“Why is it surprising that Henrietta has fallen in love with him?”
“Oh. Well, I do not mean any offense, but I have gotten the impression that your family cares a great deal for their standing in Society, which I should add is not an altogether bad thing. Only that it makes it surprising to learn your sister would lower herself to the station of a baronet’s wife. Not to mention, Frederick is not the youngest of men nor the most handsome. But as I said, he seems to be an upstanding fellow.”
Amelia made a sound of contemplation. “I have found that there is far more to Henrietta than I believed for many years. I’m afraid I did not spend much time in her company for fear of receiving further censure, and therefore my mind made up the details I did not know myself. It would seem I was wrong regarding her character. I can only hope Edith proves me wrong in a similar fashion.”
Personally, Edward did not intend to hold out for such a transformation from the eldest sister, but he did not feel it would be helpful to add that to the conversation, so he said nothing at all.
They drove in semi-comfortable silence for a few minutes, nodding and waving whenever they crossed paths with a familiar member of Society. With each encounter, he grew aware that his smile felt more genuine than it had for a long time; at least the most genuine it had been in the face of theton. It likely had something to do with the woman beside him. He glanced down at Amelia, her face obscured by her bonnet and the warmth of her hand still within his own. Yes, it most certainly had something to do with her.
She glanced up. “Penny for your thoughts?”
He winced, and she raised an eyebrow.
“Well, now youmusttell me after a reaction such as that.”
He threw caution to the wind. “Very well. I was simply thinking that I have not enjoyed myself this much in a long while.”
Her head tilted to the side as she considered him. Edward matched her gaze with his own, grateful for his well-trained horses.
“I am attempting to determine if you are in earnest.”
“Of course I am. I have told you before, many times even, that my words to you are not flippant or insincere.”
“Yes,” she said the word slowly, drawing it out. “Indeed, you have.”
Edward could see the pursing of her lips even when she turned to face the road again. She did not seem angry, only unsure. He decided not to press the subject. Lady Cromwell had believed he should convince her of his regard through actions. He was inclined to agree, as none of his words ever seemed to have the desired effect on Amelia.
Carefully, he steered the horses through a particularly congested part of the road, suddenly wishing they were somewhere far more private. How was he to show Amelia he cared for her when surrounded by this many people? He spotted a young boy attending a horse and gig nearby. Edward aimed their equipage in that direction, settling the reins and jumping from his seat when they reached the boy.
“Ho, young man, whose gig are you watching?”
“Mr. Hornsby, my lord.” The boy looked to be about twelve years old, with sandy hair and bright-blue eyes. His clothes were well-worn but clean.
“And do you work for Mr. Hornsby?”
“No, my lord. I was walking with my ma and sisters, and he required someone to watch his horse. He’s payin’ me though.”
“Very good. What’s your name, boy?”
“Henry, my lord.”
“Well, Henry, could I trouble you to watch my gig as well?”
Young Henry looked at the horse and vehicle he was already watching and pulled his lips between his teeth. “I’d not want to let Mr. Hornsby down, my lord.”
“Of course. I do not wish you to neglect Mr. Hornsby’s horse, but I will pay you twice what Mr. Hornsby is if you will add my horses to your burden.”
The boy’s eyes grew wide, and he nodded with excitement. “He’s payin’ me two ha’pennies, my lord.”
Edward nodded. “I shall give you double, and I won’t be but a half hour. You take good care, Henry. These beasts are rather important to me.”
“Yes, my lord. Of course, my lord.” The boy dipped in a lopsided bow, but Edward appreciated the effort. He retrieved the reins and handed them to Henry before circling the gig to Amelia. She was watching him curiously.
“How would you care for a stroll by the lake? I know how partial you are to the Serpentine.” He waggled his eyebrows and was gratified by Amelia’s amused expression.
“Only if you promise I will not end upinit by the end of our stroll.”
“That, my dear, is entirely up to you.” He winked and held out his hand to help her from the gig.
