Read Online Season's Regency Greetings by Carla Kelly - Free Book Online Page B

is he not?”
    Davy rolled his eyes, and Lucinda giggled. “Miss Ambrose, we have been informed that he is Sir Lysander to us,” Lucinda said. She sighed then. “I hope she stays, Davy.”
    â€œ Then you are probably the only one at the table with that wish!” her brother retorted. He blushed, and looked at his plate. “I don’t mean to embarrass you, Miss Ambrose.”
    â€œ You don’t,” she said, and touched his arm. “In fact, I think—”
    What she thought left her head before the words were out. A loud scream came from the sitting room, and then noisy tears bordering on the hysterical. Lucinda’s eyes opened wide, and Davy lay back in his chair and lolled his head, as though all hope was gone.
    â€œ Oh, dear,” Cecilia whispered. “I fear that Sir Lysander did not meet Lady Janet’s expectations. She’s your sister, and you know her well. Should we do anything?”
    â€œ I could prop a chair under the door, so she can’t get in here,” Davy suggested helpfully.
    â€œ David, you know that is not what Miss Ambrose means!” Lucinda scolded. She looked at Cecilia. “Usually we make ourselves scarce when Janet is in full feather.” She stood up. “Davy, I have a craving to go tramping over to the south orchard. There is holly there, and greenery that would look good on the mantelpiece. Would you like to join us, Miss Ambrose?” She had to raise her voice to compete with the storm of tears from the sitting room across the hall, which was now accompanied by what sounded like someone drumming her feet on the floor.
    â€œ I think not,” Cecilia said. She finished her now-cold tea. “Bundle up warm, children, and take the footman along. You might ask him to stop at the manor and inform your uncle.”
    Lucinda nodded. She opened the breakfast room door and peeked into the hall. “We don’t really want to leave you here alone, Miss Ambrose.”
    â€œ It is only just a temper tantrum, my dear,” Cecilia said, using her most firm educator’s voice. “I can manage.” I think I can manage, she told herself as the children gave her doubtful glances, then scurried up the stairs to get their coats and mittens. She sat at the table until they left the dower house with the footman. The last person Janet wants to see is me, especially when we have just begun to be on speaking terms, she thought.
    â€œ Miss?”
    Cecilia looked up to see the housekeeper in the doorway, holding a tray.
    â€œ Please come in, Mrs. Grey,” she said, managing a half smile. “We seem to be in a storm of truly awesome dimensions.”
    Mrs. Grey frowned at the sitting-room door, then came to the table, where she set down the tray. “Between you and me, Miss Ambrose, I think that Sir Lysander is in for the surprise of his life, the first time she does that across the breakfast table!”
    â€œ Oh, my,” Cecilia said faintly. “That will be a cold bath over baked eggs and bacon, will it not!”
    Mrs. Grey smiled at her, in perfect agreement. “I am suggesting that you not go in there until she is a little quieter.” She indicated the tray. “Lady Falstoke sometimes waves burnt feathers under her nose, and then puts cucumbers on her eyes to cut the swelling.” She frowned. “What she really needs is a spoonful of cod-liver oil, and the admonition to act her age but …” She hesitated.
    â€œâ€¦ but Lady Falstoke is an indulgent mother,” Cecilia continued. “I will give her a few minutes more, then go in there, Mrs. Grey, and be the perfect listener.”
    The look the housekeeper gave her was as doubtful as the one that Davy and Lucinda left the room with. “I could summon her uncle, except …”
    â€œâ€¦ this is a woman’s work,” Cecilia said. “Perhaps a little sympathy is in order.”
    â€œ Can you do that? She