The Scandal of the Deceived Duchess by Hanna Hamilton

Author:Hanna Hamilton
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 2018-05-07T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

Thoughts of Flight

London, England, May 1814

“I don’t know what to do, Anna. The situation is hopeless.” Amelia paced up and down in her room in her London home. It was the night before the ball and her parents were not at home.

“We have to escape, Amelia,” said Anna.

“How? We have no money.”

“How can you say that? You come from one of the country’s wealthiest families. All it would take is to sell some jewelry, and we could obtain passage on board ship to Canada. We will, of course, send Jonathan a letter beforehand. He and Jake can arrange everything. I don’t know why you hesitate?” By now, Anna stood by the sash windows gazing down onto the street in front of the house.

Amelia sighed as she sat down on the bench in front of her dressing table. “Don’t you think I haven’t thought of all that. But there are still so many obstacles. What if they open the letter…?”

“Why would they do that?” interjected Anna, turning around to face her mistress and friend.

“Because this country is at war with the United States of America. Also, let us say we would have enough money to follow through with this plan; the Duke of Brandon is a powerful man. He will have all of the ships checked at port before they could even entertain the prospect of departure. We would be caught and think of the repercussions – I would be ostracized in society, and you would never work again; you’d end up on the streets, and I could do nothing to help you.”

Anna shrugged. “Then we shall have to fake our deaths. That would put them off the scent.” Gradually, she walked back in the direction of the bed.

Amelia shook her head. “I couldn’t do that to my parents. It would break their hearts and not to mention the old duke’s.”

“Why not? They want you to marry that ogre. What do you think life will be like with him? He will undermine you at every turn. The good duke won’t live forever, Amelia…then what do you think will happen to you? You will succumb and whither like a onetime blooming flower. You will never see Jonathan again. Is that really what you want?”

“I could talk to him,” said Amelia in a low voice that had shuddered between vowels. The thought of never seeing Jonathan again made her feel slightly nauseous.

“To who?”

“The duke.”

“What? Have you lost your senses? He would have you imprisoned in his house until the wedding and me alongside you.” Anna frowned. “We have to escape. I know there is a way. Many people have done it before us. And look on the bright side. It is not like we are incarcerated in this house. We can go as we please.”

“I don’t know, Anna. The Duke of Brandon is a good man. He reminds me of Jonathan in a sense. I know I can get through to him.” Amelia ran her hand through her dark silky tresses in an afterthought.

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