“I suppose Pa will have an opinion,” Livy allowed.
Mr. Wintergreen frowned and asked a number of questions. “I shall trust you gentlemen to find a way to prove your character, and to silence your brother,” he said. “I shall deal with my nephew.”
Bane had a question. “Will themusicaletonight be safe for you and your sister, Miss Wintergreen?”
“I shall escort you,” Mr. Wintergreen said.
“But Pa, you hate Society events,” Livy pointed out.
“I do, and musicales most of all. But I shall be welcomed, you need have no doubt of that. Most of these people owe me money, and those who don’t, use me to make them money. They will not wish to offend me, and seeing me with you will remind them they do not wish to offend my daughters.”
Drake had to admit to being relieved. He had no doubt of Mr. Wintergreen’s ability to deal with Marple and his mother. Curston, too, come to that.
Cilla asked about the proposed walk.
“A morning walk, I think,” said Wintergreen. “While Marple and his sort are still asleep. You shall enjoy it more, daughters. Now say your farewells to your young men and go and do whatever you need to do to flossy yourselves up for dinner. I have already told your aunt that I am escorting you tonight, and shall meet her there, but I will send a note to let her know I am most displeased with my nephew for making a fool of himself and a spectacle of my daughters.”
“Do you think we could get an invitation to the musicale?” Drake asked as the brothers walked home. “I would feel better if I was there myself.”
Bane shook his head. “I daresay being in public with the Sanderson brothers would draw more comment than they would like.”
“I do not want to go to Sheffield, that is certain,” Drake commented. “Not at the moment.”
But when they arrived back at their rooms, Pentworth and his wife were waiting for them.
