What does she have planned, and will it mean that I must leave them?
The day of the ball arrived with enough nervous energy to be felt throughout the entire county. From the moment Amelia opened her eyes, servants hurried through the corridors carrying flowers, polishing silver, and preparing guest chambers. Every clock in Anderton Manor seemed determined to tick louder than usual. Even Shadow appeared unusually restless, weaving between feet as though he sensed something important was about to happen.
Amelia spent the morning helping wherever she could while trying very hard not to think about Gabriel. Unfortunately, her thoughts appeared to have developed a distressing habit of ignoring her instructions.
By afternoon, she found herself in Valerie’s bedchamber surrounded by gowns, ribbons, gloves, and enough hairpins to arm a small regiment. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows as Trixie made final adjustments to Valerie’s appearance.
“There, you look absolutely perfect,” Trixie said.
“Thank you, Trixie,” Valerie said with a smile.
Amelia stepped back to admire the finished result and felt genuine pride swell inside her chest. Valerie looked beautiful. More importantly, she looked like herself.
The gown Gabriel had commissioned was a delicate shade of pale pink silk that shimmered whenever Valerie moved. Tiny seed pearls had been sewn into the bodice, catching the light like drops of morning dew. The sleeves rested elegantly upon her shoulders while the skirt flowed gracefully to the floor. Her dark hair had been arranged in soft curls adorned with matching pearls. The effect was youthful without appearing childish. Amelia suspected every eligible gentleman at the ball would spend the evening attempting to gain Valerie’s attention.
“You look lovely,” Amelia said, smiling as she adjusted a ribbon at Valerie’s waist.
Valerie rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. “I sincerely doubt anyone will actually notice me.”
“How kind of you to lie to me,” Amelia replied, pressing a hand dramatically to her heart. “True friendship requires occasional dishonesty.”
Trixie giggled while Valerie shook her head. Usually, the young lady would have responded with a witty remark of her own. Instead, her smile faded almost immediately. Amelia noticed the change at once. During the past month, she had become remarkably skilled at recognizing the children’s moods. Valerie’s expression might have fooled everyone else, but it did not fool her.
“Something is wrong,” Amelia said gently. “And before you deny it, I should warn you that I have become annoyingly observant.”
Valerie moved toward the mirror and pretended to straighten one of her gloves. “Nothing is wrong.”
Amelia folded her arms and waited. She looked at Trixie, who curtsied and left the room.
Valerie continued staring at her reflection. Amelia continued waiting. The silence stretched between them until Valerie finally released a small sigh. It was the sigh of someone who knew resistance had become pointless. Amelia felt a tiny surge of victory. Apparently, persistence was contagious because she had certainly learned it from Gabriel.
“You are leaving,” Valerie said quietly.
Amelia dropped her arms to her side. The simple statement landed with surprising force. For a moment, neither spoke. Amelia had known this conversation would eventually come. She simply had not expected it today.
“Valerie…”
“I know about the arrangement,” Valerie interrupted, turning away from the mirror. “I heard Uncle Gabriel speaking with Dr. John about it. I know you were only meant to stay for one month.”
Amelia’s stomach tightened. Valerie clasped her hands together and stared down at them. “If you are leaving anyway, why stay for the ball?” she asked softly. “Why bother?”
The hurt in her voice made Amelia’s chest ache.
Without hesitation, Amelia crossed the room and took Valerie’s hands. “Because I would not miss your first ball for the world,” she said firmly.
Valerie looked unconvinced. “That sounds very nice,” she replied, “but it does not answer my question.”
Amelia laughed softly despite the seriousness of the moment. “You spend far too much time around Gabriel,” she informed her. “You have developed his habit of demanding complete answers.”
Valerie’s lips twitched slightly.
Amelia squeezed her hands. “The truth is that I do not want to leave.”
Valerie stared at her.
“I intend to do everything… That is I wish to remain with you and David,” Amelia continued. “I simply have not figured it all out yet.”
For the first time, genuine hope flickered across Valerie’s face.
