Page 51 of The Baron’s Reluctant Bride (Marriage Mart Scandals #4)
Amelia stood by one corner, observing the room and at the same time, thinking about how a melodious tune like the classical piece she was currently intrigued by would rise above the chatter, drawing everyone’s attention but having none of them understand the emotions behind the tune.
In truth, she found this situation quite agreeable.
Her sister, Caroline, had yet to notice her, as she was engrossed in the conversation she was dominating. Everyone listened to her talk about the recent travels of her and her husband, Jonathan.
Caroline was hardly as adventurous as The Creswell’s only son, but she knew how to tell a tale so well that one would think she was. Her confident voice rang bright as she treated everyone to her story of their time in Italy.
“I’ve heard that the food there is absolutely a delight!” Lady Creswell commented. “I wish I had travelled more often during my younger days.”
“Mother, Italian cuisine is quite phenomenal, I must say. It is rather different from what we are accustomed to, but nonetheless, a delight to one’s taste buds and palate.”
Amelia’s hand crossed her body to rest on her other arm. She listened to her sister from a small distance, a fraction of a smile tugging at the edge of her mouth.
Alas, it was all but familiar as Caroline had always commanded full attention whilst Amelia would recede into the shadows of her sister’s grand splendour.
The only time when Amelia made her appearance known was whilst performing her musical piece, captivating her audience though it was short lived as Caroline engaged every suitor as it was her debut.
“How could it be possible for her younger sister Amelia ever compete with such impossibly high standard?” A few ladies of the ton had gossiped then. “Their match is undoubtedly the match of the season.”
And it was, Amelia had agreed then. She had been truly happy for her sister. Still, her genuine emotions for her failed to quell her tenacious feelings of not being quite enough.
The chatter continued to swirl in the drawing room, laughter rippling through the air.
Amelia observed the interactions keenly for a few more moments, then she quickly cast her eyes out the window, landing on the water fountain that was a small distance away from the house.
The sound of the water rushing out and pouring back into the pool at the base brought a queasy feeling to her.
She closed her eyes for a second, and suddenly, her mind was transported back to her childhood, to a time when she was only eight years old.
***
Eleven years ago…
It was a bright summer day, and Amelia had wandered off after lunch, looking for anything of interest to her.
This was a usual occurrence these days. She would wander off after lunch just before her music lessons were to begin.
Her little feet somehow always carried her much further from her family estate’s building than she had initially intended.
As she approached the pond on the estate, an excited giggle left her lips and she broke into a small sprint—as fast as her legs would allow her.
Amelia gasped in awe, seeing the water lilies that decorated the pond. Her eyes widened and her lips spread into a toothy grin.
“They are so beautiful,” she gushed.
She carefully studied the ones at the edge of the pond. There were pink ones, purple and white ones too. She moved closer to the edge and crouched down. Her eyes sparkled as she shifted her gaze from one to the other, contemplating on which she would take home.
Deciding she wanted a better look, she inched further to the edge and reached her hand out to touch one of the flower petals.
Suddenly, her foot slipped on the muddy bank and she felt her body lose control of her balance.
She tried to steady herself, fear gripping its claws around her heart, but instead, she slipped further and without warning, plunged into the cold water.
Dread settled inside the depths of her stomach as water filled her lungs. Her arms flailed out in desperation, as the cold water started seeping through her clothing and covered her body.
“Help! Somebody help!” she cried out.
Amelia struggled against the water, wishing she could somehow miraculously know how to swim and get herself out of this unfortunate predicament.
A sharp sting of tears assaulted her eyes, and her spirits plunged more deeply and swiftly than she could ever conceive her physical being might, should she abandon all hope now.
Life gave her another chance, however. She heard a forceful splash of water and unexpectedly, a pair of strong hands wrapped around her waist, pulled her up swiftly and out of the water, and set her promptly onto the dry land .
It was at this point that she had a glimpse of what heaven must feel like.
Amelia coughed and sputtered, her eyes stinging and her heart thundering against her chest.
“Amelia, can you hear me?”
The familiar voice sounded muffled in her ears. She was still coming out of shock when she inclined her head upwards to see her brother, Daniel, kneeling in front of her with concern-filled eyes. His hands gripped her shoulders and he shook her lightly.
“Amelia…Amelia, can you breathe? Are you hurt?”
***
Present day…
Nineteen-year-old Amelia blinked forcefully, pushing the awful memory away. Her eyes travelled down to her hands, noticing how they were trembling.
Calm down, Amelia, she told herself, taking in a few deep breaths.
All around her, everyone was socialising the afternoon away, unbothered by the fact that she had yet to join them. If she had not felt so initially, the room suddenly started to feel overpowering as it was too crowded and excessively boisterous.
Amelia exhaled a long breath and squeezed her fingers together.
The memory reminded her of how much she missed Daniel.
Had he been here, she would have been comforted with the knowledge that amidst it all, there was someone who understood her.
Daniel’s presence, not only at the pond that day when she was eight, but every other day she’d spent with him was the balm for her anxious soul.
The drawing room doors were thrown open abruptly and everyone’s eyes turned towards them.
“Lord Felton and Lady Felton,” the butler, Barrett, announced in a sonorous voice.
Lord Edmund Felton entered the drawing room with a trained smile on his face and his mother, Lady Felton, at his side.
The Duchess walked up to them with a welcoming expression on her face. Edmund bowed slightly and his mother curtsied.
“Your Grace,” they chorused.
“Lord Felton, I am delighted that you could join us,” the Duchess said.
“The honour is ours, Your Grace. We are much obliged for your kind invitation.” Edmund bowed again.
The Duchess beamed, pleased by the gentleman’s charm. She turned to his mother and held her arms open.
“Felicity, How positively wonderful to see you.”
Lady Felton grinned and embraced her dear friend warmly. “As much to you, Viola. You look well.”
Both women easily fell into small talk, like old friends would.
Meanwhile, Edmund’s eyes surveyed the room.
He had received the invitation for the summer house party but wondered who would be in attendance.
It came as no surprise to him when he saw Lord Creswell and his family.
The Viscount was married to the Duchess’s sister, thus, their presence was only natural.
The Duke of Durendale stood by them and Edmund and extended a brief bow in greeting.
His eyes moved again and stopped when they spotted Amelia.
The youngest Creswell girl, he thought to himself, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smirk.
He found himself unable to tear his gaze away, enthralled by her features.
The scattering of dark freckles across her delicate nose served to complement her expression with a most pleasing effect.
Her auburn hair, a truly glorious shade, possessed a remarkable vibrancy that highlighted and enhanced her features.
“My, my, isn’t she delightful?” he muttered to himself. His eyes observed her fidgeting fingers and her averted gaze. She was looking anywhere else but at the small gathering of people in the room or anyone else in particular. It was easy to tell she would rather be anywhere but here.
“Lord Felton, Lady Felton, please allow me to introduce you to the other guests,” The Duchess offered, leading them both to where Amelia’s parents stood by the Duke. “Lord Creswell, I believe you are acquainted with Lord and Lady Felton. They’ll be joining us for the summer house party.”
Greetings were exchanged and soon, Lady Felton had relaxed into conversation with the Viscountess.
“And of course, my youngest niece.” The Duchess beckoned Amelia to join their company. The young Miss Creswell sauntered over shyly, avoiding Edmund’s direct gaze.
She curtsied in greeting, and then slowly allowed her eyes to travel up to meet Edmund.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Creswell.” Edmund bowed his head smoothly, his lips curving into a smile. He took her hand and placed a light kiss on the back of it, closing his eyes for a brief moment as he savoured the scent of lavender pulsating from her wrists.
“As much to your lordship.” Amelia forced a smile.
Edmund studied her carefully. He wished to discern what topics would suffice in holding her interest. She appeared rather disinterested in her surroundings and perhaps, that could be used to his advantage.
“The most agreeable weather we’ve had this summer, wouldn’t you agree, Miss Creswell?”
Amelia glanced out the window, unable to help the smile that formed on her lips at the sight of two birds perched on the sill. It was indeed fine weather.
“Yes, my lord.” She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to say to him, and everyone had somehow either paired or grouped themselves in conversation. Why he had chosen to fix his attention on her, she could not possibly know.