The Heart's Companion - By Holly Newman Page 0,3

can well understand Mrs. Chitterdean’s knowledge. Most likely the earl paid a duty call on the reverend, for isn’t the reverend’s living from Royce’s gift? But how came Lady Tipton by her information?"

Lady Elsbeth shrugged. "Serena wrote assuming I was as well informed as she." She looked swiftly over at her niece, then dropped her gaze to her correspondence, her fingers nervously creasing one corner of a cream bond card. "The earl’s presence at Royceland is the reason she is coming here next week," she added with studied lightness.

"What?!" Jane exploded out of her seat, much in the manner Lady Elsbeth envisioned she would upon hearing that bit of intelligence.

"And Millicent," she continued quickly. "Actually, I gather they will be bringing a small house party with them. A group on their way to Brighton for some social event or other. She convinced them to break their journey here."

"If she is coming from Margate, Penwick Park is not on the road to Brighton. Besides, she is taking a great deal for granted."

She paused, a frown drawing her raven brows together. "You should write back to her and say this is not a good time for a visit. Say the children are sick, or something."

"Jane, so long as the Earl of Royce is in the neighborhood, I doubt anything would give her a moment’s pause. And you know, your sister Mary espouses an open house policy. I’m certain she and Delbert often have the strangest assortment of people here."

Jane sighed, knowing better than to argue with that truth. "In all events, I trust she does not expect us to introduce her to the earl. I didn’t even know he was in the area, and I am certainly not going to go out of my way to make his acquaintance."

"I have no doubt Serena and Millicent will somehow contrive to meet him," said Lady Elsbeth dryly. "But I do wish she’d given me more notice. A house party in less than a week! She was also rather vague about the number of guests accompanying her. I must speak to Mrs. Phibbs about airing some rooms and stocking the larder. And what shall we do about entertainment?"

A slow smile spread across Jane’s lips.

Lady Elsbeth, seeing her niece’s expression, repressed a shudder. "I know that look. You’re planning mischief."

"Not at all. I am merely contemplating how we might use Penwick Park for entertainment that may swiftly chase off my dear aunt and cousin."

"I don’t understand."

"Unless Aunt Serena and Millicent have drastically changed in the past few years, they hate to bestir themselves unless it is for dancing or shopping. Their idea of enjoyment is to sit in a central portion of a room, strike an elegant pose, and allow the world to come to them. No, not allow, demand the world come to them. Consequently, what do you think would happen if we plan sports and games, picnics and outings; in short, all manner of active country pastimes? Perhaps we could also make a point of including the children whenever possible. Yes. We shall contrive entertainments that are anything but sedentary. Then we will see how much my aunt and dear cousin like the country!"

Lady Elsbeth’s answering smile was all that Jane could hope for.

"You won’t throw a rub in my way?"

"I? I should say not. I don’t know what has happened in the past between you and Serena, but I’ll wager you’ll take the ribbon this meet. I must confess Serena has never been a favored sibling of mine. And I cannot help but wonder if she wishes my spinster services in some way, and that is why she is so anxious to see you married. While I, too, wish to see you married, I have no intention of becoming her unpaid servant when that happy event transpires. No, plan what you will. I shall be a cheerful spectator of this game."

Jane’s expressive green eyes narrowed in thought. "Games... games.... Yes. I shall plan recreation totally in keeping with Penwick Park’s attributes and therefore above suspicion. I might even come to enjoy this visit."

"I wouldn’t care to hazard funds on that likelihood, but I shan’t interfere." Lady Elsbeth gathered up her correspondence. "As I stated before, I have household plans to make with Mrs. Phibbs. May I ask a boon of you?"

Jane set down her coffee cup and absently brushed muffin crumbs from the tablecloth into her hand. "Naturally, Elsbeth. You know better than to ask." She emptied her hand over her plate.

"I know,