“Married! Pish. I would have seen it in the papers. We have them all delivered, you know. We are not so far removed from London.” She twirled her fingers in a small, lazy circle near her head. “You recall my father’s estate in Essex? After you would not marry me, my parents sent methereuntil the gossip settled. But now I am returning to London.”
“That is very fine for you, but true it is indeed. I am happily married to my wife, the youngest daughter to the Duke of Stafford.”
Her eyebrows attempted to kiss her hairline. “That little mouse?” Miss Brooks no longer wore her facade of coy gentility.
“You are acquainted?”
“I am intimately connected with the family. I have met little—what’s her name? Anne?”
“Amelia.” Edward was losing patience.
Miss Brooks scoffed. “You cannot be serious.” Her haughty gaze surveyed him. “You could have hadme, but instead, you’ve gone and married a country bumpkin!”
“My wifeis the epitome of grace and beauty. I am afraid I really must be on my way now, Miss Brooks. Good day.” And, careful not to touch the viper, he skirted around her and moved toward the door. Miss Brooks’s poor maid stood aside as he passed, her head down.
“I look forward to when we next meet.” Miss Brooks’s venomous voice followed Edward’s departure.
He made no indication that he’d heard her as he fled the establishment.
***
Papa’s London home was different.
It was still the same light stone mansion, the same imposing black door, the same decorative balconies and columns. But the feeling Amelia had as she stepped from her carriage was far different, which led her to view the edifice differently. Looking at it now, she no longer felt the sense of confinement and unimportance.
Yet, even still, she entered with wariness. Her newfound relationship with Henrietta was just that—new. Her relationship with Edith was still strained. And she hadn’t seen Papa since the dinner party she and Edward had hosted.
How would she be received? Henrietta had been so excited and insistent at Amelia coming for tea to meet Sir Frederick, and her enthusiasm had rubbed off on Amelia. But now she thought of what was ahead and only felt concern.
How strange it was that coming to her family’s home made her feel more anxious than her visit to Kate’s home had the day before.
The butler opened the door to admit her, and Mary looked to her for direction. Amelia nodded to assure her she would be well, so Mary disappeared around the house to enter through the servants’ doors.
The old butler stood by as she walked in, preparing to show Amelia to the morning room without an indication of recognition. It stung, not that it should. She’d only been in residence at the London home for a handful of weeks, during which she’d passed her time hiding from anyone who may require anything of her.
But still. The man should know her by name if nothing else.
She followed the elderly servant up to the first floor and back to the morning room as she’d anticipated. What she hadn’t anticipated was how full the room would be.
“Dearest Mellie, we are so happy you’ve joined us! Ladies, you remember my sister?”
Edith walked toward her with sweeping steps and open arms, but Amelia did not miss the subtle insult. Her sister had pointedly not used her title, indicating to the room that it was not important enough to note. Everyone likely knew her and her circumstances, but the slight would be noted by the other guests. Of which there were... seven.
Sevenin total. Not two or three or even just Henrietta.
Murmurs of welcome filled the room, and Henrietta smiled at her from near the fireplace. Amelia moved toward her, not recognizing another soul beyond the barest of acquaintances. Her shoulders felt tight as she sat. She subtly rolled them back.
“I apologize,” Henrietta murmured. “I was led to believe only Edith’s visiting friend would be with us. Sir Frederick should be here momentarily, though. I cannot wait to know your opinion of him.”
Amelia offered a tight smile, relaxing somewhat in her less conspicuous position.
“Edith, do properly introduce us to your sister.”
Amelia could have groaned.
“Oh, you remember little Mellie. I believe you met her upon one of your country visits.”
Amelia looked at the conversing pair, surprised to see the calculating look in the eye of Edith’s friend. She had a beautiful face and impressive figure and sat surveying Amelia from over her teacup with slowly blinking eyes.
