Page 53 of A Mismatch Made in London

But I knew that was not easy to do. Any time I wanted to forget something, an argument I’d had with my sister or a time when I disappointed my mother or father, it was impossible. The more I tried not to think about it, the more I thought about it. I would even dream about it.

Juliet wasn’t like me, however. She was a very determined person, as I’d witnessed many times. She was strong and resilient, and she seemed able to be joyful in almost any situation. I’d never seen her cry before. Indeed, it had been difficult to imagine hercrying about anything. I only hoped this horrible thing wouldn’t change her. She’d kept it to herself for weeks, which I was certain I could not have done.

“I’m glad you told me,” I said, “that you confided in me. I will never tell a soul. It is only ... I wish that evil man could be punished for what he did, that people would know about it so he couldn’t do it to anyone else.”

“I was foolish. Most young ladies would not have gone with him. It is my fault; I am to blame, at least in part.”

“Juliet, this is his fault, not yours. He alone is to blame. He presented himself as a good, honest, Christian gentleman. You couldn’t have known that he had such evil intentions.”

“Thank you. You are so kind, Amelia. I suppose it is a good lesson for me, to not be so trusting and to understand the bad things that can happen.”

“Yes, perhaps.” But I didn’t like the thought that we shouldn’t trust anyone.

It was, indeed, a wicked world.

I thought about times when I’d felt guilty in the past, and I said, “I’ve discovered that the only way to rid myself of bad memories is to pray for God to ease my guilt and forgive me. We can wrestle with painful thoughts, but only God can make us feel better about it.”

“Yes, I know you are right. But let us not talk of it,” Juliet said. “And I pray I never, ever see his face again.”

She laid her head on my shoulder, just for a moment, then sat up straight. “Let us play the pianoforte. Perhaps we will annoy my brother and make him scowl at us.” She was actually smiling at the prospect.

Juliet was so strong. She would not let this terrible thing destroy her happiness. How I did love her, and my heart ached for what she must have suffered, her fear in those moments alone with that evil man, and the painful thoughts and feelings. But she would overcome this and would have a fulfilling life.May it never affect her again, I prayed.

Sometimes I felt a bit sorry for Jeremy Beaumont, with a sister who was always wanting to annoy him and for whose welfare he obviously felt responsible. I hoped he never discovered what had happened to Juliet, for both their sakes. But I didn’t feel sorry for him very often. He was rich, had complete independence and power over his life, and he had many young ladies wishing to be his wife. He didn’t need my pity.

15

I had been at the Beaumont townhouse for so long that I was afraid of wearing out my welcome. Besides that, Juliet had received word that her sister had just had a new baby and she and Jeremy were to go for a brief three-day visit, so I arranged to return to my aunt and uncle’s.

The next day, as Juliet and her brother said farewell and saw me off, Jeremy said, “We will see you at the ball on Thursday evening.”

“Yes, I should be there.”

He gazed into my eyes but said nothing more.

I only had to travel a short way, and I arrived to my aunt saying, “Oh, my dear, it is good to have you here again. Algernon and I can go with you on your morning walks, for I know how much you enjoy walking.”

Algernon was lounging on the sofa and did not bother to stand when I entered the room. He had the same pale complexion and red eyes I remembered.

“Good to see you, Amelia,” he said.

“And you as well,” I said.

“You must call her Miss Moore now. She is a lady, not a playmate, not anymore,” Mrs. Kendall said brightly.

“Good to see you,Miss Moore,” he said, an amused look on his slightly bloated face.

I smiled and nodded politely. Turning to my aunt, I said, “Thank you for welcoming me back.”

“Of course, my darling. I hope you had a wonderful time with Miss Beaumont. I’m so glad you were able to make their acquaintance. Do you anticipate Mr. Beaumont making you an offer of marriage?”

“No, I’m afraid not. He and I are not the greatest of friends, I’m afraid.”

“That’s a pity, but there are many young gentlemen in London. It is the Season, after all. Shall we expect any gentlemen to call on you?”

“There is one gentleman who has promised to call, Mr. Colin Harper.”

“Oh, is he rich?”