by GG Shalton
Edward helped Amelia out of the carriage and escorted her up the hill near the entrance of the cottage. The family was in the drawing room and stood as the two entered. His mother was a large woman and wore her hair in a tight bun. Her dress was colorful and matched her jewelry with green and blue tones. His sister Julia was equally as large in stature and wore spectacles, shying away from any conversation by looking down at the floor. His father wore a long face with gray hair and matching beard.
His mother smiled tightly, “Amelia! How nice of you to join us for dinner. Please have a seat.” She studied her face scrutinizing her from head to toe. Amelia’s arms wrapped around her torso trying to hide whatever flaw Mrs. Patton could find. She sat down beside her on the settee and accepted a cup of tea from Julia.
Mr. Patton cleared his throat. “I assume you are agreeable to the marriage contract as you are wearing the family ring.” Amelia looked at Edward then down at the ring.
“The ring is beautiful.” She carefully avoided the question.
Mrs. Patton narrowed her eyes. “Yes, it belonged to my mother. A pity my own daughters have not worn it yet. I would request that you pass it on if that time comes.”
Amelia looked at the family’s stoic expressions. “Yes, of course. I am sure that someday both your daughters will get a chance to wear it.”
Mr. Patton rolled his eyes. “One could only hope.” He muttered bitterly, “We may not have the same funds available as my son did to secure a wife. Given your father’s circumstances, Edward could negotiate for your hand. My daughters may not be as fortunate.” Amelia felt insulted that she was referred to as a poor relation that was given in to her circumstances.
Edward spoke up trying to defend his motives. “Father, I have already provided a small dowry to both my sisters to add to what you have saved.”
Mr. Patton snorted, “Like I said. It may not be enough.” Julia looked away and took a seat in the high back chair near the fireplace.
Edward raised his brow at his father regarding his comment. He turned to his mother. “Mother, Amelia likes to paint. Her brothers told me she has many paintings. I wish to frame them and decorate my stores and home with them.” Amelia opened her mouth, surprised by his interest in her paintings.
Mrs. Patton took a drink of her tea. “Is that so? Well, we will need to see them first.”
Amelia put on a guarded smile, hoping for a diversion. His mother seemed different than what Amelia remembered. Although, she never gave her much thought as a cousin’s wife. Now she will be her mother-in-law.
Edward winced slightly at both women. “Yes of course.” He took a sip of tea as the family sat in silence. Mr. Patton poured some brandy into a glass and took a drink.
Julia looked at Amelia. “I like to paint too. Have you been to the art museum?”
Amelia smiled at Julia’s demure attempt to know her better. “Yes, I have on a few occasions, although I would love to go to Paris one day and look at the artwork. My mother lived in Paris.”
Mr. and Mrs. Patton looked at each other with concern on their faces at the mention of Amelia’s late mother—a subject not spoken aloud by family members. The past was buried, according to her father, along with any secrets that may be held.
Edward stiffened and tried to change the subject. He looked at Amelia trying to steal her attention. “Mother’s favorite color is green. Do you have a favorite?”
Amelia put down her cup and looked at Edward. His effort at making conversation touched her. “If I had to choose only one color, it would be yellow.”
Mrs. Patton puckered her lips in a challenging way. “On no. Yellow is too bright and gets too dirty. I hope you don’t plan to wear yellow that often.”
Amelia could not believe her rudeness. She cleared her throat. “Yes, I do have a few yellow dresses. They remind me of sunshine.” A forced smile on Amelia’s face shut down her retort.
Mrs. Patton grunted turning toward her daughter. “My dear, stop biting your nails. It’s not ladylike.” Julia looked away with a red face. Amelia felt sorry for her, with such an overbearing mother. She wasn’t sure what was worse—having no mother or one like Mrs. Patton.
The footman came in and announced dinner. The family went into the dining room and took their seats. Amelia sat next to Edward who pulled out the chair for her. Mr. Patton pulled out Julia’s chair and Edward rushed to pull out his mothers who gave him a stern look of disapproval.
The dinner was quiet with only pleasantries being discussed. They served plates of roasted chicken, asparagus, potatoes, and carrots. They served pudding for dessert. Amelia was full and enjoyed the delicious food. After dinner, they entered the drawing room once again and took their seats.
“Mother, I will need to take Amelia back to her home.”
Mrs. Patton raised her hand. “Of course, dear. But don’t be long. You promised me a game of chess before you retire. Would you rather your father drive her home?”
Amelia looked at Mrs. Patton, taken back by her suggestion. Edward pleaded with his mother. “But I wish to escort her home. She is my fiancée, mother.”
Mrs. Patton put her hand on her chest. “I am your mother. I thought that meant something to you.” She opened her fan forcing air on her face.
Edward looked at Amelia. “Would you mind riding home with my father?”
Mr. Patton protested. “Nonsense, you will escort Amelia home. I have no wish to see my cousin.” Amelia swallowed her protest and tried to remember her manners. Edward’s face turned nervously toward his mother. Unable to decide, he turned to his father who put up his hand to silence him.
Mr. Patton took a drink of his brandy. “If you leave now, you will be home in plenty of time to play chess.” Amelia felt very uncomfortable at the exchange happening right in front of her. She spoke up hoping to end their argument. “I don’t need an escort. I can manage with just the driver.”
Mr. Patton lifted his chin. “Edward, escort Amelia home at once. Your mother can wait.” Edward held out his arm obediently. “Yes, Father.” He escorted her out of the house to the carriage. She felt like the consolation prize.
The ride home was quiet. Edward spoke of the weather and the new inventory he was expecting that week. Amelia welcomed the diversion to the scene with his family. A glimpse of her future life made her quiver.
She entered her home relieved to be away from Edward and his family. How would she survive another hour with them let alone a lifetime? Amelia stripped off her gloves and took the back stairs through the kitchen to her room. She wanted to stay clear of her family. Mrs. Brooks caught her in the hall and asked her if she needed assistance undressing. She shook her head and went to rest.
Chapter 2
The next day, Amelia took a walk in the garden trying to keep her mind off Edward. Fresh air would clear her mind and be a welcome change. After an hour enjoying the weather, Mrs. Brooks interrupted her thoughts.
“Miss Amelia, you have a guest in the drawing room. It’s Lady Rachel. She is back from her trip abroad.” Mrs. Brooks smiled giving Amelia the news.
Amelia’s heart filled with excitement that Rachel had come to see her. She had been her closest friend when they had attended school together. Rachel had been out of the country for the last year during the scandal of Amelia’s father.
She walked quickly inside practically running to the drawing room. “Rachel! I am so happy to see you.”
Lady Rachel smiled at Amelia. She glowed in her yellow day dress accompanied by long white gloves, and her golden-blond curls were pinned up with sparkling barrettes.
“Amelia, you are a sight for my eyes. I missed you so.” She hugged her as the girls broke out in laughter.
“Please come sit, I can ask my housekeeper to bring some tea.” Amelia stepped outside, and Mrs. Brooks nodded as she went to prepare the tea.
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br /> Amelia walked to the settee and sat beside her friend. “Tell me how your trip was. I want to hear about all the wonderful places that you visited.”
Rachel was beaming. “You shall, but I haven’t much time now. I came by to extend a personal invitation to my coming-out ball tomorrow night. I know its short notice, but I only arrived home a few days ago and checked the guest list. My mother must have forgotten to invite you. I told her you were my dearest friend and I would not have my coming-out ball without you.” She smiled and handed Amelia an invitation.
Amelia slowly took it and looked down at her lap. She knew that Lady Breconshire did not forget to invite her. Her family was shunned by the town. “Thank you, Rachel, but I couldn’t possibly…” her voice cracked as her bottom lip quivered. She took a deep breath. “I couldn’t possibly attend. Much has happened since I saw you last.”
Rachel straightened her shoulders. “Nonsense. I heard the rumors and whispers. It’s not your fault, Amelia. Did you know that last year people had you picked to be one of the most sought-after debutantes for this year’s season? You are beautiful, Amelia. Many wonderful men will not overlook your beauty because of your father.”
Amelia shook her head. “I wish it were true. My father is in negotiations for me to marry my cousin Edward. I am frightened at the prospect, but have no other means.”
Rachel’s face twisted in disgust. “Edward? The one I met at your birthday party a few years ago?”
Amelia dipped her head reluctantly. Rachel gasped. “That settles it. Meet me at my home tomorrow for luncheon. You can borrow a dress from me and get ready for the ball. You need some time away from your family.”
Amelia looked frightened. “Rachel, I can’t go. What if they are mean to me? You know how they will judge me because of my father.” The thought of all those people taunting her with their haughty stares was unnerving.
Rachel shook her head. “You are my guest. I will not allow it. I want you there, and it’s my ball. Please don’t deny me this, Amelia.”
Amelia resigned herself to accepting the invitation from her friend. “Very well. I will be there.” Rachel smiled as tea was served. She accepted the cup from Amelia and began to tell her about all the preparations they made for the ball.
The next day Amelia hesitated before knocking on Rachel’s front door. Her father was an earl. A very rich earl and came from old bloodlines. He died two years ago making Rachel’s older brother Johnathan the new earl. Their family was well respected and active in the town’s social life. Rachel’s mother was a countess and friendly with royalty. She scrutinized those below her; looking down her nose was a common trait. Amelia thought about turning around and forgetting all of it, but she had promised Rachel and would not go back on her word.
Amelia made herself knock and waited until the butler answered the door. He greeted her properly and escorted her to the drawing room. Rachel was sitting with her mother, and her face lit up when she saw Amelia.
“Amelia! I am so happy you are here. Please come sit down. We are enjoying some tea.” Rachel patted the seat beside her and poured her a cup. “You take sugar, if I remember correctly.”
Nodding toward Rachel, she glanced at Lady Breconshire. The countess lifted her chin while examining Amelia. Her regal appearance beckoned her rank. Amelia’s legs shook slightly as she sipped her tea.
“I am so excited you are here. The servants are preparing the ballroom. We can take a quick peek before we go to my room.”
“If you two will excuse me, I must see the kitchen staff.” The countess rose from her chair, dismissing herself from the girls.
Rachel turned to Amelia. “Don’t mind her. She is nervous that something will go wrong with the ball. Come, let’s go see the ballroom and decorations.”
The girls left the drawing room only to be attacked by two young boys—Rachel’s brothers who were twin eight-year-olds. “Melia!” Amelia turned to see the boys before they crashed into her, giving her a hug.
She laughed out loud. “I have missed you two! I am surprised you remember me. You both have grown at least an inch.”
Ronnie, the bigger twin, wiped his cheek with his hand. “Of course. You helped us build our castle out of blankets the last time you were here. Can you still whistle?”
She lifted the corner of her mouth. “Did you say whistle?” Amelia whistled a tune swinging the boy’s arms in an impromptu dance. The boys were laughing when she swung their arms in a circle, dancing around the room.
The giggles were infectious until they suddenly stopped dancing causing Amelia to bump into them. Unsure of their sudden cessation of movement, she turned toward the source of discomfort. The earl stood with his mouth opened with three men behind him staring at the group. Amelia looked down embarrassed by her childish behavior. Lady Rachel stood frozen as her brother took in the scene.
He cleared his throat. “Boys, go back to the school room at once.” The boys let out a moan of complaint, but followed their brother’s instructions. He turned toward his sister. “Lady Rachel. I am sure you and your guest have other duties to attend to.” The use of the word guest was expressed as an annoyance. Rachel sagged her shoulders at the use of her title. His guests must be here on formal business.
Amelia looked away trying to find her feet to follow Rachel. The earl’s look of disgust—one he shared with his mother—mortified her. He was a pompous man of medium build and had the same golden hair as his sister. His clothes were always of the height of London fashion, showing off his wealth. She had only briefly met him on very few occasions. He was usually away at school when Amelia visited attending Eton and Oxford. His stern voice and gaze made her legs weak. She tried to escape the room as quickly as possible.
“Wait!” A deep voice resonated behind her. Amelia turned around seeing a huge dark-haired man appear beside her. He was sharply dressed with broad shoulders and had a slight Scottish accent. He bent down to pick up a hair barrette. She must have lost it when she was dancing with the boys. He held a tight grin across his hard face. “I believe you dropped this.”
Amelia’s face turned red. Reaching out her hand, he dropped the barrette into her palm. She whispered slightly, “Thank you, sir.” She could not make eye contact with him. Feeling humiliated by her clumsiness, her eyes locked on Rachel standing near the stairs.
He slanted his head trying to capture her attention. “Of course. You wouldn’t want to lose it.” She could hear traces of brogue in his speech.
Suddenly, he reached up taking a piece of her silky hair between his fingers running them down the strands. Her eyes widened at the impropriety. His rakish grin darkened the mood of the room. He let go of her hair and lowered his voice. “If you forgive my forwardness, I like your hair down. You don’t need the barrette.”
The man’s throaty response made Amelia shiver. Everyone stayed still watching the exchange. Amelia swallowed and looked down at the barrette in her hand breaking his stare. How dare he?! They had never even been properly introduced, and his intimate touch was inappropriate. She fisted the barrette in her hand angrily and walked away without saying a word. Rachel looped her arm around her elbow, and they climbed the stairs to her room refusing to look back.
She was a vision in his eyes. Unlike the usual pretentious English women, he couldn’t stand, this beautiful stranger’s demeanor seemed genuine and good-natured.
He turned toward the earl. “Who is she?” He had never found innocent girls attractive, but she was the type of girl that could change his mind.
The earl watched his sister disappear up the stairs before answering. “A friend of my little sister’s. I barely know her.”
“I believe I will accept an invitation to tonight’s activities after all.”
The earl’s stoic expression was unmoved, “I understood that our business was completed and you have been
paid in full, Mr. Baird. I see no reason to meet socially. You would be bored within minutes of my sister’s coming-out ball.”
Mr. Baird snorted. “Tsk, tsk my lord. Don’t be rude. I will accept your gracious invitation on behalf of my party and we will be in attendance tonight. I hope your mood will be more courteous or I may be forced to take offense. Trust me, Johnathan. You would not like to offend me.”
Johnathan flinched at the use of his Christian name—although he remained silent. Andrew enjoyed that the earl was a peer and knew it was rude to be addressed informally by a commoner. A commoner he may be, but poor he certainly was not. Money lending was only part of his fortune. He owned many gambling halls, and most of his businesses ventures were legal although rumor had it he was a blackguard who was the head of a criminal empire. One that allowed him to act as a gentleman through impeccable manners and befriend the exclusive elite of the town. One did not have to be a ruffian to be successful.
Johnathan took a deep breath turning red. “Of course, Mr. Baird. I will alert our staff of my personal invitation. I hope you will be discreet with our business today.”
Andrew laughed at his presumptuous request. “I am not sure if I should be offended. All my business deals are kept discreet until I decide they needn’t be.” His grin faded as he looked seriously at Johnathan. “Good day, my lord.” He left the house followed by two of his men.
Chapter 3
“That dress was made for you. I have never worn it, but it matches your green eyes perfectly.” Rachel stared at her as she turned her around to see the back. “Exquisite, I have just the necklace to match.”
