The Heiress of Winterwood - By Sarah Ladd Page 0,56
wonder if she’s right. Yes, I love Lucy and want to raise her. But part of me, if I am completely honest, is also happy to be free from Edward. What if I just told myself that marrying the captain instead of Edward is God’s will, when in fact I am just trying to please myself?”
Jane looked up from where she sat. “God does not trick us. If you believe God called you to raise Lucy, then he will provide a way.”
“Even if it means bringing pain to those I love? My aunt and uncle are furious, Helena all but hates me. What I have chosen will cause them many difficulties.”
“It is impossible to get through life without facing such dilemmas. All we can do is seek guidance, do our best, and trust our Father for the outcome.”
Jane’s words should have comforted Amelia, but instead they sliced her conscience. She sniffed, not caring how unladylike it was. “I do believe this is the best course. With all of my heart I believe it.”
Jane squeezed Amelia’s hand. “I do believe you have more faith than you think.”
Amelia looked at her hands and sniffed again, wanting to change the subject from her faith—or lack thereof. “What did Edward say when he was here?”
“He wanted me to use my powers of friendship to persuade you to change your mind.”
Amelia wiped the traces of a tear away and sighed. “I dread what will happen when word of this becomes public—and it will. When the gossips learn I have broken my engagement at this late date and am to marry Captain Sterling, I shudder to think what they will say.”
“I would counsel you not worry much about them. They are all prattle, and soon there will be new rumors to divert their attentions. Now, sit and have some tea. You are making me nervous.”
Amelia complied, perching next to Jane on the settee. “But you know how quickly such things spread. People may get a false impression.”
“Well, we will just have to intervene.” Jane poured Amelia a cup of tea and handed her the dainty cup. “It’s simple. Mr. Hammond and I will host a dinner to welcome Captain Sterling back to the neighborhood and to celebrate the engagement. You know how all of the gossips cling onto Mr. Hammond’s every word as truth.”
Jane was right. If Mr. Hammond showed favor to Captain Sterling, his parishioners likely would as well. At the very least, that should help control the local gossip. “You are clever, Jane. Clever indeed.”
A playful smile curled Jane’s lips. “I didn’t survive being a vicar’s wife for almost thirty-five years without picking up a trick or two along the way.” She poured a cup of tea for herself, took a sip, then sighed. “We’ll schedule it soon. I should think that if we have it within the week it will show my husband’s blessing. The rest will follow. I fear that there is no way around inviting your betrothed’s brother, is there?”
Amelia simply gave her a look.
“Well, too bad about that.” Jane took another sip. “Nevertheless, all shall be well, my dearest. You will see.”
Amelia stood in Winterwood’s vestibule, watching through the window as the carriage returning Captain Sterling to Eastmore Hall clamored down the drive.
My plan is proving to be successful. So why do I feel this way?
It just didn’t make sense. With Lucy safe at Winterwood, the conversation with the Hammonds behind her, and her wedding scheduled for the following Friday, she should be excited, filled with plans. Instead, her back muscles ached, her temples throbbed, and she couldn’t seem to make her feet move any farther.
Oh, Lord, please help me make it to Friday. She straightened and started for the stairs. But then a sharp noise echoed, and she froze. She peered down the hall to her left. A light shone under the library door. Someone was home.
Desperate to go unnoticed, she hurried across the vestibule just as James appeared in the hall. “Welcome home, Miss Barrett. I trust your outing was enjoyable.”
Amelia’s heart hammered in her chest at the volume of the man’s voice. She raised a hand to silence him, but too late. The library door flew open, and her uncle filled the doorway.
He came toward her. “Amelia, you have a visitor.”
A prickling sensation climbed her spine. “I am not feeling well. I think I will—”
“Not this time, Amelia.” He reached out and wrapped his pudgy fingers around her arm. “It’s time you faced the consequences of your