Page 67 of The Scandal of the Deceived Duchess
This time, he managed a small laugh. “I might have to rethink my marriage proposal. You have become quite the despot in my absence.”
The color on Amelia’s face reddened. “I, I didn’t mean to…”
Jonathan raised his hand weakly. “Say nothing…I like this side of you. There could be no more aptly suited woman for a ship’s captain than you,” he said, taking her hand and laying a kiss on the back of it.
“Commodore,” corrected Amelia.
“I stand corrected,” said Jonathan before Jake and Sir Thomas came barging through the door.
Epilogue
Planning for the Future
Berkshire, England, November 1814
Laughter permeated the breakfast room at Carlyle Manor. The opulent dining room was filled with enticing aromas coming from the elaborate sideboard laden to the hilt with delicacies. The people elegantly applying their appetite to this morning feast could not have been more content. Finally, as in Europe and in the Americas, peace reigned in this family and it looked like it was there to stay.
It was a happy family affair - an intimate gathering of family members that could be construed as uniquely strange in present-day Regency Britain. Yet, it mattered not at all. After many differences spurred on by jingoism, patriotism, love, hate and an overall general misunderstanding about what love meant, people as they so often do realized that their shared strife was all for naught. Or was it? Sometimes, people have to travel through a storm to reach the so-called coveted land to be free.
That was how it was for the Carlyle family. They had survived the squall of petty misunderstandings and nationalistic differences fueled by war to become one family. It had been worth it. Everyone present could not have been happier.
“So, what do you think of the peace talks between our two countries in Ghent?” asked Sir Thomas of Jonathan. Since the duel, he had reclaimed his former girth and applied himself to his food with his customary gusto.
Jonathan thought a moment. “I really think this is it. Frankly, there is no need to carry on the hostilities. The war will be at an end shortly.”
“I agree. It has cost the Exchequer a fortune to keep the war going for so long. And besides, neither side has really gained much from it other than death and expenses,” said Sir Thomas, popping more food into his mouth.
“Quite right. The merchants here are up in arms because of the halt in American exports of cotton. Also, with the war over on the continent, you no longer need to block American exports to France. The Royal Navy will resume its peacetime role thus reducing the need for able seamen. In other words, there will be no more impressment into the navy from the Americans.”
Sir Thomas nodded his agreement. But before he could contribute anything more, his wife interjected. “Must we talk about politics and war at the breakfast table. There are so many other lovely topics. Like maybe we could discuss the family Christmas or the wedding next year?”
Jonathan and Sir Thomas exchanged collaborative glances. It meant that they would meet up later in the day in Sir Thomas’s study to continue the discussion while enjoying a nice glass of whiskey or two.
“You will be spending Christmas with us, my Laird?” asked Lady Felicity, looking slightly worried that that might not be the case. Despite the acquainted nature of the occasion, she insisted on using Jonathan’s proper title – some things would never change.
Jonathan laughed. “Of course, I’d love to. Jake and I would be more than delighted to spend Christmas here. I have already written to my people in the United States, telling them of my plans since the war is more or less over.”
Sir Thomas smiled at his wife while Jonathan talked. He could not get enough of his future son-in-law’s new title. He behaved as if it were his own. It had been confirmed in writing a few weeks ago, shortly after Jonathan’s miraculous reawakening. It had taken him so long to recover and still he was not yet fully his old self again.
But what warmed him more than any title was to see how happy his daughter was. Her behavior stood in such contrast to when she had been Lord Templeton French’s betrothed. He could still envisage her face that had been riddled with sadness and forlorn hope. Presently, she was like a blooming flower.
With Jonathan, she was a different woman – to be precise, she was herself again. She was her father’s little girl once more. Amelia effused happiness and purpose once again just like all of those years ago. Sir Thomas regretted what he had put her through, and all of it just to fuel his own dreams of affluence. He had apologized to his daughter and to Jonathan; so much so that his regrets had come to irritate her. She had threatened to get married to Jonathan in the United States if he said sorry one more time.
Even Lady Felicity had taken to the American and not only because of his title. She had even confided in her daughter that she thought he was extremely handsome. In another about-face, she had commended his manners as equal to those of an English gentleman. It would take a little more time for Lady Felicity to fully open up, but she would get there in the end. Of that Amelia was certain.
Also, Lady Felicity approved of Jake. To her surprise, she found a most interesting conversationalist in him. He had wit, humor and excellent timing when it came to entertaining repartee – she had claimed one evening how she enjoyed his company immensely. It had, however, taken her some time to get used to the fact of having Anna sitting at the breakfast, lunch and dinner table. Nevertheless, she was making inroads on that front as well. A few days ago, she had managed to speak to Anna as an equal for the first time.
“So, what are your plans for today, Jonathan?” asked Sir Thomas, chewing on some kipper happily.
“Amelia and I will be going for a ride. Your land is some of the most beautiful I have ever seen, Sir Thomas,” Jonathan said while stroking Amelia’s hand.
Sir Thomas beamed with pride. “I was lucky to get a hold of it. The former owner fell on hard times. He was forced to sell it. Such a shame when these things happen you know.”
Jonathan nodded. That wouldn’t be the case in the American south for many years to come. Land prices were going through the roof due to the cotton boom.
“You should buy some property in England,” said Sir Thomas, continuing on the topic.
Amelia promptly squeezed his hand. Jonathan knew that she approved of her father’s suggestion. He needed to think some more on the matter. There was still so much money to be made in the South. But maybe his idea with the shipping company would really pay off if it had dual offices – one in London and the other in Richmond or Charleston.
