His sister’s blue orbs widened. “Reddy, do you mean?”
“Mrs Reddicliffe, that’s it. Retired, didn’t she? My father pensioned her off as I remember, settled her somewhere round here.”
“Yes, at Romsey, but what in the world has she to say to anything?”
Alex turned to his brother-in-law. “I’ll fetch her over, Rob. She can take care of the girls while I’m in London, and I’ll escort Georgy home when I get back. Will that fit?”
Predictably, Georgy chimed in. “Bring Reddy here? Good heavens, Alex, she’ll hedge me so about I won’t be able to do a thing!”
“Precisely my point. Woman was a tartar, so Charlotte always said.”
“Yes, but a very kind one. I mean, I loved Reddy, but she was ever so strict.”
“Ha! Just what you need, my lovely,” said her husband, with a grin.
“I’ll not have her here, Rob, carrying on as if I was five!”
“Dash it, Georgy, it’s only for a day or two! But if it makes Rob easier…”
“Well, I would be easier in my mind if there was a sensible woman on the premises, I must say.”
“Oh, and I suppose I’m stupid, am I?”
“My darling, you may not be stupid, but you’re reckless and you’re carrying my heir.”
“What do you mean,maynot be stupid, you horrid creature? And I hope it’s a daughter, just to teach you a lesson!”
Rob grinned down the table at her. “No, you don’t. You’ve been nagging on about it being a boy since you found out.”
Georgy stuck her nose in the air. “I can change my mind, can’t I?”
“Every day. Now stop making difficulties, there’s a good girl. You’re not being very kind to our guest.”
Contrite, Georgy at once put out a hand towards Apple. “Oh, I don’t mean to be difficult, dear Apple. Only you don’t know Reddy. You just wait and see.” She flung a rebellious look at her husband. “And it’s no good expecting me to be kind to Alex, for I won’t. It’s his fault I’ve to put up with Reddy hedging me about, and I shan’t forgive him.”
Alex laughed. “Yes, you will, silly chit. Only think how you’re getting a few more days free of Mama’s restrictions.”
Georgy’s face of dismay was so comical, even Apple joined in the general laughter.
“I hadn’t thought of that. How right you are, Alex. Mama will drive me into a frenzy. Apple, wouldn’t you like to stay with me for a few weeks while Rob is off on his duties?”
But at this, her husband balked, throwing up his hands. “No, no, no, my sweet, you don’t get off as lightly as that. I’ll concede enough for the time it takes Alex to do his business in Town, but that’s all. I want you under your mother’s eye.”
“But I’ll be under Reddy’s eye, Rob, isn’t that enough?”
His smile was wry. “I don’t doubt you’re able to twist the woman round your little finger, just as you twist me. But you won’t do it with my formidable mother-in-law, and much as I hate to subject you to it, I’ll sleep better for knowing you are safe.”
Which settled the matter. Recognising defeat, Georgy subsided, turning her attention instead to Apple’s wardrobe. A matter which had been exercising Alex somewhat when he wasn’t occupied with working out what to do.
“Georgy, do you have a seamstress or some such in the area?”
“Not that I know of. Nelly does my mending, but she couldn’t fashion a gown, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“Well, what about the nearest town? Must be one of these dressmaking places somewhere near.”
His sister wrinkled her nose. “The nearest modiste is Emmeline’s in Romsey, but if I’m to judge by her made-up dresses, I shouldn’t care to have her make me a gown.”
“Youmight not. I dare say Apple ain’t so nice.” He caught an odd look from across the table. “No need to take a pet. Only trying to get you geared up with a couple of extra gowns.”
