Page 52 of An Amiable Foe
“Amelia,” Marianne said, going forward. She could never have imagined just how happy she could be to see a woman she had thought indifferent her whole life.
“Marianne!” Miss Fife addressed her in sharp tones that revealed her ignorance of Marianne’s true character once she had set her mind. “I insist you come inside at once and stop running around the grounds unchaperoned. Whatever will Miss Belford think of you?”
Marianne ignored her. She would never be under that woman’s thumb again. “Amelia, would you care to come inside? I beg you will forgive me for my casual way of welcoming you.” She turned to Jack, who had rounded the cottage. “Jack, kindly care for Miss Belford’s horse, will you?”
Amelia glanced at Miss Fife, who was hovering about, waiting to intercept them. In a smooth gesture, she wove her arm through Marianne’s. “It is such a beautiful day. I thought we might take a walk about the estate if you did not mind.”
“Lovely.” Marianne started forward as Miss Fife sputtered behind them. Marianne rather feared she would attempt to follow and was glad she did not. There had been enough unpleasantness for one day.
They walked in silence until they were some distance from the house, and Marianne released Amelia’s arm. “You have come at a most providential time. I have just dismissed my companion, but I foresee a problem in encouraging Miss Fife to leave. And I do not reach my majority until June. I suppose I fear the gossips if it is found out I am living on my own. Perhaps you might advise me.”
Amelia had listened in silence. “Can you not return to Brindale Castle in the meantime? Our servants have heard that Mr. Osborne has gone away, so it should not be improper.”
Marianne could not speak of what was so close to her heart and merely shook her head. “Please do not press me for details, but that is not something I can contemplate.”
She attempted a smile to lighten her heavy words. Perhaps Amelia would help her to keep her mind off of Perry’s new wife. She needed a distraction more than anything right now.
“Ah.” Amelia looked ahead and did not attempt to reason with her. They came to the eastern edge of the pond that was created from the remnants of the moat. Ducks paddled from the reeds at the edge, leaving ripples in the water. The silence and companionship restored Marianne’s heart. Then, as though she had come to a decision, Amelia smiled and turned to face her.
“I will invite you to come and stay with me.” When she saw Marianne’s surprise, then hesitation, she added, “You need not fear my parents. As much as they present an image of reserve, they will accept my sudden appearance with an unexpected guest without blinking an eye. I will merely explain that you find yourself between companions, and that I offered a space in our home until that could be sorted out.”
Marianne’s surprise only increased. “You would do such a thing for me? Your parents would? When I am all but a stranger?”
“Everyone is a stranger until they become a friend.” Amelia smiled and glanced back in the direction of the cottage. “Here, let me support you against that dragon of a companion you have while you pack your things, and you can tell me all about her treachery as we drive away.”
Marianne was tempted to slip her arm back through Amelia’s but she did not dare. She was not accustomed enough to female friendship to resort to easy gestures, but some of the pain of betrayal dissipated as they turned toward the cottage.
* * *
It had taken Perry longer than planned to return to Brindale, and every extra day increased his anticipation to be back in what he had come to regard as his home. He rode in advance of the rest of his party, but only for the last leg of the journey. He wished to be alone when he arrived to make sure everything was perfect.
As he pulled in at last through the grounds of his estate, a grin came to his face, and he rode directly to the front entrance. Albinus exited the castle as he swung down from his horse, and he handed him the reins.
“See that Marcus takes care of Beau, will you? Has Dawson arrived?”
“He has, sir. I believe ye ’ull find everything to yer satisfaction.” The footman bowed and led the horse away, while Perry went inside to find the butler. He did not have to go far.
“Sir.” The butler greeted him with a bow from the front entrance. “I trust your travel was satisfactory. Where is Mrs. Osborne?”
“She is traveling in easy stages but will be here in another hour or two. Be sure that Mrs. Malford has a proper dinner ready to welcome her.”
“Yes, sir.”
Dawson continued to stand for any additional orders, while Perry hesitated, hat in hand. He soon came to a decision, “Matley will be arriving later today. As he is not here yet, see to it that hot water is brought to my room right away. There is something I must attend to.”
Dawson nodded and hurried off as fast as his stateliness would allow, and Perry climbed the stairs, clutching his portmanteau in one hand. He could not visit wearing all his dirt, and there was something he needed to discuss with Marianne. He had left so precipitously; he hoped she would hear what he had to say.
Less than an hour later, Perry stood waiting in front of the cottage, his heart thumping in anticipation. Since it was on his own estate, he had come hatless, allowing his hair to dry on the way over. He smelled of soap rather than horses and was glad he had taken the time to bathe, despite how eager he was to see her again. He knocked on the front door, surprised to see that the shutters were closed, though it was in the middle of the afternoon. He suffered a most disconcerting feeling, preparing himself for bad news.
There was no answer, and just as he was about to turn to leave, he was scared nearly witless by the sight of a grim face making its appearance in the strip of narrow glass next to the door.
Miss Fife. Then came the sound of a key turning in the lock, and he waited while she opened the door.
Miss Fife had never presented a desirable appearance, but now her hair was stringy and falling out of her cap. She trembled and threw herself upon him, weeping.
“Oh, Mr. Osborne, I have been used most ill. Marianne has gone with all the servants, leaving me to fend for myself. I have gone without fires and have bathed in cold water. I’ve had nothing to eat but dry bread.”
Perry could not credit his ears as he disengaged himself from Miss Fife’s clutches. “How is this? When did she leave?”
