Free Proper Secrets by Rachel Francis Page A

you,” said Mr. Sheridan.
    “I am well, Mr. Sheridan, thank you.”
    “Mr. Annesley informed me that you took ill while walking through Tripton, I hope it was temporary,” he said.
    “It was.   At least I thought so.   I had a few episodes that day, probably fighting sickness,” said Emily.   She refused to look at Mr. Wingrave though he plainly centered himself in her field of vision.
    “That is a wonderful notion,” said Mr. Annesley, “Bridget has suggested we take a picnic outside, steal some bread and cheese from the larder.”
    “A magnificent plan,” agreed Mr. Wingrave, “If the ladies are up to it.”
    “Mama, do you think you could come with us?   I shall move a chair for you to sit on,” said Emily.
    “As long as I don’t overexert myself I should love to,” said Mrs. Worthing.   It was settled and all of them made preparations, though Mr. Wingrave would not let Emily carry a chair without doing it himself.
    “I am a gentleman’s daughter, not a weak-limbed child,” she said under her breath to him.
    “I would never imply that, Miss Worthing, but you would be just as offended if all these strong men let you carry your burden with no offer of assistance,” said Mr. Wingrave.
    “Apparently I am contrary, too,” she said in a huff.   Emily joined Genevieve in conversing with Mary and Peter, pointedly gaining distance from Mr. Wingrave.   From there she could see quite a serious attachment forming between her brother and Miss Wingrave.   She would be his senior, but Peter did not mind.   His open, clever expression delighted Mary, and Emily applauded everything he did correctly.   Peter supported her in conversation, but did not assume, instead allowing Mary to choose how intimate they were.
    “I’ve heard a great many times about the Worthing Library.   Is it as grand as the stories?” asked Mary.
    “Grand?   If you consider brimming with books grand.   We are nearly out of space; Papa has been planning an additional wing,” said Peter.
    “An addition to the house for books?   What dedication!   And the whole family reads voraciously, a fantastic hobby to bind you together.   I was also told that you make Genevieve play chess?   I thought it was a gentleman’s game?”
    “Genevieve is as clever as any lad, there is no reason why she should not challenge her logic.   Emily and Bridget were forced to oblige me until they grew old enough to win,” laughed Peter.
    “Your family seems a model of support.   All your siblings have turned out very well,” said Mary.
    “Only my siblings?” asked Peter.   Mary blushed and chided him for for provoking her.
    The friends picked a shady place to set up lunch, near patches of flowers and berries.   Mr. Wingrave put Mrs. Worthing’s chair at great advantage with a view of everyone. Genevieve begged Mary and Peter to join her in picking berries.   Emily went off by herself with the excuse of checking the height of their stream, which fed directly off the river.
    “Miss Worthing, let me join you.   I’ve a great curiosity about the grounds here,” said Mr. Sheridan.   Emily allowed it, unable to reject a walking partner, but she did not volunteer conversation.
    “I’ve heard from some people that you will not marry, Miss Worthing,” said Mr. Sheridan.
    “I am not inclined to do so, no,” said Emily.   He approached it as if it were merely an interesting fact about her rather than a philosophical statement, a thing which intrigued and repulsed her.
    “That’s just like Wingrave,” he remarked.
    “How is that like Mr. Wingrave?” said Emily.
    “Oh, he has refused to become attached thus far, despite the wishes of his mother.   Of course, she would see him with Miss Morley, which I do not believe he fancies.”
    “I think you are right, sir,” said Emily.   Mr. Sheridan beamed under her affirmation, taking it as a compliment to himself.   They strolled through a swath cut through the thin woods just before