Read Online Regency Romance Collection From Christina Courtenay by Christina Courtenay - Free Book Online Page B

you consider her unsuitable, by all means find someone else.’
    ‘ Thank you,’ she said, feeling unaccountably happy that he trusted her judgement in this matter.
    ‘ Then everything is settled and I must be off if I am to get to Westfield before nightfall.’
    ‘ You are leaving so soon?’
    ‘ Yes, but don’t worry, you will be well taken care of.’
    Amelia was sure she would be, but not by the one person she really wanted to be with. A spurt of anger shot through her. Annoying man! She had hoped they could at least share a meal on her first night in her new home. With a sigh she made her way back to her room, where she ordered an early dinner to be sent up on a tray. She couldn’t face eating alone in the no-doubt vast dining room. It was easier to plead fatigue and eat in peace and quiet.
     
    Amelia did not allow herself to feel lonely and bereft for long. Such foolishness did not have a place in an arranged marriage, she told herself, and she ought to be grateful to have this wonderful new home with everything she could possibly wish for and two lovely daughters into the bargain.
    She was determined to make the best of everything and to prove to James that she could be an excellent wife and step-mother . Then perhaps he would come back, she thought. The following morning she therefore dressed quickly in another of her new gowns, then sought out the housekeeper, who readily agreed to take her on a tour of the house. This occupied them until lunchtime and Amelia complimented Mrs Flint on her efficiency.
    ‘ You’ve left me nothing to do,’ she smiled. ‘Everything seems to be running smoothly.’
    ‘ Thank you, my lady, I’m glad you think so.’ Mrs Flint looked pleased at the praise. ‘I’ll be sure to ask your opinion now that you’re here. Will you be wanting to make any changes to the rooms?’
    Although beautifully furnished in a rather old-fashioned style and spotlessly clean, Amelia felt some of the rooms needed a woman’s touch. ‘Well, I would like to change some of the curtains to lighter, less heavy and ornate, materials, I think, in due course. Perhaps add some cushions and the like to give this place a more homely feel? And there should be fresh flowers in some of the rooms, if possible, don’t you think?’
    ‘An excellent idea, my lady. I’m sure the gardener will be only too happy to supply you with anything you need.’
    ‘ I’ll seek him out after lunch then. I enjoy flower arranging. Could you be so kind as to find me plenty of vases, please?’
    ‘ Right away.’
    Amelia had lunch in the morning room, acutely aware of the servants hovering behind her . They were no doubt wondering why her husband had abandoned her so soon, but she was still determined not to let it faze her. She was, however, happy to escape to the garden afterwards, having fetched a bonnet and shawl.
    She walked along the well-kept paths i n search of the head gardener. It was a lovely spring day, quite warm for May, and as the sun was strong she was glad her bonnet shaded her complexion from its glare. She finally tracked down the gardener in a remote corner of the rose garden.
    ‘ I’d be very happy to bring you flowers every day, my lady, or however often you need them,’ he beamed, when told what she wanted. ‘I always thought it was a shame not to make use of some of these wonderful blooms.’
    ‘ You’ve done a marvellous job, this is such a lovely garden.’ Amelia meant it, and his smile widened even more at her sincere praise.
    Mission accomplished, Amelia retraced her steps slowly, enjoying the sunshine and the feeling that she was free from he r aunt and the odious Bernard. Even if her situation here was not yet perfect, it was at least a great deal better than being her cousin’s mistress. It was such a relief to have thwarted his evil plans.
    Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard crying and shouti ng from behind a nearby hedge. She rushed around the corner, just in time to see Miss