Aurelia had thought about David Banner's proposal. She liked him well enough she supposed. Love wasn't even a factor but she figured that didn't matter.
Even though she liked him she didn't want to marry him. She felt as if there was someone greater for her out there.
Dear Mr. David Banner,
I must confess that I am flattered at your proposal. I know our parents would like to see us married but I do not think we would be a good match. I'm sorry if I have disappointed you and your family. I hope that we will remain friends always and forever.
Your friend,
Miss Aurelia Hartwick
XXXXXXXXX
David came into his room with a disheveled look. He had just come from a dinner party with his parents and sister. When the ladies left he had drunk quite a bit. Now he felt a bit sick.
He shuffled through the letters and stopped when he reached one that had Aurelia's name on it. His heart began beating fast and he felt his stomach twist in knots. Either from nervousness or the alcohol. He wasn't quite sure.
He opened it and when he finished reading it he threw it into the fire after he memorized it. He changed his clothes and put on a robe.
Grabbing a bottle of scotch and a glass he moved sit in front of the fire. Dammit! he said to himself. Dammit all to hell... What would James say?
"He'll be angry no doubt," David said as he spoke out loud. "I hope he can forgive me."
David smirked as he brought the glass to his lips. He'll forgive. He always does.
XXXXXXXXX
At breakfast the next day everyone was quiet. Aurelia noticed that both her parents looked at her expectantly. She ignored their looks.
"Anne," Mrs. Hartwick said as she motioned towards her empty cup. "More tea please."
"Of course." Anne poured the tea. "Anything else, ma'am?"
"Have the a kitchen maid bring more pastries. Jelly filled. I've been craving them lately."
The girl nodded and left. Dr. Hartwick looked at his wife with concern. "Is everything alright?"
She smiled. "Yes. But there is something I would like to share."
Aurelia's face showed confusion. "Mother?"
"I'm pregnant."
He stood and knelt next to his wife. He looked up at her. "Truly?"
She laughed. "Yes." She turned to Aurelia. "I know there will be quite an age gap between you this new child but I hope you will help me as much as possible before you marry and leave us."
Aurelia knelt on the right side of her mother. "Of course. I will write to Alfred and Sir Perkins telling them the news."
"It would be wonderful to see the grandchildren again," Mrs. Hartwick said. "They should be turning four soon."
XXXXXXXXX
Later that day Lady Banner requested Aurelia attend a small tea party that her daughter was hosting. Aurelia agreed and decided to bring the rose patterned parasol with her.
When she made it she saw some women she knew. Annabelle and Eliza among them.
"Miss Aurelia Hartwick."
Elizabeth stood and walked towards her. "Miss Hartwick. I'm glad you could make it."
Elizabeth looped arms Aurelia. "There are some people I would like you to meet. Lady Hall and Miss Bennet may I introduce Miss Aurelia Hartwick?"
They both nodded and said it was a pleasure to meet her but they didn't seem to care. She looked to her right and saw Eliza and Annabelle coming her way.
Eliza smiled and hugged her while kissing both her cheeks. "It's wonderful to see you again Aurelia."
"I feel the same. Miss Smith. It's been too long."
Annabelle nodded. "Quite."
It was quiet between them. Elizabeth decided to break the tension. "Lady Holman I do not believe you are acquainted with Lady Hall and Miss Bennet. Lady Hall and Miss Bennet may I introduce you to Lady Eliza Holman? I believe you both know Miss Annabelle Smith."
Eliza curtsied slightly. "It's a pleasure." She turned to Elizabeth. "I had heard you were engaged Lady Banner."
Elizabeth sat down and everyone else followed. "From whom did you hear this?"
"Then it is true?"
"I did not say that."
Eliza smiled. "You need not concern yourself with who said what. Just confirm if it is true. If not I beg your pardon and shall never speak of it again."
"It's half true."
"How so?" Lady Hall said.
"Yes. Please explain," Miss Bennet chimed in.
Aurelia saw Annabelle shake her head slightly and almost groan in annoyance.
"Lord Darcy, the Duke and Duchess of Berkonshire's eldest son, has expressed interest. Their Graces are excited about a potential match between us as well."
Lady Hall and Miss Bennet giggled and congratulated her.
"But surely that is not so," Eliza countered.
"How do you figure that Lady Holman?" Elizabeth asked with her eyes narrowed in anger.
"I had heard from Lady Darcy, Their Graces eldest daughter, that all Lord Darcy speaks of is Miss Hartwick. Even Their Graces were delighted in a potential match."
"Truly?" Elizabeth said as she stared at Aurelia with a look of pure hatred. "What do you say to that Miss Hartwick?"
Everyone stared at her. "I say that nothing is for certain. You cannot trust the words of gossip but in what people do. If Their Graces express interest in a match then they should speak to my parents and we will decide from there."
Elizabeth rang a bell and maids bought tea, sandwiches, cookies, and honey flavored cake. The party continued with light conversation.
XXXXXXXXX
Aurelia figured it would be best to write to her brother and brother-in-law. It had been so long since she'd seen either of them. After the funeral of Amelia John Perkins, her brother in law, scarcely wrote to them. Alfred had no children of his own. Though he did need an heir.
His father in law had no sons and Grace, Alfred's wife, was his only living child. Grace over the past five years had lost at least four children. All of them sons. She hoped Grace wouldn't be upset. Aurelia's mother was in her mid thirties while Grace was only twenty four and had no children to show for her six marriage to Alfred.
My dearest brother,
I hope this letter finds you well. You have hardly wrote to me or our parents. They worry about you. I wish to tell you that Mother is with child. She and father are quite happy as am I. My birthday is coming in May. The fourteenth. I hope you and Grace will be able to come and visit us soon. There is also much that I must tell you. I do not believe it will fit into the letter.
Your loving sister,
Aurelia Hartwick
Aurelia reread her letter and sealed it before starting on the other one.
To my dearest brother-in-law,
I hope this letter finds you and the children well. I miss you all so much. Mother is with child and she hopes to you and the children before the weather turns cold and travelling is hard. Please write more often and visit as soon as possible.
Your loving sister-in-law,
Aurelia Hartwick
Aurelia sealed it and had Martha find someone to send it off. She hoped she would hear from them soon.
