The sun was quite high when Amelia opened her eyes the next morning. She even knew that she was alone in the bed. She could smell the scones in the air and so she got quickly dressed in her daily dress.

She almost tripped as she ran down the stairs, arriving into the dining room still dazzled from her sleep. She didn’t expect to meet there the whole family. The children didn’t pay her any attention but she could feel the glares from adults as she quietly sat down.

“I assume you had a good night sleep?” Mrs Edwards welcomed her.

“Good morning,” Amelia remembered her manners. “Thank you very much, I slept well.”

Mrs Edwards was just about to say something but Mr Edwards looked at his wife in a way that prevented her from speaking any further. And so, instead of saying anything, she sent Amelia an icy smile.

“That’s good to hear, you had such an exciting evening yesterday,” Mrs Spencer said as if anyone would be interested in her opinion. “The local gatherings are always such fun.”

“Oh, does it mean you are thinking of leaving us already?” Mrs Edwards asked hopefully.

“Well, it’s hard to resist the society and the season is soon to begin.”

“That’s such a shame but I understand that the thrills of the countryside can’t compete with the city.”

“Indeed, it is quite different. Well, maybe Amelia could join us later? She seems more then ready for her debut. She looked so fetching and dancing with the son of the Duke of Norfolk, she belongs to the ton.”

Then, she said it. Mrs Spencer spent the whole night discussing with Mr Spencer the pros and cons of paying for Amelia’s season. Mostly pros of course as she didn’t see any disadvantages. The investment in the girl promised a great return, more secure than any speculation on the stock market. She saw how the young men were looking at her. And more importantly, he saw how the son of the Duke of Norfolk looked at her. And she trusted the eye of a man of position in the world used to plenty girls. No, it would be a waste to keep Amelia here. Perhaps the Duchess would invite them? Mr Spencer could easily meet new associates, form new business partnership and all that just because of their niece.

“We will think about it,” was all that Mr Edwards said.

“Ah, Amelia, should we go for a walk later on? We could walk towards the town,” Jane successfully changed the subject knowing very well that Amelia loved walking and being outdoors.

“Such a splendid idea, girls…” Winning everyone approvals, Amelia was surprised how easy it was to persuade her mother to let her go. She was eternally grateful to Jane to suggest a walk. She was not sure she wanted to participate in her mother’s and aunt’s scheming and bickering.

And so the girls dressed up and took an extra scarf each. It was a chilly day, they could see the mist as they were breathing. Jane was glad to bring her mutts and wondered how Amelia could be running around, losing often her scarf.

For Amelia, the weather couldn’t be any better. She could still find the frost on trees shining in the sun. For her, the weather was perfect, all she wanted for was the sun. She liked the crunching sound every step she made. For that very reason, she often strayed from the main path. The sisters didn’t take the most direct route and often paused to admire a view. They were crossing the Mowbray’s land, admiring the frozen trees. When they reached the lake, just a short walk from the Mowbray Manor, Jane stopped to admire the scenery.

“Jane, you are taking forever,” Amelia wanted to rush her sister. It was indeed a beautiful spot but she felt they strayed a little too far from the public path. Of course, the Mowbrays would not mind them being there. She often came there in summer just to read a book or simply watch the water birds. But if they were to walk to the town, it would have been advisable to perhaps walk a bit quicker.

“Just a moment. I just want to have a look. How I missed this place,” Jane whispered to her impatient sister. She was lost in her memories or perhaps a dream - Amelia couldn’t tell which one. She was just standing watching her sister who was always the practical, serious, one. And then, Jane smiled.