Her sister frowned. “I don’t see how.”
“George and I need to spend more time at Donwell. The staff is most unsettled and would greatly benefit from having us in residence. It would be best if we stayed at Donwell for the next week or so, until we can sort through the various legal and personal matters.”
Her father regarded her with dismay. “You mean you will stay overnight at Donwell?”
“Yes, Father. We’ve done it before, you know.”
“But never for more than one night! What will I do if you’re there all the time?”
“That’s why I want Isabella to stay for another week. The children can keep you company, and Isabella can ensure that everything at Hartfield runs as it always does.”
Isabella hesitated for a few seconds. “I don’t know if John will approve of that.”
“I’m sure John will understand,” said Emma, “once you explain the reason. Or, you could ask him to return to Highbury and stay with you.”
Isabella emphatically shook her head. “He couldn’t possibly do that. He’s very busy at the office with a particularly important case that takes up much of his time.”
“Then I imagine he won’t be home a great deal, will he?”
“An excellent point,” Father said. “Why sit home waiting on John when you can be comfortable here at Hartfield? And the air is so much healthier in Highbury, you know. The children will surely benefit by remaining here.”
Isabella began to waver. “Well, I don’t—”
Henry, who’d been closely watching their conversation, tapped her arm to interrupt.
“Yes, dear?” Isabella said in a distracted tone.
“I heard Bella sneeze this morning,” he casually stated. “At least twice.”
Bella was the middle child of the Knightley brood, and the one most prone to sniffles.
His mother twisted in her chair to stare at him. “Are you sure?”
“Maybe even three times.”
Father threw down his napkin. “Isabella, you cannot possibly travel if Bella is coming down with a cold. She must stay here, and you must allow Perry to treat her.”
Isabella quickly stood. “Yes, of course. I’ll go check on her. Emma, could you send for Perry immediately? Hemustsee her before this develops into an infectious complaint.”
Emma bit back a smile. “I’ll send a boy around right away.”
Isabella rushed from the room without bothering to reply.
“This is very bad,” Father said, greatly perturbed. “What if all the children come down with a cold?”
She studied her nephew, who’d calmly moved on to his third scone. “Henry, did you really hear Bella sneeze three times?”
He waggled a hand. “Maybe she sneezed once.”
Father peered at his grandson. “Are you saying that Bella is not sick?”
“It would seem that Henry was colluding with us to persuade his mother to remain at Hartfield,” Emma replied with amusement.
Father’s brow cleared. “Very clever, Henry.” Then he held up a minatory hand. “But in general, once should not tell lies to one’s parents.”
“Unless it’s for a good cause,” Emma quipped.
Henry shrugged. “Bella won’t mind, because Mamma will pay lots of attention to her.”
