Page 5 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“Spending a few days would be wise,” Eleanor murmured.
“Mama and Papa have indulged my pursuit of art, so they would not question the need for me to find unique landscapes. They know that I’m passionate about drawing. They would be none the wiser.”
Amelia let out a frustrated sigh as she fanned herself in earnest. “I cannot believe I am letting you persuade me.” She gazed at Elizabeth and waved her fan, “When is this curious event?”
Elizabeth could sense that Amelia was capitulating. She was almost there. “It is in a sennight,” she replied trying to hide her pleasure.
Amelia was such a sweet lady, beautiful and poised. She would never think to break the rules all on her own, Eleanor was a bit more susceptible. Elizabeth was outrageous, she broke the rules whenever it served her purpose and if she could get away with it. There was no harm done if it was a secret. How boring life would be if one did not dare to take risks. It was such a thrill to stand on the edge of a cliff although it was for a short time.
Amelia surveyed Elizabeth and narrowed her eyes before she spoke, “I suppose it will be up to me to issue an invitation.”
Yes. She had done it!
“Oh, Amelia,” Elizabeth stood and hugged her friend. She could hardly contain her excitement. She had wanted to attend a freak show for some time, but the perfect opportunity had never presented itself. She was thanking her lucky stars for on this occasion they were aligned in her favor. She would use the freak show as a guise to meet the viscount.
Elizabeth returned to her seat and turned to Eleanor. She asked the question although she already knew the answer. “Will you come along with us Eleanor?” she pleaded.
Eleanor twisted the brown ringlets from her hair around her finger. She gazed at Amelia and finally said, “I shall. I hope that I do not live to regret it.”
“Excellent! Deep down you love an adventure, Eleanor. You will not regret it,” Elizabeth remarked.
Amelia knitted her brows. “I am not dull, Lizzy. Now that we have decided to go, I am in fact curious about these oddities. Have you thought about what you might see in the cabinet of curiosities? They may be quite macabre.”
Amelia was dainty and she had a delicate constitution.
“In truth, I do not know how macabre they will be, but this is a part of our adventure, the discovery, and the exploration. I do believe you will find it interesting, Amelia. If it is distressing, I promise you we will withdraw,” Elizabeth said.
Although Elizabeth was looking forward to the thrill, she would never upset sweet Amelia. Elizabeth had set her heart on going on this escapade and while she was brave, she was not foolish. She dared not chance it alone. It was one thing to disobey one’s parents but it was entirely another matter to be caught in an awful scandal. She was convinced her friends would lend legitimacy to the ruse and they would be sure to rein her in if she went too far. She pushed the thought from her mind.
“That would be sensible. After all, the best-laid plan would be ruined if I were to have a fit of vapors,” Amelia quipped.
Eleanor giggled. “You, a fit of vapors? You have a strong mettle, Amelia, although you do not often show it. You would do no such thing, for if you had a fit of vapors we would certainly be discovered and make the scandal sheets.”
“Perish the thought. I could not bear it,” Amelia said.
“Fear not. You shall be fine, Amelia,” Elizabeth pronounced. “If there are no further objections, are we all in agreement with the plan?” Elizabeth gazed from Eleanor to Amelia.
“Aye,” said Eleanor.
“Aye,” replied Amelia.
“Smashing. I will expect the invitation from you tomorrow, Amelia. There are certain preparations I must see to myself, after all, I do not wish Alma to wonder why I am in possession of male garments. That would certainly scupper my plans.” Elizabeth burst into a fit of laughter as she pictured Alma’s expression if such an incident were to occur. Amelia and Eleanor giggled at the prospect.
“That would be difficult to explain, Lizzy, even for you,” Eleanor said between giggles.
“Indeed. Well, I will be off,” Amelia said when the mirth subsided.
“As will I,” Eleanor said as they all stood.
Elizabeth hugged her friends before they departed the garden for the house. She bid her friends farewell then bounded up the stairs for she was eager to start her preparations. Her plans were going famously well and she could not wait to see the viscount again. She would meet him in secret while at Codicote. She had thought carefully about it, but she decided to err on the side of caution. She would not tell her dear friends. She really wanted to, yet it was best not to put her friends in a very difficult situation. All hell would break loose if Elizabeth’s rendezvous with the viscount came to light. Amelia and Eleanor could not be scorched.
CHAPTER4
Elizabeth was ten and eight years of age and Mama and Papa were keen to see her wed. She was not opposed to marriage per se, but she wondered why there was the need to rush. Why must she be presented at the next season? Why must she debut when she is ten and eight? Could it not be when she was a tad older? She was flustered at the very thought of rushing such a significant decision. She was raised to be a dutiful wife and perhaps somewhere inside there was one, but this would only be revealed when she met the right gentleman.
Her parents, the Earl and Countess of Albury, had been very patient with her. They sat with her to explain the intricacies of society and had the forbearance to answer all the questions she posed. She was rather fortunate in this respect for Amelia’s parents did not have such patience. Amelia’s parents told her she must marry, and although they led her to believe she would make the final decision on who she would choose for her husband, she was greatly influenced.
Elizabeth remembered the unpleasant episode as if it was yesterday. Poor Amelia was distraught to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, the gentleman with the greater wealth. Fortunately, given time, Amelia had grown fond of her husband.But what if she had not? What would have been Amelia’s fate then?
