by Rose Pearson
Sincerely yours,
Northfell.’
“An invitation to a ball!” Jessica squealed, just as Amelia had finished reading the note. “For all of us too! Goodness, Amelia! However did you manage to acquire this?”
“I had nothing to do with it, I assure you,” Amelia murmured, her stomach filled with butterflies at the thought of dancing with Lord Northfell again. “I am not sure whether to accept or not.”
Jessica’s gasp was audible. “Not accept?” she exclaimed, as though Amelia had quite lost her senses. “Of course we must accept! It is what father wishes, is it not? I am quite sure he will have no concerns over our attendance.”
Amelia sighed heavily, knowing that her confusion over Lord Northfell would continue to grow, whether or not she attended. And Jessica was quite right, her father did want them to involve themselves in society and so there was no particular reason for them not to attend.
“I shall write to them if you will not,” Jessica continued, sounding quite stubborn now. “You cannot keep this from us, Amelia! It is too wonderful an opportunity!”
“I thought you wanted to be careful,” Amelia replied, with a slight smile.
Jessica’s cheeks burned with color. “Oh, but I will be careful,” she answered, quickly. “But I cannot be careful if I do not so much as meet any gentlemen, can I?”
Amelia had to laugh. “No, indeed, you are quite right.”
Jessica tipped her head and studied Amelia for a moment, a slow dawning awareness in her eyes. “That was from Lord Northfell, was it not?” she asked, quietly. “That is what has got you in all of a tizzy.”
“You can see right through me,” Amelia replied, ruefully. “Yes, it was Lord Northfell. He has acquired us the invitation. It seems the Dalrymple’s are friends of his.” She got to her feet and held out her hand for the invitation, which Jessica gave to her at once. “But, you are quite right, we should go out into society whenever we can.”
“Then you will accept?” Jessica asked, her eyes glowing with happiness.
“I shall check with papa first and then write immediately,” Amelia promised, smiling at Jessica’s squeal of delight.
Chapter 7
“Lord Dalrymple,” Arthur exclaimed, slapping the man on the back. “How good to see you. Thank you for inviting me and for being so good as to invite my new acquaintances.”
“Not in the least!” the older gentleman replied, his eyes crinkling at the corner as he welcomed Arthur in. “I was glad to welcome four such pretty girls to our ball. I am quite sure they will not lack for partners.”
“No, indeed!” Arthur replied, chuckling. “It is quite a crush already.” Greeting Lady Dalrymple, Arthur excused himself and made his way down the small stairs into the ballroom. The music was in full swing and the ballroom was alive with dancers. Arthur smiled to himself and hurried down the steps, wondering if he would find Lady Amelia amongst the guests. He did hope that she had been willing to do as he had requested and kept at least once dance free for him. He very much wished to dance with her.
Arthur could not deny that he felt a great deal of attraction towards Lady Amelia, which was only heightened by the knowledge that she was the daughter of a duke. Her inheritance, he was sure, would bring in more than enough to cover his debts and pull him from bankruptcy, but, in addition, she was lovely in both face and of character. That was why he was finding it so difficult to make a decision over whether or not to pursue the lady. He did not want to hurt her unnecessarily but, in order for his scheme to be successful, he would have to consider keeping her in the dark about his daughter and his cousin. If he told her the truth, then she might very well turn her back on him and, if she told her sisters of what he had said, then all of society could turn their backs on him. Then he would be left with no way to find himself an heiress and save his estate.
A ripple of frustration ran through his body. If only he had not trusted Ridlington those years ago. When the baby girl had been left on his doorstep, with a handwritten note from the lady he had taken to bed and then cast aside without another thought, he had no earthly idea what to do. There had always been the possibility that the child was not his, but the note declared – in shaking handwriting, that she had been with and loved no other, he had not been able to turn his head away from the babe. The note had been accompanied by another, smaller note, informing him that the mother had died in childbirth and that only the baby had survived. He had looked down into the tiny face, aware of just how cold it was, and had taken the baby in the basket inside. A wet nurse had been found almost at once, and Arthur had stared down at the child in the crib, wondering what he was to do with her. The child could be sent to the poorhouse or given to one of his tenant's families to care for, but the truth was that the guilt he had felt on seeing the baby had forced him to think of a different option. Besides that, he saw himself in the baby’s tiny features, although whether that had been his own mind running away with things, he had not quite been able to say.
That was where Ridlington had come in.
Arthur had always been close with his cousin, and so when he had offered to take the baby until Arthur could work out what to do with it, he had accepted the offer gratefully. After all, Ridlington had no title to worry about, no social backlash to worry about. Arthur had given Ridlington money each month to care for the baby, finding the situation more and more pleasant. There was nothing to worry about on his part, for sending money to his cousin meant he did not have to even think about his daughter.
But then, he had gone to see her and seeing her features more like his than ever, had realized just how foolish he had been to shirk from his responsibilities. Everything had changed that day. He had returned her to her home, her rightful home, and, whilst still keeping her existence as quiet as he could, had thanked Ridlington for all he had done and thought the matter at an end.
How wrong he had been. His cousin had changed from friend to foe and had used the knowledge he had of Arthur’s daughter – and what had happened to the child’s mother – to blackmail him, intent on getting as much money as he could for himself.
And now, Arthur had nothing else to give him. Either Ridlington would tell society all about Arthur’s daughter, or he would find another way to press him for money. Arthur was quite certain that Ridlington would choose the latter.
His eyes suddenly caught sight of Lady Amelia twirling around the floor, his heart lifting immediately and morose thoughts dissipating. He was delighted to see her, her light smile bringing a joy to his heart. When it came to it, Arthur knew that he did not want to marry her for the wrong reasons. To wed her simply for her material gains would be quite wrong and would bring her both pain and anguish. He had already hurt more than enough people in his life and, as he watched her dance, Arthur vowed not to do it again. He would find a way through this situation, somehow. The worries he’d felt over his cousin and his daughter began to fade as the the dance came to an end and he saw her glance at him, her color rising almost immediately. Now was not the time to worry about what Ridlington might do, now was the time to simply enjoy himself. The rest would come later.
“My dear Lady Amelia,” he said, smiling as he bent over her hand. “How good to see you this evening.”
Her color rose. “You are very good to have secured us an invitation on such short notice,” she replied, quietly. “Thank you, Lord Northfell.”
“I hope you have been enjoying yourself,” he smiled, glancing down at her dance card. “Although I must ask if you have kept a dance for me.”
“Two.” Holding up her dance card, Lady Amelia met his gaze with a soft smile, even though her cheeks bloomed with color. “I told the other gentlemen I would need a time to rest. If you wish it, our dance is next.”
Arthur considered this for a moment, shook his head and offered her his arm instead. “If you are in need of rest, then I would be glad to walk with you in the gardens if you wish? Lord Dalrymple has a rather lovely one just outside.”
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br /> “Oh, I could not intrude upon you in that way!” she exclaimed. “Not when you have only just arrived.”
“In all honesty, I would not mind a short time in the quiet,” Arthur replied, thinking that he would certainly prefer to spend time with Lady Amelia alone, if he could engineer it. “The gardens should have other guests roaming around it, although we could ask one of your sisters to accompany us if you would prefer.”
He saw her consider this for a moment, hesitating between what she knew to be proper and what she wanted.
“I think a short time might be quite suitable,” she murmured, as they began to make their way to the back of the ballroom. “It is a little cold in the evenings and I would not like to catch a chill.”
Arthur agreed wholeheartedly, a thrill of pleasure racing through him as they stepped outside into the cool night air. The gardens were lit with various lanterns, and the night was not particularly dark. There was more than enough light to make out her features and, much to his delight, she appeared to be quite relaxed. There was a gentle smile on her face as they walked along the path, losing themselves in the tranquil quiet of the gardens.
The noises from the ballroom grew fainter as they continued to stroll quietly. Arthur smiled to himself in the darkness, appreciating both her company and the silence. It said a lot for her that she was quite comfortable to walk with him without feeling the need to engage in long, drawn-out conversations. It told him that she was happy in his company, and that added to his happiness.
“Do you think your sisters are enjoying this evening?” he asked, as they turned back towards the ballroom.
“Oh yes, I believe they are,” Lady Amelia replied, glancing up at him. “At least, I hope so.”
“Oh?” Arthur could not help but look inquisitively down at her, wondering about the uncertainty in her voice. “Not all of them?”
She blew out a frustrated breath, her lips twisting with frustration. “I worry about my sisters, Lord Northfell. They have been my responsibility for some time and I hope I can guide them correctly at this next stage of their lives.”
He nodded, slowly. “You have taken on the mothering role, then?”
“In a way, I suppose,” she replied, softly. “Not that I have disliked taking it on, although I do miss my mother.”
Arthur pressed her hand gently, aware that she was being quite open with him. He appreciated her candor, suddenly painfully aware of just how much she had been forced to deal with in caring for her sisters and for her father.
“You are quite remarkable, Lady Amelia,” he said, softly. “I confess that I am a little in awe of you.” He stopped and looked down at her, aware that she was a little embarrassed. “I believe you could teach me a great deal, Lady Amelia.”
“I do not think that likely!” she replied, with a quiet laugh. “I know nothing about estate management or the like! I have not bred horses, nor can I play cards particularly well!”
“And while I will admit that what you say is true,” he responded, taking her hand in his. “I know that you could teach me the things that are of greater importance. You could teach me kindness, generosity, of love.” His voice grew fainter as he looked into her eyes, his heart bursting to life within him.
Lady Amelia tried to laugh, her eyes continuing to search his features. “You are confusing me again, Lord Northfell.”
“It has never been my intention to confuse you, my dear lady,” Arthur said, honestly. “I know that some of my behavior has been very strange of late but, should I be honest with you, I would say that I am unused to such feelings.” He saw her eyes widen, her lips parting just a little. The urge to brush her lips with his own began to rage within him and he stepped forward, closer to her than ever before. Her eyes seemed to sparkle in the moonlight, her beauty causing him to lose all coherent thought for a moment.
“Lord Northfell, I – ”
He did not wait or allow her to speak, but bent his head and touched her lips with his. It was the briefest of kisses, the lightest of touches, but it set his entire being aflame. His desire for her ricocheted through his veins and he heard her gasp with either surprise or delight – and so stepped back almost at once.
“I hope that brings your confusion to an end, Lady Amelia,” he said, softly, seeing her stare at him in complete astonishment. “Now, shall we return to the ballroom before you are missed?”
“Y – yes,” she stammered, a lost look in the depths of her eyes. His heart still beating frantically in his chest, Arthur reached for her hand and looped it under his arm before walking back into the ballroom, quite satisfied with what they had shared and already longing for more.
Chapter 8
Amelia finished her piano piece with a flourish, a weariness in her heart that begged to be considered. She was doing all she could to push it from her mind but still, the thought of Lord Northfell’s kiss lingered.
It had been so quick, hardly more than a breath, and yet it had altered her situation in so many ways. She even felt different now, as though that experience had somehow changed her. And, what was more, her heart was quite lost to Lord Northfell.
He knew that he confused her, and had sought to make his feelings clear – and he certainly had achieved that! The only problem Amelia now had was that she was not sure what to do with the depth of feeling she had for Lord Northfell, after such a short acquaintance. She did not want to feel as though she had fallen simply for his handsome face but had to admit to herself that she knew very little about his character or background. Her fingers lingered over a few keys as she recalled how he had abruptly left her when she had met him at Uncle Geoffrey’s, only to apologize for it soon after with an explanation that did not quite make sense. Despite his kindness to her, she could not help but believe that there was something Lord Northfell did not want to disclose to her. Either it was that, or that he simply did not know how to express his feelings particularly well – at least, not until last evening.
Amelia launched into another piece, her troubled thoughts fading as she put all of her emotion into the music. She lost herself entirely for those minutes, slowly coming to an end and, quietly, bringing to a conclusion. That was exactly what she needed to do, she realized. Bring herself to a conclusion and, thereby, stick with it.
Rising from her chair, Amelia made her way to the window and looked out, down to the streets below. The truth was, she had feelings for Lord Northfell that were growing in intensity every time they met. They would not be diminished, would not be pushed away. In return, he had proved to her the depth of his own feelings for her, admitting that he knew he had been confusing of late. What his intentions were for her, she c0uld not say, but Amelia grew tired of all the questions dogging her mind. She had to make a decision. Either she would be content with their ongoing attachment, having the usual hopes in her heart for the future, or she would bring their acquaintance to an end and choose to seek out another gentleman who might be willing to ask for her hand.
Amelia knew at once which one she wanted.
“That means no more questions, no more struggling thoughts, no more wondering,” she told herself, quietly. “Just be happy with the attentions he has shown you and stop worrying so much!”
A small smile crossed her face as peace began to settle in her heart, her mind slowing its whirling as she wandered back towards the piano.
“Amelia?”
Harmonia appeared in the doorway, her eyes brightening at the sight of her sister. “Ah, there you are. I was hoping to take a stroll in the park and wondered if you would join me?”
“Of course!” Amelia replied at once. “I’d be glad to go with you, Harmonia. When do you intend to leave?”
“This very moment, if you don’t mind!” Harmonia laughed. “The sun is shining and I would very much like to enjoy it.”
“I will be with you in a moment,” Amelia promised, making her way from the room. “I just need to fetch my hat.”
A short time later, the two sisters were walk
ing along the street towards Hyde Park, greeting a few acquaintances on the way. It was not yet the fashionable hour but Amelia, at least, was glad for it. It meant the park itself was not too busy, which allowed her to enjoy the untouched beauty that lay within it.
“You look happy today,” Harmonia commented, as they walked. “Lord Northfell is not troubling you in the same way?”
“No,” Amelia replied, smiling at her sister. “No, he is not. In fact, I have decided to pursue our acquaintance.”
“Oh?” Harmonia looked both astonished and pleased. “Well, that is quite decisive of you. May I ask what brought this on?”
Amelia felt a trickle of heat make its way from her spine into her face. “Nothing in particular,” she replied, not wishing to go into detail with Harmonia who, most likely, would be utterly astonished to hear that Amelia had allowed a gentleman to kiss her. “I have simply decided that I am tired of thinking about him, about worrying over what it all means and have chosen just to enjoy our progressing acquaintance.”
“Then you have formed an attachment with him,” Harmonia murmured, linking her arm through Amelia’s. “Then I hope you very happy, Amelia. I know you will not have chosen him without a great deal of consideration.”
“Mayhap a little too much consideration,” Amelia replied, with a wry grin. “And what of you, sister? Have you any thought for Luke?”
The smile left Harmonia’s face. “No, not really. He is still intent in his pursuit of me and I am still as unsure as to what to do.”
“I spoke to father – not anything in particular, you understand, but just in general. You are quite right, he would not object in the least to the match.”
Harmonia sighed, the light in her eyes dimming. “I know. I confess that I do feel somewhat coerced when it comes to our cousin though I am fighting against such a feeling.”