Free Death at the Wedding Feast by Deryn Lake

table, she turned to John.
    â€˜The twins are really sweet. I popped in and looked at them before I came down. How much longer are they staying?’ She turned to her mother.
    â€˜That rather depends on Dr Hunter. He will call and examine the Lady Elizabeth today. It will be on his pronouncement that we will await.’
    â€˜I am sure that the Marchesa will be anxious to return home and get into a routine with Jasper and James as soon as possible. Notwithstanding the generosity of your hospitality, Lady Sidmouth.’
    â€˜Nonsense, I’d have done the same for any of my friends. Not that my other friends are as likely to get into the identical sort of mischief as Lady Elizabeth, I might add.’
    John laughed while the two girls tittered into their teacups.
    â€˜Well, we owe you a million thanks, none the less. But you will soon need to clear the place of guests if you are preparing a big wedding. I take it it’s going to be celebrated here?’
    â€˜Indeed it is,’ Lady Sidmouth answered cheerfully. ‘The ceremony will be conducted in St Swithin’s Church nearby and the breakfast will be held at the bride’s home, which is this house.’
    â€˜I cannot think of a more beautiful setting,’ said John, meaning it. ‘Are you having many guests?’
    â€˜The world and his wife,’ said Lady Sidmouth before Miranda interrupted, ‘Beg pardon, Cousin.’
    The older woman inclined her head and Miranda went on, ‘Montague’s family is quite large. He has an unmarried granddaughter who is dying to find a husband. Then he has two grandsons, Viscount Falmouth and Lord George. They are the children of Montague’s son, who died when they were all quite young. They all hate me because they think I might present Montague with another baby and they wouldn’t like that at all.’
    â€˜Why?’ asked John. ‘The oldest boy is bound to inherit everything, isn’t he?’
    â€˜Yes, unless he dies of course.’
    The Apothecary’s mobile eyebrows rose in surprise. ‘Surely he is not sickly?’
    â€˜Not he,’ chimed in Felicity, ‘he’s as fit as a pudding for a friar’s mouth. And he’s a clever devil too, always striding round with a book in his hand. All in all I think he’s a crimping fellow.’
    â€˜There’s no need to be rude,’ Miranda retorted. ‘I know he’s not handsome but he’s – clever and kind.’
    â€˜Kind be blowed. If he would just remove his beastly spectacles it might improve his looks.’
    â€˜Well, he’s going to be my step-grandson so I won’t hear another word.’ Miranda giggled. ‘Though secretly I rather agree with you.’
    Lady Sidmouth opened her mouth to protest but John forestalled her. ‘And what about the younger brother? What’s he like?’
    Again Felicity spoke before Miranda had a chance to answer. ‘He’s a handsome thing. As unlike his brother as chalk is to cheese. He’s tall, dark, never wears a wig and his hair reaches his collar. He’s a regular dashing blade and doesn’t he just know it.’
    John smiled. The word-picture had completely conjured up the man. He wondered vaguely if Felicity ought to write.
    â€˜Well,’ Miranda said, somewhat defensively, ‘the grandson may be handsome but the grandfather is by far the most debonair.’
    â€˜I can’t wait to meet him,’ stated John, his voice free of expression.
    â€˜Well, you shall,’ said Miranda, smiling sweetly. ‘We are giving an assembly a few nights before the wedding. You must come – and the Lady Elizabeth, if she is sufficiently recovered.’
    â€˜I am quite sure she will be,’ John answered. ‘And I thank you.’
    Lady Sidmouth spoke up. ‘You must both come to the wedding – and dear old Sir Clovelly Lovell. He is quite one of my favourite