Dignity and Depravity

Chapter I

It has been said that " it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Consequently, it should stand to reason that a woman in possession of a good husband, should be in want of nothing. A good many would fair better should providence let it be so.

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Amelia Dyer removed her bonnet and placed it gingerly on the table in the entryway. She sighed satisfactorily as she glanced around the large expanse of her new place of residence. Although she was a gentleman's daughter from a fine upbringing, she was unaccustomed to such openness and opulence. The manor was tastefully and elegantly decorated, and Amelia felt she would soon feel welcome, she thought cheerfully. But Amelia's ennui deepened a moment later. The din of her young siblings laughing and running about, which was common place at her childhood home, was in stark contrast to the silence that surrounded her now. How strange it was. A small part of her may yearn for Cauldwell Lodge, she acknowledged, but she was mistress of Eagleton Manor now and such sentimentality would not do.

Amelia gently tidied her loose fitting bun, ran her fingers over the blonde curls that framed her face and finished by smoothing out the creases of her linen sleeves by running her hands gently over each arm. She rarely fussed as much over her appearance as did just now, as Amelia was confident that she was a handsome woman. Her tiny frame was accentuated by the empirical waistline of her gown, and her rosy cheeks and bright, fine green eyes were compelling. The modest dress of the time allowed for only a small peak of her alabaster skin to be visible above the wide neckline of her dress. Its porcelain appearance was accented by a chaste and simple pearl necklace that Amelia cherished; a gift from her mother from which she could not be parted. Amelia's charming and easy manner, coupled with an exceeding wit, appealed to fondness in those around her. After all, allurement could not rest on looks alone.

Amelia finished her primping as quickly as she started it. "One must not appear to be flustered from travel lest the servants view me as ill tempered," she said to herself. "It will be adjustment enough to have a new mistress of the house."

Eagleton Manor was a well-established household in Hertfordshire. Long had the patronage of the Dyer family provided stability to its surrounding farms. The manor and its sweeping gardens were the envy of many and they were oft visited by travelers. The family was known for their generosity, allowing many to hunt and fish on their land for sport. Its location within easy distance of London, and it being central to many other houses in the neighbourhood made Eagleton Manor the anchor of country society. Not to mention the liveliness that came from the regularly held balls and dinners hosted by the late Mrs. Dyer. In the last year, since her passing, the balls had ceased, mirth became scarce and then slipped away into sadness when the senior Mr. Dyer had withered away and followed his wife into the afterlife.

It was surprising that their only son John, Amelia's husband, had withstood the grief of losing both parents. Similarly, Amelia thought, it was astounding that he had managed the grief that abounded with such a precipitous rise in fortune as well! With an income of ten thousand pounds per annum, John had been thrust in to being a most respected and desirable match. He could scarcely be seen in society without one, or ten, families believing that he was considered the only match for one or other of their daughters. John had wondered how many of the local mourners felt sorrow for him and how many were simply looking to make his acquaintance.

All that is behind you now, John.  I only hope we will  enjoy the felicity of marriage destined for those of great  fortune, Amelia thought sarcastically. It should require very little work in such comfortable circumstances.