Free Josette by Danielle Thorne Page B

laughed. “He's been wonderful company.”
    “I’m so pleased for you,” Mrs. Egglestone said. She made a pointed look at Josette, who recalled the earlier hints of affection between herself and Edward.
    Sir Robert said, “Edward has kept the dogs in good repair and both of my girls have now had their exposure to Raleigh.”
    Everyone chuckled good-naturedly at this except for Mr. Egglestone, who looked undecidedly at a picture on the wall.
    “Do you plan to return to London?” asked his wife to Edward.
    “Yes, but not straight away. I've written my mother but she has promised to see me in town after Easter.”
    “We insisted she come,” Lady Price explained, “but she insisted she could not.”
    Josette smiled. “My aunt is on a committee for music for deserving girls who have no means for instruction, a charity too dear to her heart. She has promised to come see us next autumn.”
    “And I'm sure to make her keep it,” Edward declared.
    This satisfied Mrs. Egglestone for a time and they continued a cheerful prattle as they discussed plans for the oncoming year. Over venison pasty, however, she turned kindly to Amy once more and told her, "I will have my sister's children for a time after Twelfth Night. It would be a great comfort to me if you would come.”
    Disappointment flushed Amy's cheeks. She blinked hard, and Josette saw she struggled for an answer. Leaving Beddingfield Park would mean several less weeks of engaging Edward's attentions, and when he returned to London, Josette suspected, he might forget all about his little kitten.
    “Amy and Edward are writing a play,” Josette announced, snatching up the conversation. “I don't see how she could bear to stop.”
    Her sister looked at her gratefully and brightened when Edward added, “I'm sure I could not do without her.”
    At this Sir Robert frowned, as did the vicar, but Lady Price said in a quick breath that Amy had many talents and only engaged in helping her cousin to write to please him. An awkward hesitation fell over the table as the Egglestone's waiting for Amy's demurral, so Josette without thinking further, volunteered.
    “Amy is prone to a cold,” she excused, “but I am not. The walks in the park with only my pelisse have only made me as vigorous as any seaman. I would be happy to help you with your nieces and nephews, Mrs. Egglestone.”
    The woman, if not astounded Josette would pass up time to spend with her inheriting cousin, happily accepted. She waited until the other ladies made their excuses to the drawing room, before scooting close to Josette to plan their future adventure.
     
    CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    A week after Twelfth Night and more cake than was good for her figure, Josette hurried into the drawing room with the latest ship-news. Her own room was in an uproar. She was to depart for the Egglestone’s soon, leaving Amy and Edward to their own devices.
    Seated beside the firescreen , Josette scanned the announcements. There was no mention of the Persephone and she told herself that it was good. No news meant no disasters. Lost in thought, her gaze turned toward the window, which had frosted over like lace. She imagined Captain Carter in a tar coat shuddering in the cold.
    Edward burst into the room and interrupted her sympathetic reflection. “It's snowing again. We'll be house bound until the Season.” He threw himself messily onto the settle.  
    “I leave for the Egglestone’s in a se’night , ” Josette answered. She put the paper down in her lap. You will put off your play until I return?”
    “Of course we will. I can't do without the Wicked Duchess.”
    “You did without her in your skits on Twelfth Night. How does Amy come along?”
    “It's a pity she's young. I’d take her to London with me in the spring.”
    “You most certainly would not.”
    Edward grinned back, his recent reserve forgotten. “You don't think she'd follow me if I pleaded?”
    “Papa would never allow it, nor would I. Besides,”