Awakening Amelia by Kate Pearce Page B

it easier for him to leave and decide what to do. There might also be important clues to his identity—although he wasn’t sure of his social class, everyone else seemed to be convinced he was a gentleman.
    Eventually, Mrs. Smith stood up and they were both escorted to the door. He winced and shaded his eyes when his headache started up again as they came out into the sunlight.
    “Do you wish to return to Dove Cottage?” Mrs. Smith put her hand on his arm, her expression concerned.
    “There’s no need to fuss. Let’s go into the village and post Aunt Betty’s letter.”
    The swift withdrawal of her hand and tilt of her chin told him that he must have snapped at her rather rudely. She turned toward the village and started walking without waiting for him. He caught up with her, his longer stride easily eating up the distance between them.
    “I apologize, Mrs. Smith.”
    “Accepted.”
    She didn’t look at him, and he couldn’t see her face clearly within the shadow of her bonnet. The walk was mercifully short. Choosing to wait outside the post office and general store, he leaned against the wall and surveyed the quiet street. He had no recollection of the village itself, despite being told that he’d been found face down at the side of the road running through it. He wondered if anyone might recognize him, but time passed and no one seemed to know him.
    When Mrs. Smith appeared, he straightened up and offered her his arm. This time, she looped her reticule over her elbow and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. They walked back in silence, but he didn’t mind. It allowed him to appreciate the beauty of the afternoon sky, the calls of the birds and the low murmur of the sea below the cliffs.
    It was Cook’s half day, and when they entered the kitchen, only Dotty was there laying the table.
    “Afternoon, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marco. Cook left us rabbit pie, and a dish of stewed apples are in the pantry with the cream the dairy sent down.
    Mrs. Smith took off her bonnet. “That sounds lovely, Dotty.”
    “Would you like some tea, ma’am? I was going to make Mrs. Betty a cup.”
    “Yes please.” She rummaged in her reticule and brought out two letters, holding one out to Dotty. “Please give this to my aunt.” She handed the other to Marco. “This one is for you.”
    “How can that be?”
    “It’s from Mr. Stultz.”
    “It’s addressed to you.”
    “And what it contains is none of my business.” She smiled at him. “Why don’t you sit down and have a cup of tea while you read your letter? I’m just going upstairs to change.”

Chapter 5
    “Jonathan and his wife are coming for a visit, Amelia!” Aunt Betty passed the letter across the table, barely avoiding the toast rack. “Do you think they intend to turn me out?”
    Amelia read through the letter and then raised her gaze to her aunt’s. She was far more interested in the contents of Marco’s letter but he hadn’t mentioned it in two days. Not that Aunt Betty had offered either of them the opportunity to speak more than a few words yet, so great was her consternation. “I don’t think that is their intention, but if you are worried, perhaps you might suggest you meet them somewhere more neutral like the vicarage or your solicitor’s office?”
    “But then they might be offended! And where in heavens name are they thinking they can stay here? With Marco occupying the spare bedroom we have nowhere to put them.”
    “Which is another good reason why you might suggest that they stay at the inn or seek refuge at the vicarage.” Amelia said patiently.
    “I’ll move out of my room. I don’t wish to intrude on this private family matter.” Marco said.
    Amelia glanced over at Marco who had been silently eating his porridge. “That’s very kind of you to offer, but the point is—”
    He held up his hand. “The point is that I have overstayed my welcome. I should’ve been on my way a week ago.”
    “Your way to where?” Amelia locked