From his deferential tone, it most likely was not Sebastian.
Her father arrived at the door ahead of her.
"Sherrington," she heard her father greet the man.
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By the time she exited the house, Sebastian, also dressed for traveling, stood next to her father. While her father stood relaxed, Sebastian stayed slightly behind him, legs wide, arms crossed over his chest. Turning to face the earl, she found him studying her! She felt the back of her neck heat and raised her chin a notch.
"It appears that I have come at a bad time," the earl said. Looking at Amelia, and then back to Michael he said, "You are taking your daughter into Town, then?" There was an unmistakable note of surprise in the man's voice.
"Of course! The change of scenery will do us all good."
The earl had dismounted as Michael spoke. Now he stood closer to the man, appearing to confide in him, yet his voice carried easily on the morning air.
"She does resemble you, Stretton, but I cannot imagine - even with your status - that a natural daughter will be welcomed. Some circles may pretend to accept her, but..." he let his words trail.
Now Amelia wished she had told her father what the earl said on his last visit. She didn't have to look, but could feel both men still and quiet next to her. A snake seeking his prey made more noise. Her father moved first, calmly turning his attention back to pulling on his gloves. He did not look at the earl. "I will accept your apologies now, Sherrington." His voice was clipped and curt, but appeared to hold no anger.
The earl looked genuinely perplexed.
"I find I am growing short on patience," Michael said.
Sherrington gave him the briefest of bows and offered the apology. Neither action seemed sincere.
"I do not need to explain things to you. But, I will tell you that Amelia is my daughter. My legitimate daughter. I will excuse your ignorance since you are new to the area and to the title, but I assure you, Sherrington, if it ever comes to my attention as otherwise I will seek you out. Do you understand me?"
"Implicitly."
Amelia could feel the heat emanating from Sebastian, he stood so close behind her. He said not a word. What would he think? The entire scene had been mortifying. Briefly she wondered if it would have played any differently if she had told her father about the earl's previous visit; she suspected not. Whatever could the earl be about? He had absolutely no reason to think otherwise of her father. All that she could tell was that he had seriously angered her father.
She shuddered as she seated herself in the carriage. She had never heard her father use that tone of voice. Of course, she doubted that he had ever been insulted to the point he had been, at least not in her presence. She made no mistake in believing that the insult was directed more to her father than herself.
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