Page 71 of War of the Wedding Wagers
Amelia was so startled she dropped the pearl drop earring she’d been in the process of hooking through her earlobe. It bounced once on the Turkish carpet before rolling under the dresser.
“But Edward—”
“No buts about it,” he said, grinning, as he headed back towards the door, closing it behind him despite her calls to bring him back.
Amelia sighed. She should have gone after him, but for once, she wanted to spend more time in front of the mirror. The blue silk of her gown—her finest—caught the light as she turned, showing hints of silver thread in its weave.
This evening she would dance again with Sir Frederick. It was a balmy evening, and the moon was full, so she also had every expectation that he would lead her out into the garden.
And he would kiss her.
Her heart sang at the thought, a warm glow suffusing her chest that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room.
Marriage was where they were headed, though he’d not yet spoken in such overt terms. She was sure that her responses to him were sufficiently encouraging that it would be a natural conversation they would have before they left Pendleton Castle.
And what joy the future did hold.
Yes, she should have acquainted Edward with the fact that his wager was now null and void. Sir Frederick would not be hustling any vivacious blonde to the altar because…
He’d be marrying Amelia. And she couldn’t be more joyful about it.
Another knock at the door interrupted her happy reverie. “Come in,” she called, expecting Edward’s return.
Instead, Jenny the maid bobbed a curtsy. “Begging your pardon, miss, but this just came for you. The messenger said it was most urgent.”
Amelia took the folded paper, noting the fine quality and the familiar seal. Her heart quickened—a note from Sir Frederick? But as she broke the seal and unfolded the paper, her smile faded.
My dear Miss Fairchild,
I find myself compelled to write what I fear may cause you pain, but honesty demands no less. While I haveenjoyed our intellectual diversions these past days, I find myself increasingly aware of the unsuitability of any deeper attachment between us.
Your serious nature and scholarly pursuits, while admirable in their way, would prove stifling to a man of my temperament. Indeed, I fear your outdated modes of dress and somewhat provincial manners would make you an object of ridicule in the circles I frequent.
Moreover, a lady of your years requires a more staid companion, one who would better appreciate your improving conversation and moral rectitude. I myself require someone more… accomplished in the ways of society.
I trust you will understand this gentle correction of any misconceptions you may have formed.
Yours sincerely, Frederick
The paper trembled in Amelia’s hands. Each word seemed to strike like a physical blow, targeting every insecurity she’d tried so hard to overcome. Her knees weakened, and she sank onto the edge of her bed.
Could this truly be from Sir Frederick? The hand resembled his, yet…She read it again, tears blurring her vision.
Of course it was not!
But even if this letter was not genuine, did it not speak the truth? Was she not indeed serious, scholarly, unfashionable? Did she not lack the vivacity and sophistication that a man like Sir Frederick deserved?
The moon had risen fully now, casting long shadows across her chamber floor. Somewhere in the house, a clock chimed the quarter hour. The ball would be beginning soon.
Rising on unsteady feet, she crossed to her dressing table and stared at her reflection. The velvet ribbon suddenly seemed apoor substitute for pearls, her careful coiffure provincial rather than elegant. Everything Mrs. Perry had ever implied with her cutting glances now seemed confirmed in black and white.
Turning abruptly, Amelia snatched her shawl from its hook on the back of the door, changed her slippers for her sturdiest—the ones ruined the night of the treasure hunt—and made for the outdoors.
At times of great emotional distress, she could not be confined within the four walls of what always felt like a prison. Nature and fresh air calmed her.
And right now, she needed to be calmed.
She wanted to breathe in the fresh late afternoon air, and gaze at the cloud-filled sky…
