Lady Hastings' Second Season

Chapter Six

Edmund was both curious and slightly annoyed when his butler informed him that there was currently a carriage making its way down his drive, a day before he had expected anyone. As he stood at his front door to greet his guest, something he did not often do, Edmund began to predict who it could be. It was most likely to be Thomas, who was not very good at thinking of others.

Imagine Edmund's surprise when instead, Amelia stepped out of the carriage with a worried look on her face. "Lady Hastings!" He remembered the proper use of her name in front of his staff. "I did not expect you until tomorrow!" All feelings of annoyance disappeared at the sight of her.

"Oh, Edmund, please do not be angry, I was simply too excited to stay away!" Amelia picked up his hands to beg his forgiveness.

"Do not worry, I am glad to see you," He gave her hand a quick kiss before doing the same with her cousin's. "Please have Lady Hastings' and Lady Pennington's room readied immediately." Edmund turned to his butler with the instructions.

"I hope we do not impose on you too much, Your Grace," Lady Pennington apologised.

"Not at all. Do come in and get yourselves settled," He stood back to let them inside.

"Before we go in, I wonder if it is possible for me to make use of your stables? I have brought my best stallion and he shall need somewhere to sleep." Amelia walked towards a beautiful black horse that had been stood next to the carriage and gave him a little pat.

"Certainly, I'll have someone look after him." Turning to look at Lady Pennington, "Have you brought your horse also?"

"Oh, no. I intend to be an observer this weekend, I am not as skilled a rider as Amelia," She shook her head.

"I hope this weekend shall not bore you then," His forehead creased in concern.

"Never. I am quite excited, so do not worry."

"With Lord Bridge to accompany her, there is no possibility of her ever feeling boredom," Amelia teased her cousin who proceeded to turn red in embarrassment.

"I am afraid that I still have a little work to finish before I can put it aside, will you be able to entertain yourselves for a short while?" Edmund apologised as he showed them to the parlour.

"Certainly! Perhaps Ginny and I might explore?" Amelia asked, glancing out the window into the gardens.

"Make yourselves at home. I shall try not to be too long," He gave a short nod before returning to his office.

When he returned to the parlour a couple of hours later, only Lady Pennington was present. "Hello! Have you finished your work?" She asked, setting the book she had been reading aside.

"It is all done, so I am quite free now." Edmund sat down in one of the armchairs. "Where has Amelia disappeared to?"

"She has gone out for a ride, I believe."

"A ride?" He looked out the window rather longingly as he had been stuck inside all day. Lady Pennington nodded,

"You seem as though you wish to join her,"

"No, it is all right, I shall keep you company here." He shook his head.

"I think it is Amelia who is need of more company than myself. I do not mind being alone as I am very engrossed in this book," She encouraged him.

"You are sure?"

"Absolutely. In fact, I insist."

"I suppose I shall." Nodding at her in thanks, Edmund slipped outside to the stables and waited for his horse to be saddled. Lady Pennington was left with a knowing smile on her face as she returned to her book