Page 79 of Murder in Matrimony
“The red-headed menace, that’s which one.”
Oh dear.
“Good day, Lady Tabitha,” murmured Simon.
“It’s not a good day, Lord Bainbridge. In fact, rarely is it a good day when Miss Margaret is expected to do something rational.”
“What is it, Aunt?”
“She missed her final wedding dress fitting,” Aunt Tabitha announced.
Dread, panic, fear. Those were the emotions that coursed through Amelia’s body in immediate succession. Why had Madge missed her appointment? The wedding was tomorrow. The answer was simple and immediate. There wasn’t to be a wedding. She knew it as well as the grip of her own parasol. Here she thought the couple had overcome their obstacles andresolved any difficulties. Her absence proved how much she knew. And yet …
“Oh Amelia!” Mrs. Scott was joined by Penelope and Sarah. “Have you heard? Margaret is missing.”
“I told you! I told you this morning!” Winifred trailed fast on their heels.
Simon touched her shoulders. “No matter what has happened, we will overcome it—together. You need never be alone again.”
Aunt Tabitha tilted her head ever so slightly, perhaps cognizant of a change in the relationship. She wasn’t unpleased, however. In fact, she appeared grateful for his assistance.
As for Amelia, the palpable relief she felt in her heart came out in two words. “Thank you.”
Her mother and sisters were talking at once, giving different accounts of Madge’s whereabouts. She listened to all, regarding some and discounting others. When they finished, she had one question that would answer all others foremost on her mind. “Where is Captain Fitz?”
The din of noise around her went perfectly silent.
“Captain Fitz?” Mrs. Scott repeated after a moment. “Why, we haven’t seen him either.”
Knowledge fell slowly, like a mist turning into rain. It was one thing if Madge was missing. It was quite another if they both were.
“I will call on Captain Fitz if you’ll allow me your carriage,” said Simon. “Be sure I’ll return with news.”
Amelia agreed, ushering her family into the house. In a matter of weeks, Amesbury Manor had become one of the busiest—and perhaps noisiest—houses on the block, and Amelia could not admit to being sad about it. Although a new problem had befallen her, the noise and food and drink brought her much comfort. It was no longer a house of mourning. It was a house of life, and difficulties were proof of it. Human beings were fallible, but that didn’t mean they were any less loveable, including Madge. Amelia only wanted the best for her, and she and her family waited on a word from Simon to know the extent of the problem.
It came forty-five minutes later, after Winifred had eaten thelast strawberry tartlet on a hastily made tea tray. Simon entered without waiting for Jones to announce his arrival, and Amelia braced herself for the news. He looked grave, and his eyes darted to hers for permission.
She dipped her chin in acquiescence.
“What is it, Lord Bainbridge?” asked Mrs. Scott. “What did the captain say?”
“I’m afraid he said nothing, Mrs. Scott, because he wasn’t there.” He glanced at Amelia, and she knew the case at once. “Captain Fitz and your daughter have eloped.”
THIRTY-THREE
Dear Lady Agony,
A young man’s disappearance in Clonmel was lately noted by his distressed mother and father. It now appears he took all his possessions and ran away with the family cook to America. Can you imagine anything worse? And such a disgrace to the family! I do not blame them if they never allow him into their home again.
Devotedly,
Disgraced is Deserted
Dear Disgraced is Deserted,
I can indeed imagine worse things than elopement but will refrain from naming them, lest I grow morbid, and marriage is such a happy topic. Even in America. Congratulations to the bride and groom, wherever they are.
Yours in Secret,
