Lady Hastings' Second Season

Chapter Eight

After a hearty breakfast, everyone made their way out to the stables. Amelia began the long ride to the edge of Edmund's grounds alongside Henry, "Now that I have been made aware it is not I that you are affectionate for, is there perhaps someone else?" She inquired directly.

"Your plan with Edmund and Lady Reading is going so well, you can now turn your attentions on to me?" Henry laughed at her eagerness to matchmake.

"I am not quite sure if my attempts are working, if I am quite honest. Lady Reading does not seem to like me very much so I'm unable to ask about her feelings for Edmund." Amelia explained as she watched the two out ahead of her.

"I believe it is because she thinks you to be a threat," He offered.

"Me?! A threat? To what?" Amelia was quite bewildered at the idea.

"For Edmund's love. You are very close with him,"

"But we are simply friends!"

"Perhaps you should make that very clear with her then." Henry shrugged.

"I shall have to try my best." It was astounding to learn that Lady Reading was threatened by her. "But I see you have evaded my question, Henry."

"Oh?" He pretended to be innocent.

"Do not think me stupid," Amelia grinned, "Have you any feelings for another?"

"Not at the moment, but you can rest assured I will inform you the moment I meet someone." Henry vowed. "Oh, look, Lady Reading is by herself! Perhaps you ought to go talk with her." Amelia looked over to where Henry was pointing and noticed that Edmund had moved away to talk to others, leaving Lady Reading alone.

"How very convenient for you, Henry." Amelia gave him a suspicious look. "I shall go, but do not think that I will not return to question you further."

It did not take Amelia very long to sidle up next to Lady Reading and start chatting, "Are you enjoying the ride?"

"I am, thank you, Your Grace."

"These are such beautiful grounds, I think that Lord Harrison's wife would be very happy here." She commented casually.

"They are beautiful." Lady Reading ignored the latter part of Amelia's words.

"I think that you and Lord Harrison would make an excellent match, do you not think?" Amelia could not have been any more obvious that she had no intention of going after Edmund.

"Perhaps." Lady Reading frowned at Amelia, making her wonder what she could have possibly have done to deserve such a look.

"Anyhow, I shall leave you to enjoy the rest of the ride," She felt rather uncomfortable, "I simply wished to say hallo." Quickly, Amelia made her exit, for Lady Reading was not the most conversational.

For a while, Amelia rode with her cousin and Lord Bridge but she was beginning to feel uncomfortable with their obvious flirtation. It was just as she went to move away from the couple that she saw Edmund by himself and decided to take the opportunity to impart some wisdom on him.

"Edmund, do not look my way, but listen," Amelia rode slightly ahead, very aware of Lady Reading's eyes on her.

"Whatever are you on about?" Edmund urged his horse forwards to trot alongside her.

"I have some advice for you; ask Lady Reading to accompany you on a walk later and tell her of your feelings. I believe that now is an excellent time!" Amelia broke away before Edmund could say anything more.

As he was left alone, Edmund began to think. How could he tell Lady Reading of his feelings when he was not sure they still existed? Although he appreciated Amelia's help, Edmund was left very confused.

When the picnic spot came into view, everyone slowed down and began chattering enthusiastically for it was a truly lovely day to be in the cool shadows of the woods. Amelia had once again joined Henry and was discussing his horse breeding program.

Amelia was aware of Edmund's eyes on her as Henry helped her to dismount and so she motioned for him to do the same with Lady Reading, which led to a very happy smile on the latter's face. Amelia watched the couple make their way to the picnic, arm in arm, and although she was pleased her matchmaking was working, she was not fully content. However, she shrugged it off and decided to simply enjoy the food, with no other worries on her mind.

Once everyone had eaten the wonderful spread, people started to break away, some playing games whilst others just lazed under the sun. Amelia had been quite content to sunbathe, but Lady Reading called her name.

"I was wondering if perhaps you would wish to go on a stroll with me?" Lady Reading smiled down at her and Amelia wondered why on earth she would be so cheery.

"Certainly, it sounds delightful." Amelia scrambled to her feet, following as they went a little way into the woods. "I must say, I am surprised you asked me to walk with you," She commented.

"It is because I wish to talk to you about something," Lady Reading stopped and turned to face her.

"Oh? Please, do tell."

"By now, you must know I am aware of your feelings for Lord Harrison. I simply intend to know what you wish to do about them." She looked at Amelia patiently.

"My feelings? But I do not have any feelings for Lord Harrison!" Amelia cried out when she managed to recover from the shock.

"There is no point in denying it, I have seen how you look at him."

"We are simply friends, you have got it all wrong!"

"Why then do you constantly ask me about him, as though I am the competition." Lady Reading questioned with a hard glare.

"I believe you would be a good match, that is all," Amelia was quite flustered by now.

"I doubt you do."

"Please listen, you have misunderstood the situation entirely!"

"Explain then." The cold look gave Amelia very little time to think of a suitable answer, for she did not want to betray Edmund's secret.

"I am engaged to Mr Whitby!" The words fell out of her mouth.

"What?" It was clear that Lady Reading did not believe her.

"We are to be wed. But we have not yet told my father, and I did not wish to arouse suspicion, so I have kept my distance. I must have accidentally placed my attentions on Lord Harrison." Sometimes a little white lie could be very easy to tell.

"Oh." Lady Reading was silent for a moment. "I understand. Do not worry, I shall not tell anyone."

"Thank you. And you must believe me that when I asked those questions about Lord Harrison, it was for your benefit." Amelia explained.

"Hm. Let us go back now, for they must be wondering what is taking us so long." Lady Reading turned and walked away, not waiting for Amelia.

That was a close one, Amelia thought as she followed behind, letting out a deep breath.