Lady Basingstoke and Serena sat close to the fire, bemoaning the draughts that wound their way through the house, but Amelia was not allowed to approach the warmth of the grate. Instead she was confined to the colder side of the room. Always one for making the best of a situation, Amelia had chosen a seat that was tucked out of the way of the draughts and surrounded herself with cushions which added to her comfort. A thick shawl was hidden under a more delicate looking one; the result being she was snug and especially happy to be out of the direct line of sight of her aunt and cousin. She could listen to their conversation while watching the intermittent snow flurries falling outside the window nearest her. The snow was early this year, and it made her long once more for home. Snow was always more welcome when brothers were around to have snowball fights or sledging expeditions; there would be no such happy frivolities for her while she remained in London. Amelia was startled when the arrival of Captain Worthington and Mr Critchley was announced by Sir Jeremy as he ushered the two gentleman in the room.
