stayed with her for days until Amelia insisted she return to her home.
    “Naturally, Jake and I spent more and more time together. At first, he would linger when he made his deliveries. Later, I invented reasons to have him stay, such