Free Rivals of Fortune / The Impetuous Heiress by Jane Ashford Page B

daresay it will be good for us all.” And having reached this conclusion, he turned and left the room without another word.
    When he was gone, Erland smiled ironically. “I wonder how Templeton will like that,” he said. “He did not seem to me the sort of young man who likes to dig. I wonder if he has ever held a shovel?”
    â€œHave you?” asked Joanna.
    He turned back to her, his smile gone. “Indeed, I have. Do you forget that I am a colonial? I have held and used a shovel, an axe, a long rifle, and many other very ungenteel implements. I shall be your father’s chief digger, I wager.” He looked directly into her eyes.
    For some reason, his cool gray gaze made Joanna uncomfortable. “Father did not mean…” she began.
    But Erland held up a hand. “I have the greatest respect for Mr. Rowntree.”
    Joanna found this reply somewhat unsatisfactory, though she did not know why. But before she could speak, he went on. “And now, I want your advice.”
    She stared at him. No one had ever asked for her advice before.
    â€œYour mother has been telling me, you know, about this party she plans. It sounds splendid, and I am very grateful. Indeed, I should like to repay her hospitality and entertain my neighbors, perhaps. So, I have evolved a scheme.”
    â€œWhat?” said Joanna when he paused.
    He smiled. “I thought I would stage a picnic at the Abbey, perhaps next month. We might wander about the ruins, you see, and eat our dinners sitting on mossy old stones.” He looked at her expectantly. “What do you think?”
    â€œI?” Joanna was nonplussed.
    â€œYes. I want your opinion. Do you think it a good idea? Will it be suitable? The interior of the house is so run-down, I cannot hold any gathering there. This seemed just the ticket. But will it do?”
    â€œOh, yes. It sounds splendid.”
    He eyed her narrowly. “There’s no need to be polite, you know. I have been out of the country for so long that I know nothing about fashionable amusements.” He grimaced. “Never did, if the truth be told. So, I wish to know if a picnic is all right.”
    Joanna had recovered from her surprise. “Oh, yes,” she assured him. “It is all the crack just now. Everyone will like it excessively.”
    Erland looked at her, then nodded. “Good. I will set things in motion. Mrs. Smith will no doubt have the vapors.”
    Joanna laughed, a vivid picture of the old housekeeper’s probable reaction in her mind.
    â€œExactly,” said Erland, “but have no fear, I shall win through.”
    â€œWhen will it be?”
    â€œWell, your mother’s party is next week, I believe, so mine shall not be for another two weeks after that. I do not wish people’s memories of your mother’s perfectly-run household to be too bright. The contrast will be shocking, I fear. So, say the middle of July, then.”
    â€œPerhaps the ruins will be cool,” offered Joanna.
    â€œPrecisely, I shall put that on my invitation cards.”
    â€œHow absurd you are.”
    â€œI?” He feigned astonishment. “Not at all. I am the most commonplace of men.”
    Joanna merely shook her head, and Erland rose. “I must go,” he added. “I have neglected a great many unpleasant duties already this morning, and now I must attend to some of them.”
    Joanna rose also, and they started toward the door.
    â€œBy-the-by,” continued the man as they reached it, “I do not wish to reveal my plan for a picnic just yet. I must see first whether it can be done. Can we make it our secret for a while?”
    Joanna cocked her head. “If you wish.”
    He smiled. “You must help me with the arrangements, and when they are complete, we shall unveil the scheme to the world.”
    The girl did not know exactly how to take this. She wondered if her mother would approve of her planning a party