Free Complications by Clare Jayne Page A

able to visit London whenever they pleased, which
would be bliss. She would visit the best modiste in London and would look so
beautiful in her new clothes that, when he saw her, Mr Wrackley would exclaim
in amazement…
    Of course, he might not be wealthy enough
for her to buy all the things she had spent years imagining or to visit all the
places she had heard of. She had no idea whether he was rich or no better off
than her own parents. Unbelievably, she did not care.
    She understood now why Lottie had spoken of
falling in love as if nothing else mattered. Amelia just wanted a lifetime with
Mr Wrackley. She giggled as she realised she did not even know his first name.
    How strange life was, and how perfect.
    * * *
    “Have you heard the news about Mr Saverney?”
    They were strolling in the garden behind
Benjamin’s home. His heart - which had bloomed at the arrival of Mr Nathaniel
Fenbridge - sunk down towards his stomach. The words had been spoken hesitantly
and he feared the worst. “What has the skunk done now?”
    “He and his family have left Edinburgh. Brightford
heard from friends of his mother that they will be spending time at their
country estate and will likely not return this year.”
    Benjamin took in this news with pleasure. “My
sister will be relieved not to have to worry about seeing him and perhaps the
gossip about the broken engagement will finally fade away. Thank you for informing
me of this.”
    “Brightford was going to tell you himself
but, when I said I wished to drop by, he allowed me to share the news.” He took
a step closer and Benjamin’s heart once more became erratic. “I hope this will
be the start of happier times for your family.”
    “I have nothing to complain of for myself. I
am pleased to have had the opportunity to make your acquaintance.” The words
were inadequate – conveying but a fraction of his feelings on the matter – but
brought a sunny smile to Mr Fenbridge’s face.
    “As am I.”
    “Has Brightford showed you around Edinburgh
to your satisfaction? I would be happy to escort you in any further
sight-seeing you wish to do.”
    “I appreciate that. It is more the
countryside outside the city I am curious to see.”
    “We could go riding?” Benjamin suggested,
keen for as much of Mr Fenbridge’s company as could be achieved. “Perhaps take
a picnic. There are some excellent views from some of the nearby hills.”
    “That sounds perfect. It is a lovely dry
day today…”
    Benjamin nodded in agreement. “I will have
our cook prepare some food to take and, while that is being done, perhaps you
will tell me more of your brother’s estate.”
    “Gladly.”
    * * *
    Amelia heard footsteps on the stairs and
remembered with pleasure that Lottie was due to call. Suddenly she could not
wait to tell her friend all about Mr Wrackley. She had waited because she
wanted to be certain of her feelings but now it seemed incomprehensible that
she had ever had any doubts.
    There was a knock on her door and the maid
announced Lottie, who then entered.
    Amelia - who had been sitting on a chair in
the library reading a romance aloud to her cat - got to her feet. She smiled at
Lottie then looked closely at her, concerned. “You are pale - are you ill?”
    “No, I am well.” They both sat down. “It
was foolish of me but I lay awake after the ball thinking of Mrs McIvett’s
insult.”
    With a pang of guilt, Amelia realised she
had entirely forgotten about this. “She is just a silly, spiteful woman and
does not deserve a second thought.”
    “Others might have been too polite to speak
as she did but how many were thinking something similar?”
    “You must not think like that. You must
forget the past and think that likely the happiest years of your life are all
ahead of you.”
    Lottie bit her lip. “Apparently Mr Saverney
and his family have left to stay at their country estate, probably for the rest
of the year.”
    “That is excellent news.” Amelia said,
happy