Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Amelia could feel her heart racing as she and her family traveled through the streets of London in their carriage. She looked out of the window, trying to distract herself with anything else beside the fact that they were going to have dinner with Edmund and his family.

Their parents were going to meet. They knew each other, but they didn’t really run in the same social circles. Amelia was aware of the slight tension that was between the two families, and she had dismissed it as being a silly rivalry. Her parents had never said anything about it to her, and she didn’t push to ask about what went on. Now they were going to be in the same room for an evening.

Amelia could only hope that they would keep whatever had happened in the past to a minimum and not cause any drama for the evening. However, when she had mentioned this to Taylor, her maid had pointed out that she had been looking for ways to get Edmund to end their courtship, so why shouldn’t she allow her parents to behave as they might? It would more than likely help with Edmund breaking off the courtship.

It was different, in Amelia’s mind. She could manage to be outrageous when she was away from her parents, but as soon as they saw what she was up to, things would be under tighter scrutiny. Her father, especially, knew that Amelia would try and get out of it, so he might tell her to take a different chaperone, one that wouldn’t allow her to be as relaxed about boundaries and what she was doing. Amelia didn’t want that to happen.

Besides, she just wanted an evening where she could have fun and not worry about anything else. Edmund’s mother was lovely, and Amelia enjoyed being around Mathilda. She had met the duke briefly, and he seemed like a decent person as well. Amelia could see herself integrating well with the family.

Then she realized where her thoughts were going and swiped that from her mind. It was not a good idea at all to think about a future that Amelia didn’t want.

But was she honest with herself about it? Did she really want to remain unmarried and do what she wanted? Did she want to have a husband to restrict her? From what Amelia knew about Edmund, he didn’t seem to care about her antics and hobbies. If anything, he seemed to like them.

Maybe being married to him wouldn’t be so bad…

Amelia wanted to smack her head with her hands to knock some sense into herself. No, she was not going to go down that route. She was being forced into this, and she didn’t want it. There was going to be no marriage, and this courtship would be over soon. Especially when Amelia was sure that Edmund had another reason in mind for why he approached her in the first place.

However, that mentality was slipping with every day, and Amelia didn’t like it. She was not someone who changed her mind, and her attitude was shifting. Amelia would not let that happen.

Why couldn’t anyone respect what she wanted?

They pulled up outside the house, and the footman opened the door to help them out. Lady Downe looked up at the house with an expression of awe on her face.

“This is just spectacular,” she said.

“What are you talking about, dear?” her husband asked as he got out after Amelia. “It’s a townhouse just like the others in this street.”

“But there’s something different. Something that exudes from the building itself.”

Downe rolled his eyes and turned to Amelia.

“There are times when I know you and your mother are related, Amelia.”

“Was that meant to be a compliment or something else, Father?” Amelia asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m not entirely sure at the moment.” The marquess beckoned her to follow him. “Let’s go inside. I’m sure everyone is waiting for us.”

“We’re always early to things,” Lady Downe pointed out. “I doubt anyone else will have arrived yet.”

Her husband grunted and used the huge door knocker to announce their arrival. They were admitted inside and handed their outdoor garments to the butler before they were led into the drawing room. Lady Blackwood was already there, along with Mathilda and Edmund. Edmund was leaning against the windowsill, talking to someone with their back to the guests. Amelia caught Mathilda looking over at the two of them with a nervous expression.

Then the gentleman laughed, and Amelia realized that it was Sutton. Her heart clenched. Oh, no, not him. She should have expected Edmund to invite his friend as well, but Amelia had hoped that he wouldn’t be present. It was going to feel even more uncomfortable. But this wasn’t her home or her dinner party, so she couldn’t have control over the guest list.

“My Lord Downe!” Lady Blackwood stood up and walked over with a warm, beaming smile. “How good of you and your family to join us.”

“Your Grace.” Downe bowed, and his wife curtsied. “I hope you’re in good health.”

“Very good, thank you. My husband will be here shortly. He was just finishing off some business in the study.” The duchess beckoned them to join her. “Why don’t you sit with me while we let the young ones talk? It would be easier for them to interact while we’re not breathing down their necks.”

Downe chuckled and walked after her. Lady Downe turned to Amelia and laid a hand on her arm.

“You enjoy yourself tonight. And don’t do anything to embarrass us, please.”

“Would I ever embarrass you when you’re present, Mother?” Amelia asked.

Her mother’s mouth twitched.

“When we’re present being the operative statement. But enjoy yourself. That’s the important part.”

Amelia resisted the urge to roll her eyes and went over to Mathilda, who kept glancing over at Sutton. It was brief, but Amelia noticed that Sutton was looking over at Mathilda as well. A fleeting movement, but she caught it. She smiled at her friend.

“Good evening, Mathilda.”

“Amelia.” Mathilda brightened when she saw her. “I was half-expecting you not to turn up.”

“Now, why would you think that?” Amelia asked as she sat beside the young girl.

“I don’t know. Something told me that you were going to do something.” Mathilda giggled. “Edmund told me about the horse and the picnic. I thought he was mad when he told me, but he insisted that it was real.”

Amelia smiled.

“It was real. That really did happen.”

“Are you not worried that escapades like that are going to ruin your chances with Edmund?”

“If they happen and he can roll with the punches, then he’s tough enough to handle anything.” Amelia shrugged. “It’s not something I can control, anyway.”

Part of her wanted to tell Mathilda what was going on, but that was not fair. Mathilda wouldn’t be happy with what Amelia was doing, and she might tell her brother. Then things would go even more wrong. Amelia couldn’t bring herself to destroy the friendship she had been cultivating with Mathilda.

Then again, if this was all Edmund’s doing, shouldn’t it be his fault?

Amelia didn’t want to blame anyone for this. It was her fault as much as his for letting this go on for as long as it did. This was just madness.

“Anyway, how are things with you?” she asked, diverting the conversation toward the other girl. “Are you doing all right? You look a little…nervous. Is something wrong?”

“I…I wouldn’t really call it that.” Mathilda licked her lips and glanced over at her brother and Sutton again. Then she lowered her voice. “Do you mind if we speak in private?”

“In private?”

Mathilda stood up quickly and beckoned Amelia to follow her. Confused but intrigued, Amelia joined her in the far corner of the room. The window was open onto the street, and the waft of smoke from the factory tickled Amelia’s nostrils. She wrinkled her nose.

“Do you mind if we shut the window first?”

“Sure. It was just a little warmer earlier, but now…” Mathilda made a face. “I’ll never get used to that smell.”

“We all get used to something.” Amelia shut the window and then settled onto the window seat. “Anyway, what’s wrong? You look like you don’t want to be here.”

“I…I’m just feeling like my whole body’s shaking.” Mathilda slumped beside her, her voice still a whisper. “Mother and Father wanted me to join everyone and learn how to behave in proper Society, and I thought I could manage it. I mean, how difficult can it be to sit at a table listening to people talk?”

Amelia’s mouth twitched.

“You’d be surprised how hard it can be at times. It depends on who you’ve been sat next to. That means everything when it comes to a dinner party.”

“Well, I knew that we would have a few acquaintances over, including yourself and your parents, but Edmund never mentioned anything about John Sutton coming here.” Mathilda glanced over her shoulder. “And I…I don’t know what to do. I feel excited but scared at the same time. Is that even possible?”

Amelia remembered Mathilda talking about liking Sutton before, and she had noticed the way Sutton kept looking over at Mathilda. She had a feeling that the sentiment was returned, but it still left her bewildered that Mathilda would even like someone like Sutton. He was not a nice person, in Amelia’s experience, and yet Mathilda clearly had some feelings toward him.

For a moment, she didn’t even know what to say. Part of her wanted to tell the girl that John Sutton was not a nice person, and she shouldn’t even contemplate seeing him romantically because of various reasons that Amelia could list off, but would that change the girl’s mind? Would she believe Amelia?

There was a strong chance that she wouldn’t, so it would be pointless trying to tell Mathilda about a man who was so arrogant about his abilities regarding talking to women that Amelia had been put off as soon as he opened his mouth.

She had to choose her words carefully so Mathilda wasn’t upset. Amelia didn’t want to lose someone who had become a fast friend that quickly.

“That’s a very normal situation that you’re describing,” she said slowly. “But the worst thing you can do is force it unnaturally fast. You just need to relax and be your usual self.”

“How can I be my normal self when I feel like I’m going to ruin everything?”

“Don’t panic too much about it, Mathilda,” Amelia soothed her. “You just need to take a deep breath, smile, and be yourself. You don’t need to change anything, and I’m sure Lord Sutton knows what you’re like anyway. You don’t need to worry about anything here.”

“Are you sure?” Mathilda asked timidly.

Amelia smiled and squeezed her friend’s hand.

“I’m sure. You don’t need to be concerned about it. Just behave as you normally do. It’s the right thing to do.”

Mathilda managed a tiny smile in response. She still looked uncertain of herself.

“I didn’t think I’d feel like this,” she said. “It feels…good and strange at the same time. Does that make sense?”

“I know exactly what you mean. We all experience conflicting emotions at times.”

“Do you? Experience this, I mean?”

Amelia didn’t know how to answer that. She understood the different attitudes and how they could struggle to mix together, but she hadn’t felt like Mathilda felt. Not yet, at least.

Then again, as Amelia looked over at Edmund’s back while he talked to Sutton, maybe she did and she hadn’t really experienced it properly. Was her resolve to get Edmund to leave her alone crumbling?

If it was, she needed to change her mindset and figure out something else. Amelia was not going to let this happen. Even if the thought of becoming Edmund’s wife did sound like an idea she could get used to.

Amelia wanted to knock her head against a wall to get her thoughts to stop wandering off.

The door opened, and the butler came in with the next guests. Amelia’s heart sank when she saw Lady Colette and her parents. She was dressed beautifully in a dark red gown that seemed to shimmer in the light as she moved. Then she approached Edmund with a big smile on her face. Edmund gave her a nod, and then he went back to talking to Sutton. But Lady Colette didn’t move anywhere, looking to be interested in what he was saying and giggling away to him. It got to the point where even Sutton looked bemused at her behavior.

“Look at her,” Mathilda muttered. “It’s clear that she likes my brother, but Edmund doesn’t care for her that way at all. He’s merely polite with her because of our parents.”

“Why doesn’t he tell her to leave him be?” Amelia asked.

Mathilda snorted.

“Edmund’s not that rude, unfortunately. But I know if he was given a chance, he would tell her to go away. Besides, Lady Colette isn’t really doing anything except talking to him.”

Amelia could see that, but it wasn’t making her feel any better. And that shocked her. Seeing another woman show that she liked Edmund should have been a relief, that she wouldn’t need to work so hard to get Edmund to leave her alone. Not only did Edmund not appear to be interested, but Amelia felt unhappy about it. She didn’t like seeing someone else being flirtatious with someone who was courting her.

She didn’t want it to happen.

“Excuse me a moment,” she murmured, getting to her feet. “I just need to go and have a conversation with someone.”

Amelia walked over to Edmund’s group, and Lady Colette noticed her first. Her smile faded, and her eyes glinted sharply, looking up and down Amelia’s attire. She ignored the younger woman’s change in behavior, laying a hand on Edmund’s arm and smiling sweetly at him as she leaned toward him.

“Mind if I join you?” she asked.

Sutton looked surprised that she had even approached them, but Edmund’s reaction was different. He turned to her with a warm smile, his expression pleased.

“Of course.” He shifted with his arm as if he was reaching for her, but then he stopped, and his cheeks went a little pink. “We’re always looking for people to join our conversation.”

“Oh, really?” Amelia glanced over at Lady Colette, who was glaring at her. “Everyone or just a select few?”

Lady Colette scowled at her, her eyes glinting in annoyance. Amelia felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her at seeing that. She wasn’t normally a jealous person, and she had told herself that she would never get involved in silly behavior like this, but this time, it was different. Amelia wanted to let Lady Colette know that she didn’t have any sort of claim.

But wasn’t that the point? Didn’t she want someone to show Edmund some attention and divert it elsewhere?

Amelia’s head was in a mess. She had no idea what was going on anymore, and she knew that it was going to be an uphill struggle to get back on track. Even when she got herself onto even ground, Amelia didn’t know if she was going to focus once more.

She wondered if she had gotten herself into more than she bargained.

***

Edmund was delighted about Amelia joining him. John had been goading him about the bet, and Edmund wanted him to stop. But his friend seemed intent on making things uncomfortable. Despite Edmund telling him to, John just would not walk away.

He seemed to sense that his friend was off-balance and wanted to push it further. Edmund couldn’t play the perfect host’s son if he wasn’t completely put together. John wanted him to fail, Edmund knew that much. Harold did as well, but at least he respected the space and didn’t try to sabotage Edmund with what he was doing. John, on the other hand, didn’t play fair. It was the same when they were sparring; he always tried to find a way to get the upper hand, even if it was cheating. Edmund never let him get a chance with that, though. John’s efforts were normally in vain.

He was still trying that now. John was a sore loser, but Edmund hadn’t realized how much of one he was until recently.

Then, Lady Colette had to join them. Edmund didn’t want to be left alone with her, not when she kept showing attention to him that made him grimace, so he was stuck with John. At least the only saving grace with her coming along was that John stopped asking about the bet and how they could change things around to make it more interesting.

Edmund was beginning to wish that his parents had only invited family members and Amelia’s family to the dinner. Then he wouldn’t have to deal with this.

The relief when Amelia joined them, putting a hand on his arm and smiling up at him, was palpable. Edmund had wanted to put an arm around her, but he stopped himself in time. He couldn’t be doing that in public. He hadn’t even done that in private. Amelia would think that he had gone a little mad.

“Oh, Victoria!” Lady Blackwood exclaimed suddenly as the butler came in again. “I was hoping you would get here! You said you weren’t sure about it.”

“You think I would miss a family dinner, Letitia?”

Edmund’s spirits lifted when he saw the tall, handsome woman with graying dark hair wearing a lilac gown. She and Lady Blackwood clasped hands before kissing each other’s cheeks. He straightened up and touched Amelia’s hand, still on his arm.

“Excuse me a moment.”

Stepping past John and Lady Colette, who still didn’t look happy that Amelia had joined them, Edmund walked over to the two women. The newcomer turned, and her expression warmed when she saw him.

“Edmund.”

“Aunt Victoria.” Edmund kissed her cheek. “You’re looking well. Mother said that she sent you an invitation, but she wasn’t entirely sure if you would attend.”

“I know. And I have warned my sister that it’s not easy for me to get away, given how busy things are at the moment.” Lady Babington squeezed his hand. “But you know I will do my best to come and see my favorite nephew and niece.”

“Your only nephew and niece,” Edmund reminded her.

Lady Babington laughed. Edmund was fond of his Aunt Victoria. His mother’s older sister was married to an earl who lived in the north of England, right on the Scottish border. She barely got a chance to come down to London as they had so much to do on the other side of the country. So when she was in London, Edmund and Mathilda spent as much time as they could with her. She was good fun, confident, and intelligent, with a sharp sense of humor.

There were so many similarities between her and Amelia that Edmund hadn’t even realized until that moment.

“Aunt Victoria!” Mathilda joined them, practically flinging herself onto the older woman. “I’m so happy to see you!”

“Mathilda!” Lady Blackwood gasped. “Don’t jump on the guests like that.”

“It’s fine, Letitia. She’s still young.” Lady Babington smiled and hugged her niece before easing her back. “As long as she doesn’t knock me over. She is growing up, after all.”

Mathilda grinned. Then Edmund looked back and saw Amelia watching them curiously. She was standing near Lady Colette, who was glaring at her, but Amelia was pointedly ignoring her. He reached out a hand toward her, momentarily surprised when Lady Colette moved forward, smiling at him warmly as she reached to take his hand.

“Lady Amelia?” Edmund diverted his hand a little, making Lady Colette’s hand fall away. “Would you come and join us?”

Amelia stepped around Lady Colette, who looked decidedly annoyed at what he did, and took his hand. Edmund drew her toward them, trying to ignore how warm her fingers felt against his, and turned to his aunt. She was watching him with a tilt of her head.

“Aunt Victoria, I want you to meet Amelia Everly, the daughter of the Marquess of Downe. This is Lady Babington, my mother’s older sister.”

Amelia curtsied, bowing her head.

“How do you do, my lady?”

“I’m doing well, dear.” Lady Babington’s smile softened. “So, you’re the young lady my sister has been talking about? She’s been very impressed with you, from what I gathered in the letter she sent me.”

Amelia glanced at Lady Blackwood nervously.

“I hope she didn’t say anything too embarrassing,” she murmured.

Lady Babington laughed.

“You don’t need to worry about that. My sister is the most impeccable person when it comes to describing someone.”

Amelia arched an eyebrow.

“Somehow, that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

Edmund was surprised that she said that out loud, but his aunt didn’t seem to mind. She beckoned Amelia to join them as she and Lady Blackwood moved toward the settee.

“Come and sit with us, Lady Amelia. I want to know more. Having letters gives me contact, but I don’t know the true person behind it all. I like to get to know the person being talked about.”

Amelia glanced at Edmund, who gave her a reassuring smile.

“Go on. Do you want me to sit with you as well?”

“I’m not going to be under interrogation, am I?”

Edmund chuckled.

“No, nothing like that. Aunt Victoria is not that sort.”

That was rather true. Lady Babington didn’t interrogate people about their lives—she was one of the most genuine people anyone could come across—but she was very perceptive. She could figure something out if there was something not quite right. It was easy enough for her to pick up on it. That probably made her more dangerous than someone who was outright nosy.

Edmund hoped that she would not pick up on the fact this courtship was more than what it was. Otherwise, he was going to be in for a scolding.

As the sisters led Amelia away, Mathilda stepped around Edmund, avoiding his gaze. Bemused, Edmund watched her go and saw her approach John. His friend looked momentarily surprised, but then he smiled and started talking to her.

Edmund wanted to go over and tell him to stop as he shouldn’t be conversing with his sister but stopped himself. Mathilda was not far off from having a Season of her own, and he couldn’t hover over her while he controlled who spoke to her. Even so, Edmund wasn’t sure about John and Mathilda having contact.

“What’s so special about her?”

Edmund turned to find Lady Colette standing beside her, glowering at Amelia as she sat between Lady Babington and Lady Blackwood.

“What’s wrong with my aunt and mother paying attention to a guest?” Edmund asked.

“I’m a guest as well. And yet they haven’t looked at me.” Lady Colette pouted. “I’m surprised you didn’t introduce me as well.”

“Well, I want my aunt to meet the lady I’m courting. What’s wrong with that?”

“I’m still surprised that you’re courting her at all. Lady Amelia is not well-liked in the ton . There are plenty of ladies around who would be more appropriate for you.”

Edmund could tell that she was hinting that she would be a better fit for him. He turned to her and folded his arms.

“Lady Amelia is actually an interesting person. She has a mind of her own, and she’s good company. You’re guaranteed to come away with a smile on your face after being around her.”

Lady Colette looked startled about that.

“Really, my lord? Because I’ve heard something very different from other people.”

“From whom? I’m sure it’s from people who haven’t actually gotten to know her properly. Thought it was not worth their time if she was not the same as everyone else.”

“Why would we need to get to know her properly? It’s clear that there’s something not right in her head.”

Edmund couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This was shocking coming from the girl. It was improper to speak like that in mixed company. He gave her a hard stare.

“Do you think that’s going to endear you to other people if you speak that way about someone? Not right in the head? Did you really think that I would agree with you on that?”

Lady Colette faltered a little as if she truly didn’t expect him to snap at her like that. But then she brushed it off and carried on.

“I mean, you can tell just by looking at her that she’s not normal. There has to be something…”

“Stop right there.”

Edmund’s voice came out in a snarl, and that made Lady Colette fall silent. Now, she was beginning to look a little unsure of herself. Edmund turned to face her.

“I’m going to pretend that I didn’t hear what you just said about Lady Amelia,” he said coldly. “I don’t want to ruin the evening because you’re being exceptionally cruel toward someone you’ve not bothered to get to know. And I’m sure your parents don’t want to hear that you’ve been making remarks like that. They would be disappointed, wouldn’t they? Because they brought you up better than that.”

“I was just…”

“I don’t care. You said something unkind about someone else, and I’m not going to listen to you carry on.” Edmund glanced around to make sure nobody was watching them before carrying on. “But if you say one more thing like that about Lady Amelia, I will have you sent home immediately.”

Lady Colette’s eyes widened.

“You…you can’t do that!”

“This is my home. I may not be the immediate host, but I’m more than prepared to make you leave due to your actions. You cannot go around spouting such horrible things about another person like that. Especially when Lady Amelia is not what you’re implying.”

Lady Colette’s mouth opened and closed, and then opened again. Not wanting to deal with her anymore, Edmund turned away. He was going to focus on those who were more important, not a girl who was clearly trying to put another woman down to make herself look good.

Edmund was not going to play that game.