Lady Hastings' Second Season

Chapter Fourteen

"Your Grace," Amelia dropped her hand from Lord Cavendish's arm and offered it to Edmund who kissed it obligingly. "This is Lord Cavendish, Earl of Melbourne." She introduced the two men to each other.

"Lady Hastings has said only things in your favour, so I am glad to have finally met you," Lord Cavendish shook Edmund's hand.

"Likewise." Edmund couldn't bring himself to say anymore. Seeing Amelia standing so close to him, this man that she would likely marry, hurt.

"Now, I did not merely come over to see you two acquainted, but to find Mr Whitby, since he had promised me this last dance. Have you seen him?" Amelia inquired.

Edmund shook his head, "I have not and unfortunately, I do not know where he has disappeared to."

"Then I shall have to sit this one out, if he does not appear immediately," She sighed.

"Might I offer my hand?" Lord Cavendish asked, taking the opportunity.

"Oh, I could not ask you to do so, we have danced so many times this evening, I am sure you are tired of my company." Edmund watched silently as Amelia politely declined the other man.

"Perhaps I could take Mr Whitby's place? I have yet to dance," The words tumbled out, the offer an unfamiliar occurrence.

"Are you sure, Your Grace?" Amelia's eyes were wide at such an unusual proposal. "I do not mind, if you are only asking to be polite."

"Not at all. In fact, I would find it to be quite invigorating." Edmund nodded, watching out of the corner of his eye as Lord Cavendish frowned a little.

"Well then, I can hardly say no!" Amelia exclaimed before turning to Lord Cavendish, "You must excuse me, for the situation is so rare that I must accept. Lord Harrison always declines my invitation."

"Certainly, I shall not stop you." He nodded, a tight smile on his face. "It was a pleasure to meet you." He gave a slight bow of his head to Edmund.

Edmund and Amelia lined up, stood opposite one another as they waited for the music to begin. Amelia could not help but be excited at the prospect of dancing with Edmund, something she had only done once, that first night they met.

"How do you find Lord Cavendish?" She asked as they met in the middle, her gloved palm to his bare.

Edmund merely shrugged, "He seemed decent."

"I supposed that is all I can ask for, since I have no other choice." Amelia sighed, glancing in the crowd to try and find his face.

"So, you are to marry him?" The words came out forcibly.

"I believe my father shall have it arranged soon." She nodded. "Although, perhaps I shall take up Archie's offer to wed him instead, for it is surely better to marry a friend than a stranger, do you not agree?" Her eyes met Edmund's and he found he could not reply. "I hope I am not that desperate yet!" Amelia laughed to cut through the silence.

Nothing more was said on the matter, simply because Edmund could not bear to ask any further questions and Amelia was rather inclined to forget the subject entirely. Just as they finished the dance, Henry and Virginia appeared, causing Amelia to grumble at him with only half seriousness about him forgetting her. She could not say she was displeased though, as otherwise she would never had danced with Edmund, a memory she hoped always to remember. The rest of the evening was spent pleasantly, although Edmund could not stop his mind from racing, which left him quieter than usual.

The next morning, Amelia had only just finished dressing, when a maid informed her that Lord Harrison was downstairs, asking to speak to her. Amelia could not help but be surprised, since it was quite unusual for anyone to call so early in the morning, let alone Edmund, and so she hurried down quickly.