“What do you mean?”
Her mother cocked her head, brows lowered slightly. “Like it wasn’t the honor it was. You always sound like you think it was amusing, like seeing the dancing dog at Vauxhall Gardens.”
She couldn’t tell her mother that’s exactly how she thought of it. “I think you misread my feelings. I just think that since I have achieved that honor, I need to move further in my painting. I will need a husband soon, and my muse is calling strongly.”
“Ah, I understand now. I never did follow my muse to the epitome of my talent, but as I discovered, creating live daughters, each so different than the other, was far more rewarding.” Her mother’s gaze drifted, no doubt thinking of each of them as a babe.
Amelia took the opportunity to return to her letter. After seeing how well the pastel sketch of Lord Sommerset had succeeded, she was anxious to try all mediums. It wasn’t perfect, by far. It didn’t capture his personality, but it did capture his likeness very well. Even she had been surprised at how easily it flowed, especially after trying so many times to draw him from memory. Of course, her success hadn’t happened until he stopped moving about and talking. She had to admit, he’d been quite fun, once she realized he teased her purposefully.
The sound of Channing answering the main door had her and her mother looking at each other in question. Her mother glanced at the clock to indicate it was still a bit early for callers.
Setting the quill back into its stand, Amelia rose and walked to where her mother sat in a lovely sage dress that was just a shade darker than the pale green settee she sat upon. For herself, she’d chosen to wear rose, knowing she’d be seeing Lord Sommerset eventually and wishing to hide any blushes that may occur from pretending she hadn’t just sketched him yesterday. Little lies were easy for her, since as a small child and the youngest of four sisters, she’d become adept at using them to stay out of trouble. However, this lie was far larger and more important. Both her reputation and her chance to fulfill her potential were at stake.
Channing stepped inside the room. “My lady, Lords Harewood and Sommerset are here to call. Are you receiving?”
“Lord Sommerset?” Her mother looked over her shoulder at her.
She lifted one shoulder and shook her head.
“Yes, my lady.”
Her mother set her embroidery loop on the table next to her and clasped her hands together. “We are.”
As Channing left to fetch the men, her pulse beat erratically at the performance she must execute. She was thankful Mariel had gone riding, her favorite pastime while not in Town. It meant she wouldn’t have to pretend nothing was amiss.
“Amelia, come sit beside me.”
At her mother’s command, she walked around the settee on weak legs and sat just as the men entered. Sommerset was dressed darker than his usual with cocoa-colored pantaloons, a dark brown tailcoat, and a tan waistcoat with a beige shirt and cravat. Harewood wore dark blue, so the two still appeared opposites. They also appeared stiff as if not all was well between them. They lacked the easy camaraderie she’d remembered from when she reviewed Sommerset’s paintings, though she hadn’t thought on it until now noticing its absence.
Her mother held out her hand. “How lovely to see you both again. Lord Harewood, I dare say it has been nigh on three years, has it not?”
The man bowed slightly. “I fear it may be. It is, of course, my fault entirely.”
“And so it is.” Though her mother chided him, she did so with a warm smile. “And Lord Sommerset, what a pleasant surprise. I had not heard that you had come to our small village.”
Sommerset bowed, not taking his gaze from her mother. “I just arrived yesterday.” He glanced at Harewood then back. “Lord and Lady Enderly are hosting quite a number of guests as I discovered.”
“Really, you must tell me about it. Of course, you remember my daughter, do you not?”
Sommerset finally moved his gaze to her. “Of course. Lady Amelia, it is a happy circumstance that I am in your presence again.”
“I’m quite surprised, my lord. I thought you had planned renovations at your estate. Have things changed?”
His eyes twinkled at her made-up story. “Indeed they did. When I informed my mother of my plans, she persuaded me to wait another year, and as I wish to make her happy, I’ve delayed any changes.” He gestured to Harewood, but didn’t look at his friend. “The decision did give me a chance to visit my friend and his family, who I had promised my presence to earlier this past season.”
“Please sit, gentlemen. We had not expected anyone quite this early.” Her mother focused on Harewood.
Sommerset took the chair opposite them, but Harewood continued to stand. “If you don’t mind, my lady, I will allow my friend to accommodate you. We cannot stay long.”
Amelia addressed her comment to Harewood. “You have arrived quite early, is there something amiss at Sunnydale Manor? Surely, your parents are well.”
Harewood swallowed hard and glanced at Sommerset. “Everyone is fine. I will tell them you asked after their health. It is only that since Lord Sommerset has arrived, I must ensure that he is introduced to all our neighbors, but as you are our closest, I hoped you would be receiving.”
Her mother set her hand to her chest. “How lovely of you to think of us first. We are honored. I saw your mother not more than two days ago. She didn’t mention any guests.”
Harewood brushed something off his sleeve before answering. “Lord Sommerset was actually expected last month, and my sister was not expected back until Christmastide, but she arrived early and brought a friend with her. My mother was quite surprised but also pleased.”
She turned to Sommerset. “And how long do you plan to stay, my Lord?”
