Sarah tilted her chin slightly. “I made mention of him when I arrived home that day after luncheon. Papa said the Duke of Goldstone moved to Scotland when he inherited a distant relative’s lands and title.” Sarah moved one hand to her lap. “Prior to that, he resided in Leeds. Papa said the duke’s father was an earl, and the duke now holds that title as well.”
Leeds. “I cannot imagine what brought him to London for the remainder of the season. It is quite far from Glasgow,” Amelia said, pursing her lips in contemplation. “Never mind that the Scottish have their own season.”
“Business, I imagine, leastwise that is what I gathered from what he said.”
Amelia picked a piece of lint off of her riding habit. “I have a hard time believing his business will take our whole season.”
“Whatever the reason, I am glad he came.” Sarah’s face lit in a smile so bright, it rivaled the sunbeams washing over them. “I am hoping to dance with him tomorrow night.”
Amelia grimaced at the image that formed in her mind of Sarah in the duke’s masculine arms. What was wrong with her? She did not want a Scottish gentleman; she would marry Lord Roseington and live happily in England. Forever.
Amelia forced a grin back onto her lips. “Have you taken a fancy to the Duke of Goldstone?”
Sarah glanced away, “I most certainly have not; why, I hardly know the man.” She gazed back at Amelia with fluttering eyelashes. “Though he is nice to look at, and I do find him interesting.” Sarah’s cheeks blushed, giving away her secret.
“It is true, Sarah. You do fancy him. That blush across your cheeks says it all.” Amelia should encourage Sarah, be happy that she fancied someone. Why did she feel so vexed?
Sarah locked her perplexed eyes on Amelia. “Stop teasing me. I simply want to become better acquainted with him.” Her blush deepened to a scarlet hue. “I am not intending to marry this season. And if I were, it would not be to a Scottish lord. I will only marry for true love. It takes more than a season for such an emotion to form.”
Amelia grinned at Sarah’s obvious discomfort.
“Of course not, Sarah. Please do forgive me. I aught not to have teased you. I did not mean to cause you any discomfort. You are my dearest friend. I am just nervous about tomorrow night. It’s muddling my thinking.” She smiled in apology.
Sarah nodded her head. “I am such a goose, Amelia. Naturally you’d be nervous. And here I am going on about myself.” She sighed. “I am confident things will go as planned with my dear brother. So you see, there is nothing to be worried about.”
Amelia glanced down at Ruby, who sniffed at a patch of green and yellow weeds, then back at Sarah. “Of course, you are right. I mean, truly, what could go wrong?” She paused for a moment, catching her breath. “All the same, it is unnerving. I keep trying to figure out how to land in your brother’s arms without making a complete ninny out of myself.”
Crunching noises nearby caused Amelia to jump and startle her mount. She pulled on the reins while cooing to the horse in an attempt to settle it back down.What if someone heard them?Amelia’s gaze landed on a squirrel moving the branches overhead.
Sarah giggled, and peered up at the intruder. “I daresay you are on edge today. You must relax before you drive yourself mad. Your secrets are surely safe in a rodent’s care.” Sarah began to giggle again, and her horse danced beneath her.
Amelia shrugged her shoulders. “Perhaps I need a small distraction. Let us ride back toward the main trail. You can tell me all about your ball gown.” Sarah always ordered the latest fashions. A topic that fascinated Amelia more than just a touch, her interest wasn’t at all feigned. Moreover, she needed a change of topic.
She gathered the reins tighter and nudged Ruby with her riding boot. In a moment’s time, they cantered back toward the main areas of the park. Sarah looked every bit the societal lady on her white mare. She sat tall in the sidesaddle, draped in a burgundy riding habit trimmed with creamy lace. Amelia must have appeared frightful next to her in the bleak mourning garb.
Sarah glanced at Amelia. “The seamstress said it enhanced the color of my eyes a great deal and showed my figure off to the best advantage.”
“Do not be a goose. Tell me what the gown looks like.”
“It is the most marvelous ball gown, made of an exquisite royal purple material. There are little crystals scattered about the skirts and neckline as well.” She glanced at Amelia and grinned. “The entire top half is beautifully embroidered in a scrolling white pattern. I even ordered matching gloves with the same embroidery.”
She peered back at Amelia with excitement evident in her expression. “Then I got lucky enough to find a matching fan and feathered hair piece. Can you believe it? I did not even have to order them. Mama and I went into a shop, and there they were, just waiting for me.” She nodded as if confirming she spoke the truth.
Amelia could not help but be a little green with envy. She sighed. “It sounds delightful. I am certain you will be the most elegant lady at the ball.” A part of her wished she, too, could get a new ball gown and dance at the party.
“The hour is growing late. I am afraid I must make my way back to Abernathy House before I start a scandal.” Amelia rolled her eyes toward the bright sun high above their heads. “I will be waiting to see you in that fantastic gown tomorrow night. Do seek me out as soon as it is proper to do so.”
Sarah’s eyes danced with joy. “Of course, Lady Amelia, as soon as I have made my rounds at the ball.”
Amelia pulled her reins, bringing Ruby to a stop. “Until then, Lady Sarah.” She nodded farewell.
Sarah returned the gesture. “Good day, Lady Amelia.”
Amelia watched for a moment as Sarah rode off toward Lady Josephine. How she wished she too could stay and enjoy the company of her peers. Her heart became heavy with the loneliness her grief brought.
Papa had told her not to grieve overmuch. He went so far as to reassure her that he looked forward to passing on and joining her mama. But his declarations hadn’t made his death any easier on her.
With a heavy heart, she gave Ruby a light nudge, setting the horse back into motion. The wind gently blew across her face as she nudged Ruby into a gallop. Would she ever be happy again?
