Read Constant Hearts, Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion Page 3
Chapter 3
Amelia paused, her fork suspended halfway to her mouth, and blinked across the breakfast table at her aunt. “You want me to what?”
“Ask Dr. St. Ives for a sleep remedy for me.”
Amelia let out an un-lady-like snort. “I’d hoped I’d heard you wrong. He’s a surgeon, not a physician. Besides, if you’re not sleeping well, ask your own doctor.” Although she strongly suspected the only cure Aunt Millie sought was one for Amelia’s wounded heart.
Aunt Millie made a dismissive wave. “My physician will just prescribe laudanum. I’m losing confidence in him. I want a fresh new opinion.”
“Then seek another doctor in London.” Amelia rubbed the space between her eyes. She couldn’t bear the thought of giving Reed a new opportunity to reject her. “I have located five new sponsors for the orphanage, and have much to do.”
Aunt Millie pouted. “I don’t want to see another doctor. I want to hear what Dr. St. Ives has to say. Lady Evensley said he gave her some tea that made her sleep like a child, and I want some.”
“Then ask him for it.”
“I can’t. I promised to help a friend with her guest list this morning, and this afternoon I’m meeting someone else at the museum. Tonight is the musicale. I simply haven’t the time, and if I don’t start getting a decent night’s sleep, I’ll develop bags under my eyes.”
Amelia regarded her suspiciously. “You don’t look as if you’ve been suffering from lack of sleep.”
“I feel positively dreadful.” Her tone revealed exactly the opposite. “Amelia, please? Won’t you do this one thing for me?”
Aunt Millie gave her such sad, pleading eyes that Amelia let out a long-suffering sigh. She pushed away her plate without finishing her breakfast. “Very well. You make me feel a beast for refusing you.”
Aunt Millie laughed softly. “I knew I could count on you, dearest.” She delicately decorated her bread with jam as if she were working on a painting. “I hear he’s staying at his brother’s house. Do you know the place?”
“Yes, Aunt. But I feel positively manipulated.”
Aunt Millie smiled. “I love you, too, dear.”
“I’m to present the new plan to the board of directors at the orphanage this morning, so I’ll pay a call to your new favorite doctor this afternoon. And hope he doesn’t throw me out.”
“You’re such a dear.” Aunt Millie stood and strode out with all the vigor of a person who’d just received the best night’s sleep of her life.
Amelia dressed with special care in a rich, rose-colored gown, the shade Reed had once said made her glow with the beauty of Aphrodite. Then glared at her reflection. “I’m dressing to impress the board of directors, not to impress Reed.”
The mirror made no comment.
With a groan of disgust, she turned away. She probably wouldn’t even be allowed in the house long enough for him to see her clothing.
She was such an idiot!
As she met with the board of directors, Amy firmly pushed back thoughts of Reed and focused instead on the children and her plans for the orphanage. She spoke passionately, with her head high, and firmly deflected any questions regarding her character, focusing instead on the business at hand.
Her voice rang out with confidence. “I have secured enough funding to pay for my proposed changes for the next year. As far as the increase in food rations, I’m confident that the others with whom I’ve spoken will step forward and offer their support as well, so we’ll have more than enough money to cover our expenses.”
One of the gentlemen looked down at her with clear disapproval. Whether he disapproved of a woman in business, or found fault with her status as a divorcee, she didn’t know, but she made a point of frequently looking at him in the eye as she discussed the reports and proposals.
Whether or not she won them over for the remodeling project, she would still continue to improve conditions for the children, beginning with more quality food and warm bedding. If nothing else, she’d speak to her solicitor about selling some more assets and fund it herself.
She cleared her throat and passed out the papers. “Here are the itemized reports with past and proposed budgetary changes, as well as pledges I’ve received. I think you’ll agree they are realistic.”
After she finished speaking, she clasped her hands together and waited for their decision. The board of directors conferred, their voices a low hum. Amelia stood motionless while her insides twisted into a nervous knot.
Finally, the chairman nodded to her. “Very well, the majority has voted to approve your plan.”
She resisted the urge to let out a squeal and jump up and down. She merely smiled. “Excellent. Thank you, gentlemen.”
Amelia wanted to sing out loud. She never would have tried to re-establish herself in society if she hadn’t needed the aid for the orphanage so badly. But now, at last, she could affect true change for these children.
With a firm sense of purpose, Amelia set out to meet with the contractor to begin improvements.
If only she didn’t have this meeting with Reed to endure!