Free Putting on Airs by Ivy Brooke Page B

sure, but I had a discussion with her earlier and convinced her that a betrothal was not a constructive approach for you.  She has agreed to give you a little more time on your own."
          "Thank you, sir."
    ------
     
    The month passed without worry for Imogene for the first time.  Her mother and Anthony were attending assemblies in the city, trying to find a potential wife for him, and Imogene would join now and again to satisfy her social needs.  Anthony's feelings were more set on the young Ms. Cole, but since the drunken embarrassment at the ball, she did not want anything to do with him.  Mr. Cartwright often visited his friend Mr. Butler senior, and Imogene would go along as well to visit Jane.  Both the Cartwrights and Butlers dined with the Coles every Saturday, and Imogene was thrilled to be finally unattached as Mr. Phillip and she spent more time together.
          As the following month was introduced, Imogene received an unexpected visit.  She was sitting at her desk, writing to Emmeline, when the servant announced two visitors downstairs for her.  Folding away the letter, she went down to the drawing room immediately where she found Mr. Archer and Clarice.  After initial greetings, Mr. Archer got to the point of their visit.
          "Clarice and I take a yearly trip down to Penzance in the summer to visit my friend and celebrate the Golowan Festival with him," he began.  "His name is Mr. Christopher Darwin Ashcroft.  Have you heard of him?"
          Imogene's curiosity was instantly aroused.  "I have heard of Mr. Patrick Reginald Ashcroft."
          "Oh, his father.  His son and I grew up in the same neighborhood; we have been good friends for years.  However, he is a widower and does not have any sisters, so we usually invite along a companion for Clarice whenever we visit him.  And we have both decided that we would like to invite you to join us."
     
          "Oh, I see..."  Imogene certainly did not expect that.  And what about the play that Mr. Phillip was planning?  He had said at their last supper that he would announce the play and cast choice in a week.  Why did they not think to invite Nell, who was nearer Clarice's age?  Or perhaps they had, and she was somehow unable to.  She hated the prospect of missing the play, but Clarice looked so hopeful.  She did enjoy the young girl's company, and besides, she had often heard how wonderful Penzance was in the summer, and she had read about the Golowan Festival, which made her vow to attend it someday.
          Somewhat hesitant, she replied, "If my father will spare me, then I would be pleased to accept your invitation."
          Clarice's face lit up.  "We have already spoken with your father about it, and he consents to it.  Oh, I am so glad you are coming!  You will love Penzance—it is so beautiful!  And Mr. Ashcroft's cottage is right by the sea!"
          "We will be leaving in a fortnight," Mr. Archer explained.
          "And...I shall be ready in a fortnight," Imogene replied awkwardly, no better reply coming to mind.
          "It is settled, then."  Mr. Archer then rose from his seat.  "I am sorry to leave so soon, but we are on our way to make another visit."
          Imogene felt that he merely wished not to encounter her mother or Anthony whenever they should return.  They bid their farewells and parted, leaving Imogene to dazedly watch them go from out the window.  Only a moment later, her father entered the room and surprised her.
          "Now you will be leaving me, will you?" he asked.
          "Yes..." she replied blankly.
          "You do not sound as though you are quite willing."
          "Oh, no.  I think it will be quite exciting, and I am fond of Clarice.  I just...I find it somewhat odd that they chose to invite me."
     
          "Although I know that you and Clarice have become good friends, I wondered about it myself.  They explained to me that