Amelia re-entered the room, and Edith wasted no time pulling her back into the conversation. “Now, about the ball you ought to host.”
“Oh, I have no wish to host any—”
Edith reached out and patted Amelia’s arm with a consoling face. “Do not worry, my dear. I would be more than happy to handle the details for you. I have hosted a number of parties myself. I am certain you would be entirely overwhelmed. Even just planning a gathering for that of anearl.” She said the title as if it were shameful. Certainly, Lord Norwich’s status was lower than that of their father’s, and their own, but it was still a title many women had attempted to secure for themselves. Amelia bristled, moving her arm slightly out of Edith’s reach.
“No, Edith, I believe you must have misunderstood me. I do notwishto host a party just yet. I am enjoying becoming better acquainted with my husband and my role as a wife just now and would rather not disrupt that.” The falsehood did not sit well with her. She did not seem to be getting to know Lord Norwich at all, but rather his ability—or lack thereof—to compliment her. Not once had he inquired about herself, but only threw compliment after empty compliment her way. They were not furthering their acquaintance by any stretch of the imagination. Unless one considered counting the paintings in his drawing room—of which there were thirty-seven,thirty-seven—as getting to know the man. Not that she had tried any other means of getting to know him. She was not certain she wished to.
Edith’s eyes narrowed. “It is not particularly kind to point out that you have married before Henrietta and myself. Just because we are awaiting more advantageous marriages does not entitle you to speak so unkindly.” Her sister pouted, and Amelia sighed. But then she felt an uninvited pang of regret. Despite her frustrations with her sister, she had not intended offense.
“I apologize, Edith. Of course, I did not intend to appear unkind. I simply am preoccupied with coming to know my new husband better. Surely you understand.”
A maid entered, not Ann this time but Mary’s new friend Lucy, and Amelia thanked her as she settled the tea tray between Amelia and her sisters. Edith’s mouth was pressed into a tight line as Amelia poured the tea, but she waited until the maid had left to speak her mind.
“Hmm. Yes, youwouldneed to become better acquainted with him, wouldn’t you? Seeing as you hardly knew the man before throwing yourself into his arms.” Her words were harsh, hostile, and Amelia’s eyes widened. Edith mistook her reaction as a confirmation and continued. “Did you believe I would not learn of the circumstances surrounding your swift marriage, Mellie? Just becauseyouwould not speak with us does not mean all of London is not talking about the event. Discovered embracing while drenched from head to toe. And withhim. His reputation is enough to blacken us all! What were you thinking, Mellie? How could you bring such slander to our family?”
Amelia gaped at her. Even Henrietta seemed rather shocked, her teacup stopped halfway to her mouth, the steam rising past her wide eyes and blurring her features.
“Is that what the gossips are saying?” She had hoped their marriage would settle the wagging tongues.
Edith’s lips pinched together, making her look as if she’d eaten something incredibly sour. “Of course that is what they are saying. It is the truth, is it not? And it certainly does not help that no one has seen you out in Society since it occurred. What are you doing, holing yourself away and leaving our family to bear the gossip alone?” Her eyes narrowed in a clear challenge, but Amelia only shook her head wearily. Her sister could be dramatic, but this was too much.
“I am certain Papa is not allowing you to suffer in any way, Edith, though I am sorry if you feel you have. You must know that the account you have heard is grossly exaggerated, and I would advise you to pay more attention to who you deem credible.” Amelia set down her teacup, regarding her sister evenly.
“I do not appreciate the insinuation that I hold less than exemplary company, Mellie! What an awful thing to say to your sister. And, if you must know, Papa has not emerged from our house any more than you have from yours. It is as if our whole family is abandoning poor Henrietta and myself! Do we matter so little?”
With wide eyes, Henrietta patted her twin’s arm consolingly as Edith pulled out a handkerchief and wept loudly into it. Amelia pinched the bridge of her nose.
“I apologize for any offense, Edith.”
But for once, cowing to her beliefs did not work, and Edith only shot her a suspiciously dry glare. “This is worse even than when you insisted on visiting Papa’s tenants while we were gone or when you convinced that poor farm boy to fall in love with you—”
Amelia nearly rose from her seat. “I did not—”
“Or!Even worse than the scars, Amelia.” Her eyes dropped to Amelia’s neck, then flicked back up. “I had been certain those would be your greatest detriment this Season. I waspreparedto help you with those. To keep them hidden. To ensure you did not receive censure for them. But then you go and do something likethis. Oh, Mellie.” She buried her face in her handkerchief again.
Amelia met Henrietta’s gaze. They both seemed at a loss for words. Finally, after a full minute filled only with Edith’s unconvincing crying, Henrietta spoke.
“I have—” She faltered, glancing at Edith, whose cries had diminished. “I have a new suitor.”
Amelia’s entire body went still, unsure whether to grasp at, or be cautious of, the change of topic. And one so very devoid of ill humor. But she recovered quickly.
“A suitor? How very fine, Henrietta. Is he a good man?”
Henrietta inched forward in her seat, setting down her cup. “The very best. He—”
“He is a baronet,” Edith cut in, all traces of tears gone. “Papa does not approve.”
“That is not true. Papa likes Sir Frederick rather a lot. He only wishes for me to be slow in our courtship.”
Edith looked daggers at Amelia. “And why do you think that is? Perhaps it is because of a recent scandal our family endured.”
Amelia tried to rein in her sigh but was unsuccessful. Against her better judgment, her tongue got away from her. “Edith, you cannot blame me for every misfortune in your life.”
Edith shot to her feet. “I can when youareto blame for them! How can you not see the mess you have created?”
Much slower, Amelia stood. Something had just occurred to her. This was her home, even if it did not feel quite that way, and she did not need to bow to her sisters’ dictates in it. “You seem weary,” she said. “I shall call for your carriage.”
“Oh yes, do! I cannot stand to be in this gossip-ridden home any longer.”
