Amelias uncle turned out to be a man his late thirties, considerably younger than her late father. Despite the age differance however, the two looked alike to an uncanny degree. The man shared her farther's nose, eyes and even the small indentation on the chin. Most notably he had the very same auburn colored hair as Amelia albeit with slight grey streaks in his roots.
He had been fairly pleasant while they shared tea back at the estate. Under the watchful eyes of the duke's people Arthur Ainsworth had even been congenial, telling Amelia of his wife, his sons and of the land he'd inherited in a small but beautiful coastal town. He did seem cautious however, appearing to weigh his words carefully before uttering them.
Amelia had in turn played her role as the hospitable niece well; respectful and inquisitive, fawning over stories of her young cousins' achivements and the family's financial sucesses. A girl who was happy but slightly timid to be united with her extended family.
The extemporaneous performance came to an end only when they were alone together in carriage. The moment that the coachman closed the door beside him her uncle had become subdued and bitter.
Although the silence between her and Arthur during the ride was awkward she prefered it over the forced familarity. The quiet discomfort between the two highlighted the true nature of their relationship; strangers who both needed things from each other.
But even though his intention for helping her wasn't selfless Amelia still saw fit to thank him.
"I appreciate you doing me this favor" she said, breaking the silence.
Her uncle's response was swift and curt.
"It is not a favor to you."
"I am aware. But I appreciate it none the less. I shall tell the duke that you were most gracious this evening."
At her words a slight smile tugged at Arthurs lips, so brief that it was barely noticable.
'Probably glad that I'm not naive enough to misconstrue his actions as familial bonds' she mused. Had it been only a few years ago she might have done just that.
'Saves him quite some trouble this way.'
"My brother has made quite a mess" Arthur sighed.
"Dragging our name through the mud, I expected no less of him."
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unsure of how best to respond.
"The price of his misdeeds has been paid and it was steep. Surely you cannot be faulted after that?"
"Was it truly paid though, I wonder" he said, shifting his eyes towards her.
Amelia couldn't refute her uncle. Had things gone correctly she too would have been killed that night. She couldn't fault him for viewing her precence as a remaining stain on his tarnished name.
"I hear he treasured you so much that he didn't want to marry you off. But that is not true now, is it? I haven't seen a single trace of you in that manor" he continued.
His words were harsh but somehow he did not sound malicious.
"Are you thinking of pressuring me with this" she asked and her uncle shook his head.
"You are a bright young lady so I do not see the need to."
"Good."
Besides their brief exchange the rest of the ride was quiet. They didn't even as much as look at each other until the coachman finally pulled up on the graveled pathway to the Spencers' estate. Although they were by no means late the courtyard was already full of parked carriages and music from inside could be heard the moment that the coachman opened the door.
Arthur did his part as a chaperone well, helping Amelia down the steps and even offering her his arm before they entered the ballroom. What first struck her inside wasn't the large number of guests nor the impressive chamber orchestra. Rather, it was the apperantly recent and complete overhaul of the ballroom that caught her interest. In contrast to the rest of the estate the ballroom was modern and outrageously grand with marbled paneling, gold accents and a spectacular mural that covered the entire ceiling.
I seemed like madam Spencer's purpose for today's banquet was more about showing off than a celebration of her husband's success.
Arthur seemed to think as much at least, as he scoffed at the sight.
"We should pay our respects to the gracious hosts" he then said, turning to Amelia.
"That is something you must always try to do before anything else on occations like these."
She answered him with a nod and polite smile. Though she was already well aware of the proper etiquette from her lessons with Flora her uncle's sudden lecture was unexpectedly considerate.
The Spencer's stood in the far back of the ballroom, chatting with another couple that Amelia did not recognize. Although the madam had done a fine job of concealing her babybump with layered fabrics and patterns there was no hiding the healthy glow of pregnancy. Had Amelia not met the woman before she might have assumed her to be kind.
The madam's husband was a man of similar age with a large nose and protruding hairline that had attended the previous banquet. Arthur seemed to know the man as he approached without hesitation the moment that the other couple left.
"Lyle, how good it is to see you."
The man looked pleasantly surprised at the greeting.
"Arthur! How very good it is to see you. It's been quite some time."
"Indeed it has. I'm afraid I've had much to attend to since the little one's were born. If I am not mistaken I'd assume you too will be quite busy soon?"
The man chuckled happily and placed a hand on his wife's stomach.
"How percetive you are. Indeed, we have another little one on the way."
"I presume you have already met my lovely niece?"
When the man's eyes shifted towards her Amelia curtsied.
"Thank you for inviting us to your home. I must say it is quite splendid."
While Lord Spencer looked pleased Amelia noticed tension on the madam's face.
"I am glad you could attend" the madam spoke after clearing her throat, then waived her hand at a server.
"I see that you've had nothing to drink yet. I must insist you try the champagne from our vineyard."
This gesture seemed to be another blatant display of opulance, as the server dutifully emphasized the champagne's fine vintage and rarity as he served it to them. Boasting aside though, the taste was truly remarkable.
"It is delicious Lord Spencer. I can tell by just a sip that your investment must have payed for itself" she complemented.
"It basically did" the man laughed softly, then added:
"While I appreciate the kind words I'm afraid that we must be going since we have many guests yet to greet. But please, do enjoy yourselves. And Arthur, come see me in my study later if you have the time. I would very much like to catch up with you."
Even though their conversation had seemed pleasant her uncle audibly sighed the moment that the couple was out of earshot. Despite being curious as to why Amelia decided not to ask him. Instead she quietly savored the fruity and slightly acidic spirit while scanning the room, searching for a particularly familiar face. But no matter how she looked she couldn't spot the marquis amidst the crowd.