Lady Hastings' Second Season

Chapter Three

Dear Mr Whitby,

I would be ever so grateful if you and your wonderful companions, Lord Castor, Lord Harrison, and Mr Bancroft, would attend dinner at my uncle's residence on the Tuesday evening coming.

Sincerely,

Lady Amelia Hastings

Whilst they waited for Mr Bancroft and Lord Harrison to arrive, everyone chatted amongst themselves. Aunt Adelaide was being charmed by Lord Castor along with Virginia in the corner with Mr Whitby, Amelia, and her uncle talking in another.

"Ah, here you are!" Mr Whitby grinned when the two latecomers were announced by the butler.

"We are not late, are we?" Mr Bancroft glanced at his watch.

"No, of course not, you are right on time," Amelia greeted them. "Please allow me to introduce you to my uncle, Lord Charles Pennington, and my aunt, Lady Adelaide Pennington."

After all the introductions were made, the room once again dispersed into smaller groups to talk before dinner.

"How are you, Your Grace?" Amelia asked Lord Harrison.

"Lovesick, one would say," Mr Whitby interrupted him with a teasing laugh.

"Lovesick? I was unaware you were engaged, how exciting!" Amelia gasped, not noticing the glare Lord Harrison sent Mr Whitby.

"I am not engaged, nor am I lovesick. I'm afraid Henry is sorely deluded." He replied, his tone cold.

"Nonsense! You are quite infatuated with Lady Reading! Perhaps Lady Hastings would be able to help you make some headway with your affections."

"Oh, I do say I make rather a splendid Cupid! You shall have to tell me more, I insist." Amelia nodded her head firmly in agreement with Mr Whitby. Lord Harrison was about to fervently argue against that when the butler announced that dinner was served. "You shall have to sit next to me, so we can discuss this further." Amelia whispered to him as they went through to the dining room.

Dinner was a pleasant affair and, although Amelia did not get the chance to ask Lord Harrison any more questions about Lady Reading during, everyone contributed to a lively conversation. Afterwards, Amelia's aunt and uncle retired for the evening whilst everyone else moved through to the parlour for drinks and cards.

"I believe now would be the perfect time to talk about Lady Reading, Your Grace." Amelia seated herself next to him as he nursed a glass of whiskey.

"The perfect time," Mr Whitby nodded as he joined them. When Lord Harrison simply groaned, Mr Whitby turned to Amelia, "Seeing as Edmund apparently has no interest in answering your questions, I feel I must."

"Who exactly is Lady Reading? I am sure I have not met her, for I am very good with names."

"She is the daughter of the Viscount of Wilderham. I am surprised you have not yet met her," Henry leant back in the chair to ponder.

"As am I. But I shall endeavour to make her acquaintance at the next ball."

"I do not believe that to be necessary. There is no need to meet her." Lord Harrison finally spoke.

"Of course there is; Lady Hastings can find out if she likes you." Mr Whitby argued. "Edmund can be rather shy, whereas you, my dear, are anything but."

"Do not worry, I shall make it my mission to find out her feelings. I am excellent at getting people to open up." Amelia patted Lord Harrison on the forearm.