Satisfied with her correspondence, Amelia declined her customary morning routine of practicing the piano forte, in favour of descending the dining room for breakfast. John was already seated, fastidiously studying his morning paper and reviewing his own post.  Amelia was diverted at the striking dissimilarity between her husband and dearest father. Preferring the solitude of his library, Amelia's father gave wide berth to the bustle of bodies that occupied the breakfast table at Cauldwell Lodge. A baker's dozen of boisterous and loquacious sons and daughters did little to settle his nerves. Such a vociferous milieu was the antithesis of the tranquil morning that must have passed at Eagleton Manor. John, being the only offspring and sole successor to his family's estate, would have little reason for sequestration away from his mother and father. Furthermore, John's recent years as unattached gentleman had done little to divert these customs.

Ensconcing herself at the table, Amelia applied to the servant for a generous helping of rolls and preserves. Her appetite what whetted from her secondary dalliance with John, and by rejoicing in having first choice of items laid out before her. She was gratified to behold a large silver pot laid out on the table. Pouring a cup, Amelia's suppositions were well founded, as it poured a cascade of hot chocolate in to her cup. This simple, yet delicious liquid treasure was a nosh that Amelia cherished. Her mother considered it a frivolity, too exorbitant and luxurious to be shared amongst the robust Moore household on a customary basis. Nonetheless, it was a commonplace delicacy at Eagleton. Often, as children, John would confiscate a small cup of chocolate and set it aside for Amelia, to be served as a refreshment when she came to visit.  Amelia cherished these recollections as the first inclinations of John's intentions towards her. As they grew older, he never faltered in giving her this gift, endearing him within her heart forever.

"Mr. Dyer, how fortunate that you have saved me a cup of chocolate," Amelia said tenderly, glancing at him across the table.

"I would not wish it any other way, Mrs. Dyer," John replied with a smile.  "I expect you slept well and your health has ameliorated after a good rest."

"Oh yes, kind sir, I certainly found a cure for what ailed me in the bedroom." Amelia caught John's gaze and held it, impregnating the silence with memories of satisfied desire. She felt a deep-seated contentment within her soul in openly deliberating about their marital discourses, and further reassurance in the pleasant, lingering quivers she felt in the area between her legs. Amelia's heart brimmed over envisioning the familiarity she had gained this past night. She aspired for constancy in this newfound amity, in both carnal knowledge and in affectation. If childhood warmth and fondness could blossom to endearment, and later to marriage commitment, intimacy therefore could bloom in to pure passionate ardor.

Presently, Amelia desired naught but to find quietude in the regimen of rising each day with the one she loved. "What news on the struggles with France, husband?"

"My dearest, you are one of the most accomplished and intelligent woman I have ever met.  Your interest our country is patriotic, yet I would not see you disturb yourself with state affairs this day. So much is be digest as you familiarize yourself in managing this household, as it is not nearly as robust as it once was and is in dire need of a woman's touch."

"Mr. Dyer, I should think that a woman's touch would be the least of your concerns this morning," Amelia replied cheekily.  Interesting how he deflects my interest in politics so easily, she thought.  Educated by a private governess, John had reached a high level of education under feminine tutelage. It is so disagreeable to believe a woman cannot possess equal or greater inetelligence than a man, Amelia thought. Partaking in private erudite exchanges with your spouse should not have the an unseemly appearance, lest all genteel women waste away discontent. Vexations, however, must be put aside, lest it reflect poorly at this early juncture in our marriage. Let him be the face of our family, but let myself be the limbs that make it move.

Seemingly unaware of Amelia's introspection and slight change in countenance, John continued reading his letters, glancing up periodically. "Have you hear from your family, my dear?  I trust that your communiques were delivered to you this morning."

"Yes, thank you, for your concern, Mr. Dyer.  I have corresponded with my mother and father not twenty minutes ago.  My brothers and sisters are all well, thought perhaps a bit wilder without the counsel of myself and Charlotte."

"Oh, yes, I had forgotten that Miss Charlotte was in town this last few months.  It was a pity that she could not attend our marriage ceremony, as I know you are most intimate sisters.  Is she to return before the change in the weather?"

"Yes, she writes to say that she wishes to return to Cauldwell Lodge within a fortnight. I long to resume traversing the easy distance thought the woods between our homes. A far easier distance between Charlotte and myself would fulfill my immediate contentment.Society can only improve whilst in the presence of those for whom one hold affection rather than affectation."

"Byron and Keats are rivaled in your turn of phrase," replied John, chuckling softly.

"Lest they lose opportunity, let us also organize a ball so that these fine poets may also learn from how I turn about the room. May my days as a governess tread lightly in their minds. What say you to a ball, dear husband?"

"I should like nothing more than to see my wife happy and enjoying company within our home.  Please, apply to the housekeeper to organize a date and we shall see it come to pass."

Excitement at the prospect of hosting such an event displaced Amelia's minor frustrations with John.  I shall presume him to be  an clever man who does not undervalue my wit lest he feel the ire of my withdrawal from conversation, and possibly the bedroom, Amelia thought. Though perhaps I shall surreptitiously include a copy of Mary Wollstonecraft's essays in his library at my earliest convenience. A thoroughly modern man he shall be yet.

"What say you of other interests, Mr. Dyer? Do not speak of business, but only gossip and fashion, and society, for only these shall be of the utmost I import," said Amelia.

"Fortuitous that you should ask, Mrs. Dyer, for  I have received a missive this morning that has interested me exceedingly. It is addressed from a man claiming to be a distant relation.  His name is Mr. Thomas Archer, and he is the nephew of my late father's sister-in-law. Such particulars are included that leave me no doubt as the the verity of his assertions. I should like to reply forthwith, but would be remiss without conferring with you on the matter."

John removed a letter from his pile, and opened it. Neat and tidy penmanship and profoundly evenly spaced writing was visible. Finding the precise excerpt he desired, John began to read aloud.

"Dear Sir,"

"I hope that my correspondence does not seem impudent without having formally made your acquaintance. However, necessity diverts propriety in this case, as you are now my sole living relation, after the passing of my dear aunt. It was her dearest wish that I may rekindle the relationship between our families."

"My aunt was kind enough to take me in when I became an orphan at a young age. Her patronage and stewardship were welcome, as they provided me with opportunities I may not have otherwise had. She had hoped to provide for my future, but as her estate was entailed away to another distant relation, she passed impoverished and alone at the hands of her son."

"Her tutelage and guidance in my formative years provided me with the education required to excel in trade. However, with the mobilization of forces against France, I felt my skills were suited for other pursuits. I volunteered for the militia and have been stationed at Brighton for some time. Regardless of convention and gossip, it was not in idleness or lack of conviction that allowed me to remain in the ranks for so long, rather it is my conviction that has kept me strong in my service to the Prince Regent and my country."

"Recent developments have shone a light on the corruption of the vanguard in which I find myself, and my beliefs can no longer hold firm, requiring me to change my circumstances. Without disclosing all details with in the contents of this letter, I intend to travel thither towards London on business. I hope to have the satisfaction of waiting on yourself and your recent bride as I travel, and request to trespass on your kindness within a fortnight. With respectful compliments,"

"Thomas Archer".

Amelia listened to John's orations with a discerning ear. No immediate scruples could she find in welcoming a relation to Eagleton, as it would be contrary to the generosity of the Dyer family. Therefore, with conviction resolved to accept Mr. Archer as a guest in their home.

"Our circumstances are not so dire, as to turn away kith and kin, my darling. The matter may require some delicacy in response, and please encourage Mr. Archer to stay as long as he pleases."