She then turned to her maybe pile and studied them again. She picked up only one hat and dismissed the rest .
Amelia turned to, once again, study herself in the mirror. She took stock—looking for subtle changes. She pinched the bridge of her nose where there was a slight pain. It appeared to be nothing. She shook her head and let her long dark hair fall freely after removing the combs that held her hair in place. She was a tall woman with finely chiseled, aristocratic features, with a long lean nose and dark brown eyes. The set of her mouth generally fluctuated between neutral and harsh—with only the occasional smile which was quite pleasing when it rarely appeared. She was a strong woman, a determined woman—and she had plans .
She was seven years older than her brother and had taken care of his upbringing from the age of thirteen when their parents were lost on a scientific expedition in Africa. She was so used to managing his life she gave very little thought to how he might resent her continued interference in his affairs. But despite the fact that he was now the Earl of Donnelly, she still thought of herself as ruler and head of the family as she had a distinctive appetite for control .
Amelia knew that Robert would be at his desk this morning in the magnificent Balfour library—a room of such rococo beauty it had been written about in a number of architectural books and journals. A large fireplace dominated the center interior wall of the spacious room. It was tall enough for a man to stand in upright. The library’s vaulted ceiling was capped by a windowed dome that let in light to illuminate the painted gods and goddesses sporting amongst mythical animals and cherubs. And one entire wall alternated book shelves with tall windows overlooking the entrance-park to the estate .
“Robert, I do not know if you remember or not but we have guests coming up this weekend,” Amelia said as she stood firmly in front of his desk .
“Guests? Remind me again. Is this another one from your parade of tender maidens dragged onto the auction block to tempt the eligible but reluctant Earl?” he asked .
Amelia’s mouth was hard set. “It is Sir Benjamin Daniels, his lovely wife, Caroline and their most enchanting daughter, Charlene—a charming young lady of eighteen .”
“Then I am sure you will greatly enjoy their company. However, I shall not be here. I am going down to London on Friday for at least the entire weekend,” Robert said with a great deal of self-satisfaction .
Amelia’s nostrils flared, and her eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about? I asked you specifically several weeks ago if you were free this weekend and you assured me you were .”
Robert stared her down. “However, plans change, my darling sister. And I can quite assure you that I shall not be here .”
Amelia turned from him and began pacing. “Robert, Robert how can you be so negligent of your duty? You are thirty-years-old and still unmarried. You need an heir and, still, you thwart all my well-meaning efforts to find you a suitable bride.” She turned to face him again and accused. “I do not know why I bother. I really do not, when you care so little for my efforts on your behalf .”
She lowered her head and brought a handkerchief to her eyes while emitting a low whimper .
“Amelia, your eyes are as dry as a desert. Stop playacting. Remember I know all your tricks .”
Her head snapped up and she glowered at him. “And what exactly is so important that you must go to London this weekend ?”
“I have not had the opportunity to tell you but Cecil is to publish my novel once I have made certain arrangements .”
She felt another blow. “What are you talking about? That piece of balderdash you have been working on is to be published? That is ridiculous. You know you cannot possibly publish such a piece of trash as the Earl of Donnelly. You would be laughed out of all proper society .”
“And that is exactly what the arrangements are for. I am to publish under another name. And Sir Cecil assures me the book will be a huge success. I am going down to London to meet with possible surrogate authors and hopefully find an eager and willing participant to stand as my front .”
“I swear you will hound me into an early grave,” Amelia wailed .
“I doubt that. You are as strong as a horse and as stubborn as a mule. I am quite certain you will be just fine. And by the way, I see I must remind you, once again, that I am now the head of this house and these estates. And I am more than entirely capable of finding a satisfactory wife by myself .”
*
D exter Cabot lived in a three-story house that had been tastefully converted into single floor flats in the fashionable Bayswater section of London. The building, although with only three flats, maintained a concierge to welcome and screen guests and accept deliveries .
“May I help you sir?” the welcoming gentleman enquired .
“Earl of Donnelly to see Dexter Cabot .”
The concierge bowed and extended his hand toward the lift. “Yes, Milord, Mr. Cabot is expecting you. Top floor .”
He scurried over to the lift doors and invited Robert inside .
“Splendid morning, is it not, Milord ?”
“Exceptional,” Robert muttered, anxious to get out of the slow moving box. He was not accustomed to using such a dubious contraption .
Finally, he was deposited on the top floor and rang the doorbell .
The door was flung open with a great deal of force and a red-faced, portly man greeted him .
“My lord. Welcome. What a great, but unexpected, pleasure to meet you,” he said, ushering Robert inside his pleasant flat .
“This way. My office where I write is such a terrible mess. Please, let us visit in the sitting-room if you please .”
Robert followed Dexter into a large room with tall windows overlooking the street that had a small strip of grass and trees running down the middle .
“Sherry? Whiskey? Or I can have the Misses put together a pot of tea. What’s your pleasure?” Dexter asked .
“Nothing for me. I am soon to have luncheon with Sir Cecil at his club. Want to keep a clear head for the business at hand .”
“As you like .”
He indicated an overstuffed chair for Robert to sit and he took a similar chair opposite .
“Now then,” Dexter began, “I was surprised but also intrigued by your letter. You say you are looking to publish, but cannot under your own name ?”
“That is correct,” Robert answered, and proceeded to explain the situation to his fellow author .
When Robert had finished, Dexter rubbed his chin several times with his plump hand .
“Most interesting situation. However, I am not quite certain what you wish of me. How could I be of assistance ?”
“I am looking for a surrogate whose name I can publish under. I am willing to offer a substantial portion of the royalties from the book, which Sir Cecil assures me will sell quite well .”
“But what about my writing? How could I continue if you are publishing under my name ?”