Page 73 of A Duchess to Reclaim

Amelia let out a soft, singular laugh that had no real trace of mirth. She at one time had wished for a similar life, and now that she practically had it, it left her feeling empty. There was no doubt that having her sisters with her and away from their father forever had given her a deep and unbudging happiness, but she found it didn’t even begin touch the loss she felt from no longer having Dominic in her life. At least not in the physical sense.

Missives came from him almost daily; his name and London address scribbled in his handwriting across the front. But those were for Mr. Morbate or other members of the staff.

He sent gifts though. Several each week. Dresses, all in shades of her favorite purple and created in her favorite designs. Shoes as well. Combs. Jewelry. Little trinkets and baubles that either shone brightly or created a deep wonder over their origin. There was even Olga, a rather large, intimidating woman with the arms of a man and a thick Russian accent that was sent to continue Amelia’s boxing lessons. But never letters.

At her side Theo elbowed her gently and leaned toward her.

“Are you all right, love?” She whispered.

“Fine,” Amelia lied. She knew what Theo was truly asking.Do you miss him?

But Dominic was a topic she refused to speak on.

Knowing that not just Theo but the rest of her friends would ask her more questions if she carried on her contemplative silence for too long, she said, “Really I am quite exemplary. As long as the girls are happy then so am I. And perhaps you are all right. There’s no harm in a little break. They can pick up their studies when winter settles in.”

They all smiled at her and nodded.

“Tell me about you,” she urged, looking at Theo first. While Ophelia and Seraphina had been visiting since two days before, Theo and Rose had only just arrived that morning after nearly a week of absence and would only be staying until the evening.

Theo’s small smile wilted as she cast her eyes to the green grass.

“The physician says Mother is fading. Another month perhaps. Maybe two. Tristan has taken over making all of the preparations for her funeral and has pushed most of his duties on to his steward so he can be with her more. And he has agreed to allow me to put a pause on my husband catching so that I can spend more time with her as well. That, and being here has been my only two forms of relief.”

Sympathy poured through Amelia. Her own mother’s death had been sudden and heartbreaking, but she wondered if that had been better than knowing than the alternative. Knowing seemed a burden all its own.

“Is she in very much pain?” Amelia asked gently. Theo shook her head.

“Not very much anymore. The physician’s treatments keep her calm. It makes being with her better, even if she no longer recognizes who I am,” Theo replied.

She then shook her head, as if trying to shed some unspoken thought or feeling, and turned to Rosamund.

“Let us move on,” Theo said, “Rose, tell us about you? Your mother still pushing you to parties?”

Rose let out a dry laugh.

“Of course she is. I believe she has a very romantic idea of how I will catch my husband. One look and the gentleman of my dreams shall fall head over heels for me in an instant.”

“Surely cannot truly believe that is realistic?” Ophelia asked, grimacing.

“I am afraid so,” Rose laughed, “It’s why she casting me onto a wider circle. She is certain there is a gentleman out there who has not seen and ignored my presence.”

She sighed and shook her head.

“It is rather exhausting, but I am grateful that she allows me to come to visit out here every so often. It is a reprieve most sorely needed.”

“Well you are always welcome here, darling,” Amelia assured her.

They all turned to Seraphina next, who seemed to be in a daydreaming state. It took Amelia calling her name and Ophelia giving her a gentle shove to bring her out of it.

“Hmm? What’s that?” She asked, and Amelia and the others laughed softly.

Seraphina smiled at them, wide and genuine.

“Hugo and the children are wonderful. It has been a blessing for us to be back together again. I just miss them when I am away as all.”

She paused, then reached for Amelia’s hand before quickly adding, “Not that I don’t adore spending time with you darlings, I positively do. I apologize if that made me sound unhappy to be here.”

“Not at all,” Amelia replied, squeezing her friend’s hand warmly. “We are all so very happy that you are happy, darling. Are we not, ladies?”

---