Vivian Aytes Thomlinson Short Story
FIRST PRIZE
Edenbridge to Bath Jenny Rea Edenbridge, Kent October 1812 Amelia looked out the window, the leaves falling from the trees, scattered by the breeze landing on the ground below. They reminded her of life. Her parents wished her to marry the squire’s son, it was a good match, though not one that she thought of with any favor. “Yes Amelia?” asked her mother “I was wondering if I could visit grandmamma. She has urged me to visit in her letters.” Lady Sprinton looked at Amelia, “I believe visiting your grandmamma for a few weeks would give you time to reflect on your situation and think of marrying as you ought. I will write to your grandmamma today.” “Thank you” said Amelia, leaving the parlor and going to the gardens. Today was Saturday, perhaps she could leave on Monday or Tuesday, would that be soon enough? The Assembly Rooms and the Abbey would be lovely to see at this time of year. Perhaps time spent with grandmamma would help her to reconcile herself to a marriage with Harold. The lunch gong sounded and Amelia arose to go in and make herself tidy. During lunch mother outlined the plan for Amelia to visit her mother in Bath for a few weeks, in preparation for settling down. Perhaps spending the month of November, then in early December both her mother and Amelia could repair to the Manor. “Perhaps that would be a good idea. Amelia’s absence from the neighborhood might just spur that young Harold into making an offer. I don’t know why he is delaying, his father and I have been agreed for quite some time, years in fact, on the match.” Amelia’s hope’s rose, perhaps Harold didn’t want the match either. “Amelia will leave early Monday so that she can make the journey in two days” said mother, “I have already written ahead to make arrangements. John Coachman knows the route and Briggs can travel with Amelia as her maid, then return with the coach.” Father looked over at Amelia, “As it is arranged, then so be it.” The meal concluded. Amelia went to pack a spring in her step. Sunday the family attended services at Edenbridge Church. Sitting in the family pew, front and right. Amelia wondered about those coming before, sitting every Sunday in this very pew. Did their minds wander, like hers did? Did they listen intently? The service concluded, everyone filing out. Amelia spoke with Rev Mosely and then found Caroline Mosely so tell her of the trip to Bath. “Oh Caro, I am beyond happy to be going to Bath. I will be gone six weeks. I hope in that time Harold forgets me completely and is married by my return” said Amelia. Caroline laughed softly. “Oh Amelia, you do not know how lucky you are. Harold is a lovely young man, how can you be so adverse to him? You know the two of you have been intended for years.” “Come Caro, anyone would think you liked Harold” said Amelia, noticing the blush that crept into Caroline’s cheeks. “You do, don’t you? Tell me? I certainly have no wish to marry Harold.” “It’s not so easy, you are Baron Sprinton’s daughter, I am the daughter of a clergyman. I have tried to conThe April Perennial 43
