“I am. A good night’s rest eased my headache tremendously.”
“I am so glad to hear that. We missed you last evening at the Assembly.” She turned toward Aunt Margaret. “May I present to you my aunt, Lady Margaret Lovell.”
The two women nodded at each other. “Do you live together?” Lady Wethington asked.
“Yes,” Amy said, “Aunt Margaret practically raised me, since my mother passed away when I was ten years old.”
“Oh, how very sad. But I’m sure you received a good deal of love and attention from your aunt.”
Amy beamed at her aunt. “Indeed. Aunt Margaret and I are great friends too.”
Lady Wethington linked her arm in Amy’s as they strolled down the aisle of the church. Normally they sat in the Winchester pew, but this week William led them to his family’s pew.
Lady Wethington entered first, with Aunt Margaret right behind her, followed by Amy and William. It did not slip Amy’s notice that William’s mother purposefully maneuvered them so that Amy and William sat together. It would probably interest her ladyship to know that they usually sat together even without her machinations.
“Ladies, I would love for you both to join us after church for lunch,” said Lady Wethington. “William told me you generally entertain him, but I thought it would be nice to return the favor and have you to our home.”
“I would like that.” Amy touched Aunt Margaret’s hand. “Are you free to join us at William’s house f
or lunch?” Amy prayed her aunt did not have other plans, which she sometimes did. Being alone with Lady Wethington and that gleam in her eye made her anxious. The woman seemed to turn most conversation to weddings, something Amy sensed she was growing closer to but didn’t want to hear about quite yet.
“Yes, I would be honored to join you. Thank you so much.” Lady Margaret got the words out just as Mr. Palmer stepped into the sanctuary and addressed the congregation. Amy settled back and looked forward to her one hour of peace for the week.
As usual, Miss Gertrude and Miss Penelope were in their seats two rows down and across the aisle from Amy’s family bench. Amy glanced over at William and smiled when Miss Gertrude’s voice could be heard above all the others. Her enthusiasm for life had certainly increased since Mr. Harding’s death.
Should they really consider Miss Gertrude a suspect? Yes, she was tall, and though slender, she appeared muscular. But would someone who looked so innocent, with her flowered dresses and straw hats, be a killer? Amy shivered, realizing that, were she writing this story, a suspect such as Miss Gertrude would be a wonderful twist.
The service ended with Mrs. Newton playing the organ with gusto despite her off-key rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
As they rode in their carriage toward William’s house right outside Bath, Amy said to her aunt, “I’m so glad you agreed to accompany me.”
“Why? Lady Wethington seems like a lovely woman. And she seems quite fond of you.”
Amy huffed. “You noticed? That’s why I’m glad to have you along with me.”
“Ah. I think I understand. Do you feel like she’s pushing you and William together?”
“I hardly think pushing is the word I would use. More like thrusting with a heavy boot.”
Aunt Margaret reached over and took Amy’s hand. “I know I have been a bad example for you when it comes to marriage. Just because I chose the single life doesn’t mean you have to follow in my footsteps.”
Amy frowned and dared to ask something she had always wondered. “Why did you decide not to marry? You obviously would have had offers over the years. I know my papa has made his frustration known at your not accepting a husband.”
Aunt Margaret sighed and stared off into space. “After the disaster with James, I decided to take my anger out on my brother and refused any offers he received for my hand. However, I found as the years went by that I became comfortable with my single life. As you know, life can be difficult for a married woman, although I have hopes that will change soon.”
“What about Lord Pembroke? You saw quite a bit of him last year.”
“Ah yes, Oliver.”
Amy’s brows rose. “Christian names?” She grew amused at the flush on Aunt Margaret’s face.
Aunt Margaret smoothed her skirts, avoiding Amy’s eyes. “Yes, we did see a bit of each other. However, he has various investments out of the country and took a trip a few months ago to visit his properties. I expect him back sometime soon.”
“Oh my.”
“Never mind.” Aunt Margaret waved her finger at Amy. “There is no oh my about it. We are merely friends.”
“I see. Just like William and I are merely friends.”