Page 66 of The Scandal of the Deceived Duchess
There was a large entrance hall that led to steps up to amezzanine floor where the main reception rooms were located. Inside the manor house, the ornamentation was generous. Thechimneypiece was generally the main focus in all of the rooms. They had been given a classical treatment, topped by paintings or mirrors, depending on the chamber it was in.
Plasterwork ceilings,carved wood, and bold schemes of wall paint formed a backdrop to increasingly rich collections of furniture, paintings,porcelain, mirrors, and artful objects of all kinds. There was hardly any wood paneling as it had fallen from favor around the turn of the century. Wallpaper, including very expensive imports from China, wasde rigeurnowadays.
Amelia noticed none of it. Usually, she would spend a few moments to study the impressive art collection her father had amassed over the years. Presently, none of it interested her. Her mind was for the man she loved and for him alone.
When she reached Jonathan’s room, she found her mother sitting by the bed. “Mother, what are you doing here?” she asked, incredulous.
“I am here to apologize to the poor man,” she said, a look of sincerity playing on her features. “I never insulted him to his face, but I made enough remarks to you and your father, implicating his person.” She stroked his hand as she said this.
Amelia tried to gauge if her mother was up to her old tricks again. Her behavior was not like her. She had been a broken woman when they left London. The person before her exuded vitality and a new purpose in life. What had happened to change her mood so?
“He cannot hear you. He has been out of it for more than a week,” said Amelia, sitting down on one of the many chairs in the lavishly appointed guestroom.
“Don’t say that…I am sure some words will get through to him,” said Mother.
“What were you telling him besides apologizing?” asked Amelia, her curiosity piqued.
The expression on her mother’s face lit up. “I was telling him about the rumors going about London. First of all, he has been hailed the epitome of a fine gentleman for his conduct in the duel. Everyone knows that he could have taken the shot, but he didn’t. He overcame pain and the desire for revenge because he is a gentleman.”
“Anything else, Mother?” Amelia had never thought of it from that point of view. The people were right. Jonathan’s conduct had been exemplary and worthy of even royal blood.
“Also, the Prince Regent has reinstated Jonathan’s title as Laird Mackinnon of Mitchell in absentia. It is even rumored that he will receive his family’s lands back and an annual stipend from the prince,” she said, clapping her hands. “And there’s another thing…” Mother tittered like a woman far younger than her years. “The Duchess of Waverly apologized for treating me so harshly in Hyde Park. I don’t know what came over her, but she nearly begged my forgiveness – isn’t that grand?”
Amelia looked at her mother harshly. It would have been too good to be true for her to show a smidgen of compassion without having her own interests at heart. Now that Jonathan was confirmed a peer of the realm, he was suitable marriage material. “Mother, I want you to leave this room this very instant. How dare you come in here after you lambasted him with insults? Now, that he is recognized by the regent and all of London society, you deem him suitable?”
“I did not mean anything by it. Can’t a lady admit when she stands corrected by the facts? I can’t help it. I was wrong. He is a good man, and I would be delighted if you married him,” said Mother, allowing for a few crocodile tears to escape her eyes.
Amelia looked at her mother harshly. “I do not believe a word of it. All I can say is that you are too damn lucky. You do not deserve it.”
“How dare you resort to profanity in this house, young lady,” Mother protested.
Amelia got to her feet. “This is not the time for you to play the mother with me. Have you ever thought why the Duchess of Waverly begged your forgiveness?”
“Well, I…I assumed it was because of Jonathan’s relationship with the prince regent,” she answered.
“No, Mother. It was the Duke of Brandon who told the duchess off. You know that he is one of the most powerful men in England. He did not think it right that our family should suffer because of his son’s hurt pride.” Amelia pointed to the door. “Now, leave before I get really angry. I have had enough of your scheming.”
“Amelia…Amelia…do you really have to shout so much? My head hurts badly enough already.”
“Jonathan!” screamed Amelia, her hand covering her mouth. She stood frozen to the spot like a doe caught in a sudden light. He looked weak, pale, but alive and that was all that mattered. Tears of happiness promptly slid down her cheeks.
“Is that all a sick man gets nowadays? A shocked stare and some tears?” He managed to laugh, but instead, he sputtered and nearly choked.
This was enough to make Amelia dart forward. “My love, you are awake.”
Jonathan frowned. “How long was I gone for? What happened? I remember shooting and then blackness. There were many faces and lots of noises.”
“Shhh, shhh, you mustn’t tire yourself. Here…rest your head.” Amelia turned to her mother. “Mother, pass me the water,” she ordered. Jonathan drank greedily.
“You, my Laird, are the talk of London. Did you know that the Prince Regent reinstated your family into the peerage…”
“Mother, not now. I am sure there will be plenty of time for you to tell Jonathan about your good news,” chided Amelia.
“O, Lord above…he’s all right!” Anna said, nearly dropping the tray she was carrying.
“Yes, it appears the worst is behind us,” said Amelia. She turned to her mother. “Mother, go and fetch Jake and father. They will want to know of this new development.” Lady Felicity obeyed with alacrity and left.
Amelia looked back at Jonathan. “What?”
