The two of them vanished and from the noise it was quite obvious they were running back to the kitchen. James looked up and saw both girls were trying to hide their smile.
'We can only hope, girls, that things run more smoothly from now on. That pernicious woman was obviously determined to cause as much disruption as she could before she leaves tomorrow.'
'I never thought to hear footmen running about the place,' Sofia said. 'I own that I quite like the idea. We'd certainly get things brought to us more speedily.'
Despite the inauspicious start to their meal he enjoyed every moment he was in the company of these two lively young ladies. The food, as always, was well cooked and piping hot. Foster came in to supervise and poured wine for all of them. As neither girl looked surprised to be given alcohol, he assumed they were used to drinking with their dinner.
Far too soon the dessert was done.
'Do you remain in solitary splendour, James, to drink your port?' Sofia asked playfully.
'I do not. I'm not fond of port. Shall we return to the drawing room?'
The girls insisted on playing spillikins, a childish pastime which involved being able to pick up little wooden sticks without disturbing those that they lay upon. James watched them from the safety of his armchair on the other side of the drawing room.
Initially Sofia had her back to him, they were both sitting on the floor. Then as the game progressed she moved around so she was facing him. She looked up and caught him unawares. He'd been watching her too closely, was sure his appreciation was still apparent, and her eyes widened. She returned his gaze for a second and then stood up abruptly.
'I think I've had enough of this, Annabel, we should retire. It's been a long and tiring day.'
They turned in unison, curtsied, bid him good night and were gone. The room seemed empty without them.
