Chapter 364: A love to kill for (1)
In the Prescott home, Amelia sat in her garden, contemplating whether it would be best to leave home in secret and find a husband for herself.
If she found someone better to wed, could her father accept him and get rid of the man he promised her to?
Each time Amelia thought of what her father did to her, she was on the brink of tears, but she had yet to cry. Crying meant that she was giving in to her father’s plans.
’I will not be made a fool of,’ Amelia thought.
Amelia stood up with the plan in mind to correct her future before it was too late.
"Mother!" Amelia gasped, startled by her mother’s figure behind her. "I didn’t hear you come."
"I didn’t want to disturb you when you looked so deep in thought. What is it that troubles you?" Jade asked, walking further into the garden.
"Do you truly not know what plagues my mind, mother? My father ruined my chances with the crown prince, and he intends to marry me to a man far older," Amelia said, bothered that her mother had to ask.
"He spoke so much about getting the prince’s attention and claimed that I was a failure, though he was sabotaging me. I don’t want to meet the man he has picked," said Amelia.
It would greatly affect Amelia to be seen with a man far older when she had joked about her peers who weren’t so fortunate with their pick of a husband.
"My chances with the prince are ruined, but surely I can marry a nobleman. A man who is close to what I spoke of with my peers. I cannot be like the other unfortunate ladies," Amelia said, reaching for her mother’s hand.
Amelia didn’t want to be a replacement. She never imagined she would be anyone’s second wife.
"I told you to trust me, and it is exactly what you must do. I want only the best for you," Jade said, stroking Amelia’s hair.
"Do you, mother? I find it hard to believe that you care for me since you didn’t speak up enough," Amelia replied, letting go of her mother’s hand.
The sense of betrayal never left.
Jade smiled, finding joy in Amelia’s innocence. "Dear, when you become a wife, you will find that it is best to let your husband think he is getting his way and plot in secret."
Jade continued to say, "I love your father, but I will not let you have a marriage which started as business. You are far too precious to be the second wife to a man we do not know. I am upset with what he did."
Jade didn’t like that Ronan went behind her back and set up an arranged marriage for Amelia. They were to speak before they decided.
"Do not cry. I have not raised you to be so weak. I will not have my daughter be laughed at by ladies far beneath you. Keep your head up high," Jade said, placing her finger under Amelia’s chin.
Jade liked to see how Amelia had her peers hanging onto her every word. It wasn’t easy to achieve.
With the right man beside her, Amelia could grow to be a powerful woman. Jade was going to see it happen with or without Ronan by her side.
"I must attend more balls to find a good match, but how can I get past my father? Is he home?" Amelia asked, searching for any sight of her father.
Jade smoothed Amelia’s hair, which had become a little messy. "Your father is resting, so we mustn’t disturb him. If you need to visit a friend to get your mind off what troubles you now, I will allow it."
"Would my father allow it?" Amelia wondered, fearing he would punish her.
"Why wouldn’t he? We both know that you are not one to run off and never come back to wed in secret. You may go," Jade assured Amelia.
"But-"
"Your father will listen to what I say, and luckily for you, he is in a calm state. Will you go or will you stay here and fear what he shall do?" Jade asked, palming Amelia’s face.
Amelia wanted to go, but she feared her mother getting in trouble for allowing her to leave.
"Will you be well, mother? I don’t want to put you in harm’s way," said Amelia.
"Oh, sweet child," Jade said, kissing Amelia’s cheek. "I know how to be with your father, so fear not, I shall be well. Your father is in a good mood now, so I will speak to him."
"Shall I send for a dressmaker? You are deserving of a few new dresses," said Jade.
Amelia nodded her head. "I shall go to Octavia’s home. She will enjoy my company."
"You will see your other friends soon, since Beryl’s daughter has invited you to her home," said Jade.
Amelia laughed, her mood brightening. "To Harper’s home? I would never be seen there. What would we be served or where would we sit? There are other gatherings that I can attend."
"I hear that she was visited by a man named Cassius Monroe. He is causing quite a stir around the town since he appears to be a wealthy man. Perhaps Harper’s future will suddenly change. Keep a close eye on her," Jade suggested.
Jade has seen it before, where the quiet young ladies who married wealthy men changed and commanded the very ladies who once ignored them.
"You have made me happy with your jokes. Harper always speaks of a man courting her, but it is not so. The only reason we kept her around was because Selina cared for her, but they are no longer close. I should hold a gathering the same day," Amelia considered.
"You may if you so wish to. I will speak to your father about it now. Go on your way and take the maids with you. You are not to be anywhere without a maid or guard," said Jade.
Jade followed behind Amelia, who wore the smile she cherished so much. She was happy just from seeing Amelia be so chipper again.
Jade watched Amelia until she was out of sight and then made her way to the chamber she shared with Ronan.
The mansion was peaceful now that Ronan was resting, giving Jade the chance to do as she wanted.
Jade hummed a tune she remembered from the theatre. She trailed her fingers against the rails as she made her way up.
When Jade reached the chamber, she opened the door and found Ronan still fast asleep.
Jade closed the door behind her and locked it so she wouldn’t be disturbed. She walked over to the bed and sat down beside Ronan.
Jade placed her hand on Ronan’s chest and tapped it gently. "Our daughter is back in good spirits. You may rest well knowing that I fixed your mistakes."