Complications Read Free

depressing idea and something she did not think she would be good at, but the
situation was desperate. In the autumn her family would leave for their country
estate where she had known the people all her life and there was not an
acceptable, eligible gentleman among them. Besides, as much as she loved their
home, it had been built in the medieval era when apparently no one felt the
cold. The thought of returning endlessly to so freezing an establishment with
no prospect of a husband and no new clothes… it was not to be borne.
    “Without wanting to disagree with Mrs
Daventry, no, lassie. If you pretend to be demure then you’ll attract men who
want a demure wife and they won’t be happy when they discover the deception. However,
if you show men your true nature then you’ll attract men who want an
intelligent, strong-willed wife and will love you as you should be loved.”
    “That is wise, Walker,” Amelia said, happy
to accept that no change in her behaviour was necessary after all.
    She walked downstairs to breakfast in
better spirits that were once again crushed by yet more talk of the engagement
and an admonishment by her mother. “Miss Harrington is a sweet child but, of
course, your father and I had hoped that you would be married first.”
    Amelia forced a smile but was saved from
answering when her father looked up from his paper and said, “However, if a man
worthy enough to claim your hand has not yet made your acquaintance then we
would certainly not wish you to settle for any lesser creature.”
    She laughed and leaned round the table to
kiss his cheek. “Oh, I would never do that.” She resumed her meal for a few
minutes then recalled a grievance: “How dare he call me a child.”
    “Who said this?” Mrs Daventry asked.
    “Mr Brightford, the loathsome man.”
    Mr Daventry commented, “You did make a
somewhat impertinent remark to him first as I recall.”
    “What manner of remark?” Mrs Daventry
demanded.
    Amelia failed to mention that she had in
fact insulted Mr Brightford twice during the previous evening, only describing
what she had said on the earlier occasion, concluding, “It may have been a
trifle impertinent but it was entirely true. The man is unsociable, bad
tempered and tiresome.”
    “He is also a highly respected gentleman,” Mrs
Daventry said, “and it is certainly not for a young unrelated girl like you to
speak to him in that fashion. You will not gain a husband through such sharp
comments.”
    Amelia snorted. “I will certainly never
marry Mr Brightford.”
    “But other gentlemen likely heard your
comments and you might gain a reputation for rudeness. In the future I suggest
you think carefully about what you wish to say and if it cannot be something
polite then remain silent. Also, young ladies do not snort.”
    “Sorry, Mama.” Amelia feigned a meek
expression, inwardly blaming Mr Brightford entirely for the unpleasant
conversation.
    * * *
    Benjamin Harrington sought for something to
say to his future brother-in-law as they waited in the drawing room for Lottie
to change into a riding outfit. Mother had decreed the velvet curtains be
opened for the occasion, risking sunlight fading the colours of the fabrics for
the opportunity to show her future son-in-law their smartest room at its best. Benjamin
did not think Saverney had noticed; he seemed twitchy, presumably impatient to
see his fiancée. “Our family is very happy about the engagement.”
    “So is my mother,” Saverney said quickly
then fell into silence, looking down to straighten the tailcoat of his elegant
outfit.
    Benjamin was about to ask which horses
Saverney had brought to draw his phaeton then remembered that the man had no
knowledge of horses. After a casual acquaintanceship of several years, he had
still found nothing that they had in common. Saverney was uninterested in
horses, running an estate or prize-fighting; Saverney apparently liked balls,
gambling and took an interest in the latest fashions,