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
" Yes. " Dane replied, his gaze still on her. Amelia was suddenly startled when she saw them and that made her stop the horse when she got to their front." Good morning. " She greeted, biting her lower lip as she had forgotten how a maiden was supposed to greet in history." Good morning to you too. " Dane replied. He was giving her a strange look that she couldn't understand so as Henry." Good morning, your grace. " He responded to her and that's when Amelia realised that this was the first time he was talking to her directly. " How come you know how to ride on a horseback? "His questions seemed to have surprised her as she stared at him in confusion. She thought Abigail said, Katherine knows how to ride a horse. How come they were surprised to see a woman riding a horse? Could it be possible Abigail lied to her knowing that Dane and Henry would be riding a horse at this time? No wonder she…How dare she! How was she going to explain herself to these two men who were waiting for
Caroline raised a delicately etched eyebrow as she saw Katherine and Dane alone in his study. She stared hard at Katherine almost incredulously, her eyes sharp and immediately hostile. She noticed that Dane and Katherine were in an intimate position, and for a minute, she seemed to lose a little of her pulse. Then she smiled, almost as if by force of will, because there was no joy in her dark eyes.So, when Dane had pushed Katherine and told her to leave, there was a smug expression on Caroline's face but she couldn't help but wonder what had occured between them. The Dane she knows would never go as far as touching her." What was she doing here? " Caroline asked eventually." I don't know and I don't care. " He replied and put his hand lovingly to her cheek." I don't trust her with you. She is deceptive and can do anything to get what she wants. " She said quietly. " She only wants you! "" To me, she will never be anything more than a wife I took to oblige my father's long-standin