“At any rate,” Amelia said, breaking into her thoughts, “you must stay for dinner.John mentioned that Lord Ashford and Lord Cranston might be joining us, and it will be a great opportunity to become reacquainted.”
Mary let out a sigh.“You’re matchmaking.”
“Of course not.”Amelia looked away, unable to meet her gaze as she told the blatant lie.
“It will come to naught.Lord Ashford and I shared one dance to keep all the young, hopeful women from descending on him.But…”
Amelia’s gaze swung back to meet hers.“But what?”
Mary couldn’t hold back her amusement.With a laugh, she squeezed one of Amelia’s hands and shook her head.“You are incorrigible.I was merely going to say that I would love to join you for dinner.Lord Fairbanks and my sister will be going out tonight, so it was going to be just me alone at the house.”
Amelia’s brows drew together.
“Thatwas just how I wanted it.Lord Fairbanks mentioned I was welcome to join them, but I knew Edwina wouldn’t be pleased.And honestly, I’m sure there will be more than enough opportunity to attend similar events.I was hoping to spend more time with you today.”
“You know me so well,” Amelia said.
Mary watched her friend as she leaned forward and placed a chocolate-covered sweet on a plate and handed it to her before taking one for herself.“I figured at the very least you owe me one dinner after enticing me from my peaceful solitude in the country.”
She took a bite of the small confection and let out a moan of appreciation.Her sister had put on weight after her marriage to Lord Fairbanks and had banned all sweets from the house.Her gaze swung to the serving tray, and she was dismayed to find there were only a few more sweets on it.
Amelia must have realized she planned to snatch the rest.“Don’t even think about it.I’m eating now for two, so you can’t take the rest.”
Mary let out a huff of disappointment.“Fine, but you have to promise to have more of these the next time I visit.”
Amelia laughed as she placed two more chocolate confections on their plates.“I think I can accommodate your request.”