Dignity and Depravity

Chapter VI

Satiated and overjoyed at how her night unfolded, Amelia took on the day with a spring in her step. As she dressed, she lightly touched each area of her skin before covering it with her morning gown. Her hand gently caressed her abdomen, resting momentarily. What if our love has quickened my womb this night? she thought. Preparedness for consummation had not inclined Amelia for such an immediate consequence.

She had no doubt that bearing John's child would further endear as Mistress of Eagleton. However, Amelia had never aspired to be viewed solely as a ornamental child-bearer. Production of an heir is of importance, she thought, but so is a sagacious and genteel wife. I shall never be satisfied with the dreary vapidity that envelops so many women once they are married. I shall teach my children that politic, rhetoric, and expanding the mind through reading and writing are of equal importance in the securement of their future happiness.

Once dressed, Amelia sat down at the desk to attend to her letters. Formality required answering to social engagements and sending regards to those who attended the wedding ceremony. Ministering to these notes posthaste, Amelia then lifted up her most prized correspondence, a letter from her sister Charlotte. Lottie was not two years her junior, and was Amelia's most cherished companion and confidante. She was also by far the most intelligent of the Moore siblings, and thus a large source of entertainment for Amelia. Such joy they found in challenging one another to memorize and recite passages in Latin, to master a new concerto on the piano forte, or attain perfect composition in painting landscapes . Amelia attributed many of her accomplishments to sisterly affection.

However, her wit cannot match my own, Amelia thought. She is far to good and demure to speak out of turn. Opinions on politics and the affairs of men often seeped from Amelia's lip unfavourably when she felt the situation merited discourse. In contrast, Lottie was demure and reserved, locking her opinions within her bosom, speaking aloud only before bed to her sister. Only John's promise of additional entertainment could appease Amelia's loss of her previous bedfellow.

As the second eldest daughter, Lottie was out within society and applied to the generosity of their Aunt and Uncle Hughes in London and visited them during the season.  Amelia longed to hear about the latest fashions and gossip. Breaking the seal, she unfolded its contents and began to read voraciously. The beginning contents contained an account of all the little parties and engagements, with such news as could be afforded in a single letter.  The second portion contained detailed accounts of the amazement Lottie beheld in Westminster, as all the streets and stores have been lit up with gas.  Such wondrous illumination with which to find oneself agog! 

The latter half, however, contained the very subject matter that was of utmost importance. She conceals herself well, Amelia mused.  It was to this effect:

"I must confess to you, my dearest Amelia, that my heart is so full.  At the most recent ball, I was introduced to a Mr. Curtis, and he is the most dear handsome fellow.  I can scarcely contain of my feelings on the subject.  I long to return home to you, dear sister, so that I can tell of his character.  What a surprise for mother and father!  Imagine, a second daughter married within the year.  How very thankful I am to our Aunt and Uncle, that I might soon share your marital felicity."

And that I may recount all my experiences and discoveries to you, dear sister, thought Amelia.  Wanton baggage we both shall be!