Free Breaking the Rules by Sandra Heath Page B

a start of Macsen Wledig.”
    “Hmm.” He plunged his fork into a portion of hard-boiled egg in the kedgeree.
    She knew the tone of voice. “Is something wrong? I-I mean, if you really wish me to accompany you, then of course I will.”
    “It’s not that I wish you to come, m’dear, rather that I do not know if I can trust you not to go to the woods again.”
    “You have my word.”
    “I thought I had that before.”
    She colored a little. “This time I really will obey.”
    He looked at her for a long moment, and then nodded. “Very well, you may stay here with your translating.”
    She nibbled her toast, thinking about the woods again. “Father, I am very suspicious about Taynton’s so-called escaped felon. There were a number of men in the woods at dawn, at least, it sounded as if they were all men. I heard them. They were chanting.”
    He lowered his fork. “Oh, come now—
    “It’s true.” She told him about the dusky bluebell ring game.
    Mr. Elcester gave a guffaw. “Ursula, m’dear, I think you are imagining things. I fancy you returned to your bed and dreamed.”
    “It wasn’t a dream.”
    “Dusky bluebells, indeed. It’s a children’s game, not something adults would indulge in.”
    “I know, but—
    “But nothing, m’dear. You dreamed it, and that is that. Besides, I hardly think Rufus Almore would have been terrified witless by the sight of grown men cavorting around in the bluebells, do you?”
    Put like that, it did indeed seem silly, but she knew what she had heard. And she knew that Taynton was involved in it. She decided to change the subject. “What about dinner tonight? Will you be back from Stroud, or will you put up at the Golden Cross again?”
    “I’ll come back late today. I like to sleep in my own bed. My business at the mill shouldn’t take all that long.” He paused, as if there was something he needed to say.
    “Yes?” she prompted.
    “Ursula, I’m afraid I still haven’t been quite honest with you about things.”
    “What things?” she asked suspiciously.
    “Er ... about Mr. Greatorex’s arrival at Carmartin Park today. You see, I’ve sent him an invitation to dine here with us tomorrow night.”
    “You’ve what?” she said faintly.
    “I rather think you heard.”
    “Yes, I rather think I did too. I’m surprised you didn’t arrange it for tonight, to cause even more of a panic in the kitchens!” To say nothing of in me as well ...
    “Don’t be like this, m’dear. I agreed it with Lord Carmartin.”
    “Oh, Father, the cook needs more warning when an important dinner is to be prepared, even if there are only three at the table!”
    “Well, I’m sure the larder will have something suitable. I’m very partial to a nice bit of boiled mutton.”
    “Boiled mutton? Father, I refuse absolutely to serve mutton, boiled or otherwise!” Flustered, she tried to think what was at its best right now? Was there time to send to Gloucester for some Severn salmon?
    “I also rather like guinea-fowl,” Mr. Elcester went on.
    “Guinea-fowl? Oh, yes, I suppose that will do. Daniel Pedlar is sure to let us have a couple of his.”
    Her father beamed. “There, it’s settled then.”
    “Is there anything else you mean to spring on me? Lord Carmartin, the Prince Regent and the Bishop of Gloucester aren’t coming as well, by any chance? Maybe they’re lodging here as well?
    He colored, knowing he deserved her wrath. “No, just Mr. Greatorex. Nor is there anything else I should have told you.”
    “I’m relieved to hear it.”
    “But it is all for the manor and village,” he added.
    “A fact that right now I’m having to force myself to bear in mind,” she replied crossly. Just let him say one more word about her disobedience at dawn, just one word, and she would have a few things of her own to say!
    A respectful tap came at the door, and a maid entered with the overdue edition of The Times. “Begging your pardon, sir, but Mr. Taynton at the Green Man