And then he scrawled up the letter and began again. This time, he did not add in a single word of thanks but stated clearly and concisely that he wouldnotbe in attendance. Silently, he hoped that this would communicate to the young lady that he was not desirous of such invitations so that he would never receive such a thing again.
Rising, he rang the bell and then returned to seal his letter. When the butler arrived, Nathanial handed him the note immediately.
“Have this delivered at once and inform my mother once it is sent.”
The butler blinked. “Inform her, Your Grace?”
“Tell her that my response to Lady Amelia has been sent and that I am steadfast in my determination not to attend,” Nathanial stated, clearly. “Her own response will come later, I am sure.”
Dismissing the butler, he waited until the door closed before letting himself relax just a little. Again, he waited for the relief, for the contentment to come but instead, all he could think of was his mother’s remarks about his own unmarried state and his brother William’s determination to stay in London.
He was used to being alone. He had told himself he liked it. So why now did he feel so very unsettled?
Chapter Three
Amelia smiled as Charlotte finished her reading, clapping lightly when her sister bobbed a quick curtsy. Charlotte was to be the last to read before they broke for luncheon and rising to her feet, Amelia quickly thanked everyone for their steady interest, their own readings and encouraged them all to make their way to the dining room.
“You did so very well, Charlotte!” Amelia exclaimed, as the other guests began to make their way out of the room. “Thank you for doing that. I know that you were nervous.”
“I was.” Charlotte let out a slightly shuddering breath. “I am glad it is done.”
“I would not have known you were in the least bit agitated.”
Both Amelia and Charlotte turned at the voice, a smile quickly spreading across Amelia’s face as the lady smiled warmly at Charlotte.
“I thank you, Your Grace,” Charlotte replied, greeting the lady warmly. “You are very kind to say so.”
“I do hope you will do a reading also, if you wish it?” Amelia suggested, seeing the lady nod. “I think the other guests would be as delighted as I to hear you.”
Lady Ashbourne smiled. “You are very kind.” Her smile slipped. “I am sorry that my son would not join us today. I think it would have been very good for him to be present but alas, I could not convince him.”
“No?”
Lady Ashbourne shook her head. “He is a man who is inclined to linger in his own company, though he has not alwaysdone so. He will soon have to find a wife, however, so I have been encouraging him to consider making his way to London.”
Amelia blinked, a little surprised that a gentleman should have to be encouraged to go to London. She had thought that it was a delight for each and every gentleman to be present in the London Season.
“My younger son, William – the Marquess of Highcroft – will be present, however.” Lady Ashbourne lifted her shoulders lightly. “So I shall be pleased with that.” Tilting her head, she looked first at Amelia and then to Charlotte. “You have made your come out, Lady Charlotte, have you not?”
“I have, yes. Last Season.”
“And you did not attend, Lady Amelia?”
Amelia shook her head no.
“Then you will, no doubt, go to LondonthisSeason, yes?”
Wondering why Lady Ashbourne was asking her such a thing, Amelia felt heat rise up in her face though she quickly pushed it away with nothing more than a smile. “My father is threatening to take me to London, yes.”
Lady Ashbourne’s expression lifted. “You do not wish to go?”
“I – it is not that I do notwishto go,” Amelia replied, trying to find an explanation for how she felt at present. “It is only that I do so very much enjoy being a part of my father’s estate, particularly at this time of year. The flowers are so very beautiful and the grounds take my breath from me whenever I have the chance to walk through them.”
A small smile touched the edges of Lady Ashbourne’s lips. “I quite understand. Though London has many of its own beauties, also, I must say. It would be a pity for you to miss it all.”
“Oh, I am sure that my father will take us both to London either this Season or the next,” Charlotte replied, taking LadyAshbourne’s attention from Amelia. “I do not particularly mind, much as my sister does, but that is because – ”
“Because you have an engagement already secured, yes, I have heard.” Lady Ashbourne tilted her head. “To the Marquess of Stirling, yes?”
