Persuasion by Brenda Joyce Read Free Book Online Page B

funeral.”
    “Of course not.” His gaze slipped to her mouth. Amelia realized what he was doing and she was shocked. Then he looked directly at her hands.
    She had yet to don her gloves. Instinctively, she hugged her coat to her chest, hiding her hands. Had he been remarking her lack of rings? Surely he hadn’t been searching for a wedding band. But why else would he look at her hands? “I had better go. Lucas must be waiting.” And without considering the fact that he was a rather large man, and it would not be easy to pass by him, she impulsively started down the stairs. She had to escape him.
    But Grenville grasped the railing, blocking her way. Amelia crashed into the barrier provided by his strong arm.
    Incapable of breathing normally, Amelia looked from his velvet-clad arm, locked against her waist, to his hand, which firmly gripped the banister. He was barring her way. Then she slowly looked up into his eyes.
    “What were you doing upstairs in my house?” he asked without emotion. But his gaze was unwavering upon her face.
    She wanted him to remove his arm—for now, she was actually trapped. She stared into his dark eyes. “I put your daughter to sleep. She is very beautiful,” she said tersely, wishing she dared to look away.
    His mouth finally seemed to soften. His gaze lowered. Thick, black lashes fanned against his high cheekbones. Amelia could feel him thinking, carefully, deliberately. But he did not move and he did not release the railing. He finally said, “You still babble when you are nervous.”
    Her heart kept thundering. What kind of comment was that? She finally managed, “You are blocking my way.”
    He looked up, still using his arm as a barrier to prevent her from going downstairs. “I beg your pardon.” Finally, almost reluctantly, he released the banister. But he did not move aside. His body took up most of the space of the stairwell.
    Amelia didn’t move. She wanted to go, she truly did, but she felt so paralyzed. “I hope I am not intruding. Mrs. Murdock seemed to need my help.”
    “I am making you nervous.”
    She trembled. What could she say when he was right? “It has been a very trying day—for everyone!”
    “Yes, it has been a very trying day for us all.” His regard flickered, but it still remained unwavering upon her. “I see that you remain as kind and compassionate as ever.”
    That was another odd statement to make, she thought nervously. It was as if he remembered her very well. “Mrs. Murdock was so very attached to Lady Grenville. She is distraught. And the boys were distraught. They are playing in their rooms now.”
    “Then I am grateful.” His gaze narrowed. “Mrs. Murdock?”
    “The nurse,” she cried, realizing he hadn’t had a clue as to whom she was discussing.
    “Ah, yes, Elizabeth’s hire...”
    His tone seemed wry and she could not get a sense as to what he was thinking or feeling now. He had even looked away. His words seemed to hang upon the air. Did he want to talk about his wife? He probably needed to talk about her. She wanted to flee, but how could she? He had been so very upset in the church.
    He suddenly said, “She is afraid of me.”
    Amelia inhaled, realizing that he was referring to the nurse. “Yes, I think she is.”
    He glanced directly at her and their gazes met.
    “That will change,” Amelia managed, “I am sure of it.”
    “Yes, you would be certain.”
    Was he amused by her optimism? “Now that you will be in residence, she will become accustomed to you,” Amelia said quickly. When his eyes widened, she flushed. “I met Lady Grenville. And I meant it when I said I am so sorry. She was so gracious and so beautiful!”
    His stare had sharpened. His mouth seemed hard. “Yes, I suppose she was very beautiful.”
    And Amelia realized he had spoken reluctantly, as if he had no wish to praise or discuss his deceased wife. Had Mrs. Murdock been right? Surely he was grieving for Elizabeth! “She invited me for tea. It was