Amelia closed her eyes and inhaled the fresh morning air. “I have always been rather fond of spring. It is the season of rebirth. The only time of year we get to witness daily miracles.”
Her gaze drifted in the direction of the garden, where most of the flowers bloomed with new life. The forsythia and daffodils were on full display among the many other garden flowers. A rainbow of petals floated above fresh green shoots. She longed to stroll among them.
“I have always had a knack for losing myself in gardens. There is just something about nature that draws me in.”
The duchess chuckled and placed her arm around Amelia’s shoulders. “How very right you are, my dear. Let us go in and prepare for Lady Sarah’s visit. I have invited her to have tea, and suspect she will be arriving shortly.”
Amelia grinned and allowed Grace to guide her back into the house. The gentle rustle of their skirts filled her ears. “That is splendid. I can hardly wait to discuss my plan. I have thought of little else all week.”
Her butler, Edwin, opened the door as they approached.
“Please have the drawing room set up for afternoon tea. Lady Sarah will be joining us,” Amelia said as they passed through into the foyer.
He nodded, closing the heavy door.
Amelia pulled off her plain black shawl. She had already become sick of the color. It only served as a reminder of all she had lost, increasing her sadness every time she saw it. Tears threatened, and Amelia took a deep breath, fighting them back.
Grace handed her shawl to the butler. “Please inform the staff that I will be taking Lady Amelia to Abernathy House after tea. Have her maid complete any packing that still needs to be done.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.”
Amelia handed Edwin her shawl, then proceeded up the curved mahogany staircase. She needed to prepare for afternoon tea, and more importantly, for her future.
* * * *
At Grace’s request, Amelia worked the cool ivory keys of the piano, when Sarah’s charming voice joined in.
“Look out upon the stars, my love, and shame them with thine eyes...”
She played on as Sarah sang each word perfectly. Her delicate voice reverberated through the room while Amelia danced her fingers across the keys. Alas, the tune ended, and Amelia rose to greet her friend with a kiss to the cheek while Grace applauded their performance.
“I am so pleased you were able to make it, Lady Sarah.” Grace patted the seat next to her. “Come sit, both of you. We have a plan to devise.”
They settled into nearby chairs.
It felt nice to be in her drawing room entertaining her closest friends. Amelia nearly forgot her state of mourning due to the pure pleasure and normalcy of it.
“How are you adjusting, Amelia?”
Slammed by a powerful wave of emotion, Amelia nodded as she pushed the pain back down. “I will be fine once I am wed.”
A maid brought the tea in, and they each accepted a cup.
With a wry grin, Grace asked, “Have you determined which of London’s bachelors you will lure to the altar?”
“I have thought of little else. I do have some names in mind, but am not sure any of them will do. I think Lord Shillington may be promising. As you know, he is the eldest son of the Earl of Voxton. A proper English lord” Amelia set down her cup of tea. “At the very least, he’s a perfect gentleman, and pleasant to look at.”
Sarah grinned. “Indeed, he would be delighted. He certainly did not hide his amour toward you at last season’s balls. In fact, he made quite a fool of himself chasing your skirts.”
Laughter permeated the room and echoed off the walls, lifting Amelia’s spirits.
She would never forget the way his eyes followed her about the ballroom. From the very moment her toes grazed the ground at the duchess’s ball, Lord Shillington was set to do her bidding. He bowed to her ever so ungracefully, and bumped into the Marchioness of Lovington, causing quite a scene.
After apologizing most profusely to the marchioness, he added his name to Amelia’s dance card as many times as proper etiquette allowed. “He did appear to be quite smitten with you, dear,” said Grace, her voice laced with mirth.
Sarah placed her hand on Amelia’s. “You would receive no complaints from him over being trapped into matrimony. So long as you were the bride.”
“I suspect I would not, but I am not sure I could be happy with him all the same.” Amelia folded her hands in her lap and exhaled a deep breath. “I think his clumsiness might be a bit much to live with on a daily basis. Besides, I would not like my husband appearing more fashionable then me.”
