Lady Hastings' Second Season

Chapter Twelve

Whilst Amelia was confused about her own heart, Virginia's was sure. Lord Bridge had proposed marriage and Virginia readily accepted, rushing straight to Amelia to gush about how excited she was. Although Amelia still had her doubts about a man who seemed to be rather dull, she was happy for Virginia and for her cousin's ability to choose her husband.

Almost immediately, a celebratory engagement dinner was arranged with a very large guest list. Amelia couldn't help but be slightly joyous when she discovered Edmund was to be invited. She had not seen him since her possible realisation and she thought it best to see him in person to be sure.

The dinner came around quickly, and Amelia found herself in conversation with Lord Bridge, talking about his estate. Amelia realised that soon she would no longer have her cousin for company and that she would be quite alone for the rest of the season. 

But that thought was pushed to the back of her mind when she saw Virginia walking towards them with a glowing smile, "Ralph, may I steal you away? Dinner is about to begin." For a second, Amelia had no idea who Ralph was, but then she remembered that was Lord Bridge's given name.

"Certainly dear," He offered his arm to Virginia. "Please excuse me, Amelia."

Amelia was then by herself as everyone began making their way into the dining room and looked around, lost.

"Amelia! Care to join me?" Lord Castor appeared by her side with a smile.

"I would be grateful. Everyone seems to have disappeared!" She took his hand.

"It is quite busy tonight," Archie conceded. "Henry, Thomas, and Edmund should be around somewhere."

"We shall have to find them then," Amelia could not stop the flutter of her heart at his name. She silently scolded herself, for she was acting like a pathetic lovestruck maiden.

In the end, Amelia and Archie did not end up sitting near Henry, Thomas, or Edmund, rather they were at the opposite end of the table. She could only get a brief glimpse of Edmund and he seemed quite stoic, smiling only whenever Henry or Thomas said something funny. Amelia let out a defeated smile for she was next to Virginia and sitting across from them were Virginia's parents. The conversation was not particularly inspiring, as they had to keep it polite in the company of Lord and Lady Pennington. Luckily, when dinner was finished, the guests dispersed, and the younger people ended up in the drawing room.

"A game of cards, anyone?" Lord Bridge suggested and was met with enthusiasm. Although parents were loved, there were far too many of them at this gathering and the mood was sedated. The group playing consisted of Amelia, Virginia, Ralph, Henry, Archie, Edmund, Thomas, as well as a few of Ralph's friends.

This time, Amelia managed to be seated directly opposite Edmund, where she could study him to her heart's content. They were just playing a simple game of whist, and Amelia did not need to focus on it entirely. Edmund, meanwhile, had his eyes trained on the cards, watching carefully who played what. They had yet had the chance to speak tonight, only nodding in greeting when they walked into the drawing room separately.

Henry was busy congratulating the happy couple as they played, teasing them about married life.

"I would not tease, for you shall soon be with a wife, I am sure." Virginia laughed.

"If my mother would have her way, do you not agree, gentlemen?" Henry asked the rest of the men at the table to nods and chuckles.

"My mother would have ten grandchildren by the time I was barely 20," Archie lamented, "But as of yet, I have managed to evade her desires."

"You men are merely lucky that you are able to make such decisions!" Amelia could not help but interrupt, growing frustrated with her own situation and the freedom of the male sex.

"Exactly!" Virginia agreed, "We have perhaps three seasons before we are destined for spinsterhood."

"Are you saying you do not wish to marry me, Ginny?" Lord Bridge teased, "I can wait two more seasons if you wish,"

"Do not be silly," She gently batted his arm. "But you men should consider yourselves lucky."

"As we do," Edmund spoke with an apologetic tone.

"By the by, how did your evening with Lord Cavendish go, Amelia?" Thomas inquired.

"I am not sure that is even of any importance, for my father will have me married to him before the end of the season." She sighed, not taking any notice of how Edmund suddenly looked alarmed.

"Ah, so this is why you are envious of our freedom?" One of Lord Bridge's friends asked.

"Indeed,"

"But surely, he cannot expect you to marry a man you barely know?" Archie looked concerned.

"As I have just reminded you, I do not have the same choices you do." Amelia straightened her back. "My father can be quite adamant."

"Perhaps I ought to marry you! Amelia, what do you say?" Archie jested, trying to lighten the mood. She laughed, along with many at the table,

"I shall let you know if I become desperate!"

It was then that the game finished, for Edmund had won. But the look on his face was not one of triumph.

The celebrations for Virginia and Lord Bridge continued until late, Amelia desperately trying to get a chance to speak with Edmund but being hindered at every opportunity. She was currently talking to one of Lord Bridge's friends, a man whose name she had already forgot, when she noticed Edmund saying his goodbyes to the happy couple.

"Excuse me, My Lord." Amelia broke off the conversation, determined to catch Edmund before he left. "Edmund!" By the time Amelia caught him, he was in the hall, being assisted into his coat.

"Amelia," He smiled tightly before nodding to the footman to leave them. "How are you?"

"I am well," She returned the smile. "Although I was sad not to have spoken to you tonight."

"You were?" Edmund seemed surprised at the statement.

"Of course! You are my dear friend,"

"Right, yes." The smile dropped off his face and he turned towards the door. "I was just leaving,"

"Yes, I shall not stop you," Amelia moved aside, and they bade each other good night.

Amelia had nothing else to do but return to the drawing room, her heart heavy. Virginia could not be more wrong, Edmund had no feelings for her, she was certain.

Later that evening, as Virginia was wishing her guests farewell, she pulled Henry to the corner, "May I call on you tomorrow? I have something of great importance to discuss with you,"

"Certainly," Henry furrowed his brow, "Should I be concerned?"

"Oh, no! It is to do with Amelia, and I believe you may be able to help." Virginia reassured him.

"Gladly, see you tomorrow then,"

"Goodnight!"