Lady Hastings' Second Season

Chapter Four

Edmund was quite surprised when he caught the sight of four young ladies coming towards him, Lady Reading included. He locked eyes with Lady Hastings and tried to signal his distress, but she merely smiled gleefully. This what not at all what he had expected when he agreed to her plan.

It was Lady Reading who spoke first, "Your Grace," She curtseyed. "It has been a while since we last met, I do hope you remember me?"

"Indeed, I hope you are well?" Edmund inquired.

"I am. Mr Whitby," Lady Reading offered her greeting to Henry as well. Edmund could not help but notice that she had smiled more warmly at him than at Henry, although he was unsure if this was because they were not well acquainted. "Please, let me introduce my acquaintances," She turned to the four ladies, "Miss Lauder, Lady Hastings, and Lady Penningford." Edmund noticed that she got Lady Pennington's name incorrect, but he did not say anything and neither did anyone else although he did see Lady Hastings stifle a giggle.

"It is an honour," Henry bowed to them all.

The six of them made polite conversation for a while until Edmund noticed Lady Hastings nudge Lady Pennington who promptly inquired about taking Miss Lauder to the refreshments. Quickly, Henry picked up the signal and asked Lady Hastings for a dance, leaving Edmund and Lady Reading quite alone.

"Shall we take a turn around the room?" Lady Reading asked Edmund who was deeply grateful that she had not wished for a dance.

"Certainly, I would be glad of the company." He offered her his arm and they began to slowly walk. "Your friends are very pleasant, much like yourself," He commented for lack of anything better to say.

"Oh, I hardly know two of the women. They were Miss Lauder's friends, not mine." She said dismissively. "Lady Hastings did seem rather excited to meet you though," Edmund could not help but roll his eyes, for where was the subtlety Lady Hastings had spoken of?

"I see." Pausing to think of a new conversation, he changed the topic, "How are you finding London this season?"

"It is very enjoyable! There is perfect weather and so much to do every day; I can never be bored," She turned her head to smile up at him, "Do you plan on staying in town much?"

"I do, although I need to return to my estate for some work in the coming weeks, but I hope to be back after only a short while." As an extra thought, he added, "Perhaps I might host. Do you think many would be willing to make the journey to Devon?"

"I do not think the journey to be very far at all, if you were to invite guests, I think none would object." Edmund felt pleased with himself and let the conversation continue at a natural pace until they were joined by Lady Hastings and Henry who looked energised from their lively dance.

"Did you enjoy yourselves?" Edmund asked.

"Oh, yes indeed! Mr Whitby is an excellent dancer." Lady Hastings praised her partner, resting her hand on his forearm.

"You are too kind," Henry waved away the compliment. "I was wondering, Lady Reading, if you might also join me for a dance?"

"After such a review, I feel I must!" She turned to Edmund, "If you shall excuse me?" He nodded, lowering the arm that she still held onto and passing her over to Henry.

Once they had gone, Lady Hastings turned to him with a grin, "Do not look so disheartened, she is only being polite by dancing with him." Before Edmund could interject to dismiss such false claims, she continued, "Mr Whitby and I saw you walk with her and we both noted the happy disposition of Lady Reading. I do believe she quite likes you,"

"Really?" He could not stop the smile that came to his face at hearing such news.

"Indeed. Now, I am impatient to know of your conversation so do tell!"

"Oh, there was nothing of importance-"

"How boring!" Lady Hastings interrupted to exclaim.

"However," He gave her a stern look, "it has quite given me the thought to host a small party at my estate in Devon, and I thought I might invite Lady Reading."

"What a delightful idea! You must call on me tomorrow and I shall help you plan such an event for we must take every opportunity to have the two of you alone." She said determinedly, without giving Edmund a chance to object, not that he would dare. "Are you going to ask her for a dance this evening?"

"You are quite aware of my feelings on the subject." He was surprised she even suggested such a thing.

"Surely you could manage only one dance, especially for Lady Reading?"

"Not tonight, though perhaps in the future I might be willing." He silenced any further questioning on the subject, but he caught Lady Hasting's smile at the prospect.

"His Grace, the Duke of Devon to see you." Amelia's butler announced the next day.

"Please send him through, thank you." She put down the book she had been reading and waited for him.

"Lady Hastings," Lord Harrison gave her a slight bow when he came in.

"There are no need for such formalities, so do call me Amelia, for I feel we are now friends."

"Well, then you must call me Edmund." He returned the favour.

"I did not think you would come, due to the rain. I must say that I am impressed with your perseverance." Amelia glanced outside to where droplets pelted the window.

"You did order me to appear." He smiled. "Besides, the weather is lessening."

"Oh, then we should go for a walk! I fear I shall go mad if I should stay inside any longer!" As an afterthought, she added on, "Is that all right with you?"

"I do not mind."

"Now, let us turn our thoughts to your party." Amelia asked as they walked under an umbrella, her chaperone following behind. "Do you have any ideas of what to do whilst there?"

"I had thought, perhaps, that we might all go riding." Edmund glanced up at the sky disapprovingly, "But I should like the weather to be sunnier than this,"

"I am hurt that you do not think the weather nice for our walk," She jested with a laugh. "But I believe riding to be a splendid idea for it should be very easy for you to ride alone with Lady Reading in such a group. You must have a picnic too!" Amelia did not care that she was so obviously excited.

"Any more suggestions?" Edmund smiled at her enthusiasm. Amelia thought for a moment, before shaking her head,

"I shall let you know if I think of any more. Oh, who are you to invite? I certainly hope my name shall be on the guest list!"

"I do not believe I have much choice in that matter," He chuckled. "But I was thinking only a small group of ten or so. Does that suit?"

"It does indeed. Now, I insist you return me to my address and go home to write the invitations for I will be expecting them within the day, Edmund." Amelia could hardly wait to be in Devon.