The Edwards and the Spencers were once again the picture of a respectable countryside family dressed in their Sunday best for the mass in local church. They considered it what it was - yet another social occasion to meet with their neighbours, one last chance to show off before they would part their ways for the year if not for longer.

Amelia and the younger children truly loved the services despite the vicar’s sermons often full of doom and gloom. Jane was once again silent. The families decided to walk towards the church. Not for the humility but it was a short walk and didn’t really require a service of a carriage.

Amelia was still buzzing with excitement of the news of her upcoming season in London. She didn’t expect it, not so soon. Jane seemed a little cheerful as well. They would be in London together, to a certain extent, of course, as long as Jane’s new position would allow her. But in Amelia’s mind, they would be together. In London, where everything happened and more. Or so she thought until they made it to the church and she realised how wrong she were. Because indeed, some things were happening even in their little countryside.

Currently, the most exciting thing happening was the man sitting in the front row, where the Mowbrays sat, where, indeed, she clearly saw George Strand sitting next to Anthony. She and her family were sitting just two rows behind them, as usually, trying to reach the Mowbrays, showing everyone how close they were. Indeed, the third row was exactly what it was - the third row, in reality nowhere near the Mowbrays. Amelia felt as if they were separated by much more than three rows. She realised she was in love because what else it could have been? She hoped that George would turn his head and look her way even if it were for a split of a second. But he didn’t.

Anthony looked their way, nodding to the whole family, smiling brightly. Then he turned back to pay attention to the mass and the sermon.

Amelia thought it was a tragic moment, being so neglected. She sang the psalms with an extra sadness in her voice which just made a few heads turn her way in appreciation. She was a good singer, the sadness only giving her voice an extra depth. As lady Mowbray once remarked, such a voice was a little wasted on a girl of her standing.

She was absolutely lost in her thoughts and so Jane had to wake her up at the end. They were going to greet everyone and wish Merry Christmas to all their neighbours and friends. Except Amelia wanted really greet only one person.

George almost forgot about the little walk he had with Amelia. He was more and more realising he was there really just to keep Anthony and Jane company, so their closeness would not cause any rumours. He thought it funny, yet in a way, he was a little jealous of his friend. The overall scene was suffocating him though, being a single man with good connections he could feel the calculative stares of the mothers and the dreamy glances of the local ladies. He kept in safety behind Anthony so it just occurred he naturally ended up facing the Spencers.

He smiled at Amelia kindly while listening to something her mother had to say. And her aunt had to say. He was just standing there as a target, waiting patiently, taking everyone attention, so Jane and Anthony could exchange a few words.

“London,” he heard someone say.

“Isn’t it great? I am to have a season in London, and Jane will be there too,” George realised it was Amelia talking, her eyes shining like a little diamonds. His smile broadened.

“You must grant me a dance then,” he said.

“It will be splendid,” Anthony rejoined them, smiling at Jane.

It would be splendid indeed, Amelia thought. She was grown up and happy.