Complications by Clare Jayne Page A

unpleasant idea of where
this change of plans had come from.
    “We have already made the same comment,” Nathan
told him, long legs folding at the ankles as he looked up from a dining chair
at the two men.
    “I simply feel I should not leave my estate
for any longer. My sisters will also be glad to have me home.” Wrackley
fidgeted with his gloves as he spoke and the look Nathan threw Brightford said
he did not believe a word of this.
    “Has someone offended you in some way?” he
queried.
    Wrackley smiled. “Of course not, old
friend. I could not have been made more at home here.”
    “Does this have anything to do with Miss
Daventry?” Nathan ventured.
    When Wrackley looked away and failed to
answer this, Brightford said, “Perhaps I should never have spoken to you of
her. I thought you deserved a warning but maybe it was an unwanted intrusion
into a private matter that did not concern me.”
    “Not at all. I will admit that I admired Miss
Daventry when I first met her but, for my family’s sake, it is necessary for my
future wife to be of superior character and morality and it is clear Miss
Daventry is not suitable after all. I am grateful to you for not allowing me to
make a mistake I would have regretted.”
    “What exactly did Jolly say?” Nathan asked,
frowning.
    Brightford recalled his words with a twinge
of conscience as Wrackley said, “It is not important. Being a stranger to
Edinburgh, I allowed myself to be deceived by a lovely face.”
    “I like Miss Daventry and have found
nothing in her character to dislike,” Nathan said.
    “I, too, have found her most amiable,” Alex
agreed from the other side of the dining table.
    “But neither of you know anything of Miss
Daventry and her family beyond a handful of brief encounters,” Wrackley said. “Brightford
knows her character far better so I must accept his greater knowledge.”
    “Perhaps if we sat down and discussed this
in a sensible manner…” Nathan began but Wrackley shook his head and cut across
his words.
    “… I fear I have made a fool of myself and
also given Miss Daventry false hopes of my intentions. It is best for everyone
if I leave. She will doubtless find a wealthy man to marry without me here
and…” He grimaced. “Honestly, that is not something I could bear to watch.” He
patted Nathan’s arm. “I will see you and Alex when you return home and, Jolly,
I hope you will come and stay with me in the near future and allow me to return
your excellent hospitality.”
    With a final tense smile to them all he
turned and strode out of the house. They followed more slowly and waved goodbye
as his carriage pulled away.
    When it was out of sight Nathan turned to
Brightford and said in an unusually cool tone, “Perhaps you had better explain
exactly what you said to Wrackley and how you justified your interference…”
    * * *
    “You are leaving now?” Amelia said,
horrified. She had resigned herself to Lottie going but had thought it would
not be for months. They had only been engaged a matter of days. How was this
even possible?
    “Not for a week.” Lottie looked excited at
the prospect, which made Amelia feel even more abandoned. “My parents and I will
travel with Mr Alexander Fenbridge to his estate so he can introduce me to his
married sisters. We will remain there and be married in about two months.”
    “Why must it be so soon?” Amelia
complained. “Why can you not remain for the rest of the Edinburgh season?”
    “It was actually me who asked for the
wedding to take place as soon as possible. I want to meet Mr Fenbridge’s other
siblings and see his home and begin my married life.”
    “And marry before he can change his mind?”
    “No.” Lottie smiled. “That was a moment of
foolishness and you helped put such fears from my mind. Edinburgh society has
just lost its appeal to me. All I care about here are my family and you. My
parents will be with me for the next few months and Benjamin will escort you
and