~My readers, I thank you for the helpful and supportive criticism you have gave me. Enjoy, reading!~
Chapter Two
Lady Amelia slightly turned her head to the left as she raised her hand to her companion's forearm. “Emma, dear. Are you quite all right?”
Except Emma didn't say anything, for she was gazing hopelessly at Sir Hugh. Confusion appeared before Lady Amelia's face, as questions formed within her thoughts. Why is Emma staring at Sir Hugh like that?
The silence was broke when Sir Hugh spoke, “I am sincerely sorry, Lady Amelia for bumping into your-” He glanced at Emma, “pretty friend.” Immediately heat rose upon Emma's cheeks as she raised her right hand for him. Sir Hugh took her hand and lightly kissed it while he glanced at her.
Lady Amelia was astounded. Never in her waking years as a lady, has she seen such open forms of affection. Are they long lost friends? Or long departed lovers?
She pushed away her thoughts as she broke the awkwardness, “Sir Hugh. Do excuse us, for we are to retire from a long journey.”
Emma and Sir Hugh backed away from each other, “I see. But I was thinking that maybe you two ladies would like to see the park where the lake is.”
“The lake?”
Emma then cut in, “Do say yes, Amelia. When can retire to our rooms in the evening.” She said in a begged tone.
Lady Amelia took in a breath, “Very well.”
“Good.” Sir Hugh announced, only loud enough for them to hear. “Take my arm, for we are to see the wonders of the park.” Lady Amelia heard her friend giggle, as she took the right side of his arm.
They made their way out of the gallery, and to the lobby. “Lady Ridgeway.”
Lady Amelia stopped in her tracks, and heard the man behind the information desk call for her.
“Is everything all right, Amelia?” Emma asked, worryingly.
“Yes. But do go without me, I'll be outside in a few.” Emma and Sir Hugh left without her as she approached the counter. “Yes?” She asked the gentleman.
He looked down at something in his hand, “You have a letter.”
Confusion again, appeared before her face, “A letter?”
“Yes.” He said shortly. For the man was busy with other things.
She took the letter and placed it inside her small purse. Afterwards she turned to the front entrance, and two gentlemen opened the glass doors and she went outside.
As Lady Amelia came to the carriage that Sir Hugh had acquired for them, he lifted her up, and she sat down. He then pulled the reins and the open carriage began to move.
Conversation went by, as Lady Amelia kept to herself. Then soon enough, she heard Sir Hugh say something to her.
“Pardon?” She looked up at him.
“You friend, Miss Emma, says that her parents payed for you two to stay at the Grand Hotel.”
“Quite so.”
“And your parents?” And at his words she looked down. “I see.”
A mere second passed and she lifted her face towards him, “They died when I was eight. It was a horrible carriage accident. My father and mother were going to a ball during a cold, Winter night.”
“My apologies.”
She gave a weak smile, knowing she didn't want to talk about it, “I still keep them dear to my heart.”
“And you are staying with?”
“The Gray's. Until I marry, I will stay them for now.”
“Ah, marriage.” At his words, he gave a smile that she couldn't understand. Why is he smiling like that? The carriage then, came to a halt as they made it to the park. “We're here.”
Lady Amelia looked around at the wonders of the park. “It's absolutely divine.” She whispered to herself.
Sir Hugh came around after lifting Emma off of the carriage and did the same with Lady Amelia. The three of them strolled upon the gravel path, as they made it to the overlooking bridge.
The bridge was quite large as it covered the lake as ducks, swans and other sorts of birds floated upon the clear water.
They came to the edge, as Lady Amelia heard Sir Hugh and Emma conversing again. Time after time, she took in the smell of the fresh air and smiled on how life was.
Then suddenly, she heard something. She slightly turned her neck over her shoulder and saw two ladies. They were pacing quite slow, as the plump lady in a light red walking gown spoke to the skinner lady in white, “Didn't you hear?”
Lady Amelia wasn't accustomed to overhear conversations, so she turned her head back to the lake.
“Hear what?” It's just mere gossip. She thought to herself.
“That he came back and stole another maiden's fortune.”
“Who?”
“The Rogue.” The conversation was cut off as they made their way off the bridge. Except Lady Amelia was a bit confused. Who is the rogue? And what is he doing stealing fortunes?
The only person that she could ask about this man was Sir Hugh.
She tapped her finger on Sir Hugh's hand, “Sir Hugh. May I ask you something?” He turned around as Emma did also.
“Yes, Lady Amelia?”
“Knowing that Emma and I have just arrived here in town and haven't heard the latest gossip. But I do have one thing to ask.” She paused on how she was going to say it, “Who. Is the rogue?”
