by Rose Pearson
“Good afternoon,” he murmured, bowing low.
Amelia repeated the sentiment, but paused at the bottom step. With Harmonia inside, she turned to look at Mr. Ridlington who was gazing at her with a calmness in his eyes as though he knew what it was she wanted to ask.
“You are quite perplexing, Mr. Ridlington,” Amelia began, softly. “I must say, I get the impression that there is something you wish to tell me about Lord Northfell but are not quite able to say it.”
His slow smile sent a shiver all through her. “You are quite intuitive, Lady Amelia.”
“Well?” she asked, when he looked to be saying nothing more. “What is it you wish to say?”
Glancing around him, Mr. Ridlington’s face took on a somewhat sorrowful expression. “I cannot speak plainly here, I’m afraid, but I will say that Lord Northfell has more to him that you know.”
“What does that mean?” Amelia asked, resisting the urge to stamp her foot in frustration. “You are being quite cryptic, Mr. Ridlington. Can you not speak plainly?”
Mr. Ridlington eyed her cautiously, as if considering whether she was trustworthy or not. “Very well,” he said, heavily. “Lord Northfell has a dark past, Lady Amelia, which you ought to know of. I will not go into detail, of course, as it is not my place, but I did not want to see you lose your heart to him without knowing his true nature.”
Amelia felt a chill wash over her, struggling to keep herself from blurting out a million different questions.
“I do hope you understand that I speak in such a way in order to protect you,” he continued, his voice now becoming a wheedling whine. “I care deeply for my cousin but I will not allow him to deceive you so.”
“You are very good, Mr. Ridlington,” Amelia replied, quietly, lifting her chin just a little. “Thank you for informing me. I appreciate your thoughtfulness a great deal.”
Mr. Ridlington gave a deep bow just as Amelia excused herself, hurrying away from him and into the house where Harmonia was standing, looking at her with disapproval.
“Not now, Harmonia,” Amelia sighed, taking off her bonnet carefully. “I have a great deal to think about.”
“And an invitation,” Harmonia replied, handing her a note. “I shall go and see to father, shall I?”
Amelia sighed as Harmonia walked away, her displeasure evident in every step. Amelia could not see Mr. Ridlington in the same light as Harmonia did, for she was quite sure that the man was simply trying his best to look out for both herself and his cousin – and she could not fault him for that, could she?
Turning the note over, she broke the seal and read it quickly. Lord Northfell had invited her to attend a recital tomorrow, along with whichever one of her sisters would most like to come. He did not suggest that he would come for her in his carriage, given that the event was only a street or two away, but stated that he hoped she would allow him the pleasure of her company after the musical part of the evening was over.
Amelia sighed to herself and wandered up the staircase to her bedchamber. She was already confused over what Mr. Ridlington had to say about Lord Northfell, thinking that the man appeared to be, on all accounts, both honest and well-intentioned. However, should she believe what he had to say on such a short acquaintance? Harmonia was quite right, she did not know the man very well at all, and to have him so quickly determine that she ought to know such things about Lord Northfell did seem a little surprising. But, then again, he did seem very fervent in his wishes to keep her from continuing her attachment to Northfell without having the full awareness of who he was.
Sitting down heavily on her bed, Amelia threw herself backwards and lay flat, staring up at the ceiling. It was all so terribly confusing and, truth be told, she was not quite sure what to think and, much less, what to do. Could she bring herself to speak to Northfell about what Ridlington had told her? Would he not then be quite angry with her – and with his cousin – for speaking about him behind his back? And, even worse, if what Ridlington said was not true, then it could push her and Northfell far apart and she certainly did not want to risk that.
“Perhaps I should just forget the whole matter,” she murmured to herself, thinking that if she chose to drop her acquaintance with Lord Northfell and search for another gentleman as a potential husband, then she would no longer have to worry and fret over such things.
But no, that would never do. Amelia knew too well that her heart was thoroughly engaged with Lord Northfell. She could not pretend she had no affection for him, nor that her thoughts were often wrapped up in him alone. Even if she tried to forget him, Amelia did not think her heart would let go of him so easily.
“So what now?” she asked aloud, staring up at the ceiling. “Where am I to go from here?”
Her questioned echoed around the room but, as Amelia lay quietly, thinking hard, she could not yet find any answer. Tomorrow she would see Lord Northfell at the recital and perhaps then an answer would come to her. She could only hope it would.
Chapter 12
The following evening found Amelia and Harmonia attending the recital. Both Jessica and Jacintha had been disappointed not to attend given that they had no specific event to attend themselves, but Amelia had deemed it best that Harmonia come with her. She had always been closest to Harmonia since and found her to be a good companion. In addition, Amelia hoped that she might be able to take Harmonia’s mind away from Luke, who was still dogging her to become engaged – although, to Amelia’s very great relief, she was still refusing to answer.
The evening went wonderfully and, as Amelia took her seat, she found herself searching for Lord Northfell amongst the crowd. She had been unable to stop thinking about him and Ridlington and all that had been said, but still found that she considered Ridlington’s words to be true.
“Amelia, you are craning your neck,” Harmonia whispered. “Are you looking for someone in particular?”
“You know that I am,” Amelia replied, a trifle crossly. “Do not berate me again, Harmonia, I beg of you. I am quite weary with it all.”
Harmonia gave a soft laugh. “Such a trouble all this is! Is it any wonder that I find myself wanting to marry Luke?”
Amelia dropped her gaze from the crowd and turned to her sister. “You think you would spare yourself all this by doing so?”
“Of course I would!” Harmonia exclaimed, a quiet smile on her lips. “It is simpler, this way. Easier. There is no commotion, no wonderings, no sleepless nights.” She shot Amelia a knowing look. “I do not believe I would go through all that you are.”
Shaking her head, Amelia grasped Harmonia’s hand. “Oh, but better this than to marry one without love. To know that what you have gone through has meant something!”
“But what if you go through it all and end up without a gentleman by your side?” Harmonia asked, softly. “What if this struggle ends in tears and separation?”
Amelia considered this for a moment, putting it in line with Harmonia’s suggestion that she simply marry for practicality’s sake. “Even if that is to happen,” she said, quietly, “I still would consider it worth the pain. Marriage is meant to last a lifetime and I would rather struggle now than spend the rest of my life in pain and suffering over the man I have married.”
Harmonia’s eyes flickered as she gazed back steadily. There was no quick smile, no easy reply but rather a careful consideration that Amelia hoped would linger in Harmonia’s heart.
Then, before the conversation could continue, the music struck up and Amelia became lost in the wonderful arias that were sung. The voices blended together beautifully, the sound ringing around her as she listened. It was utterly breath-taking.
All too soon, it came to an end, and Amelia sighed happily to herself.
“Did you enjoy it?” Harmonia asked, as they rose from their chairs in order find some refreshments.
Amelia sighed happily. “Yes, indeed. It was quite wonderful.”
“I am very glad to hear it,” said a low, male voice and, as Am
elia turned around to greet Lord Northfell, she heard Harmonia quietly excusing herself, evidently leaving Amelia and Lord Northfell to talk together.
“Thank you very much for the invitation, Lord Northfell,” Amelia replied, dropping a quick curtsy. “It was most kind of you.” Despite what Ridlington had told her, Amelia could not help her heart from fluttering as he smiled, her skin warming as he took her hand to bow over it.
“I am very glad you accepted,” he replied, holding her hand for a modicum longer than she had expected. “I thought this might be to your taste.”
“And is it to yours?” Amelia asked, realizing that she did not know exactly what Lord Northfell preferred in terms of music.
He lifted one shoulder. “I do not mind it.”
“Oh.” Amelia studied him for a moment, a frown knitting her brow. “I had the pleasure of running into your cousin, Mr. Ridlington.”
She was surprised to see him stiffen at once, as though stunned at what he’d heard.
“He seemed quite delightful, I must say,” she continued, watching him carefully.
Lord Northfell’s eyes flashed as he cleared his throat, standing a little straighter than before. “Where, might I ask, did you meet him?”
“He introduced himself,” Amelia replied, with a slight blush. “I know it is most untoward to do so but he said he hoped we would not mind too much given that I was already acquainted with you.”
Lord Northfell’s lip curled and Amelia got the distinct impression he did not particularly like his cousin. That could be because Ridlington was an untrustworthy scoundrel, or because Lord Northfell knew that Ridlington was aware of his past and was afraid that it might come to light. Her eyebrows knotted together as she looked up at him, now worried that what Ridlington had told her was quite true.
“Ridlington is not exactly a man of propriety,” Lord Northfell said, after a moment. “I would not advise you to continue your acquaintance with him, Lady Amelia.”
Amelia blinked twice. Was this not almost exactly what Mr. Ridlington had said also? “I found him quite amiable, truth be told,” she answered, quietly, keeping her gaze fixed on Lord Northfell. “There was nothing improper about him, save for his eagerness to become acquainted with us – and I cannot think that a bad thing.”
Lord Northfell huffed out a breath, put his hands behind his back and cleared his throat again. It was as though he wanted to say something to her, something of great import, but could not find a way to say it. “Lady Amelia, I know we have not been too long acquainted, but I do hope you are aware of my partiality towards you.”
Amelia’s cheeks warmed at once at the compliment, although she did not smile up at him. There was something about his relationship with Mr. Ridlington that evidently caused a great deal of strife.
“I would therefore hope that my advice to you would be taken seriously and with consideration,” Lord Northfell continued, in a gentle tone. “Ridlington is a cousin, yes, but I confess that he is one of the most unfavorable men of my acquaintance. He may appear to be jovial and honest but he has a dark character underneath it all.”
There was a short pause. “Are you trying to tell me that there is more to your cousin than meets the eye?” Amelia asked after a moment, her eyes fixed on his and seeing how they flickered. “That there is something about him I ought to be wary of, that there are things he does not tell me?”
“Precisely,” he agreed, with a slight bow. “You must be careful, Lady Amelia.”
“I must be careful in all my ongoing friendships,” she replied, with a firmness that surprised even her. “I would not like for there to be things kept hidden from me.”
She waited for Lord Northfell to say something, seeing him stare at her for a moment, his mouth working but no sound coming out. Did he think that Ridlington had spoken to her? Why did he appear to struggle so?
“Lord Northfell?”
A footman stepped in between them, begging their pardon and holding out a note for Lord Northfell. Puzzled, he took it and opened it, begging Amelia’s pardon before swiftly reading it. Amelia saw his eyes widen, his cheeks paling a little.
“I must go,” he said abruptly, folding up the note and placing it inside his coat pocket. “Do forgive me, Lady Amelia. I would not take my leave of you unless there was absolutely no other way.”
Amelia nodded and allowed him to take her hand. Her skin burned as he dropped a kiss to the back of her hand, her eyes slowly meeting his as he raised his head. There was such a depth in those eyes of his. They spoke of confusion, of sorrow and of pain. There was a reluctance in his expression, as though he had been wanting to speak to her further, but was now pulled away by something unexpected.
Watching him take his leave, Amelia sighed heavily to herself, frustrated over how things had ended between them. She was quite sure that there was now some truth in what Ridlington had said to her, although she was also aware that their familial relationship was not a happy one. From his conversation, she could not make out whether that came from the secrets Lord Northfell held close – which Ridlington knew about, or because Ridlington himself was not a good man. Being so new to society, and particularly not being titled, there was no particular knowledge about him. No-one knew anything and nor were they likely to.
“Did Lord Northfell leave?”
Harmonia reappeared by her side, holding a small glass out for Amelia.
“Yes, he was called away by something urgent,” Amelia replied, her eyes still on Lord Northfell as he walked out of the room.
“Did he say what it was?”
“No,” Amelia answered, knowing that she could not have asked him either. “Whatever it is, it was important enough for him to push all his plans to one side and go to deal with it immediately.”
“Well, no need to dwell on it,” Harmonia replied, cheerfully. “There is a lot more to enjoy than just Lord Northfell’s company – and a great many more gentlemen too, I might add!”
Amelia narrowed her eyes a little. “Harmonia, are you trying to push me away from Lord Northfell?”
Harmonia laughed, her eyes sparkling. “No,” she replied, with a smile. “I am just informing you that there are other gentlemen who you might choose to get to know.”
“In the hope that I will be persuaded against Lord Northfell,” Amelia clarified, which Harmonia did not deny. “Well, if that is the case, then I hope you will join me in meeting these gentlemen, given that I am trying to do just the same to you as regards Luke!”
The light faded from Harmonia’s eyes, her smile slowly disappearing. “That is entirely different, Amelia. The truth is, I do not want to meet anyone in particular. I do not feel the need.”
“And neither do I,” Amelia replied, softly. “Do not worry about me, Harmonia. I am quite able to deal with Lord Northfell. My heart is already engaged, I fear, and will not be easily extricated from him.”
Harmonia’s eyes widened in astonishment. “I had not realized your feelings went so deep, Amelia.”
Amelia sighed heavily. “Neither had I, until recently,” she answered, softly. “Although he confuses me still. I am quite sure there is something he does not wish me to know – ”
“Which is entirely his prerogative,” Harmonia interrupted.
Amelia paused, thinking over that for a moment. “Yes, you are correct that he does have every right to keep such things to himself, but if our association is to be of….long standing, then I do not like the idea that he is keeping secrets. Maybe even dark secrets.” She sighed again, her lips twisting in frustration. “I am still inclined to believe what Mr. Ridlington said, even though I do not know the man particularly well.”
“It is strange that Mr. Ridlington seems so interested in your welfare, does it not?” Harmonia inquired, as they began to make their way around the room. “If his motives are truly honorable then that is quite wonderful but he is putting enmity between himself and his wealthy, titled cousin, which is unusual. I cannot help but think that there is somethi
ng about him that does not quite make sense. You still need to be careful there, Amelia.”
Nodding, Amelia patted her sister’s hand as they walked together. “You always know just what to say, Harmonia. I will be careful, I promise.”
The following morning, Amelia awoke to her sister Jessica jumping on her bed, an invitation in her hand. She was squealing something over and over and Amelia, who had only just awoken, pressed her hands to her ears in an attempt to quieten the sound. This did not help much at all, which meant that Amelia had no other choice but to pull her pillow out and slam it over her ears, her face now pressed into the mattress.
“Oh, do stop!” Jessica cried, grasping the pillow and throwing it away from Amelia. “We have just received the most wonderful invitation – and papa says he will come with us!”
“Invitation?” Amelia asked, groggily. “What invitation?”
“To Lord Northfell’s estate!” Jessica exclaimed, waving the invitation around, the ribbons fluttering as she did so. “A house party, Amelia!”
Closing her eyes for a moment, Amelia drew in a long breath and refocused her attention on Jessica. “We have been invited to a house party? At Lord Northfell’s estate?”
“Yes!” Jessica squealed, jumping off the bed and grasping Amelia’s covers. “Come now, Amelia, you must write back at once!”
“I?” Amelia repeated, shivering as she reached for the bedclothes in order to pull them back towards herself. “Why must I write?”
“Because it is addressed to you,” Jessica replied, slowly, as though speaking to a very small child who wasn’t able to understand. “Hurry, Amelia! Papa has said we can attend and that he will join us, so long as he is able to rest. Do come on! We are all waiting!”
Amelia groaned audibly, not wanting to ask why her sister had opened the invitation that was addressed to her. “Why are you all waiting? It will not take long for me to pen a short note.”
“For shopping!” Jessica exclaimed, still dancing excitedly around the room. “We must have at least one new dress each and since we are to leave next week, then we need to see the seamstress today.”
