Amelia observed Mr. Archer stumble as he crossed the threshold of the door.  For an officer and gentleman, Mr. Archer certainly is bemusing, she thought, though perhaps he is simply fatigued from travel as he stated. Amelia allowed her single suspended brow to drop, before resuming her attention towards her book.  However, Amelia had forgotten that she had only been feigning to read in order to keep up appearances whilst greeting Mr. Archer.  She quickly cast it aside to ponder what to do next.  Raising her gaze, she noted John observing her from where he stood, his arm perched upon the mantle.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are today, my wife?"

"Not yet, and my ears shall delight in hearing it, as well as my heart feel lighter in receiving such a compliment."

John crossed the room and bent to his knees next to Amelia's chaise.  He delicately clasped her hand within his own, and placed his lips softly on the palm of her hand.  His lips felt tender and warm on her skin.  She looked at him dearly for a moment, then placed his palm on her cheek and rested her chin in his hand.  John returned her gaze and smiled.  Dear love that has grown over time, the love of true affection and congeniality, was deeply apparent with each instant in which this pose was held. 

John lightly stroked her cheek with his thumb before shifting his hand to tidy the curls away from her face.  A single lock of her hair dwindled between his digits, and he fingered it gently.  Slowly he moved his mouth towards her ear, sending shivers down Amelia's torso, challenging her countenance.  She leaned her head backwards, exposing her long neck, and allowing John trail soft kisses behind her ear.

"You are the most beautiful creature."

"And you are truly lucky to have me," said Amelia, facetiously.  At this she felt the corners of John's mouth turn up as he continued his attentions to her nape, and his fingers tickled the edges of her collar.  "For I am most sensible and prudent, in all matters."

"Most definitely," replied John as he continued to form a succession of light flitting kisses over her cheeks and her lips.  His strong hands still cupped her chin, and Amelia found her breathing quicker as she strove to regain her comportment.  She closed her eyes, wishing to return to her morning nettoyage, a state of dress far more appropriate for how she was currently feeling.  Thought, ablutions were far from her goal.  As John trailed his lips over hers, she returned the affection letting her own linger on his.

"John, we should not commence what we cannot accomplish in this locale.  For I shall prove myself very undignified, indeed, if I do."

"Such sensibility, my dear," replied John as he dropped backward to rest on his legs.  "Though, I vow to give these matters my undivided attention at our earliest convenience."

"Yes, we shall, it is of the utmost importance, and it I shall expect nothing less than requires meticulous scrutiny.  No triviality should be left unexplored, nor should any aspect of the subject be disregarded."  Amelia's eyes sparkled as she espied her husband.  Any doubt and reservations she may have had about his desires for her had been dispelled in this moment.  We shall do well, she thought to herself.

The intimacy of the lovers' exchange was then interrupted as the footman entered the room carrying a tray.  Pausing to allow John to rise to a standing position, the footman bowed deeply in acknowledgement before crossing the room and placing the breakfast items on the sideboard. He stood by the ready to serve his mistress and master, his hands clasped behind his back.   Amelia surveyed the offering of plum cake, brioche, and honey cake with saffron and ginger.  Accompanying the victuals was a pot of tea and three cups.  She nodded satisfactorily and rose to pour the tea.  After placing a slice of cake on a plate and preparing the first cup, she nodded to the footman, and he quickly brought them to John who was now ensconced on the sofa.

Satisfied, Amelia then placed a brioche on a plate for herself and poured her own cup of tea.  She gently placed the plate on the circular table near her chaise so that she was withing easy reach when she chose to sit.  She was about to cross the room with her tea when she heard a small hem emitted from behind her.  Catching herself, Amelia replaced the tea on the sideboard and moved to her seat.  Once she was settled, the footman patiently placed her cup on the table near her elbow.  She nodded in acknowledgement, to which he responded with a single bow  before exiting the room.

Amelia watched him go, sipping her refreshment.  Such formality here, she reflected, I still have much to learn should I not blunder daily.  I must seem so gauche in comparison to the previous Mrs. Dyer.  Amelia nibbled at her cake, lost in thought.  John, having finished his first cup, moved towards the sideboard to serve himself another slice of cake, drawing Amelia in to the present. 

"What think you of Mr. Archer, husband?"

"He seems a bit of an odd fellow, does he not?" John replied.

"Yes, a little, though perhaps he was genuinely wearied from the journey, or unaccustomed to civilian polite conversation.  I cannot imagine that militia men have much more meaningful discourse than competing over the length of their bayonets and how quickly they can reload their musket between targets," quipped Amelia.

"Amelia, you certainly have a harsh view of military life," chided John.

"Is it harsh, husband, that I should feel vexation for the men who have chosen militia life as a means to jump rank or as a means to legitimize themselves rather than face societal scorn?  Should a man not own his actions, rather than use a red coat to disguise his impudent behaviour?"

"Darling, I am sure not all experiences are as such for officers and soldiers."

"Perhaps, but you must concede that idle hands may find indelicate hobbies."

"Yes, that is plausible," John conceded.

"If so, then why should women be left behind, possibly bereft of a steady and reliable income based the anticipatory prospect of resolve a conflict on home soil?  Should we not do away with the politics and formalities of the militia, and put more effort into supporting those who are legitimately fighting on the front lines in France?" 

"Darling..."John attempted to interject. 

Amelia was well aware that she was trifling with fire as it was considered undignified for women to speak so frankly.  Yet, she did not want to conceal her abhorrence for society's wanton flagration when it comes to supporting women, especially not in the privacy of her own home.  With no means to procure their own livelihood, dependence of men of honour was essential to all women.  Society may well approve of love in marriage, but it could not be ignored that securement for the future was also a necessity.  Entailment and primogeniture ensured women continued to be dependent on gentlemen of value. 

"There are far too many stories of women who have pinned hopes on regimentals only to find that her stalwart hero offers little more than puffed up civility and a compunction for gambling.  Or worse, has begged off in the night leaving her reputation in shambles." 

"Amelia!" begged John. "Please.  I will not have the servants hear you speak in such a tone nor our guest."

"No, Dyer, let her continue."

Amelia had been disquieted by John's public use of her familiar name, but now she was left positively horrified as she realized that Mr. Archer had rejoined them.  It is one think to say stupid things aloud without an audience, but now Amelia feared that her forward behaviour was shameful and reflected poorly on the Dyer family.  Yet, Mr. Archer did rebuke or admonish her.  He simply urged her to resume her diatribe.  Astonish, Amelia sat gaping at him from across the room.

"Archer, please forgive Amelia.  Her passionate sensibilities sometimes lead her to speak out of turn," interjected John. "Please come, have a seat."

Thomas entered the room and sat down on the settee next to John.  As he settled, he glanced in Mrs. Dyer's direction, slowly bringing his eyes up to meet hers.  Her unfettering gaze reflected curiosity, incredulity, and embarrassment.  Thomas returned the gaze and attempted to soften his own expression, wanting to provide her with encouragement and validation.  He wished desperately that she would surmise he meant no discomfiture.  In fact, he believed that her clever observations were very apt and showed perspicacity, even if she may appear too percipient for a modern woman.

"Dyer, no forgiveness is needed.  Mrs. Dyer's discriminating words have, in truth, reflected many of my own personal experiences.  Comportment and civility can easily mask personal gain.  It is a wonder that militia life does not require more scrupulous considerations."

"I am all astonishment, Archer," said John.  "You had alluded to corruption being a source of distress, and thus a reason for your quitting the militia, but I find it hard to believe.  Officers cannot be so mistrustful."

"I had intended to relay the particulars of my circumstances to you privately," Thomas started.  He paused, and glanced at a pair of fine eyes across the room.  "However, I believe Mrs. Dyer is not so delicate as to require censure on my behalf." 

"In that you are correct," said John with an air of laughter.

Feeling vexed at this, Amelia glared at her husband, feeling heat rising in her face.  How dare they praise my keen wit one minute and then laugh at me the next, she thought.  She was about to transfer her reproachful look towards Mr. Archer when she noticed that the corners of his lips were upturned and small creases had appeared in the corners of his eyes.  He teases me, Amelia realized, all agog.  Instead, Amelia's eyes widened as she regarded Mr. Archer causing these tell tale signs to vanish as quickly as they appeared.

"Even the most delicate flower must push against the soil to bloom," Amelia retorted in John's direction.  She stole a second glance in Mr. Archer's direction, and she hoped her facial expression remained impassive despite her inner thoughts being full of questioning and inquisition.  Perhaps he is not such an odious fellow after all, she thought.