Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half Read Online Free PDF Page A

Society who had praised her efforts at their last meeting, but those ladies didn’t appear to be in attendance this evening.
    “There you are.” A kind voice broke through her thoughts. Amelia glanced up to discover Lana Forest standing by the settee. She returned the younger woman’s warm smile.
    “Do you mind if I join you?” Lana asked.
    “Please do.” Amelia scooted to make room for Jake’s sister on the tufted piece.
    Lana had a way of bringing cheer to a gloomy room, and Amelia could use some cheering.
    “How go your efforts on behalf of the foundling hospital?” Lana asked.
    “Not as I had hoped.”
    “Take heart. Forest will lend his support, as will several other gentlemen of his acquaintance.” Lana’s smile was wicked as she leaned close to whisper, “I have convinced him to call in their vowels.”
    “Their vowels?”
    “Gambling debts owed to my husband.”
    “Lana.” Amelia chuckled at the young woman’s cleverness.
    “Only what they can afford to spare, of course.” She set her skirts to rights then folded her hands. “Do you mind if I speak plainly, Amelia?”
    She paused for a beat, a flutter starting in her belly, before shaking her head to indicate Lana had permission to be candid. One could never be certain what the lady might say from moment to moment.
    “I noticed my brother was friendly with Lady Kennell.”
    Amelia released her breath, sinking against the cushion. “Yes, you may want to dissuade Captain Hillary. Bibi can be… difficult to please.”
    “Then I shan’t worry for Lady Kennell. Perhaps my brother has met his match. But I feel it is only right to caution you.”
    Amelia drew back. “Me? Why caution me?”
    “Daniel can be charming when he wishes, which is not often enough in my estimation. He plays the doting suitor well, but he tires quickly of a lady’s company.” Lana placed her hand over hers. “Amelia, he watched you at dinner when you weren’t paying notice. He will approach you next.”
    Her body heated at the insinuation. Did everyone believe her to be such a willing bed partner? She did practice discernment.
    “You paid me a similar kindness at Irvine Castle,” Lana said. “I would like to return the favor.”
    Amelia smiled, but she couldn’t look at the young woman. She had done her best to caution Lana against Andrew Forest, to disallow him to ruin her chances of finding a decent husband.
    “My advice was off the mark,” Amelia said. “Your husband is quite doting.”
    Lana sighed and furrowed her brow. “And I wish I were wrong about Daniel. Heed my warning; he cares for no one but himself.”
    Amelia nodded, unsure how to respond given she had no interest in Captain Hillary. “I will take your warning under advisement. Thank you.”
    “Splendid. The matter is settled then.” Lana tossed her head, causing wispy tendrils of auburn hair to slip from the pins. Her lively green eyes sparkled. “Now Jake, on the other hand, is a different breed of man. Extremely loyal and not given to whimsy. I would venture he would make a delightful husband.”
    Oh, good heavens. Amelia flicked open her fan and waved it to cool her hot cheeks. Lana had a reputation for successful matchmaking, but she apparently knew nothing of her brother’s disdain for Amelia. “Yes, well, thank you for your kind guidance, Lana. I will make note of your concerns.”
    Jake’s sister sank back against the cushions with a slight frown. “Indeed? You have nothing more to say?”
    Amelia almost regretted thwarting the young woman.
    She spotted Bibi and hailed her, eager to end any conversation that might encourage Lana to meddle further in her affairs. “Ah, Lady Kennell. You return.”
    Bibi grinned at Lana. “My lady, your brother is a gem, and so very handsome.”
    She returned Bibi’s greeting with a polite smile. “So I am told, Lady Kennell.”
    Bibi lowered into a chair, removed her long white glove, and held her hand out to study her fingernails. “I’m