Cassandra

Chapter Two

"Thank you, milady." Amelia said, seeming grateful. Cassandra waved off her thanks before saying that the two of them had to go to Mrs. Norris and ask her to pack them a basket for lunch. She would not be happy, Cassandra knew, for she hated all extra work even though Nate paid her handsomely.

By noon, Nathaniel had been informed and the carriage had been called for. The house was a little ways away from Hyde Park, and was too far to walk but was only a ten minute carriage ride.

When they arrived, Amelia took in the sight around her in awe. There were fine young ladies with parasols, most of them accompanied by gentlemen. Some had maids following slightly behind them, indicating that they were courting and required chaperones. Many had taken advantage of the fine weather and were having picnics, while others were even riding their horses through the park's lanes.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Cassandra asked, not waiting for a response from Amelia before dragging her towards a nearby shady spot below a tree.

Amelia immediately set down the picnic blanket and laid out the lunch Mrs. Norris had packed with great difficulty. There were fresh fruits, sandwiches and some miniature teacakes, all of which the girls dug into with great vigour.

Just as Amelia held an apple slice to her lips, Cassandra asked her, "Would you like to take a turn about the park after we finish eating? The foliage truly is extraordinary."

"That sounds lovely, milady." Amelia affirmed, her eyes shining in excitement. Although she'd only known Amelia for a short time, Cassandra was already fond of the girl and wished she'd stay long.

They finished their meal rather quickly, as both of them had elected to not have breakfast in favour of eating all they could at luncheon. Something about eating outdoors did tend to make one hungrier, Cassandra noted.

Once the basket had been repacked and the blanket once again folded, the two young ladies began walking, exchanging polite smiles with those they made eye contact with.

"So, Amelia," Cassandra began, turning to the other girl, "Tell me about yourself."

"I do not think there is much to tell, milady." She said bashfully, blushing prettily. Amelia truly was a lovely young lady, with her raven hair and bright eyes. "I have had an ordinary life."

"Oh, everyone has a story to tell." Cassandra said, dismissing her claims, "And I'd love to hear yours. That is, if you'll tell me, of course."

"Well, I was born in Hertfordshire. My father is a simple farmer while my mother is the town gossip." Amelia couldn't help but giggle at her own description, which in turn made Cassandra laugh. "They wanted me to marry by twenty or become a governess, but I chose to be a lady's maid instead. We had an argument about that, but everything's alright now."

"What was it like growing up on a farm?" Cassandra asked, curious to know more. She'd always wondered what life would've been like if she'd been born, well, ordinary. As she listened to Amelia's description of running wild in the countryside, she decided she'd have liked it very much. A carefree childhood with her siblings was something that seemed so novel that she couldn't help but dream of how lovely it would have been.

"Did you have any suitors?" Cassandra asked teasingly, and Amelia's cheeks instantly coloured, telling her that she'd hit the nail on its head. "Oh, who is he?"

"His name is Thomas and he was the son of the town butcher." Amelia admitted, "His family were dirt poor. He knew my father would not approve, so he promised to make something of himself and then return to me. It's been two years, however, and I haven't seen him since."

There was a wistfulness to her tone, and Cassandra knew immediately that she loved this Thomas very deeply still. For a split second, Cassandra wondered what it would be like to be in love and marry, but shook the thought from her head instantly. It was foolish and unwise for her to be caught up in her dreams.

Before Cassandra could ask her companion any further questions, and voice called from behind them, "Cassie!"

Cassandra whirled around to see her dearest friend, Lady Emily Carter, striding towards them in purposeful steps, a wide smile inscribed onto her lips.

"Emily!" Cassandra exclaimed, embracing her friend as she reached them. They hugged for a few seconds before pulling back, both girls grinning largely. It had been been a year since they'd last seen each other and written correspondence was simply not the same as meeting face to face.

"And who is this?" Emily asked, still smiling warmly as she turned towards Amelia, who curtsied quickly and waited for Cassandra to introduce her.

"This is Miss Amelia Winthrop, my lady's maid and friend."

"How do you do? I'm Lady Emily Carter." Emily said, and Amelia curtsied once again, causing Emily to laugh dismissively. "Oh, none of that! I don't believe in any of these outlandish customs."

Amelia appeared to be positively taken aback at Emily's outspokenness. It simply didn't do in high society, and Amelia was not used to anyone acting as Emily did. Even Cassandra had to admit, she'd been thoroughly surprised when she'd first met Emily, but that surprise had soon turned to amusement at her friend's antics.

Emily Carter, daughter of the Marquess of Hampstead, was fabulously wealthy and a member of one of the most respected families of the ton. However, Emily was not one for social conformity. In fact, she was an extremely scandalous individual.

She wanted to travel the world and had no intention of marrying. Emily was very vocal about it, as well, and this was unheard of in society. Her parents had finally lost all hope in their middle daughter and had made a deal with her— if she attended one final season and still did not find anyone to her liking, she could go off and do what she wanted with her inheritance.

This had seemed a very generous offer to Emily, but then the condition was added that her parents would offer no further support or protection. She would not be permitted to stay with them if ever she returned to England. Emily had taken a few days to consider this, but had finally accepted her parents' conditions as well as that the thirty thousand pounds that had previously been placed in trust for her.

"Are you looking forward to your season?" Cassandra asked, shamelessly teasing Emily, who only scoffed loudly, making the suddenly silent Amelia, who was standing on Cassandra's other side, jump.

"About as much as you are." Emily responded, and Cassandra had to fight back the urge to stick her tongue out at her, an unladylike gesture that she wasn't ever to repeat in public. "Do tell me you're attending Lady Havisham's ball tonight. I shall die of boredom if you aren't present to amuse me!"

Emily's solemn declaration elicited a small laugh even from Amelia, and Cassandra soon responded, "I was about to ask you the same thing. Lady Havisham is trying on the nerves, but she won't come anywhere near me if you're around."

"Oh, that odious woman hates me." Emily said with a mischievous giggle. It was true; Emily was far too improper for the lady in question's taste.

Cassandra and Emily chatted for a few minutes longer until Emily realised she had to take her leave.

"Must you?" Cassandra asked, pouting.
"I must. I left my cousin to amuse himself when I saw you and I cannot leave him by himself for too long as he attempts to flirt with any woman he can find."

"Is this the same second cousin your mother expects you to marry?" Cassandra asked, crinkling her nose in disgust as the vague memory of Emily telling her about dancing with the man last season entered her head. It had not been a pleasant experience in the least, she'd said, as his hand was far too low on her waist and his gaze far too close to her bosom for comfort.

"The very same." Emily responded, appearing to be as disgusted as Cassandra. "I shall see you tomorrow, then."

Without another word, she was gone, not even waiting for Cassandra's response. Amelia was stunned, and Cassandra could only laugh at this.

"I apologise on Emily's behalf. She can be a little too much to handle sometimes." Cassandra said, and Amelia immediately shook her head.

"No, I thought she was lovely!" Cassandra could tell she truly was being sincere, "She was the most unique woman I've ever met."

With that, Cassandra and Amelia finished their turn about the park and decided to head homewards as it appeared to be at least 4 o'clock.