Amelia awoke to the soft, early-morning light that filtered through the curtains of her chambers. As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, her gaze fell upon a familiar figure at her bedside.There, standing watchful and vigilant, was Abigail, her ever-loyal maid. Amelia's heart warmed at the sight of the devoted servant who had become more than just an attendant; she had become a trusted confidante in this labyrinthine journey.Amelia's voice, tinged with sleep and concern, broke the silence that enveloped the room. "Abigail, what time is it?" she inquired, her eyes searching Abigail's face for any signs of urgency.Abigail, her expression a mixture of reassurance and trepidation, responded softly, "It is dawn, your grace. I've been here, watching over you as you slept soundly."Amelia's curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but wonder about the reason for Abigail's unwavering vigil. With a gentle smile, she probed further, "Where is Dane?"Her question hung in the air, laden
Amelia's heart pounded as she walked through the woods, following the hoofprints and trying to locate the oak grove. She had reached the edge of the clearing and could see Dane's back to Simon and the crowd watching them in anticipation. Her breath caught as the moment she had feared and hoped for unfolded before her eyes. It was as though time had slowed down.She had never witnessed a duel before. She'd read of them in books but watching one live was a feeling she couldn't explain and to add that the man she loves, Duke Dane was partaking in the duel.As the gunshot echoed through the woods, Amelia straightened with a dismayed gasp, watching Simon fall to the ground, bleeding. The world around her seemed to blur for a moment as the reality of the situation sank in."You killed him! Murderer!" William yelled at Dane, his voice echoing with accusation as Henry rushed to Simon's side. It had happened! Simon Denham has been killed.Amelia's voice remained trapped in her throat as she w
As Dane and Amelia enjoyed a moment of intimacy in the oak grove, their worries seemed to melt away. However, their peaceful interlude was abruptly interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Henry. He stumbled upon them, shock registering on his face as he witnessed Amelia in the grove.His heart ached as he watched them share a kiss, knowing that he had developed feelings for Katherine that he couldn't act upon, and she was married to his halfbrother. It was an abomination for him to have any feelings for her. Although it still hurts seeing them together, happy.Clearing his throat, Henry approached them. Amelia's panic was palpable; she knew that Henry had seen her on the duelling ground, a place forbidden to women. Dane, on the other hand, remained composed."Thank you for today, brother. I appreciate it," Dane said, acknowledging Henry's presence with a nod of gratitude.Henry smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I'm surprised to see you here, your grace," he sai
Note: This novel is based on the author's imagination.The hot New York afternoon gave no hint of the extraordinary events in store for Amelia Smith over the following weeks. There was no warning at all of the amazing emotional entanglement that would change her existence in every imaginable way.It felt like any other summer afternoon, and her marriage had been in the same mess for the past year, ever since she lost the baby. No, if she was honest, it had been in a mess for longer than that. They were temperamentally unsuited, and should never have married in the first place. At least, that was how he felt; she really never thought the same. She has always been in love with him but he betrayed her love.The particular Saturday afternoon brought things to the end in her marriage. It was early June, and the weather was hot as Amelia read one of her favourite historical romance novels on the roof garden of their Brooklyn penthouse. Money was no object for Jacob, a sought-after address.
Everything felt strange to Amelia but she decided to shake off the feeling. How possibly can a couple be living alone in this Manor?" This way, if you please. " Noah led her to a corner door, beyond which a staircase led to the upper rooms. " My wife and I live in the apartment behind the Manor. We've a daughter but she is not always around. We have been taking care of this Manor for years. " He explained to her as she followed him. A thick plum-colored carpet softened their steps, and white-painted walls were hung with foxhunting prints. It was very quaint and 'archaic', as was the manor which was to be her for the next fortnight. The pretty floral chintz furnishings, polished brass and copper, low beams, and alcoves were just one wanted of England, but all the modern comforts were provided to. The kitchen was well equipped, and the refrigerator was filled with different kinds of foods.Noah showed her some other places in the house before they went to the main bedroom.He put all h
Amelia's glance went to the table where a wedding ring shone in the glow of the candle. For an illusion, the flame seemed very real. She felt that if she reached out, she would feel its heat. And yet she was sure it was a dream. She suddenly felt dizzy from the potent mixture of knowledge and confusion swirling through her. She knew much about Katherine, but was aware she hadn't completely taken on this new self. Inside she was Amelia Smith, the second daughter of Sandra and David Smith. That was why she was sure it was all a dream. She must have read all this in one of the historical romances she couldn't get enough of, or maybe seen it in an old movie, and now her subconscious was recalling it in this weird dream.Well, whatever it was, it all felt strange that it was creeping the hell out of her for it was so real. She needed to get a grip on herself. The real Katherine must have been dead by now considering the wedding ring on the table. To her astonishment, a voice interrupted
An irresistible eagerness bobbled through Amelia as she climbed down the staircase to the hallway. Caroline had her right hand linked with Dane's and Henry stood behind them with an expressionless face. Just as she elegantly climbed down the stairs, their gaze darted towards her direction and she could see the look of shock on their faces. Did they really expect Katherine to be dead?! They couldn't believe their eyes as they stared at her in astonishment. How could this be possible? She was confirmed dead a few hours ago, but how come she is…? So alive!A lot of questions ran through their heads as their expressions were beyond that of shock. Caroline stared at her, no less stunned than Henry. Dane, on the other hand, his expression was impossible to gauge. If he was glad or shocked to see her alive, he gave no sign, and if he was displeased, he gave no sign of that either. His face was a mask.Amelia's attention went to the lady in his arms and gasped. She was absolutely beautiful
It was strange how Amelia knew the layout of the castle. From the moment she climbed down the staircase, she was completely familiar with everything about the ancient fortress. But what still amused her except from the scenario from earlier was how could a lovely maid from early nineteenth century England possibly detect that beneath her ladyship's jewelled exterior there was a New Yorker from the future? Indeed, when she caught a glimpse of herself in the wall mirror, she found it hard to believe herself!She walked through the candlelit Great Hall, from where another grand staircase led up to the private apartments. She paused in the vast chamber, and looked around. History seemed very tangible in a place like this. The lower walls were panelled in dark oak, above and painted white, and everything was lit by the candles encircling half a dozen wheel-rim chandeliers suspended from a hammerbeam roof. A long table ranged down the centre of the stone-flagged floor, and on its highly pol