Free Tea and Scandal by Joan Smith Page B

friendly as can stare, ” Fay said. “ It was not Lady Sykes ’ s interference that has kept him away, but age and indolence. It was good to see the old rogue again. He promised he would come back soon. I doubt he will come, but at least I know he is on my side. And how was your outing, Jane? ”
    “ Wilkie attacked us, ” she said, and told the story of the cob.
    “ Nasty things, swans. I cannot imagine why all the world admires them so. One of them made a flying start at me the last time I went down to the lake for a stroll. It frightened the life out of me. You and Scawen get along well, do you? ” she asked, and looked sharply for a reaction.
    Everyone liked Swann. It had occurred to Lady Pargeter even before sending for her niece that Jane might like him well enough to marry him. It would be nice to have Jane living close by. It was even nicer to have her at Wildercliffe, but she must not be selfish. Jane was young, and should look out for her future. Fay would not live forever.
    “I like him very much. He’s so foolish, and so easy to talk to. I never feel uncomfortable with him, as I do with Lord Fenwick. ”
    “ Oh, Fenwick! He ’ s a handsome rogue, but I wouldn ’ t waste any time throwing my hankie at him. All the fine ladies are after Fenwick. That would be looking a good deal too high. ”
    Jane colored up briskly. “ I have no intention of throwing my bonnet at him. Such a thought never entered my head. ” Yet she felt guilty. It was impossible to meet someone like Lord Fenwick and not at least wonder what it would be like to be a part of his world. To change the subject, she mentioned that Lady Sykes was planning to invite them to a dinner party.
    This news was received with disbelief, tinged with suspicion. “ It ’ s a hoax. If she is inviting me to dinner, it is only in the hope of poisoning me. ”
    “ I think it ’ s an olive branch, Aunt Fay. You want to reestablish yourself in the neighborhood. Why refuse this first offer? ”
    “ I ’ d like to know what the shrew is up to, ” Lady Pargeter said. “ First calling, now asking us to dinner. That is one gift horse whose mouth I shall examine thoroughly before accepting. She couldn ’ t have known of Malton ’ s call so soon. ”
    “ You mentioned inviting the folks from Swann Hall to dinner. No doubt Lady Sykes had a similar idea. ”
    “ I shall go, and I shall wear the Pargeter diamonds to rile her, ” she said, and laughed spitefully.
    Jane began to see that family parties could be every bit as disconcerting as Fenwick had said.
    In the afternoon Lady Pargeter had another nap. Jane donned an ill-fitting riding habit five years old and went to the stable to see if there was a suitable mount. She was not a very experienced rider, but she enjoyed the sport. The groom recommended Brownie, a middle-aged bay mare of mild disposition, and accompanied her on a ride about the estate to familiarize her with the animal. She enjoyed her outing immensely, and thought that if Fenwick happened to invite her out riding, she could now acquit herself without shame.
    When she returned, Fay was having an early tea with Lord Malton, who had been to see his man of business in Bibury, and brought her the latest journals. The two of them were obviously on friendly terms. In fact, Lord Malton ’ s behavior was not an inch short of flirtation. He seemed unhappy with Jane ’ s return, and left almost at once.
    “ Your new beau is wasting no time, ” Jane said.
    “ He ’ s lonesome, as I was myself, before you came, ” Fay replied.
    “ All this eating and no exercise! ” Jane scolded when she saw the cold mutton and bread, the plum cake and other dainties spread out. “ Tomorrow you and I are going for a long walk in the park. ” Then, after scolding her aunt, she partook of a substantial tea herself. The teas at Miss Prism ’ s had been parsimonious in the extreme. And besides, her ride had whetted her appetite.
    The remainder of the