Amelia hesitated. Should she reveal such a private family matter to this stranger?Gallant as he has been—will he understand my dilemma?She made her decision. “My parents and Major Wellworth have hatched a plan for me to marry him at Christmas, and I’ve never met the man!”
His body stiffened as though every muscle was on alert. “Surely not!”
“I believe it’s true. My parents said as much on the journey here.”
His eyebrows lifted nearer his hairline. “And would that be so awful?”
He questions whether it’s a heinous idea?“Do you not know Wellworth?” She couldn’t keep incredulity from her voice.
“I do.” His words were level and sure.
“Then how can you question my revulsion at the idea of marrying such an old man?”
“You believe your parents wish you to marryoldMr Wellworth?”
Amelia opened her eyes wide. “Yes! Not only is he old but he is also quite infirm!”
“You’re sure your parents want you to marry Mr Wellworth, the elder, not Mr Wellworth, the younger?”
“There are two Mr Wellworths?” Now she was confused.
“Father and son. The elder is sixty.”
“It must be the son, then. I know he has a war injury that makes it difficult for him to walk. But surely he is quite old also.”
“Ahh.” The stranger gave a few slight nods of his head as if coming to terms with this information. “I hadn’t heard tell that he was considered old. I thought he was about to turn thirty.”
Amelia wrinkled her nose.Old enough! I’m only twenty. “Compared to me that isquiteold … and besides, he’s maimed.”
He gave a brief dip of his chin. “Ah, well, there I think you’re correct.”
She spread upturned hands in front of her. “You see? I’m right! The wedding is planned for Christmas Day. There is no alternative—I must escape.”
For long moments he said nothing, just stared at her, his mouth folded into a line of concern, before asking, “Where will you go?”
“To my great-aunt in Bath.”
“And you have the fare? For an inside seat?”
“I do. Aunt Lavinia insisted I have sufficient money on my person to travel to her, should anything terrible happen to my parents.”
His eyes bored into hers. “Such as?”
She whispered, “Creditors, you know. Escape to the continent may be a necessity.”
His eyes narrowed, and he nodded again. “So you are determined to flee your parents’ trap?”
“I am.”
He gave her a thoughtful look. “Is there any way in which I can serve you further today?”
She shook her head. “You have been very helpful and I’m most grateful.” It was a pity she couldn’t stay in the district longer. Surely, this handsome gentleman would have called on them at Wellworth Park. A stab of disappointment darkened her mood.
A few moments later, the rumble of wheels and the strike of hooves on the road foretold a coach arriving. Passengers around her looked expectant. The stranger took up his hat and walking stick.
“Thank you so much for your assistance, sir,” Amelia said and reached for her bandbox.
He smiled and dipped the brim of his hat to her. “I wish you a safe journey.”
