by Rose Pearson
“We are quite ready,” she said, in as pleasant a voice as she could manage. “May I thank you for accompanying us, Darnsley. We very much appreciate your kindness.”
Luke did not reply, simply grunted and gestured towards the door of the drawing room. The sisters walked through one after the other, although Luke followed after Harmonia leaving Amelia to walk behind, alone.
The carriage ride was a quiet one, for no-one felt much inclination to speak in their cousin’s presence. He was not an unkind man, but rather a man who had something of a sharp tongue and could often mock his cousins should they behave in a way he thought ridiculous. Even Jessica and Jacintha were silent, although Amelia knew they were both utterly thrilled to be attending Almacks. She also noticed that her cousin’s eyes continually strayed towards Harmonia. Of course, second cousins married quite often, but Amelia did not think they made a particularly good match. Harmonia was kind and gentle, always aware of what was going on and making sure to aid where she could. After all, she had been the only sister who understood the difficulties Amelia faced in being the first one required to marry! Luke, on the other hand, appeared distant and aloof. No, they would not suit at all, even if her cousin could not take his eyes from her sister!
Once they had arrived at Almacks, Amelia stuck close to her sisters and cousin. After all, as much as none of them wished to dance with him, he was the only one who could introduce them to anyone else! As their chaperone, Luke held something of a large responsibility which Amelia was not quite sure he particularly wanted. Regardless, she stayed by him, nodding to first one gentleman and then another.
For the first hour, Amelia felt quite overwhelmed. There were so many new acquaintances to greet and, given the presence of four new young ladies to society, it seemed as though they were greatly in demand. Amelia’s dance card was filled almost immediately, although each gentleman only signed his name to one dance, which was something of a relief. She saw that her sisters were much the same as she, relieved that she would not have to stand guard over them all evening. They were under Luke’s chaperonage and, with their dance cards full, she did not think any of them could do anything untoward. Besides which, she had lectured Jacintha and Jessica on their expected behavior, threatening no more balls should they disappear, even for a moment, with an unknown gentleman. Her sisters had been quite put out that she thought so little of them and had told Amelia so, which, in all honesty, had come as something of a relief to Amelia. It told her that they would behave with all propriety and not lose their heads, as she had been worried they might do. However, as she watched them each take to the floor – with poor Harmonia coupled with cousin Luke, Amelia could not help but feel a twinge of anxiety. Her own partner, a Lord Dalrymple, was soon by her side and Amelia had no more time to be anxious, caught up in the dance.
“Amelia!”
Utterly exhausted from having danced four dances in a row, Amelia was delighted to see her longtime friend Miss Claudia Michaels, approaching her with a broad smile on her face. Claudia was a friend from home but had come to London for the season with her parents. Amelia had not even thought that she would come across her, particularly with the crush of people in the ballroom.
“Claudia,” Amelia murmured, pressing her hands. “How good to see you.”
“I must confess, I am a little surprised to see you here!” Claudia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. “I did not think your father particularly cared for the Season.”
Amelia gave her friend a wry smile. “Alas, it seems I am to find myself a suitable husband – as are each of my sisters,” she replied, heavily. “And where best but London town?”
Claudia chuckled. “Where else, indeed? Well, I can see that you have made something of an impression already, given the number of names on your dance card!”
“Indeed, although I am glad for a short respite,” Amelia laughed, still feeling overly warm. “It is such a crush in here!”
“This is the way of things,” Claudia replied, grimly. “How we are to find an amiable, respected gentleman amongst such as this, I am never quite sure.”
“Is it truly terrible?” Amelia asked, knowing Claudia would be honest with her. “I do not find myself particularly inclined towards matrimony but it appears to be the deepest wish of my father’s.”
Claudia nodded, slowly, well aware that, with no sons to follow him, Amelia’s father was left without any other option but to ensure his daughters married well. “I can understand that he would wish you all to be comfortable and without concern,” she said, softly. “Yet, I will confess that it can be difficult to find just the right kind of gentleman. There are so many rakes and rogues amongst them all, although they hide themselves well.” She shook her head, the light in her eyes dimming just a little. “I had a gentleman wish to court me and I did find him quite delightful, I must say. However, it has now become apparent that he is short on funds and only wishes to wed me in order to add to his own coffers.”
Amelia grimaced. “That is just what I worry about. We each have a good inheritance.”
“And you are the daughters of a duke,” Claudia reminded her, lifting an eyebrow. “Be careful, my dear.”
Amelia was about to promise that she would be more than careful when Jessica came hurrying towards them, all of a flurry.
“Amelia! Amelia – oh, good evening, Claudia.”
Claudia chuckled. “Good evening, Jessica. Is something the matter?”
“Oh yes, something terrible has occurred!” Grasping her gown, she indicated a small tear at the bottom. “The gentleman I was dancing with trod on my gown! Can you believe it?”
Amelia eyed the rip in the gown, sighing inwardly. “Well, at least you know he is not a proficient dancer!”
“You must fix it!” Jessica exclaimed, sounding horrified that Amelia did not intend to do anything. “I cannot be seen with such a thing!”
Claudia put a calming hand on Jessica’s arm. “Have no fear, there is a cloakroom present where maids are ready with a needle and thread.” She laughed, indicating the way Jessica should go. “After all, yours is not the first torn gown!”
Jessica’s relief was palpable and, grasping Amelia’s arm, thanked Claudia before making her way in the direction she had indicated. Amelia, resigned to going to help her sister, thanked Claudia as she was dragged away.
“For heaven’s sake, be careful!” she exclaimed, as Jessica hurried up the steps. “You need not drag me so!”
Reaching the top of the stairs, she wrenched her arm from Jessica’s grip, only to lose her balance as Jessica continued to hurry away. Her foot wobbled at the top of the stairs and, for a horrifying moment, Amelia thought she might fall headlong down the staircase.
A strong hand grasped her arm, righting her quickly and pulling her away from the stairs. Amelia collapsed against a firm chest and strong pair of arms, only to blush deeply with embarrassment and step away.
“Are you quite all right?”
Glancing up at the man, Amelia felt her stomach swirl with a sudden awareness of just how handsome her savior was. “Yes, indeed,” she mumbled, not quite sure where to look. “I am so terribly sorry for inconveniencing you.”
The gentleman chuckled, his brown eyes warm and welcoming. “Not in the least. Any chance to be chivalrous, I say!”
Amelia could not help but laugh, the mortification she felt already beginning to ease. “In this case, you were very chivalrous, I’d say. I thank you.” Looking up at him inquiringly, Amelia decided to be bold. “I’m afraid I do not know your name. Might I ask it, given that you are my savior?”
The gentleman grinned, his dark brown hair catching the candlelight as he bowed. Amelia saw flecks of gold and bronze and found, much to her surprise, that a flurry of butterflies appeared to have made their way into the pit of her stomach.
“Arthur Ridlington, Marquess of Northfell,” he answered, in a deep, rich voice. “I am at your service, although I must beg to know your name also.” He looked at her with
a curiosity in his eyes, his gaze flickering from her eyes to her lips and Amelia curtsied at once, so that she might hide her flaming cheeks from his view.
“Lady Amelia Seaworth,” she murmured, finally lifting her gaze back to his. “My father is the Duke of Westbrook.”
Interest filtered into his expression. “I see. And is he here with you this evening?”
“No, unfortunately, he is not in the best of health at the moment. My cousin, Lord Darnsley, is here with us.”
His smile broadened. “Us?”
“My three sisters and I,” Amelia explained, growing more comfortable with his company with each passing moment. “I am the eldest of four.” Glancing over his shoulder, Amelia gave a slight shrug. “I was being pulled along by my sister to fix a small tear in her dress when you caught me.”
“Then I shall not keep you,” he replied, stepping to one side. Amelia made to move past him, her heart beating a little more quickly as she passed, only for him to catch her arm.
“Forgive me,” he murmured, his eyes burning into hers. “I know this is very untoward, and I am quite sure you are engaged for the rest of the evening, but I don’t suppose you have a single dance remaining?”
A rush of heat crawled up Amelia’s spine as she held up her dance card, finding it almost impossible to speak.
“One,” she rasped, her skin prickling with awareness. “I have one left.”
“Wonderful,” he murmured, catching the card in his hand. “I would like to put my name down there, if I may?”
Mute, Amelia nodded, aware of just how close he stood to her. She could smell a wonderful mixture of pine and cinnamon, her senses swimming as he pressed her hand for a moment before stepping back.
“I very much look forward to our dance, and to know you better,” Lord Northfell murmured, a light smile on his lips. “I shall see you again presently, Lady Amelia.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Amelia managed to say, finding that her legs struggled to move as she continued towards the cloakroom. Who would have thought that a single chance meeting would have sent her into such a tizzy! Lord Northfell was handsome, of course, and particularly attentive in asking her to dance with him, but she could not allow herself to be so caught up with him after only one meeting!
What is next for Amelia and Lord Northfell? Check out the rest of the story on the Kindle store. A Rogue for a Lady
My Restless Earl
Prologue
“Hurry up, Jessica!”
Sixteen-year-old Lady Jessica Seaworth stamped her foot, still unable to decide between one bonnet and the other.
“Do hurry up,” said her younger sister, Jacintha, who was already dressed and ready to go. “The military will not be passing through our village again for some time!”
Jessica wanted to retort that, being younger than she, Jacintha did not need to concern herself over such gentlemen, but wisely choose to hold her tongue instead. After all, Jacintha was only two years younger than she was and had already a great many dreams of marrying a handsome gentleman. Jessica, however, did not have thoughts in the same direction. To see the military would be enjoyable, of course, but she did not truly consider such serious things as matrimony. However, there was nothing wrong with catching a man’s eye, which was why she was still struggling with her choice of bonnet.
“They will not care which bonnet you pick!” Jacintha exclaimed, grasping one and placing it, a little ungently, on the top of Jessica’s head. “Hurry up, Jessica! Amelia and Harmonia are already waiting.”
Jessica sighed and rolled her eyes. “I know, I know.” Tying her bonnet strings and giving herself one last look in the mirror, she quickly made her way outside and found both Harmonia and Amelia arm in arm, waiting for them. Amelia, the eldest, and Harmonia, the youngest, had always been close, especially since the death of their mother many years ago.
“Are you ready to go?” Amelia asked, with a smile. “You look quite lovely, if I may say so, Jessica.”
Nodding, Jessica fell into step with her oldest sister and soon, they were walking quickly towards the small village.
“Are you excited to see the military?” Amelia asked, as they walked together. “You have never seemed so taken by an idea before, I must admit.”
Jessica shrugged, her cheeks burning. “I am of age, am I not?”
“Of course you are!” Amelia replied, laughing. “I am not teasing you, dear sister, it is just that you have always seemed quite determined not to show any preference to any gentleman who comes to call.”
Pondering this for a moment, Jessica nodded slowly. “That is true, I suppose. I have no thought of marriage or the like yet, especially since I am not the oldest sister.” She lifted an eyebrow and shot Amelia a teasing look, grinning as her sister coloured. “Yet something about the military captures my imagination,” she continued, almost to herself. “They are free, are they not? They are able to travel the world and leave England’s shores behind them. Their lives are filled with adventure and excitement and they are not bound by propriety or rules in the same way we are.”
The smile on Amelia’s face was a sympathetic one. “You have always dreamt of such things, have you not?” she replied, softly. “You are the one who goes off into the fields, exploring the area around father’s estate entirely on your own whilst the rest of us seem content to stay within the confines of the grounds.”
“That is not entirely true,” Jessica replied, with a shrug. “Jacintha comes with me sometimes.”
Amelia laughed, looping her arm through Jessica’s. “Yes but that is because you are both very close and she enjoys spending time with you. If you did not want to go off into the wilderness then I do not think that Jacintha would have any inclination to do so.”
“And, do you think such desires are a bad thing?” Jessica asked, biting her lip in concern. “I would not have you think badly of me, Amelia.” Ever since their mother had died, all three of the younger sisters had looked to Amelia as their mother-figure and Jessica did not want Amelia to have a bad opinion of her.
Amelia shook her head, pressing Jessica’s arm for a moment. “No, not in the least,” she replied with a smile. “We are not all the same, therefore none of our dreams and ambitions are the same. You have your own hopes for the future and I have mine. They need not match up.”
Jessica nodded and walked in silence for a few minutes, her thoughts filled with what Amelia had said. Her sister was quite right to state that Jessica’s days were filled with nothing but exploring and enjoying the freedom that the outdoors had to offer her. Their father was always quick to remind Jessica to take care but, for the most part, he allowed her to roam as she wished. Nothing ever happened to her and Jessica had found a great many wonderful places within five miles of her father’s estate.
The truth was, the military did hold that promise of freedom and adventure that she found herself longing for. She sometimes wondered what it would be like to marry a military man and follow the beat of the drum, tramping through the undergrowth and living on the very basics of life. It was a life far removed from her own.
However, were she to seriously consider the future, Jessica knew that she would have very little choice but to resign herself to a life of responsibilities and duty. As the daughter of a Duke, she would be expected to marry well and produce the heir and the spare for her husband. She would not be able to marry a military man, for they would not have the required title and a pauper was not the right choice for the daughter of a Duke! Her expected husband would be a gentleman of high title, decent fortune, and good breeding. That was all that she could truly expect. A Duke’s daughter did not throw off the reins of society and rush, headlong, into wherever the wind took her. It simply was not done. What was the use of dreams if it was never a true possibility?
Sighing heavily, Jessica tried to throw off the sudden sense of melancholy that filled her. Would she ever be able to find a man who would be willing to step away from society’s expectations and take her
to explore distant lands? A man who would want to help fulfill her dreams instead of pushing them aside in favor of nothing other than societal duty?
“I highly doubt it,” Jessica said to herself, ignoring Amelia’s startled look.
Coming to the main road through the village, Jessica stood with the rest of the gathered crowd, her sisters by her sides. The sounds of the marching army had her spirits lifting, her fingers twining together as she leaned forward to get her first glance at the army.
How wonderful they looked! Their uniforms were pristine, the red and white declaring their loyalty to the King. Weapons glistened in the sunshine, the swords catching the light.
Jessica’s breath caught in her chest as they passed. They were marching as one, their steps in time with the beat of the drum. Their handsome faces did not turn to the right or left, simply facing forward as they walked. Jessica could not help but dream of where they might be headed, wondering when they would next step onto England’s fair lands.
“You are quite taken with them,” Amelia murmured, leaning towards Jessica. “What is it about them that attracts you so?”
Shrugging, Jessica frowned, trying to work out in her own mind what it was. “I am not sure whether it is the men themselves or what they represent,” she said, honestly. “I think I wish I could be like them. That I could have the freedom they have.”
Amelia did not laugh, as Jessica had thought. Instead, she smiled and nodded, her eyes studying Jessica’s expression. “Mayhap one day you will marry a man from the military,” she said, quietly. “Although it would have to be a titled gentleman, so someone with a high rank.”
Shaking her head, Jessica gave Amelia rueful smile. “I doubt that will ever come to pass, Amelia,” she replied, softly. “I think I value my freedom more than marriage.”