“Oh no, that would not please me in the least. I do not wish to do anything that will delay our arrival.” Her curls bounced as she shook her head.
“I assure you we are running ahead of schedule. Stopping will not delay our arrival by more than an hour. We will still make London well before sunset.” Lord Shillington tipped his chin toward the window.
Lady Jane looked at Amelia as Lord Shillington glanced between her and his sister. “I agree with Lady Jane. Let us lunch in the carriage as we did the previous days.” She exhaled a sigh of relief when his stare moved from her back to his sister.
A frown pulled at his lips. “Who am I to argue with the desires of two ladies? The carriage it shall be.”
Lady Jane fanned herself. “Oh, how you do carry on, dear brother.”
Amelia rolled her eyes heavenward then commenced to staring out the small carriage window. This journey could not end soon enough. She longed for the companionship of Grace and Sarah, though she had little idea how she would explain herself to them. Surely they would be surprised when she told them she now wished to follow Uncle Lewis’s orders.
“I hear you have closed up Everthorne and sent most of your servants away,” Lady Jane said.
Lord Shillington turned his head so he once again stared at Amelia. “Do you intend to stay under her grace’s chaperonage until you marry?”
She preferred it when the gossip did not center around her. All the same she directed a smile at him. They came easier now that her broken heart was walled in by sheer will.
How dare the duke walk away from her and speak to others about her as though she were a burden. Once again treating her like a common tart. She would be better off without him, and being on a different continent would ensure they did not meet again.
She drew in a breath before answering their questions. “I intend to go to America and stay with my Uncle Lewis. I am scheduled to board a ship in three days’ time.”
Lord Shillington’s jaw slackened. He had no doubt been taken by surprise. His mouth snapped shut as he regained his composure. “How long do you intend to stay there?”
Amelia glanced over at Lady Jane before, directing her attention back to Lord Shillington’s studying gaze. “Two years. At that time I will have reached the age of majority and will return to Everthorne.”
Jane unfolded her hands and began fiddling with her skirt. “America sounds like a wonderful adventure, but two years is a very long time. Are you excited?” She studied Amelia while she waited on an answer, a large grin plastered on her lips.
“Not excited exactly, but I am looking forward to it. I realize I have no choice. Uncle Lewis is my guardian, and so I must go where he is.” Amelia smoothed her skirt, not at all certain she believed her own words. “Surely it will not be that bad. I will attend parties and make friends. Plus, I will learn about America firsthand. Uncle Lewis owns a large plantation, so I will have room to ride and stroll on his grounds.” She intended for her words to convince herself more than anyone else. She still did not want to go to America, but more importantly, she did not want to marry a random lord.
“It does sound splendid,” Lady Jane agreed.
Lord Shillington exhaled loudly. “I dare say, I do not want you to go, but I see you have no choice in the matter.” He rubbed his palm across his cheek, anxiety visible in his gaze.
“I will miss you as well, but it is a wonderful opportunity. I wish I could travel to new places, just not by carriage.” Lady Jane’s flighty laughter filled the space.
The next several hours were spent listening to Lady Jane daydream aloud about the places she wished to visit.
As Lord Shillington had promised, the sights of London became visible through the carriage window while the sun still hovered high in the sky. Soon, the busy streets of London surrounded her, and her senses became invigorated with familiar sounds and smells. People rushed up and down the street and the calls of vendors filled her ears as they continued through London’s streets tucked safely away in the carriage.
Lady Jane clapped her hands together. “Thank goodness we are back! It seemed like an eternity.” She smiled at Amelia. “We will take you straight to Abernathy House. I imagine you cannot wait to escape this contraption.” She turned in her brother’s direction.
Lord Shillington nodded. “Yes, I think it is safe to say we have all had enough traveling to last us for weeks.”
Amelia agreed whole heartedly. “Thank you.”
Lord Shillington insisted on walking her in once they arrived at Abernathy House. She tried to assure him it was not necessary, but he refused to hear any of it. The duchess’s butler opened the door as Amelia approached, her hand tucked under Lord Shillington’s arm, before bowing and taking her reticule. “Her Grace is in the drawing room. I will announce you at once.”
“Very well.” Lord Shillington handed the butler his calling card.
Amelia glanced furtively at Lord Shillington. “Thank you for your chivalry, but I will be perfectly fine from here. I am sure Lady Jane would prefer not to be kept waiting.” She grinned hopefully.
He shook his head gently from one side to the other before his gaze locked with hers. “I know you are capable, Lady Amelia, but I would feel better if I spoke to her grace before leaving. Lady Jane will be fine for a few more minutes.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”
She gracefully accepted, allowing him to guide her into the drawing room. Grace beamed a welcoming smile as they entered before standing and coming to Amelia’s side. She placed a kiss on her cheek before turning to Lord Shillington. “I would like to thank you for taking care of Lady Amelia.”
“That is not necessary. I am always happy to help.” He glanced back at her, grinning.
“All the same, I am grateful for your assistance.”
