Marry in Haste: An addictive historical Regency romance full of scandal and gossip by Christina Courtenay

Author:Christina Courtenay [Courtenay, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Choc Lit Historical Romance: A Joffe Books Company
Published: 2024-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The next day being Sunday, Amelia decided to attend the service at the local church with the girls. After a leisurely breakfast taken in her bed amid much joking and giggling, she sent them off with Eliza to put on their Sunday best.

‘You too please, Eliza, I may need your help.’

‘Yes, my lady.’

As she was unsure what kind of reception she would have from her new neighbours, after what James had told her about being ostracised by polite society, she took great care with her choice of outfit. She selected a prim walking dress of dark blue shot silk, with little white ruffs at the collar and cuffs and a matching Spencer and bonnet. It was elegant, but understated, and she thought it would do very well.

In the hall she encountered a worried-looking Mrs Flint, who asked whether her ladyship was really set on going to church. Amelia smiled confidently. ‘Don’t worry, Mrs Flint. His lordship warned me things might be a trifle . . . difficult, shall we say. It doesn’t worry me in the least. Anyone has a right to worship in their local church, and so I shall tell them if they dare protest.’

‘Oh, well if you’re sure? I wish you luck, my lady. If you should have need of assistance, we’ll all be among the congregation.’

The little party arrived at the church in good time, and Amelia sailed up to the door regally, holding the girls by the hand. She was greeted by a very surprised and flustered vicar, who had no doubt recognised the grand carriage.

‘Er, good morning, ma’am. I’m the Reverend Mr Denning.’

‘And I am Lady Demarr and these are my step-daughters.’ Amelia inclined her head to him, staring him straight in the eyes as if challenging him to deny her the right to enter.

‘Ah, you’re very welcome, my lady. If you will come this way, I’ll show you to the Winholt family pew.’

This proved to be at the front of the church and Amelia swept past everyone, pretending to be unconcerned that they were all staring curiously at them. She sat down and waited for the service to begin.

James, in the meantime, was already regretting his self-imposed exile, and could see that he had nearly driven the grooms and workers at Westfield insane with his demands and counter-demands. His lordship was definitely not himself, he heard them mutter to each other, something was eating the man. If only they knew, he thought. He was sure it was with a sigh of relief they greeted the news that he was going to ride over to Marr Place to see that all was well.

James had begun to feel guilty for leaving Amelia so abruptly and wanted to speak to her to try and make amends. Although he still felt they should spend time apart, he realised now that he should perhaps have stayed a few days first to help ease her into her new role. Whether she was eventually to remain as his wife or not, he owed her an apology.

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