Free Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland Page B

or something.”
    I straightened, finding a small chance for him to slowly redeem himself in my eyes. “I would love to join you both, if that would be acceptable. It has been much too long since I have been able to spend time with my dearest sister. I promise I will be no trouble.”
    He looked over at Clementine and laughed, which unfortunately brought an unattractive vein to his forehead. “Is she serious?” he asked. And when Clementine did not answer he reached down and pecked her on the cheek with as much love and passion as if she were a couch cushion and left.
    Tears welled in my eyes at the thought of my dearestClementine chained to a life with a man such as this. She would die of sheer boredom and monotony. And surely I would perish at the loss of my dear sister forever.
    “Bye, Clint!” Clementine crooned, and then stood and cleaned up his mess, which consisted of more crumbs and debris than when our baby cousin Chloe pays us a visit.
    “I’m surprised you are still involved with that unimaginative nincompoop. Really, Clementine, I am surprised you can endure it. He keeps you from being attached to anyone else, and I am sure you noticed how wretchedly he treated me just then.”
    “Cut it out, Polly,” Clementine said, wiping off the table. “And really, ‘nincompoop’? I was hoping you’d be done with the
thee
s and
thou
s by now.”
    I ignored her rash comment and sat at the table, placing a laced napkin on my lap. “I met a young gentleman who is employed at the toy store today. He’s your age, Clementine, and ever so handsome and kind. He adores chocolate chip muffins and, I believe, is planning on calling tomorrow morning. His name is Edward. Imagine, dear Clementine, a prince, and you would not be far from his true image.”
    “Edward, huh? Well, why is he coming here?”
    “Clementine, my darling sister. He is someone who is suited for you. He has manners and an enticing British accent, and he was so kind to aid me in my hour of need.”
    “Well, why don’t you date him then?”
    The tea kettle sang out, and I poured a small cup of tea in Mama’s roseleaf tea set. I added two lumps of sugar and blew over the top of the tea. “Ah, I would if he was but my age. Unfortunately, years between us will forever be a barrier for any love that we may have had. But really, Clemmy … Clementine, Clint is just like every other boy in the school. He’s a bore. Edward? Well, he’s perfect for you. And he’s coming over tomorrow morn for chocolate chip muffins.” I sighed.
    She turned to me, a piece of Clint’s leftover bagel in her hand. She wagged it at me. “He can come for muffins, but don’t you go trying to fix me up with him. Ever since you read that stupid book about prejudice and pride, you’ve gone completely nuts.”
    I sipped my tea. “Well, I mourn for you, my dear. And if I am completely nuts for having manners and good taste, then Clementine, I hope to be completely insane.” I dabbed at the corners of my mouth. “And I think you will think much differently on the morrow.Edward is quite a dashing suitor and respectful of me, unlike Clint.”
    At this she rolled her eyes quite unbecomingly.
    She was beyond my help, it seemed. I sighed deeply and smelled …
    Something burning?
    I crinkled up my dainty nose. “Dear Clementine, you perchance have not been … cooking something?”
    “Oh, crap!” She smacked her hands on the table and dashed for the oven.
    She pulled out a blackened shriveled circle and plopped it onto the counter. “Stupid pizza,” she said.
    I took my leave after wrapping a small red apple from the fruit basket in my lace handkerchief. “Remember about the gentleman who will be calling tomorrow. I do hope you’ll do better with the chocolate chip muffins in the morning.”
    “Oh, shut it, Polly.”

chapter nine
In Which I Feel the Weight
of My Chosen Task
    I t was very distressing to continually dial Fran’s telephone number and find the line still