Free Callander Square by Anne Perry Page B

but even more would it be unlikely.”
    “My sister is most competent, sir,” she assured him, “and as I have said, has a longstanding interest in things of a military nature. My father, naturally, did not approve, so she has not been able to indulge it as her nature inclined. However, I am sure there would be no disapproval if she were to spend a little time being of assistance to someone such as yourself.” Of course she had no intention of telling him Charlotte was married to a policeman.
    He stared at her. A lesser woman than Emily might well have quailed before him.
    “Indeed. Well, if it meets with your father’s approval, I daresay it might prove of assistance to me. I pray you, raise the matter to him, and see if she is agreeable. If she is, she may call upon me, and we shall arrange some terms satisfactory to us both. I am obliged to you—Miss—” he had forgotten her name.
    “Ashworth,” Emily smiled again. “Lady Ashworth.”
    “Lady Ashworth,” he bowed very slightly. “Good day to you, ma’am.”
    Emily dropped a tiny curtsey and hurried out in an ecstasy of delight.
    She climbed straight into the carriage and commanded the driver to take her post haste to Charlotte’s house. It mattered not a pin what time of the morning it was; she must deliver herself of her plans, and fully instruct Charlotte in her future part in them.
    She had totally forgotten Charlotte’s warning to her, and her promise.
    “I have been to Callander Square this morning!” she said the instant Charlotte opened the door. She swept past her and into the parlor, swinging round to face her sister. “I have learned the most incredible things! For a start, Christina Balantyne is indisposed, nausea at this time in the morning! And she nearly bit my head off when I suggested she might put on weight. She begged me to say nothing of it to anyone! Implored me! What do you think of it, Charlotte? True or not, whatever the fact, I can see well enough what it is she fears! It can be only one thing. And she would not permit me to call a doctor.”
    Charlotte was pale. She stood just inside the door, her eyes wide.
    “Emily, you promised!”
    Emily had no idea what she meant.
    “You promised!” Charlotte said fiercely. “What do you imagine the Balantynes will do if they discover you know such a thing? From what you said of Lady Augusta, she will hardly sit by and allow you to ruin Christina! Have you no sense at all? I shall tell George myself, and perhaps he will be able to prevent you from being so idiotic!”
    Emily waved her aside.
    “Oh for goodness’ sake, Charlotte; do you imagine I don’t know how to conduct myself socially? I have climbed far higher than you ever will. Mostly, of course, because you won’t exert yourself. But do you imagine that because you won’t keep your opinions to yourself that I cannot, if I wish? I can lie so that Mr. Pitt would not know it, and certainly not Augusta Balantyne. I have no intention of ruining either myself, or George.
    “Now please pay attention to what I have been telling you about Christina! I have no idea who the man may be; but while I was there an opportunity arose, and I had the most brilliant idea. Naturally I seized upon it immediately. General Balantyne is writing a military history of his family, of which he seems to be extraordinarily proud. He needs some help to keep himself organized, take notes, and so forth.” She stopped for a moment to draw breath, her eyes on Charlotte. For the first time she actually considered the possibility that Charlotte might refuse.
    “Well?” Charlotte said with a slight frown. “I cannot see what General Balantyne’s military memoirs have to do with Christina’s fears.”
    “Why, they are the perfect answer!” Emily banged her hand on her skirt in frustration at Charlotte’s obtuseness. “I have volunteered that you will go and help him with his papers! You are the ideal person. You even like military matters—you can