“And we are all quite thankful for that. It made us sneeze for a week,” added her Mama with a sigh. “I shouldn’t say it, but I believe the entire family was relieved when it died.”
“I would hazard a guess that a London Season would not be your favourite pastime,” observed Lady Henrietta.
“That would be correct, Ma’am,” agreed Cherry. “There is no lack of interesting places in town, of course, but none can really compare to the peacefulness of the woods in the evening, or the scent of the countryside as the sun rises first thing in the morning.”
“That is a valid point,” agreed Lady Hazel. “And something you probably agree with, as well, Henrietta. I understand that Belcaster also possesses a sizeable forest?”
“Indeed yes. A very pleasant one, isn’t it, Garrett?”
Thus addressed, he found himself forced to participate in a conversation he really wished they weren’t having. So he took a moment to find the best non-committal response.
“Yes, it is. But of course, since it’s ours, we’re obliged to say that.” He strolled to the windows. “It is quiet here, as well as beautiful. But one cannot but be aware of the delights the Metropolis has to offer, as Miss Trease has pointed out. I myself have found the city offers much to stimulate the mind.”
“As any gentleman would,” Cherry nodded in agreement. “I cannot imagine a lot of people finding my dedication to my forest intriguing.” She glanced at the ladies. “It is quite understandable for gentlemen of his Lordship’s standing to prefer London pursuits. Business interests must also draw you often to London, sir, and I doubt they leave much time for idle appreciation of the trees in Hyde Park.”
“Well, you’re both here now,” said Lady Hazel firmly. “And the timing is excellent, since I learned just today that Mrs Anne Kimble is hosting a delightful country dance this weekend. And it’ll be at our Village Hall.” She turned to Lady Henrietta. “Do you recall how much fun we used to have at those things?”
“Oh yes, I do indeed.” The answer came quickly and with a broad smile. “We both wore holes in our slippers, and ended the evenings quite exhausted.”
Garrett knew with absolute and utter certainty what was coming next. So, apparently, did Cherry. He saw her quick frown and guessed that her mind was already working on this particular problem. He was right.
“Oh goodness, Mama. Wasn’t this the weekend you’dplanned to travel north to Dingley Court? I understood that you and Mrs Featherhill were to discuss the new embroidery patterns to be created for Dingley Church…” She turned to Lady Henrietta with a smile. “I wonder if Mama had the same love for embroidery when she was a girl?”
“She did,” came the laughing response. “And she has already mentioned her latest project and shown me some of her lovely designs. But Hazel has given me to understand that those plans have been delayed, so you’ll both be free this weekend to attend the dance. Won’t that be lovely?”
“Oh. Well, yes. Yes, of course.”
Garrett wanted to laugh at the lack of enthusiasm in Cherry’s tone, but since he was caught in the same manoeuvre, he held himself quiet for a few moments. His mother turned her face toward him, with one eyebrow raised. He knew that look.
He sighed.
“Well, Mama, Lady Hazel, it seems you have us neatly trapped into attending this dance.”
“Nottrapped, dear boy,” replied his mother smugly. “Terrible word. Look at it as a chance to learn more about Forest Grange, and Lesser Banthorpe. I’m sure the evening will prove to be quite delightful. Am I correct, Hazel?”
“Indeed you are, Henrietta. It will be everything that could be wished for in the way of charming entertainment, without a doubt.”
Garrett and Cherry finally exchanged glances, but instead of looks conveying eager anticipation of fun and merriment, they were more those of two people about to be led to the guillotine.
As the afternoon drew to a close, and Lady Henrietta began to gather her belongings, Cherry managed a brief whispered word with Garret.
“Tomorrow. Nine o’clock, in the woods at the rise. We need aplan.”
“I’ll be there.” He paused. “But you’d better bring the plan, because I have no idea how to manage all this. None at all.”
*~~*~~*
The carriage ride back to Myrtle Manor was mostly quiet, although Lady Henrietta did allow herself a few moments to rhapsodise on the pleasures of seeing her old friend again after so many years.
“It was as if we’d just parted, Garrett,” she beamed. “She hasn’t changed at all, still the lovely and funny friend I remember so fondly. I wish we had not lost contact for so long, but being able to meet again? An extraordinarily delightful experience.”
“I am glad you had a good time, Mama.”
There. That was polite and diplomatic.
She waved the comment aside with a brief gesture. “Of course I did. And I was charmed to meet Hazel’s daughter. What a beautiful young woman.”
He refused to rise to the bait.
