Love's Betrayal: The Extraordinary Life of Amy Winston, #2

By Liza O'Connor

When Amy and her friend Domnika arrive in London, she discovers her guardian, Nicolas, is under the thrall of his 'perfect' wife. Neither is happy she has come. The only person who seems pleased with her arrival is the handsome valet, Antonio, who turns out to be far more than a servant.

Needing to escape her guardian's care, Amy and Domnika take refuge at a fellow schoolmate's home. Antonio leaves Nicolas' service and becomes one of her many protectors. Unlike the other protectors, he becomes the first of many admirers that vie for her hand.

All the while, Nicolas continues to prove over and over that he is not the fine fellow her uncle had thought.

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Authors Online
• Release date: Apr 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781540140722

Liza O'Connor

   Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens in a myriad of genres. http://www.lizaoconnor.com/   

Book preview

Chapter 1

1832

Nicolas read the letter over to ensure he grasped the content.

Is something wrong? his wife Sicily asked, as she entered the library and noticed his expression.

Not wrong, exactly, only unexpected. It appears my ward Amy and a friend intend to visit London.

Why? she asked, her voice betraying concern.

I’m not sure. She should have had sufficient funds to go another year if she was frugal.

Sicily laughed. Well, there you have it. Surely you must realize by now that ladies cannot be frugal, even when they try so very hard.

Nicolas pulled her into his arms. And are we talking about my ward, or my beautiful and perfect wife now? he teased.

I’m by no means perfect. If I were, I could make my allowance stretch through the month.

And if I were a better provider, I could make so much that you would never be constrained by an allowance, he replied and kissed her.

When the kiss broke, she leaned her head upon his shoulder. She doesn’t expect you to give her a season, does she?

It is possible. I did promise Uncle John that I would do that.

But darling, we are losing ground now. How can we possibly afford to give her a season? And to what point? Without a dowry and her dubious parentage, there is no chance of her finding a husband. I understand that she was a sweet child that you doted upon, but there is nothing you can do to help her, and to be honest, it will be a social disaster if she stays here as our guest.

Nicolas stiffened and assisted her off his lap. He had discovered one serious flaw in his bride. She had no respect to what it meant when he gave his word. Constantly, she pressured him to break his word on little matters. He had said he would attend the Batcher’s party on Wednesday, but would it not be far more sensible to attend the Stonewell’s instead? And while he all too often gave in on these little matters, he would not betray Uncle John again.

Amy and her friend Domnika will be welcomed with open arms into this house and may stay as long as they like. That is not open for discussion. Uncle John loved Amy like a daughter and would never forgive me if I refused her refuge, especially since it is I who foolishly trusted your father with her dowry.

Sicily’s eyes rounded with hurt as if he had slapped her. As you wish. She then turned and ran from the room.

Nicolas tried to call her back, but to no avail. He knew he should find her and apologize, but if he did, he would have to give in to her wishes and he could not do it. Not this time. This time, Sicily would have to bend to his needs.

Chapter 2

As Nicolas and his valet, Antonio, sat on a bench overlooking the docks, Antonio interrogated him about Uncle John’s niece.

Is she intelligent?

Frighteningly so. By now I suspect she knows more than most doctors in London about medicine.

Antonio smiled. A practical woman as well.

I hardly would call it a practical vocation, Nicolas objected. No one will ever accept a female doctor.

I suppose it depends upon the situation. The next time I get stabbed or shot, I’ll be most glad to allow her to tend my wounds.

You don’t even know her.

She’s the colonel’s niece. That’s all I need to know.

Well, I wish Sicily was half so obliging to like her. She hasn’t spoken to me in three days.

It is odd. I’ve never seen the two of you even argue before, he admitted and then stood up. That’s got to be them.

Nicolas squinted but could not make out anything except the vague shape of a ship on the horizon. You must have the eyes of an eagle.

Would she be the tall or shorter one?

Since she never said whether her friend was short or tall I could not tell you.

Red or black haired?

Auburn.

The tall one. She has the colonel’s stance. Ah, my kind sir, you failed to mention she was such a beauty.

Nicolas frowned. Antonio, I am not going to have a problem with you, am I? This is my ward who is arriving, not some toy for you to trifle with.

Antonio chuckled. Trifling with that beauty would cost a man his life. I recognize one of the four...no...I recognize them all. They are considerably older now, but they still look most formidable. Doesn’t appear they have led an easy life of retirement.

Nicolas groaned as he realized that Amy had brought along Gunter and the Silent Three, Sam, Brick, and Tomas. Sicily would fall into hysterics when she discovered four additional servants added to the household, and the only work they would do was watch over Amy. Perhaps it was a good thing his wife was not speaking to him just now. He could only imagine what she would have to say about this revelation.

Do you by chance know if there is room in the servant’s quarters for them?

Antonio smiled. Since half the servants will probably quit upon first sight of Gunter, I don’t imagine space will be a problem.

That is not a helpful observation.

Perhaps not, but true all the same. I’ll offer them room in my house, if you like.

Nicolas smiled. Thank you. I am certain everything would go much smoother if you would.

Ah you see, there is an advantage to your valet owning his own house, Antonio teased.

In this odd instance, yes, Nicolas agreed. However, Sicily still lives in fear of the day that it becomes known our valet owns a slightly larger house than ours, directly behind us on the block.

It will only impress the sad lot of society. If you recall, I am only leasing the house because the bed in your servants’ quarter was too short and uncomfortable. If you had offered me a guest room upstairs, I would have agreed to sleep in your house.

How does the butler keep you in line? Nicolas demanded.

Antonio chuckled. He doesn’t. He’s a wise old bird and just pretends I’m not there. I rather like him.

I’m sure he would be pleased to know it, Nicolas replied with sarcasm.

Is Amy always so cheerful? Or is it the joy of meeting her dear old guardian?

Amy has always had a cheerful disposition, Nicolas answered as a worry crossed his mind. What if Amy still loved him? Sicily would see it in a second, for she was remarkably perceptive. Was that why she didn’t want Amy to live with them?

As the ship docked, even Nicolas could see Amy and her friend fluttering about trying to stay out of the sailors’ way. Keeping the two chicks safe was a full-time job for the four old soldiers. Yet, time at the job had given them an advantage. Now, they seemed to predict Amy’s actions before she even moved.

Once the boarding plank was secured and Nicolas and Antonio waited at the end of the ramp, Gunter released the two chicks and allowed them to scamper across the narrow plank, onto the dock. Amy threw herself into Nicolas’ arms and hugged him with all her might. He might have tumbled backwards had Antonio not grabbed his arm and steadied him.

I fear my money has been wasted if that is all Madame Cousec has taught you about being a lady, Nicolas complained.

Antonio noticed the other girl took insult by the comment, but Amy just laughed.

It is too wonderful to see you, Nicolas. I will be a proper lady soon enough, but not until I have finished this hug.

Well, can we finish it somewhere safer? Nicolas complained and forcibly removed her grip. We are blocking the ramp and there are four dangerous looking rogues waiting to get off.

Amy laughed again and smiled back at the men. I rather like those dangerous rogues. In fact, I think we must take them home with us.

Actually, they will be staying with Antonio, Nicolas said as he held out his hand and greeted each of the men, hoping as he did so that it didn’t get back to Sicily. She would be horrified he had done such a thing.

At the same time, Amy’s attention turned to Antonio, Gunter stepped forward and studied him for a moment. You look like that little sprout the Colonel inducted. What was his name, Sam?

Antonio Bandito? Sam suggested.

Antonio gave him a playful but threatening look in response.

You’re Antonio Bandito? Amy asked in amazement.

That is not my last name, but it was what they called me, he replied and kissed her hand as a gentleman might.

Antonio, Nicolas growled. Valets do not kiss lady’s hands.

Pardon, such beauty made me momentarily forget myself.

You’re a valet? Gunter chuckled.

For the present, he replied never taking his eyes off Amy.

Amy smiled at him. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories about you. She laughed. I was very jealous of you when I was a young girl, for you got to do all the things I wanted to do.

Go to war and kill people? he teased.

She frowned. I don’t recall any stories where you killed anyone, although in a few Gunter came close to killing you.

Antonio laughed and glanced at the giant old man. That he did, but I realize now he was all bark and no bite with all those attempts, for otherwise, I would not be here. He smiled at the four men. The colonel could not have chosen better men to guard his precious jewel.

Amy beamed when the handsome Antonio called her a precious jewel.

When they reached the carriage, Nicolas realized another problem. He had not planned to transport so many people. There was no room for the four men.

Not a worry, Sam assured him. I’ll ride up with Antonio and the others can rent a cart and come with the luggage.

Antonio coughed to cover his laugh and then declared that as a valet he was much too fine to drive a carriage.

Sam sighed. I’ll drive the carriage, and Antonio can sit beside me and look fancy. Gunter will join you three inside the carriage and your driver can drive the second carriage with the luggage, Brick, and Thomas. When Nicolas looked as if he was going to object, Sam shook his head. It takes at least two men to watch her.

Nicolas sighed. I see some things have not changed, he complained and assisted both ladies into the carriage.

As they drove home, he wanted to learn more about Domnika, knowing Sicily would be demanding to know whether she was presentable and whether she had family that might wish for Amy and Domnika to remain with them instead. And while he would not deny Amy room in his house, he would not object if she chose to live elsewhere. It would make his life easier.

Unfortunately, Amy wanted to discuss Sicily and seeing as how Domnika did not seem inclined to answer his questions, he gave way and spoke eloquently about Sicily. When he finished, Amy laughed.

You, sir, are besotted, for no woman on earth could be as perfect as that.

I am in love but wait until you meet her. You will find her to be every bit the lady I have described.

Having exhausted the topic of Sicily, Amy moved on to Antonio. Did you say he was your valet?

That is correct, so do not encourage his flirtations or I will be forced to fire him. After all my efforts to train him, I would truly hate to send him off.

It is an odd occupation for him, she said. Do you think he is planning some great theft?

Well, I see you think like the inspector of the Metropolitan Police. I cannot tell you why Antonio remains in the position, other than it seems to amuse him greatly. I must surmise from the fact he leased the house behind mine that he possesses an income other than what he makes as my valet. Why I put up with it I have no idea.

Because you like him a great deal. In fact, I believe he is your best friend.

I pray you will keep such observations to yourself. An earl does not make his valet his best friend.

Amy scowled. Oh, you’ve become terribly pompous. If this is what happens when you marry the perfect spouse, then I will make certain I do not marry a perfect husband.

That would be like marrying a unicorn, Domnika muttered.

How is that? Nicolas asked.

Domnika nailed him with her dark eyes. They only exist in fairy tales.

Nicolas smiled at her observation, but worried how Sicily would take to this strange young lady.

When they arrived, Sicily did not greet her guests, which was such appalling bad manners that Nicolas was left momentarily speechless. Finally, he asked the butler where she was.

She went out, sir, she did not say where.

Nicolas apologized to the girls and offered to show them to their rooms. However, when he asked the housekeeper which rooms had been aired for them, the woman looked absolutely stunned. After a bit of stammering she admitted that no one had told her to ready rooms for the young ladies.

Well, see to it now, and have baths drawn for them both, Nicolas ordered. He offered to give the ladies a tour of the house and the gardens while they waited.

AMY THOUGHT THE LAVISH furnishings appalling. This doesn’t look like a place Uncle John would have lived in.

The ghost Uncle John, who had remained with Amy since his murder, spoke up in outrage. I assure you, it looked nothing like this when I owned the house.

Do you not like it? Nicolas asked in surprise. Sicily has spent great effort in redecorating the place and her taste is the finest there is. Everyone says so.

Then it must be true, Domnika quipped and smiled prettily.

Amy hid her smile by staring out the window. So is that Antonio’s house?

Please don’t mention his house in front of anyone, especially not Sicily. She lives in fear of the day someone learns that our valet is our neighbor.

Domnika smirked. I would think she would be pleased. She seems to like expensive things that no one else can afford. A valet with his own mansion must be a very rare thing indeed.

Amy buried her face into the corner in an attempt to hide her laughter, but the shaking of her shoulders gave her away.

Amy, Domnika’s statement was not the least bit amusing. In fact, it bordered on rudeness, Nicolas chided.

Amy struggled to get control of her laughter. I beg to differ, Nicolas. I thought it very funny and if you weren’t so stuffy and proper now, you would have laughed as well. I see I am going to have to revive your sense of humor while I’m here.

Perhaps we can discuss this in private, he snapped.

Amy instantly sobered as she realized Nicolas was angry. If you wish. She turned to Domnika, taking both the girl’s hands into hers. I noticed a maze in the garden. If you have not worked it out by the time I arrive, I will have lost all respect for you.

Domnika’s eyes narrowed. This will hardly be a challenge, for I believe you are in for a lengthy lecture.

Chapter 3

Nicolas struggled to begin their private conversation. Amy smiled at his pacing. It was so like Uncle John’s. She glanced at her uncle, standing by the fireplace looking like a very annoyed ghost. Nicolas’ comments had angered him greatly. She had barely recognized her uncle when he returned from three months of haunting Nicolas into doing right by her. His current agitation worried her.

She turned her attention back to her pompous guardian. Nicolas, we are old friends, you and I. Stop pacing and say what has you so concerned.

Nicolas stopped as commanded and sat down beside her, taking her hand in his. He smiled at her, but it was not particularly a happy smile. Amy, you know I have been fond of you since you were but a small child.

There was a time he would have said ‘love’. She did not miss the reduction to fondness. Why are you unhappy? Is it that you do not want me here?

No, he assured her. I am very glad to see you looking all grown up. Only...

Only what?

He frowned and suddenly changed the topic. Your friend Domnika, does she have family or relatives in town?

Amy thought she understood his line of thinking. Domnika and I are inseparable. I’ll not send her off because she likes to make fun of the absurd.

Nicolas frowned. I would have described it as a penchant for rudeness, which I fear Sicily will find quite intolerable.

Amy sighed. I will try to keep her away from Sicily as much as possible then.

If she had family in London, I think it would be far better if she were to stay with them. You would go as well, of course, and I understand that, but still I think it would be better.

Domnika has no family or friends in London we can impose upon. However, if you find our company such an imposition, then I promise we will only stay a few weeks and then with a letter from you to the manager of the winery, we’ll go on to my estate in Italy. Amy tried very hard to hide the pain Nicolas’ words had caused.

Your estate? he asked in confusion. What are you talking about?

The winery in Italy. It is mine, is it not?

Uncle John burst into angry curses and threats, all directed at Nicolas.

Lucky Nicolas could not hear him.

There is a provision for you to have the property in Italy, if that is what you wish. However, I had not considered the matter decided. After all, you might wish to have another property instead, but we will address that when you have reached the age of maturity, which is twenty-one, if I recall.

With inhuman force, a book flew across the room and struck Nicolas solidly in the chest.

Amy jumped up and stared at the book and then at Uncle John in shock.

Do not admit you see me, Uncle John warned. He will no doubt have you put away in Bedlam, the damnable scoundrel!

Amy blinked and returned her focus on Nicolas. Father Duncan said you put it in my name a year ago, but you would remain guardian until I reached the age of eighteen. That is in six months. It had been my plan to remain here those six months, but given how little my company is wanted, I will gladly go on to my estate now, if you like.

Father Duncan was mistaken.

Didn’t he witness the signing?

He did witness my first attempt to turn the property over to you. Unfortunately, the solicitor I used was not an ethical man and the documents were lost rather than filed. I had new papers drawn, but the age of maturity was changed to twenty-one, I believe.

He’s lying! Uncle John declared. I can see it in his eyes. Either the papers are not drawn at all or he is lying about your age, but mark my word, Amy, he is lying.

Well then, if you are not willing to allow me to go to the estate before it becomes mine, I suppose Domnika and I must stay here. It sounds as if you will continue to be my guardian for many long years. I am certain when you explain that to Sicily, she will understand. And since I will not have a winery to focus upon, Domnika and I will need a season or two.

Stop right there, Nicolas warned her. I know you all too well, Amy. You no more want a season than you do a canker on your foot. You are merely suggesting it as a means of blackmail, but I tell you now, it will not work. The truth is I cannot afford to give you a season and under no circumstances would I give a season to that rude and coarse young lady that accompanies you. You may have been able to twist Uncle John to your will, but I will not be so easily led.

Amy was certain he was led every day by his perfect wife Sicily, only he was too blind to see it. I was trying to lead you to the logical conclusion. Whether I am of age or not, according to the document you wrote, it makes perfect sense to send Domnika and me to the estate now. You are correct that I do not want a season. You have also made it painfully clear that I am not welcomed here. She paused and forced her tears away before continuing. She had once loved this man with all her heart, had planned to marry him, and now he treated her like unwanted vermin. It seems the perfect solution for all involved that Domnika and I go to my eventual home now. At one time, she would have shared her ideas about improving the winery, but now she kept them to herself.

Nicolas sighed. I will consider the possibility. In the meantime, I request that you please keep your friend out of sight and away from Sicily.

Chapter 4

The moment Amy stepped from the library and closed the door behind her, Antonio fell in beside her. His smiling face revived her spirits, enabling her to push away the pain. Have Gunter and the others come yet?

His hand caressed her arm. They have. Sam is in the garden watching over Domnika, and the others are settling in my house.

She looked up at him and smiled through her misery. Thank you for sharing your home with them. Given the less than warm greeting I have received, I expect theirs would have been worse.

Well, I would gladly welcome you to my house as well, but that would cause a great scandal, he teased.

Amy laughed as she pictured Nicolas’ expression if she announced she had found a new place to stay, and it was the home of his valet. That is a very tempting offer.

Antonio looked stunned by her reply and led her into the garden. Are you not afraid that I would ravish the two of you? My reputation with the ladies is very bad.

She had never heard of a person spreading rumors of themselves. I have no doubt it is, for my uncle said you had the charm of the devil when you were but a boy, and given how fine you’ve grown up, I expect you are impossible for a lady to resist.

And yet you do not seem to have any fear.

Amy smiled and waved at Sam. I am guarded by four who are completely immune to charm.

So your immunity to my charm will be these four old tigers—and what if they are not about? What if you are left to your own passions and will? Can you resist my charms then?

I’ve no idea. To date, except for one kiss I stole from Nicolas when I was fourteen, I’ve had no chance to find out how well I can resist charming men. In truth, you are the first handsome young man that has been within ten feet of me since I left for school.

Antonio suddenly looked disturbed by her admission.

Now I have shocked you.

In truth, yes. I had not realized the king’s best men could protect their lamb so well.

Amy grimaced. I preferred being called a jewel. Jewels are enduring, lambs eventually get eaten.

Antonio replied with a hearty laugh that brought a smile instantly to her face. If he wasn’t so impossibly good looking and her guardian’s valet...

Amy stared at the maze a moment and then entered. She noticed Antonio held back. Are you not coming? I promise not to get you lost.

He mumbled something that sounded like ‘he was already lost,’ but he would not join her. Instead, Sam loped across the grass, patted Antonio on the back and then followed her inside the maze.

Upon one choice of three paths, she studied the ground and faced to the left.

Are you sure, Lil Bit? Sam challenged. The path most taken is usually the best choice.

Yes, but up until now this has been a common pattern used in mazes during the early part of this century. And it has been recently walked upon by a person just about Domnika’s weight.

Sam sighed and followed her on her path.

She probably made the same assumption as you and then turned around.

Turning right and then left, Amy arrived at the center of the maze where Domnika lay on a metal chaise.

Domnika smiled. This is a very interesting maze. It has two solutions: one for the ignorant masses and one for the privileged few. To explain her comment, she led them out and took the common trail, which led to a second center. With Sam’s assistance Amy climbed to the top of the statue in this center and studied the layout of the maze.

Are you lost? Antonio called out from the entrance.

Only curious, she assured him.

A pity. If you were lost, I would have to come in and save you.

Amy laughed. Well, come save me then.

She then dropped down from her perch and led poor Antonio on a merry hunt. He would call out to her and she would answer, but when he arrived, she would be gone. It was a challenge to elude him because she kept laughing. She finally went to the entrance of the maze and called out, asking Antonio if he were lost.

A second later, he crashed through the bush and stood before her.

That is cheating, she declared and attempted to put the branches back into place.

Antonio glared at Sam. You helped them evade me.

Sam held up his hands in protest. I did nothing but follow. Keep that in mind when you are watching these two. Once they get out of your eyesight, they are the devil to find. And the Lil Miss is more devious than you, Antonio.

Antonio gave Amy a nod of approval.

Domnika laughed. I imagine even I am more cunning than a simple valet.

Amy immediately came to his defense. He is far from simple, and I’ve yet to see any proof that he’s a valet.

Domnika then whispered in her ear. He doesn’t know they call me Lil Miss and you Lil Bit. We can use it to our advantage.

Amy glanced at Antonio as he watched them. His brown eyes sparkled with delight, his dark hair unfashionably long for a servant. He had such confidence and self-worth in his tall, lean body. God, but he was handsome.

The butler approached with caution and finally motioned for Antonio. After a whispered conference, Antonio returned. The ladies’ baths await, and your luggage is in freshly aired rooms. Mars requests that you bathe and dress for evening now, for the mistress has returned with guests.

Chapter 5

Amy was in the midst of her bath when a young elegant woman entered the room. Amy could tell by the narrowing of the lady’s eyes and the tightening of her mouth that she did not like what she saw. Are you Amy?

Amy nodded. Are you Sicily?

I am Lady Sicily, she replied with regal superiority. It is proper to address me as ‘your ladyship’.

I know how to address people of title, but such formality is not enforced upon close family and friends. Since you are the Earl of Soundberry’s wife, and I am by blood a Soundberry, that makes us family.

Sicily tilted her head in confusion. I was not aware your bloodline to the Earl was proven. In fact, I was under the impression it was very much in doubt.

Amy stared at her. I was told that you were kind and sweet, so clearly much of what we are told turns out to be inaccurate.

Sicily arched her brows. It is nothing against you personally. As the Earl’s wife, I must see he remains above reproach. This unfortunate burden that his uncle placed upon him requires delicate handling.

I have provided Nicolas my suggestion on how to handle me. Amy rose from her bath, ignoring Sicily’s rudeness as she stared at Amy’s form. Let her look. She had been told by the seamstress that she had a very pleasing form.

By the anger in Sicily’s eyes, she gathered Sicily thought so as well.

Pulling on her robe, Amy left the bathing room and returned to her own rooms where she locked the door behind her, just in case Sicily wished to continue their conversation.

The