CHAPTER ONE
Amelia woke up like any other day being welcomed by the sweet song of birds outside her window. She stretched her limbs and let out a contented sigh, the cold air embraced her skin as she wore her light blue cotton gown.
As she made her way down the grand staircase of their mansion, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, courtesy of the family's loyal housekeeper, Mrs. Thompson.
Sitting at the breakfast table, Emelia noticed a letter addressed to her family, sealed with crimson wax and imprinted with the Blackwood family crest. Curiosity piqued, she eagerly opened it, her eyes scanning the elegant handwriting.
Dear Blackwood family You are all welcome to join us for the annual ball of the fall.
Sincerely, Arthur and Lady Eleanor Harrington
Amelia scoffed throwing the letter across the table. "Another ball," she muttered, rolling her eyes.
Her mother, Margaret, looked up from her plate, a slight frown on her face. "Amelia, be polite. The Harringtons are esteemed members of society. Attending their ball is a show of respect."
Amelia sighed, her rebellious spirit refusing to comply. "Respect for what, Mother? For a society that expects us to conform, to dance and smile and pretend everything is perfect?"
Her father, Henry, glanced up from his newspaper, his gaze stern. "Amelia, we have discussed this before. It's important to maintain our social standing. We owe it to our family's legacy.
"We do, Father. I would like to inform you that I want to avoid attending." said Amelia with her voice flatly.
Henry and Margaret exchanged some awkward glances, like trying to discuss something off their expression.
"But Amelia, attending the ball is a a great opportunity," Margaret gently interjected. "It's an opportunity for you to meet eligible suitors and potentially find a suitable match."
“Mother I-I don’t wish for that to happen yet” said Emelia trying to keep her voice respectful.
“Just this ball sweetheart, we promise we won’t force toy onto that…yet” Margaret said with a gentle voice.
“Fine, I guess. I think I’ll get myself going” Amelia shook the anger off standing up from her sit.
“May I ask where you are headed to, young lady?” Henry asked crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"To the Sterlings, of course," she chuckled and left, closing the door behind her.
The Sterlings, a lovely family of five living on the outskirts of town, were dear friends of Amelia's. She often sought solace and intellectual stimulation in their company.
As she walked briskly towards the Sterling residence, Amelia's mind was consumed with thoughts of her upcoming encounter with the Harringtons. She couldn't help but feel trapped by societal expectations and the pressure to conform. Deep down, she yearned for something more meaningful, something beyond the constraints of her privileged upbringing.
Arriving at the Sterlings' cozy cottage, Amelia knocked on the door, anticipation coursing through her veins. Mrs. Sterling, a warm and kind-hearted woman, greeted her with a warm smile.
"Amelia, my dear! What a pleasant surprise," Mrs. Sterling exclaimed, embracing her tightly. "Come inside, everyone is eagerly waiting for you."
Mrs. Sterling a dear mother of three wonderful kids two of which Amelia attended school with. Oliver, her only son, was a year older than Emelia. He was known for his intelligence and wit, he often help his family with finances and his sisters with their education.
Amelia often visited the Sterlings, finding comfort in their genuine camaraderie. As she entered the cozy living room, she was greeted by the lively chatter of the Sterling children - Alice, the eldest, a spirited young woman with a passion for literature, and Emily, the youngest, a curious and imaginative girl who always had a story to tell.
"Amelia!" Alice exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "You're just in time. We were just talking about you”
Amelia smiled and took a seat next to Alice. "Oh, really? What were you saying about me?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Emily, the youngest of the Sterling children, chimed in with excitement. "We were discussing the upcoming ball at the Harringtons'. Everyone in town seems to be buzzing about it!"
Amelia rolled her eyes playfully. "Yes, even my parents received an invitation.”
“Your parents were obviously receiving an invitation. You are upper class” Oliver said rolling his eyes.
“But I don’t want to go at all” said Amelia her voice flat.
“Really?” Emily exclaimed surprised.
"Yes, balls are so stupid. You just go there with a huge dress, waiting for your parents to decide which boy you are likely to marry, while you awkwardly stand there, unable to eat anything because of the tight corset you are wearing!" Amelia responded with a sign of frustration in her voice.
"Oh, what a problem! Imagine being forced to work just to eat some bread," Oliver muttered as he stood up from the chair he had been sitting on.
“I’m not ungrateful” Amelia clapped back after hearing Oliver’s muttering.
“Whatever” Oliver said rolling his eyes and left the room slamming the door behind.
"What has gotten into him?" Amelia asked, glancing at the door he just slammed and then back at Emily and Alice.
"I don't know, he has been acting like this not long ago," Alice stated, furrowing her eyebrows.
Mrs. Sterling came to the room holding three cups with warm milk and some freshly cut fruits. She placed them on the wooden table next to the girls smiling. “So, how is Charles doing?”
"He's doing well," Amelia replied with a smile. "He's fully immersed in his law studies and seems to be excelling. Mother said he is coming today. “
“We should come by and visit then, I haven’t seen Margaret in a while” Mrs. Sterling flashed her warm smile.
Amelia nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's been quite some time since we've visited each other. I'm sure Charles would appreciate the company as well." She took a sip of her warm milk, savoring the comforting taste.
“How is Mrs. Turner?” Mrs. Sterling asked as she walked over to the kitchen.
Amelia took a deep breath, her mind still occupied with thoughts of the upcoming ball. "Mrs. Turner is doing well, Very well for a seventy-five old lady" she replied, her voice tinged with admiration.
Mrs. Sterling nodded, her expression filled with genuine interest. "Ah, Mrs. Turner. She's such a remarkable woman, isn't she? I remember when we used to sneak out of our homes and go on adventures with her stories as our guide."
“Woah” Emily and Alice exclaimed in amusement
“It might be time for me to go, Charles will be arriving soon enough” Amelia smiled and got up from the carpet.
“But you just came dear!” Mrs. Sterling said gently.
“My apologies then, tell Mr. Sterling I’m sending lots of love” Amelia sighed gathering her stuff existing the house. “Bye” she pausing for a moment checking her bag making sure she didn’t forget anything.
“Hey there” Oliver came from nowhere with a smirked planted on his face.
