Page 80 of A Mismatch Made in London

My brothers had dropped my bags and my trunk just inside the door and were nowhere in sight. I picked up my bags and went to the room I shared with Diana and Lavinia. I lay across my bed and turned toward the wall.

It was as I’d feared. Diana must have thought I’d abandoned her and now wanted nothing to do with me. My mother didn’t need me, and my brothers hadn’t missed me.

I’d come home knowing Juliet didn’t need me anymore, but my family obviously didn’t need me either. And I was engaged to marry Jeremy Beaumont, but I wondered if he loved me. And if he didn’t love me, and if I decided not to marry him, my reputation would be ruined, and everyone I loved would be affected.

My tears soaked my pillow as I tried to ease the unbearable weight in my chest.

The next morning, Diana still wouldn’t let me hold her. When I tried to help her get dressed, she said, “No,” and carried her dress in her little fist to Lavinia, who helped her pull it over her head.

My brothers had already had their breakfast and were playing behind the house, so I ate alone, with my mother passing through to say she hoped she would have time to sit down with me later and hear all about the parties and balls I’d attended in London.

My father came in just as I was getting up to go for a walk.

“There’s my girl,” he said, patting me on the head. “Break any hearts in London?”

“A few.” I smirked, but then regretted it, remembering Mr. Harper’s face when I said no to his marriage proposal. Whichled to remembering what he had done, then to Fairweather and Juliet, and—

“Will you need the carriage to return to London?” he asked me. “I ask because my man says the rear axle will need to be replaced before it can be taken on any long trips.”

“I don’t think so.” I sighed. “I’m not sure I’m cut out for London.” But I also couldn’t say I was happy to be home, either.

“High society is not for everyone.” He looked me in the eye. “You’re a good girl, too good for those fancy folk. But don’t you worry. We’ll find you a husband yet. The rector’s wife died last winter, and I noticed he was looking at you a great deal at dinner.”

“I’m not interested in marrying the rector.” His sermons were much too tepid and boring, and he rarely even mentioned God or any Bible verses, preferring to talk about philosophy. I didn’t think I could marry someone who was a rector but seemed to have very little faith. Besides, he was shorter than I was and was not handsome.

I started to tell Father that I was engaged to be married, but I stopped myself. I hadn’t told anyone yet, and the longer I waited the more awkward it seemed to broach the subject.

Just then, a courier rode up to the door. His sudden appearance caused the dogs to start barking, the servant yelled at the dogs, and finally, Father got up and went to the door.

He came back a few moments later holding up two letters.

“One for me and one for you. The return address says ‘Beaumont.’ Wasn’t that the friend you were staying with in London?”

“Yes.” I opened my letter right away, but my heart was in my throat as I wondered what Father’s letter would say.

“They must be very wealthy to send letters by special courier instead of through the post,” Father said, who hadn’t even opened his letter yet. He sometimes annoyed me with how little curiosity he showed.

I checked the signature. It was from Jeremy, not Juliet. I started from the beginning and read silently.

Dear Amelia,

I did not want more than a day to go by without you hearing from me. I think of you often. So often, in fact, that I dare not tell you how often.

I have written to your father to ask if I might come for a visit in three days, after Juliet’s wedding. You may tell him if this is agreeable to you, as I do not wish to foist myself upon you if my presence is not wanted. I do want to see you and to try and convince you of my sincere affection and love for you. I will stay as long as you wish me to stay.

I hope you are enjoying your reunion with your family, as I know you have missed them while you were in London. I am eager to know them, but most of all, I am eager to see you again. I miss talking to you. Until then, I am

Your loving and faithful servant,

Jeremy Beaumont

I read the letter twice before I looked up to see my father staring at me with an amused smile.

“So, you have an admirer?” He was still holding his letter, but at least it looked as if he’d read it.

“He has asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”

“But you are unsure?”