Next morning, Amelia greeted Mr Wells with unfamiliar shyness and an apology. She was embarrassed by her debt to himfor rescuing her from the condescension of the landlord, and paying for her room and meal. In all probability, he had had an uncomfortable night, while she had slept cocooned between a feather mattress and down cover.
Wells waved off her words as completely unnecessary, stating that he had slept as soundly as though he were in his own bed at home. Amelia doubted that, and couldn’t help but be grateful for his gentlemanliness in dismissing her worries.
“Join me for breakfast, Miss Fortescue, and you will repay me completely.’
Amelia happily complied. Afterwards, Mr Wells insisted on organising for her bandbox to be brought downstairs and handing her into the coach himself. He greeted their fellow travellers as old friends, and conversation flowed during the remainder of their journey.
The coach arrived in Bath later in the morning. Even in the wintery light, the town’s pale stone buildings glowed.
Mr Wells assisted Amelia from the coach and asked, “May I escort you to your great-aunt, Miss Fortescue? Or shall I engage a sedan chair for you?”
“My great-aunt resides in Royal Crescent. I shall walk if you would lend me your company.”
“May I carry your luggage then?”
She looked at the valise and the walking stick in his hand. “I think you have quite enough to carry already, Mr Wells.”
“Then take my arm.”
Mr Wells stepped briskly up the incline away from the coaching inn. After all the hours in the crowded vehicle, he seemed somewhat stiffer in his gait than he had on their first meeting.
“May I enquire how you injured your leg?”
“Ah, you’ve noticed that I’m a little sore in one leg. It’s pesky injury that’s on the mend now, Miss Fortescue.”
She halted them half way around the crescent. They had reached her aunt’s door. He released her arm and climbed the few steps to ply the door knocker.
Her aunt’s butler answered. His impassive face registered no surprise at seeing a strange gentleman before him. “Sir, how may I assist you?” Then his gaze reached her, and his face lit with a surprised but welcoming smile. “Miss Fortescue. Are you expected? I thought you were with your parents in London.”
“I was, Symes, but I’ve come to spend Christmas with Aunt Lavinia. How could I not?”
“I’m sure you will be very welcome.” He held the door wide for them to enter, and led them to ground-floor parlour.
Before Symes could knock and announce them, Amelia said, “Let me surprise her.” Followed by Mr Wells, she hurried into the timber-panelled room and her aunt’s gasp was her reward.
“Amelia, what a pleasure! Are your parents here, too?”
“No! I left them a note.”
“A note?” She blinked at her grand-niece. “What has happened?”
“It was as you suspected. They tried to marry me off. It was all organised—a Christmas wedding to a man I’d never met—an older man, maimed, and a son of a city banker. I escaped as soon as I could.” She nodded towards her accomplice, who stood in the doorway, leaning heavily on his cane and looking uneasy. “With Mr Wells’ assistance, and his escort, I’ve travelled by coach from near Wellworth Park.”
Aunt Lavinia’s eyes travelled to the stranger. The frown of confusion on her brow deepened. Her clear blue eyes traversed from his dishevelled dark hair down his crumpled, but well-made clothes, to his scuffed top boots. “Mr Wells, you say?” Her left eyebrow lifted in question.
“I’m delighted to meet you again, Lady Lavinia.”
Her eyebrow flicked higher. “You have the better of me, Mr Wells.”
“I believe we met last winter at the Bath Assemblies.” He bowed.
Aunt Lavinia’s bearing still starchy, she said, “Ah yes, I recall as much. You were on the hunt for a wife. Were you successful?”
The corner of his mouth lifted to form a crooked smile. “Alas, no. I’ve been singularly unsuccessful in that aspect of my life.”
“And do you think you will be any more successful soon?” Her voice could not have been more emotionless but her face showed open speculation.
“I would like to think so, Lady Lavinia, but as yet, I can hardly hope. Young ladies seem very discerning these days.”
“Hmmm.” She turned her attention back to Amelia. “My dear, you should go to your room and freshen up. I think you’ll find everything as you left it. I’ll send a maid with hot water.”
Amelia turned to Mr Wells. “Thank you and farewell.” Now that they were parting, she was tongue-tied from unexpected timidity. She gave him a small smile and curtsied. If only there was a reason for him to stay longer in Bath than he had planned.
