Lady Hastings' Second Season

Chapter Ten

When Edmund had noticed Amelia leading Henry away, he could not resist following them. He had to keep reminding himself that the proper thing to do would be to be happy for them and wish them good fortune in their marriage but his heart felt otherwise.

As he approached, he told himself to sound cheerful but the words came out bitter, "I suppose I ought to congratulate you."

Edmund was met with confused looks from both Henry and Amelia until her face lit up, "My advice worked?" She said excitedly. It was then Edmund's turn to be confused for he had no idea what she was talking about.

"Your advice?" Henry was the one to ask.

"Yes! I told Edmund that he should reveal his feelings to Lady Reading," Amelia turned to Edmund, "Did all go to plan?"

"I did not tell her," He managed to speak, disorientated by the change in conversation.

"Oh, that is a shame. I am sure you will get the chance to." She commiserated him.

"What was it then that you wished to congratulate Amelia on then?" Henry inquired. Amelia tilted her head with a raised eyebrow.

"Amelia? I meant to congratulate the both of you, on your engagement." Edmund frowned as Henry did.

"Engagement? Whatever do you mean?" Henry asked, bewildered. As far as he was aware, he was not engaged to anyone!

"You and Amelia are not to be married?" Edmund was growing more and more confused by the second.

"Not so far as I am aware." He shook his head before turning, "Amelia?"

"Ah, now do you remember how I said I told a small lie?" She looked sheepishly at the two men. Her foolishness was catching up on her and now she looked to be silly.

"You have told Edmund we are engaged?"

"It was not Amelia who told me, it was Lady Reading," Edmund clarified.

"Yes, I had thought it to be her." Amelia sighed. "I told her in the greatest confidence but clearly she had no intentions of keeping it a secret."

"I still do not understand why you lied to her," Henry questioned, still confused.

"Lady Reading had the silly notion in her head that I am in love with Edmund and as such was spending so much time with him. I could not explain that I was simply trying to help Edmund court her and that was why I was with him so I lied and said I was engaged to you but was trying not to draw attention to us." At the looks on the men's faces, she sighed, "It was the first thing I could think of at the time, do not blame me."

"Oh, Amelia, what a situation you have got yourself into!" Henry let out a laugh and Amelia knew he did not resent her.

"I do apologise for all the misunderstanding, it shan't happen again."

"I do not know how it could happen again!" Henry smiled.

"So, there is no upcoming marriage, it was just a lie?" Edmund finally spoke.

"Correct. At least, it shall not be me and Henry marrying." Amelia nodded.

"What do you plan to do?"

"Plan to do?" Amelia raised an eyebrow.

"If Lady Reading so easily told me of your secret, do you not think she will tell others?" Edmund replied.

"I had not thought about that." Amelia thought for a second. "I suppose I shall have to tell her that we have called off the engagement."

"That seems the wise thing to do." Henry agreed.

"I shall write to Lady Reading once we leave, for it is too soon to inform her now when I have only just told her the news." Amelia decided. "Now, I fear we have been away for too long, people shall start to suspect if we do not return."

With that, all three of them made their way back into the parlour where everyone was unaware of the weight that had just been lifted off Edmund's heart.

As Virginia and Amelia sat in the carriage, heading towards London, Amelia reflected on how chaotic the short trip had been. She began thinking of how she would break the news to Lady Reading that there was no longer an engagement and also started to wonder what Lord Cavendish would be like as Saturday loomed closer.

Amelia had been back in London for a few days, having written a letter announcing that her and Henry had decided that it was best not to marry, when she decided to go shopping. She was browsing through a selection of hats when she heard the cheerful voice of Thomas Bancroft. Following the sound of his chatter, she found him deep in conversation with Edmund, despite Thomas doing all the talking.

"Hello, gentlemen! What a surprise to see you both! How are you?" Amelia smiled brightly at them.

"Amelia! I am well, and you?" Thomas gathered up her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles.

"I am enjoying this weather and now the company," She could not help but grin for Thomas elicited that from everyone he talked to. "Edmund?"

"I would prefer to be back in the country air, but other than that, I am well." He also bent to kiss her hand.

"Ah, I think we would all wish to breathe the country air but alas, there are many things to be done in London."

"Speaking of, I am thinking of organising a small dinner affair this Saturday and I would be quite pleased if you would attend." Edmund asked, gaining a confused look from Thomas.

"Oh, that would be lovely! But I am afraid that I cannot. I have plans," Amelia apologised. A dinner with friends sounded far more appealing than the opera with a man she did not know. At the reminder of her date, her face lit up with a question. "By chance, do either of you know of Lord Cavendish?"

"Lord Cavendish? He is the Earl of Melbourne, is he not?" Thomas asked Edmund.

"I believe so." Edmund confirmed.

"Why do you wish to know? Do you have your sights set on him?" Thomas teased.

"No," Amelia could not help but blush. "But my father has arranged for me to go to the opera with him and I know nothing about him."

"I am afraid I cannot help you with much more than his title. I have never formally met the man, only seen him around." Thomas shrugged in apology and Edmund nodded, a frown etched between his brows.

"Nevertheless, at least I know one more thing about him. I shall have to wait and see to find out anything else." She sighed. "I appreciate your help. Perhaps he will not be as bad as I am imagining. Sadly, I must leave you gentlemen now for my companion is most likely searching for me."

"It was lovely to see you again. Do invite yourself round if you are ever near me." Thomas insisted as he once again kissed her hand.

"I shall extend the same offer," Edmund managed a small smile.

"Thank you, gentlemen. Edmund, I am sorry that I am unable to attend your dinner party. Perhaps next time?" Amelia apologised again as he nodded in understanding.

When Amelia had left, Thomas turned to Edmund, "I did not know you were planning a dinner?"

"It was just an idea, but it does not matter." Edmund muttered, already walking away.