An Unexpected Gentleman Page 3

  Amelia frowned. “What does that mean?”

  “Well, for example, you were expected here two years ago.” Nellie shrugged. “But time is a fuzzball, and we really can’t pinpoint exact arrivals for everyone. One thing is clear, however; the magic placed you here, at this time, for a specific purpose.”

  “Which is?”

  Nellie smiled. “I suppose we will find out together.”

  Amelia felt her head spin with all these far-fetched explanations. Rubbing her temples, she replied, “But two years ago, I had just started residency. Father had…” She swallowed a painful lump of memory, “had just died. And Mum suddenly made an unexpected pilgrimage here, to Twickenham Manor, alone. I thought it was her way of dealing with her grief.” Amelia turned her head sharply to face the sympathetic woman who seemed at once so familiar and so strange. “Are you truly the same Aunt Nellie, or are you a distant relative of hers?”

  “I am the very same,” Nellie paused with a sweeping, inclusive wave of her hand, “but the future holds an older version of me.”

  “You look exactly the same.”

  Nellie beamed. “Excellent. That bodes well for me.”

  “How is this all possible?”

  Reaching for Amelia’s hand, Nellie’s compassionate eyes rested upon her. “Eight years ago, your mother, Charlotte Wright, stepped through her portrait for the first time and came to visit us. While she was here, she avoided the balls and social gatherings, and instead, opted to ride around our lands and meet with other bluestockings, including Jane Austen. On one of her rides, she met our dear neighbor, Lord Harrington, who had just lost his wife, leaving behind a precious newborn baby girl.”

  “My mother mentioned a Lord Harrington, and she said she made him a promise.”

  “She did,” Nellie confirmed. “Their friendship was not romantic in nature, because Lord Harrington was grieving the loss of his wife, and your mother was married. But they shared a special connection nonetheless.”

  Touching the coral necklace at her throat, Amelia asked, “Did he give her this necklace?”

  “He did,” Nellie acknowledged, holding out her hand. “May I?” As she fingered the coral, she continued her story. “When they met on the final day of her last visit, your mother told Lord Harrington that she had to leave, but she promised she would send him someone to help him with his grief.”

  “But it has been eight years,” Amelia protested. “Surely, Lord Harrington has moved past it by now.”

  Releasing the necklace, Nellie shook her head. “Sadly, my dear neighbor has fallen further into despair, and his poor child has been raised in a home filled with sadness.”

  “I don’t mean to be insensitive, but what does this have to do with me?”

  “After your mother returned back to your time, she continued to visit us many times through the years. Each time, Charlotte aged with grace and dignity, but after the last visit, she knew that her advancing age would cause him too much shock. She shared with me her lifelong joy of being a wife and a mother, but her smile faded when I spoke of her friend, Adam, the Earl of Harrington. It was then that she gave me a miniature image of you.” Nellie put a finger beneath Amelia’s chin and lifted it, meeting the younger woman’s troubled gaze with a frank and earnest expression.

  “So, you created a portrait of me based on a photograph?”

  “I did, which is why you are here,” Nellie paused, smiling, “albeit two years later than we expected.”

  “Again, why me?” Amelia implored. “Why did my mother want to send me?”

  “You were born to travel through time, my dear.” At Amelia’s baffled expression, Nellie continued to explain. “Your mother traveled here when she was expecting you, and the magic passed to you in the womb. That is how you came to be here. The future me assisted you along your journey.”

  Amelia remained silent, not knowing what to say, and Aunt Nellie gave her a tender smile. “Furthermore, your mother was able to help Lord Harrington see past himself. She felt confident that you would be able to help in the same way.”

  “And if I can’t?”

  Rising, Nellie smoothed out her gown. “Then you can return home on the next full moon, and you won’t have to give Lord Harrington another moment of your time.”

  Taking her cue, Amelia rose and asked, “Won’t people recognize that I am not of this time period?”

  “I assume that in the future, I have taught you the stringent ways of our culture and customs?”

  She nodded, so Aunt Nellie said, “Excellent, then we will get you dressed, and you can attend your first ball.”

  “But I am already dressed for a ball,” Amelia objected, smoothing her gown.

  “Yes, but not as appropriately as you should be,” Nellie pointed out, indicating Amelia’s shoes. She exited the room, Amelia following in her wake. “Currently, all the other guests are at supper, so I must not dally any longer.” Increasing her stride, she continued, “If anyone asks, we will inform them that you were raised in the American colonies but recently returned to London to visit relations. Sadly, your reception might be a little chilly because of the anti-American sentiment right now.”

  “Is that because England is at war with the Americans?” Amelia asked, moving at a brisk pace as she attempted to keep up with Nellie.

  Looking impressed, Nellie nodded. “Precisely. But you will discover that we use the term ‘skirmish’ in England, not ‘war’. The true war is being fought on the peninsula.”

  Amelia nodded. She was well-versed on the War of 1812. She recalled many reasons America declared war on England, the greatest being the Royal Navy’s habit of impressing American merchant sailors into service for the Crown. A thought occurred to her. She had a unique opportunity here. She could speak to the patrons at the ball and learn first-hand their thoughts on the war. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, she thought.

  As if reading her mind, Nellie interrupted her musings. “As a reminder, Amelia, ladies never discuss politics, war, or business.”

  She stared at Nellie in surprise. Could she read her thoughts?

  When Nellie didn’t answer her unspoken question, Amelia assured her, “I remember the training. Regency ladies are limited to the subjects of fashion, gossip, and highlighting their many accomplishments.”

  “Excellent. Your memory will save us some time.” Nellie stopped in front of a closed door. “This is your room. I will send Marie to serve as your lady’s maid.”

  “Wait!” Amelia exclaimed as Nellie turned to leave.

  “Is there a problem?”

  “Mum’s health is ailing,” Amelia pleaded. “What if she dies while I am here in the past?”

  Giving her an understanding smile, Nellie explained, “On the next full moon, I will send you back only moments after you first left your mother.”

  “What if the magic burps again?” Amelia asked nervously. “Will I return two or three years in the future?”

  “Try not to worry.” Nellie smiled reassuringly. “Returning you to your time should not be a problem. I admit that your arrival two years late was odd, but that was an anomaly. People travel back and forth through the ley lines without difficulty all the time.”

  “What exactly are ‘ley lines’?”

  “Ley lines are the mystical passageways between the Fae world and the human world. In the Fae world, magic abounds, and time doesn’t have the same rules as you know it.”

  “Thank you,” she said, feeling somewhat relieved.

  Nellie started to leave but turned back. “It is a pleasure to have you, Miss Wright. I think we are going to be fast friends.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Nellie.” Remembering the etiquette training she was put through at Twickenham Manor, she dipped into a low curtsy. However, when Amelia rose, she stumbled back and put her hand up on the wall to steady herself.

  Stifling a smile, Nellie gave her a polite nod. “Why don’t you practice your curtsy before dinner?”

  “Yes, Aunt Nelli
e.”

  As she stepped inside her room, Amelia tried to make sense of what she’d been told. Time travel? She couldn’t quite wrap her head around it. It went against everything she knew to be true. How was this possible? There must be a logical explanation. Was she dreaming? Hallucinating? Had she hit her head and…

  Perhaps she was overthinking it. Maybe this was just the adventure she needed.

  Good heavens, what was in that tea that made her so accepting of all this? It was all so ludicrous. Wasn’t it?

  Now wearing more appropriate attire, Amelia was dressed in a chemise, tight-laced stays, a long, white petticoat, silk stockings, and a white, muslin gown with a square neckline. Running her hand down her gown, she felt the pink, embroidered flowers running the length of the dress.

  Her hair was pinned low to one side, and tendrils had been curled to frame her face. To add to the grandeur, Marie, her lady’s maid, had woven small pink flowers through her hair.

  Amelia had established that it was the same Marie that was acting as her lady’s maid in the future, but she appeared more relaxed here. Marie’s special talent was creating flattering hairstyles, and both women stood before the elaborate gold floor-length mirror, admiring the maid’s handiwork.

  Marie broke through her reverie. “Miss Wright.”

  Turning her head, she saw Marie holding up white slippers. “Surely, you do not expect me to wear slippers all night to dance,” she declared. Again?

  “Slippers are worn to balls, Miss,” Marie replied, shrugging.

  Amelia accepted the silk shoes and balanced herself on one foot as she put them on. “Has the ballroom always been in the same location?” she asked.

  “I should hope so, Miss! The ballroom has the most beautiful view of the River Thames.”

  As she approached the door, Amelia stopped and asked, “Can you throw some magic dew on me to make me a good dancer?”

  Marie laughed. “The magic does not work that way. Only Aunt Nellie has control over the magic.”

  “It appears that I am left to my own devices then.”

  “Good luck, Miss Wright.”

  Smiling, she said, “Thank you. I am going to need all the luck I can get.”

  As she descended the stairs, voices drifted up to meet her accompanied by the musical cacophony of an orchestra warming up. She stepped into the ballroom and saw elegantly dressed men and women chatting merrily to each other.

  Respectful of the Regency customs, Amelia stayed near the back of the room, hoping Aunt Nellie would eventually take heed of her and introduce her to a few of the patrons. Until then, she would enjoy observing her first real Regency ball.

  As her eyes drifted over the crowd, a few heads turned her way, but no one gave her much notice. She caught a few gentlemen staring at her, but they quickly turned away when she met their gaze. Furthermore, she almost giggled when she saw a few ladies stick their noses up at her.

  A few moments later, Aunt Nellie approached her, wearing a stunning gold gown, and matching flowered headpiece.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” Nellie asked.

  Amelia leaned closer to her so her words couldn’t be overheard. “I am not used to being ostracized.”

  “Well, you are an American on English soil, and we are technically at war,” Nellie reminded her.

  “How would anyone know that?” Amelia questioned. “No one has approached me.”

  Nellie grinned. “At dinner, I announced that I had an American guest, and I heard a few people murmuring their disapproval.”

  “I guess I won’t be dancing with the Prince of Wales tonight,” Amelia joked, trying to cover her nervousness.

  Aunt Nellie laughed softly. “Prinny is not attending our ball tonight.”

  Amelia stood on her tiptoes to look over the heads of all the patrons in the crush. “Is Lord Harrington in attendance?”

  “No, he hasn’t attended one of my social gatherings since his wife died.”

  “Perhaps I should just go back upstairs,” she said. “I wouldn’t want any of your guests to feel uncomfortable around me, since I am an American.”

  “Nonsense,” Aunt Nellie declared. “Give me one moment.” Her eyes scanned the room, widening with anticipation. “If you will excuse me.” With those words, her only friend disappeared into the crowded ballroom.

  Without warning, the voices quieted. Everyone seemed to stop talking at once, and all their eyes shifted towards her. Women put their fans up and whispered back and forth to each other. Just moments before, she’d had no one’s attention, and now she commanded the room. What just happened?

  Aunt Nellie appeared beside her, practically beaming. “Smile,” she encouraged under her breath. “I just told a few busybodies that you are an heiress from America and that your wealth rivals the Duke of Albany’s.”

  “I highly doubt that,” Amelia demurred, knowing that she would be entitled to a small fortune once her mother passed away. It was a fortune she would freely give up if it meant they could have more time together.

  “Come now,” Aunt Nellie said, looping her arms through Amelia’s. “Let me introduce you to a few gentlemen.”

  Chapter 4

  Entering the dining room where a breakfast buffet was being served, Amelia was surprised to see a young lady already eating at the long table.

  “Good morning,” she greeted cheerfully.

  The beautiful brown-haired woman with olive skin swiveled in her chair. “Are you a time traveler as well, or a fae?”

  “I am a time traveler.”

  “Good,” she said, exhaling loudly. “Last night, I was here for a ball, only in the year 2018, and then I decided to go exploring.”

  Reaching for a plate, Amelia helped herself to some food before she joined the girl. “Let me guess,” she paused, dramatically, “you went up to the fourth floor and saw your portrait.”

  “Yes,” the excitable woman exclaimed. “Then poof!”

  “I do apologize for that, but the magic burped and pulled you in,” Aunt Nellie explained as she entered the room. “We were not expecting you, but we are pleased that you came to visit us.” She took a seat at the table. “The portrait you saw in your time has not yet been created. I will paint it before the next full moon.”

  “I did not catch your name,” Amelia said, placing her napkin on her lap.

  “My name is Peyton,” the woman answered, “but I don’t think that is a normal Regency-era name.”

  “It’s not,” Aunt Nellie confirmed, “but you will only be here till the next full moon.”

  “My name is Amelia,” she offered.

  Peyton used her fork to move her food around. “What do you have planned today?” she asked Amelia.

  Wiping her mouth with her napkin, she replied, “I plan to call on Lord Harrington.”

  Aunt Nellie took a deep breath, placed her teacup down and looked at Amelia sternly. “You can’t just call on a gentleman, dear. It’s not proper.”

  “I don’t even have a full month till the next full moon. During that time, I have to establish a friendship with Lord Harrington and help him find a way to overcome his grief. Then I can go back home and help ease my mother’s conscience,” Amelia explained. “Naturally, the best course of action is to march up to his estate and request an audience with him.”

  “I see,” Aunt Nellie murmured, amusement clearly on her features. “And if he refuses to see you? You would be an unaccompanied lady, after all.”

  Amelia shrugged. “Then I will show him the coral necklace, and he will agree to see me.”

  “What do you intend to say?” Aunt Nellie asked, reaching for a bowl of jam.

  Amelia drummed her fingers on the table before saying, “I believe it will come to me when I meet him.”

  “I would be happy to go along with you and provide an introduction,” Aunt Nellie offered. “I have known Lord Harrington for many years.”

  Amelia shook her head. “I can handle the introduction. It will be best to get this
awkward conversation over with.”

  “Your plan is far from flawless, and I can’t even count how many ways it could go terribly wrong,” Aunt Nellie teased. “However, I trust that you will find a way to get through to Lord Harrington.” A smile came to her lips. “I will order the carriage for you.”

  “That’s not necessary, Aunt Nellie. My lady’s maid informed me that Lord Harrington’s land borders your estate on the east. May I just borrow a horse?”

  “You may. Do you know how to ride sidesaddle?” Aunt Nellie asked with an uplifted brow.

  “I am a competent rider, but I have never used a sidesaddle before. It couldn’t possibly be that difficult to figure out,” she said, feeling fairly confident. Her mother had insisted that she take riding lessons from a young age.

  Aunt Nellie smirked. “Have you ever ridden a horse in a dress?”

  “No, I haven’t,” she admitted.

  “Well, you are in for a treat, my dear,” Aunt Nellie joked. “Fortunately, Lord Harrington’s estate is easy to find. Belmont Manor is visible once you ride over the hill to the east.”

  Amelia smiled confidently. “I have a great sense of direction. I have no doubt that I will find my way easily.”

  Instead of responding, Aunt Nellie chuckled before she turned towards Peyton. “This will allow me to give you a tour of our lands.”

  A short time later, Amelia trotted her horse across the east field towards Belmont Manor, feeling elated that she’d picked up the knack for riding sidesaddle so easily. As she neared the main house, she admired the imposing, three-level manor.

  Reining in her horse before she reached the cobblestone drive, she unhooked her right leg, removed her left foot out of the stirrup and slipped off. She hadn’t practiced dismounting, though, and she fell to the ground, collapsing in a heap.

  “That was graceful,” she mumbled as she dusted herself off.

  A small giggle came from behind a tree. Turning her head towards the noise, Amelia saw a young girl with brown hair arranged in a loose chignon watching her curiously.

  Amelia smiled. “I was hoping no one would witness my first attempt at riding sidesaddle.”