Ailis cast him a shy smile. “Oh, there isn’t much to tell. I live at the vicarage with my uncle. He’s been the vicar in Broadmoor for ages. I came here about six years ago, after my parents died. It is a lovely village and I have enjoyed every moment of my stay. My uncle is a dear, kind man, and I find working with him quite rewarding.”
“I gather you organize the church events,” Edward said. “What other duties has he assigned to you?”
Jonas chuckled. “She’s his secret weapon when it comes to gathering donations.”
“What do you mean?” Edward asked.
Jonas arched an eyebrow. “Is it not obvious? No man in his right mind is going to turn her down.”
Ailis frowned at him. “But you did. It took me ages to—”
“Miss Temple…”
“Never mind.” She sighed and shook her head, turning to his brother. “It is all settled now, Lord Langford. Although your brother did give me a hard time at first.”
Edward glanced from one to the other. “How much are you seeking in donations? And to what purpose?”
“I was collecting for the needy to get them fed, housed, and clothed for the winter. My uncle and I estimated it would take about a thousand pounds to get them through the winter. But we’ve met our goal now.”
“Thanks to my brother?” Edward asked.
She nodded. “He has been most generous—as well he should be, since all the land in the village is his anyway. And should he not take proper care of all those who rely on him for their survival?”
“Miss Temple,” Jonas said again in a tone of caution, “I do not need you to box my ears. My brother was merely asking a general question and does not require elaborate explanations.”
Edward laughed and leaned closer to Ailis. “On the contrary, Miss Temple. I am eager to know exactly what you think of my brother. Do spill every lurid detail.”
Jonas set down his fork and pushed his seat slightly away from the table. “I forbid you to speak about me.”
This was exactly what he had hoped to avoid by remaining at Langford Hall and well away from London. But it seemed the meddlesome gossips, including his curious brother and stubborn mother, refused to be daunted.
“Gad, Edward. Stop grinning or I’ll toss you back out in the cold.”
“Youforbidme?” Ailis frowned at him.
“Yes, Miss Temple. For it is in my power to do so, lest you forget.” He sighed and sank back in the flimsy chair that squeaked whenever he leaned back on it. “Edward, stop snooping into my affairs.”
“It is all innocently done,” his brother insisted. “I need to be informed in order to best protect you.”
“I do not need anyone’s protection, and certainly not that of my younger brother.”
“How wrong you are,” Edward grumbled. “Do you think our mother or any of her entourage will wait five minutes before shamelessly prying into your business? I’m merely trying to protect your flank from the advancing horde.” He turned to Ailis. “I am a very loyal brother, but he can be hardheaded and does not appreciate all I do for him.”
She laughed. “You are a saint to put up with him. He can be quite tyrannical.”
“Ailis, for pity’s sake,” Jonas grumbled. “Not you, too.”
She cast him a remorseful smile. “Sorry, I could not resist teasing you just this little bit. But like your brother, I am on your side. He wants to see you happy and so do I.”
“I’ll be happiest when I am no longer invaded by guests. I shall dance a jig once everyone has returned to London.” He rose and strode to the window to peer out, for the weather should have warmed a little by now.
He noticed the icicles were indeed beginning to melt and the birds had come out from the shelter of their nests. Some were singing in the trees while others poked about on the frozen ground in search of seeds or worms.
He met the sight of this thaw with mixed feelings, for it meant that Ailis could go home today, if he were of a mind to escort her home.
But the sight he saw next had him tensing. “Edward, just how much of a head start did you say you had on our mother’s party?”
“About two days, I would guess.”
