Elspeth shook her head. “I remember them. Periwinkle, wood anemone, lesser celandine, primrose, English bluebell.”
“Good. They will deliver the bouquets to you, one by one. Please examine each carefully and make your judgment. This is totally up to you, whether you will accept substitutions. But do remember this is about more than whether they know the Latin names. It is also about cooperation, a willingness to ask for aid, and the response to a challenge. Unlike treading water or standing on a box, this is about the nature of their intellect and their character, both of which are traits important to you.”
“They are indeed.”
“I would also ask that you remember that cold water can produce a cramp in anyone, even the strongest of men. Mr. Livingstone delivered a valiant effort this morning. What you are looking for—a man who desires to travel for long distances—requires strength, stamina, as well as determination. Men who choose the missionary field are seldom weak or lacking in character.”
“You want me to give Mr. Livingstone a chance. Not to default to Lord Timothy.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon shook her head slowly. “Not at all. I can tell you have your mind set, no matter the outcome of the competition. All I ask is that you be fair when you talk to each of them.”
Again, the veil allowed Elspeth’s imagining to run wild. This was by far the oddest conversation she had had with the woman. None of her words seemed deceptive, yet Elspeth had the strangest feeling Mrs. Dove-Lyon meant more than she said. “I will.”
A rap on the door brought an end to the conversation. At Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s response, Helena entered. “The gentlemen are here, in the lounge.”
“Excellent. Please escort Lady Elspeth and Mrs. Sinclair across the hall.”
Helena stood aside as Elspeth and Sinclair exited the office, then they followed her along the right-hand wall of the hall. As they traversed the distance, the cacophony of the room increased, andElspeth heard calls of “They are back” and “Get your bets ready.” Leering expressions turned their way, and midway across, Helena stepped back, pointed at the door of their destination and herded them in front of her. Inside, she merely stated, “Make yourselves comfortable,” then left.
The closed door cut away some of the noise—a distinct relief. The room was set as a parlor, with a gaming table with chairs along one wall. Against the other, a longer table, draped with linen, held a buffet of savory and sweet finger sandwiches, pastries, and a large silver tray holding a tea service. Two other trays held glasses of white wine and water, as well as smaller cups of lemonade. In the middle of the room, four cushioned armchairs circled a low table.
On the outside wall, low flames cracked in a fireplace. A clock on the mantelpiece showed five past noon. The competition in the garden had begun.
Elspeth surveyed the food. “This is a feast, considering we will not be here more than an hour.”
“You did not eat breakfast.”
“I did. You brought the tray up.”
“And you had one-half piece of toast and a slice of pear. You did not even finish your tea.”
Elspeth dropped down on one of the armchairs. “I could not eat. My stomach is in too much of a swirl. You go ahead.”
Sinclair shook her head and began preparing the tea, heating the pot with hot water, dumping it, then adding the tea leaves. “This is happening so fast, you cannot catch your breath. You are starting to question everything again.”
“How can I not?” Elspeth sighed. “And I still do not know how I am going to present any of this to Father.”
Leaving the tea to steep, Sinclair picked up a plate and added a scone, a small bit of clotted cream and jam, and a cress sandwich. She brought it to Elspeth. “Here. Nibble.”
Elspeth looked at the plate, doubtful, then her stomach snarled. Shewashungry.
Sinclair grinned. “Would not do for the gentlemen to hear that.”
“Oh, all right.” Elspeth took the plate.
Sinclair fixed a second plate and set it in front of the chair next to Elspeth’s. “I will sit at one of the gaming tables when the men arrive. And I promise I will not say a word.”
“Until they leave.”
“That is why you brought me.”
“I brought you as a chaperone.”
“And a pundit of servant gossip.”
“A marvelous secondary quality.”
Sinclair went to pour the tea, straining it into two cups.
