The Heart's Companion - By Holly Newman Page 0,32

Willoughbys and Sir Helmsdon shall be here shortly. The most tiresome circumstance occurred. One of the horses harnessed at the last stage to Lord Willoughby’s carriage came up lame. As Sir Helmsdon was mounted, he quite generously volunteered to set off to secure another horse. One of the link boys could have walked back, but Sir Helmsdon would have nothing of it. Such a kind and considerate man. I am quite amazed that in our modem society gallantry such as his should still exist. It says much of the man, don’t you think?"

Lady Elsbeth murmured some noncommittal phrase which her sister took as an agreement. Finding Elsbeth in an agreeable mood, Lady Serena launched into a full recital of all the gentlemen they’d had visit them that summer.

"I swear, coming here shall be a blessed peace from the frenetic pace of society at holiday. It is worse than at the height of the season! Of course, with my dear Millicent’s looks, and the funds poor Mr. Hedgeworth secured on her, it is not to be wondered at. Poor Jane. It is really too bad that she does not possess my Millicent’s confidence and elegance. Well, never fear, that is why I am here. We shall see that Jane has suitors. "

"Very clever puss is your sister," put in Mr. Burry as he trudged after them arm-in-arm with Millicent.

"Thank you, Raymond dear," enthused Lady Tipton. "Ah these must be Mary’s two boys." She reached forward to pinch their cheeks.

Bertram looked up at Jane. She squeezed his shoulder in commiseration.

"My dear Jane, you haven’t changed a bit," said Lady Serena Tipton. There was the slightest hint of disappointment in her tone. She looked as if she would clasp Jane except for the boys' continued presence.

"Please, won’t you come in, Aunt Serena?" Jane invited smoothly, nodding to Millicent and Mr. Burry to include them as well. "Mrs. Phibbs has your rooms ready."

"Thank you, my dear. I admit I am quite fagged. Though the roads these days are much improved, traveling just does not agree with my constitution."

Jane released the boys to scamper down to the stables. "Yes, I understand that is a condition I may have to contend with when I reach your years," she said blandly, turning to lead the small party into the house.

Lady Elsbeth frowned, Lady Serena looked nonplussed. Millicent chuckled. Lady Serena sent her a scathing look, which her daughter shrugged aside.

"We have planned a small party for this evening to celebrate your visit. Just a few of the neighbors for dinner with more arriving afterwards for a little informal dancing," Jane said as they approached the main staircase. There stood Mrs. Phibbs with her retinue of maids ready to show their guests upstairs. "I do hope you will be recovered by then?"

"How quaint," Millicent cooed. "A country party. I swear I haven’t attended one since I was sixteen, before my come out. I don’t suppose you have any important guests on your list? I doubt you even know the Earl of Royce, and he is the nearest neighbor, is he not?"

Jane looked back at Millicent to see her cousin smiling at her with treacle sweetness. "Royce? Oh, indeed we do. He has been over every day the past week," she said easily. Not for a moment would she admit the objects of his attention have been her two nephews. "But he was uncertain as to whether he would join us. It seems he is expecting a guest today and did not wish to make commitments for his friend without consulting him first. It may be that we do not see him at all until his guest has left," Jane offered guilelessly, smiling graciously back at her cousin.

"We keep country hours here at Penwick Park, so dinner is at six. I hope that will not discommode you in any way? And do not worry for the rest of your party. I shall send a man out after the Willoughbys to see if he may be of assistance." She paused to give Mrs. Phibbs a few quiet instructions, then turned to smile broadly at their guests. It was that cold, social smile that failed to reach and warm her eyes. "Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some last details to go over with Cook."

Lady Elsbeth watched Jane walk slowly away, realizing her niece would rather be running. She shook her head. "We shall send your servants up as soon as the carriages are unloaded. Mrs. Phibbs has directed that