be denied to all callers. She could not bear to see Harry. She went down to dinner that night.
Nell seemed to be in a fidgety mood, and chattered of this and that. She did not mention her drive with Sir Cedric, so nothing of significance could have been said. Anyway, Amy supposed he would approach Aunt Lizzie for permission to pay his addresses, not Nell.
"Tell me, Amy," said Nell, who had only picked at her roast chicken, "what of the duke? He seemed a very charming young man."
"He's pleasant as dukes go," said Amy. "I hope I've tied him up with Clyta Ashby. She's madly in love with him."
"Oh," said Nell. "I thought you would make a lovely duchess."
"Indeed she would," said Lizzie. "It would have been a triumph to warm her mother's heart. But no, she has to push him off on her friend and settle for a mere knight." She helped herself to more peas.
"Oh dear," said Nell faintly, then she jumped to her feet. "Look at the time. I am expected at Fanny Bamford's. I did promise to go early and help with her soiree. She always worries so. Do please excuse me."
"I must say," said Lizzie staring at the door, "Nell is behaving most strangely. She used to be a very sensible woman."
Amy smiled. "I think she's in love, Aunt."
"In love? Nonsense. Not at her age. Are you finished? Ring for the sweet. It's apricot souffle."
Amy did as she was requested, reflecting that she would once have thought Nell too old for love, but no longer. The hunger that was love had nothing to do with age.
By the next day Amy had regained some of her detachment and all of her resolve. If Sir Cedric truly wished to marry her, she would agree. She would be honest, though. She would tell him that she could offer nothing but friendship and genuine regard. After some consideration she decided she wouldn't tell him she loved another; he would doubtless be as romantical as all the rest and insist that she sacrifice all for love.
She would also explain the financial commitment she required from him. If after all this he still wanted her, she would accept.
Amy sat in her room, awaiting the news that he had called, aware of a secret hope that all her cavils and demands would be too much for him.
The ormolu clock ticked away the afternoon. What if he didn't come? If he truly wanted to see her, he would come.
Amy thought she heard something and went to her window. His carriage!
She rushed to the mirror and checked her appearance. She was improved. Not in full bloom, but well enough, surely, and the blue sprig muslin she was wearing was her most becoming. She generally maided herself, but today she had requested Nell's maid to weave some ribbons through her curls, and the effect was pleasing.
Amy went to the door and hovered, waiting for the summons, hands clasped anxiously.
The clock ticked on. What was happening?
Of course, he would have asked to speak to Aunt Lizzie first. But Aunt Lizzie had gone to the British Museum with a friend, Mrs. Fellows. Perhaps he was speaking to Nell instead.
Amy paced the room, glancing at the monotonous clock. It must have been quite twenty minutes.
She stopped dead. What if the foolish maid had forgotten that she was home to Sir Cedric? Amy hadn't seen Nell to tell her she was receiving guests. Sir Cedric could this very minute be leaving.
Amy couldn't bear another day of this waiting. She ran out into the corridor and down the stairs. She slowed in relief when she saw the empty hall. At least he wasn't leaving yet.
The drawing room was open; the room was empty. They must be in the morning room.
Amy hesitated. She didn't want to barge in like an overeager hussy, but it wouldn't take this long for Nell to give him permission to make his offer. They must think she was still unwell.
Amy walked up to the door. She raised her hand to knock, but that was silly. This was a public room. She turned the handle, walked in, and stopped dead.
The couple didn't notice her for a moment, which wasn't surprising since Nell was on Sir Cedric's lap and they were kissing with passionate abandon. Perhaps Amy made a sound, for they broke apart and stared at her with horror.
In a flash Nell was up and rearranging her gown. Sir Cedric was on his feet twitching at his