Page 8 of The Missing Book
“To think that I was rebuking you for doing such a thing!” he continued, as they made their way into the ballroom. “Never for a single moment did I think that thetonwould look to you with such favor! And yet now, it seems, you are to be celebrated because of what you did.”
“I should much rather fade into the background,” Amelia murmured, not at all delighting in the fact that she would be supposedly celebrated by theton. “Father, there are my friends. Might I go to stand with them?”
“Yes, yes, of course. I shall be nearby.” Her father took her hand and pressed it for a moment. “I think I may have been wrong in my judgment of you, my dear. You showed integrity and courage, is that not what was said?”
Amelia flushed. “Please, father, there is no need – ”
“And I am sure you shall have your dance card filled within a few minutes!” he continued, not seeming to realize she had been speaking. “I shall stay close to you, of course, but yes, go and enjoy the evening. I think it shall be an excellent ball indeed! What a pity that your brother is not here to see it.”
With a nod, Amelia took her hand from her father’s and made her way directly towards the other bluestockings, her face still hot with all that her father had said. She did not want to have any undue attention from theton.In fact, she would much prefer to have as little scrutiny as possible, which was not something that, at the present moment, she would be able to enjoy given the way everyone kept glancing at her.
“Ah, here comes the lady in question!”
Amelia winced as Lady Isobella held out one hand to her. “Please, do not tell me thatyouare all to join in with Lord and Lady Devon?”
“In congratulating you?” Miss Sherwood grinned at her. “We are all to look up to you, or so I hear. An example amongst the young ladies of London!”
“And a bluestocking with it,” Lady Rosalyn added, with a wink. “Though that part is being downplayed significantly. It seems that thetonis very eager for their daughters or sisters to show loyalty and bravery when it comes to defending their friends but doesnotexpect them to have any interest in book learning, aside from what is expected.” She sighed though the smile on her face remained. “Though it must be delightful indeed to be so hailed.”
“It is not in the least,” Amelia answered, a little dully. “I did not even know of this until I arrived! I find it highly embarrassing.”
“Oh, but you will be the talk of society! And I am sure many a gentleman will be interested in your company,” Lady Rosalyn continued, with a chuckle. “Though alas, I cannot be sure if their interest would linger.”
“Indeed not,” Miss Trentworth said, wryly. “Many a gentleman is only interested in a young lady if they are the object of society’s attention because, in turn, it then elevatesthema little, does it not?”
“Precisely.” Amelia rolled her eyes. “My father is delighted that I shall have most of my dance card filled this evening, though I am a little less than delighted.”
Lady Isobella smiled. “Though it is good if he is happy with the outcome of it all, is it not?”
Considering this, Amelia had to nod. “Yes, I suppose that it is. He did speak to me again on our way to the ball, insisting that I pretend I am not a bluestocking, that I do not speak as thoughI am a bluestocking and seek only to dance and to smile just as many other young ladies do. Now, however, you may be right, Isobella. This may be just what he needs to change his opinion of me!”
“Pardon me, but I must beveryrude and break into your conversation, if I may?”
Amelia turned, a little surprised to see two young ladies coming to join them. One she recognized, the other she did not. It was not usual for anyone to come and interrupt the bluestockings, given that not many from society wished to be seen in the company of such ladies! “Lady Gwendoline, good evening.”
“Good evening.” Lady Gwendoline, a previous acquaintance, smiled warmly at them all though her gaze returned quickly to Amelia. “I was just telling my new friend here all about what you did at the soiree some days ago, Lady Amelia, and she did beg so to be introduced! I hope you do not mind.”
Taken by surprise, it took Amelia a moment to respond. “You – you wish to introduce your friend to me based solely on the fact that I spoke sharply to Lord Trafalgar?”
“Oh, but it took such courage for you to speak clearly and in front of so many!” Lady Gwendoline exclaimed, as her friend nodded fervently. “And to a gentleman of such stature, no less!”
A small quirk flicked across Amelia’s lips. “Indeed.” She wanted to say that she did not think anything of a gentleman’s title when it came to speaking with them, harshly or otherwise, for that was never a consideration to her. If a gentleman – or even a lady for that matter – was being cruel and inconsiderate, then Amelia had no hesitation in speaking of it. Whether it be Duke or Baron made no difference to her.
“Then might I?” Lady Gwendoline gestured to the lady beside her. Seeing Amelia’s nod and smile, she beamed back at her. “Then might I present my friend, Lady Anna. She is the sisterto the Earl of Broughton who is also in London at present. Lady Anna, this is Lady Amelia. Her father is the Marquess of Shrewsbury.”
Lady Anna dropped into a curtsy. “I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
“As I am to make yours,” Amelia answered, dropping into a curtsy of her own. “Though you must not think that I am someone to be admired, Lady Anna. I can assure you, all of my friends would have done the very same thing.” She leaned a little closer, seeing Lady Anna’s lips pursed, seemingly unconvinced. “I am also a bluestocking, so I am sure that the admiration thetonis giving me at the present moment will soon fade.”
“Oh, that does not matter to me in the least!” Lady Anna sounded eager and enthusiastic. “I can promise you that it does not trouble me. I would begladto have you as an acquaintance, Lady Amelia, for whether you are a bluestocking or not makes no difference!”
Warming to the lady, Amelia smiled back at her. “You are very kind. I – ”
“Anna, will you stop walking away from me in such a manner!”
Amelia’s eyes rounded in surprise as a gentleman came to stand beside Lady Anna, one hand on her arm. He did not so much as glance at Amelia but instead, scowled hard at Lady Anna.
“Do I have to continually remind you of your duty? It ismostimproper for you – ”
