“Yes. As certain as I am that Jane will be wed soon, so shall my dearest Millicent remarry. Then I shall be all alone. It is not a prospect I greet with equanimity, I can assure you. So, come live with me. We shall deal together very well, sisters as we are. And what could be more amenable in society’s eyes?"
"You make an interesting proposition. I should certainly give it some thought,” Lady Elsbeth said, carefully controlling her expression.
“Please do, dear. Only think of the fun we should have together! I know I do.”
“To be sure,” her sister said dryly.
“There now, I’ve said my piece. You will give it some thought, won’t you?”
“Yes, I shall think on it.”
Lady Serena sunk back into her chair. She sighed deeply and looked relieved—no, more than relieved. She looked satisfied—a bit like the cat at the cream pot. Lady Elsbeth wondered why it was important to Serena that she agree to live with her? If Serena intended to take her in as a charitable gesture—as she and Jane had assumed—she would not have hesitated to make some remark to that effect. She would have basked in her benevolence. And she would have informed Elsbeth of the few trivial tasks she would expect her to perform. But Serena had implied that they were to be equals, though Elsbeth felt that her words did not ring true. Elsbeth could not begin to fathom her sister’s plan.
Lady Serena straightened and reached up to pat her curls. "Good. Now that that’s settled, what are we to do today? Needlework? A little visiting, perhaps? What have you and dear Jane planned?”
Lady Elsbeth suppressed a smile. She told Serena she would think about her proposal, and already her sister was taking it asa fait accompli. She decided not to correct her. "We thought a picnic would be a pleasant diversion.”
“A picnic!”
“Yes. Cook is preparing a cold collation. Mrs. Phibbs is providing suitable blankets for us to sit on. And as you heard Jane say, the little Grecian temple has been cleaned. We shall all go up there, take turns with the telescope, and enjoy our repast.”
A sharp frown pulled at the corners of Lady Serena’s lips. "I hope you do not intend that we should walk there!”
“Why not? We often do.”
“Then that explains your shamefully brown complexions. No, no, no. That will never do. We will take a carriage up. At least the Folly is covered, that should shield us from the worst of the sun. Elsbeth, I cannot countenance a walk of that length, and you shouldn’t either. It causes unladylike muscles to develop. Nothing can be more harmful to a lady’s success with a gentleman than to display an inordinate amount of muscle. A woman must stay soft and—and?—”
“And weak,” offered Elsbeth.
“Exactly.”
“I do not see how a little walking can increase muscles to the extent you fear. Nonetheless, if you prefer to ride, we can certainly make arrangements in that manner.”
Her sister nodded. "And I insist you ride with us. You will see how pleasant it is to relax in that way."
“I shall reserve judgment."
“I do not understand how you can be so cool,” Lady Serena said petulantly.
“I know,” Elsbeth said, “and that’s why I wonder if we should deal well together.”
Her sister blinked, a look of panic crossing her smooth, slightly plump features. "Oh, but it is natural for people to not agree on everything. I should think we would still get alongfamously. Ah, I hear voices coming. I think we are finally to have some company.”
Mr. Burry and Sir Helmsdon paused at the doorway. Mr. Burry laughed and prodded Sir Helmsdon in the ribs. "Hey, lad, here’s a turn. The ladies are up before times! We’ll be called sluggards, that’s certain.”
“I will not care a jot, so long as they do not demand we join them at some godforsaken early hour,” Sir Helmsdon drawled. He sauntered into the room and picked up a cup and the coffeepot. He smelled the heavy, rich aroma of the coffee and quirked a smile. "Devil take the Far East, I’ll take the West Indies bounty,” he whimsically vowed before taking a sip.
Laughing, the others agreed.
“But where are Mrs. Hedgeworth and Miss Grantley?” he inquired.
“I’m right here,” said Jane, coming around from behind him. "But I’m afraid Mrs. Hedgeworth is still abed. Do you think we shall be able to raise her before noon?” she asked her aunt.
“I believe so.”
“Well, that’s certainly a better response than the groom brought me from Royceland.”
“Royceland?”
