Part 47 (2/2)
Em straightened.
”Just remembered. Harry's a close friend of Elmira's son--Alfred, Lord Asterley. Been thick as thieves since they were at Eton together.” She watched as Lucinda reached again for the note.
”Oh?”
”Indeed.” Em's eyes glazed as she considered the possiblities.
”Always hand-in-glove in mischief. Got sent down together any number of times.” For a moment, she remained sunk in thought, then flicked a glance at Lucinda, busy scrutinising the invitation.
”You know,” Em said, sitting back in her chair, 'it's probably not surprising that the invitation's just for you. I can see how it would have been--Elmira had a last-minute cancellation and asked Alfred if he could suggest someone suitable to fill the gap. ” Em hesitated, then added,
”And Alfred and Harry are very close.”
The more Em thought of it, the more convinced she was that Harry was behind the unexpected invitation. It would be just like him to manoeuvre to get Lucinda into the country, free of mentors, admirers and step-daughters, so he could make amends for his behaviour away from all interested eyes. Very Harry indeed.
Em snorted.
The atmosphere around the breakfast table had altered dramatically.
Instead of resignation bordering on the morose, speculation now tinged the air. Varying degrees of calculation and decision were reflected in the ladies' expressions.
Pus.h.i.+ng her plate aside, Heather put their thoughts into words.
”You have to go.”
”Absolutely,” Em agreed.
”Heather and I are more than capable of entertaining each other for a few days.”
Lucinda, reanimated but still frowning, looked up from the invitation.
”You're sure it's acceptable for me to go alone?”
”To Asterley Place] Of course!” Em dismissed the point with a wave.
”It's not as if you were a young girl making her come-out. And you'll find plenty there you've already met, I don't doubt. Very fas.h.i.+onable, Elmira's parties.”
”Do go.” Heather leaned over the table.
”I'd love to hear all about it. Maybe We'll all be invited next time.”
Lucinda glanced at Heather's eager young face. Her hesitation was pure prevarication; if there was any possibility Harry had organised the invitation then she had no choice but to go.
She straightened and drew in a breath--a surge of revivifying hope came with it.
”Very well. If you're sure you can manage without me?”
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