I do not!
Emily nodded firmly. “Splendid idea, Soph.”
Coleus stopped her atrocious playing and rose excitedly. Oh, yes, dear Coleus would find this all very intriguing.
Lord Carlisle shook his head but then met Rhoda’s eyes and smiled. Warmth spread through her limbs at the thought that he was no longer angry with her.
Had he felt her watching him all day? When he held her gaze, she did not look away. She wanted to tell him… everything. She wanted to apologize.
She’d hurt him. She knew and felt sorry. But courting led to offers and offers led to marriage. Surely, he’d not wish to be tied to her and all her scandals!
A niggling voice taunted her though…What if he does?
“Just so everyone knows the rules. One person hides. After the others count to one hundred, they seek the original sardine out. When they find him or her, they take cover as well. The last person to find the packed in sardines is the loser,” Sophia explained for those who hadn’t played since they were children. Which would likely be most of them.
“Any rules about where a person can hide, Soph?” Emily perked up. The house was massive. This game could go on for hours.
“Er…” Sophia puckered up her mouth thoughtfully. “Bedchambers are off limits, and the nursery, of course.”
“Of course,” Cecily agreed although she appeared less than enthusiastic.
“Very well. Who shall be the first person to hide?” Coleus rubbed her hands together.
“I’ll think of a number between one and twenty. Whoever comes the closest wins.” Sophia winked at Emily. Alarm bells went off in Rhoda’s head. Sophia and Emily were going to cheat! A wave of misgivings attacked her. What would Emily do? Why was Emily looking so determined?
Rhoda hadn’t spoken with her about pursuing Lieutenant Langdon instead. Panic set in. Everything was moving far too quickly now.
Sophia made an elaborate production of asking everyone for a number and then shaking her head until it was time for Lord Carlisle to guess.
Of course, he chose correctly.
Rhoda’s heart skipped a beat. Emily had the same look on her face that she’d had while devising methods for Cecily to kill her first husband.
Not Lord Carlisle! Rhoda had changed her mind!
The earl smiled obligingly and rose. “No bedchambers and avoid the nursery then.” At Sophia’s nod, he walked toward the door.
“Everybody close their eyes now.” Rhoda pretended to close her eyes but could see just enough to catch sight of Emily tiptoeing out of the room and Sophia waving her along.
No! Should she cry foul? But she could not!
Should she chase after Emily? Bring her back and avoid embarrassment for them all?
Just when Rhoda could hardly stand in a second longer, Emily slipped back into the room. Maybe she hadn’t found him yet.
“Ninety-six, ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred!” Everyone opened their eyes.
Emily looked more than a little out of breath.
“Good Lord, Sophia,” Coleus complained. “You’re the slowest counter I’ve ever played with!”
Rhoda followed Emily into the foyer. She’d stick to her like glue, if necessary. “I thought I heard him heading toward the attic.” Emily sounded quite convincing, but Rhoda knew better.
Most of the party took off toward the stairs. Sophia smiled wickedly. “I’d imagine he’d head for the kitchens.” Sophia grabbed Rhoda by the wrist and dragged her halfway down the hall. Cecily followed at a slower pace.
Rhoda tried to resist but aside from wrestling her friend to the ground, she could not manage to get herself free. When had Sophia become so strong?
Where had Emily gone?
