“Ah, is Oakley his name?”
“Yes, Mr. Andrew Oakley.”
“Hmm, that is just as well.” He mumbled the statement under his breath, so I could not be certain of his words.
“Did you just say, ‘That is just as well'? If so, I do not take your meaning.”
Graham’s complexion deepened in colour. “By George, your hearing is excellent. I…um… did not intend to impart aught of significance. My mind often entertains idle thoughts that do not bear repeating.”
“I see.” My husband had a peculiar friend in Graham.
When we reached the Hound and Hare, Graham insisted we should repair therein for refreshments. I agreed, for a quiet respite from the prying eyes on the high street sounded most welcome. However, the dining room abounded with people, all female except for a pair of older men in a back corner, dashing any semblance of privacy within. Had someone called a town meeting? If so, I ought to have been notified.
I tugged on Graham’s arm. “The room appears to be full, so they may not be able to accommodate us. Perhaps we ought to leave.”
“Nonsense, I am certain they can meet our needs.” Graham signalled to a young male servant, who directed us to an unoccupied table in the centre of the room.
Fie, it seemed we should stay.
The frequent glances from the other patrons of the inn betrayed an interest in the two of us that superseded the attraction of those seated at their own tables. My bearing stiffened as I perused the room.
“Elizabeth, is aught amiss?”
My face glowed with heat under his pointed attention. “You cannot be unaware that the ladies in the room keep staring at us. A few of them may believe it improper for me to be here alone with you, though we are not doing anything wrong. I hope they will not spread spurious gossip.”
Graham twisted his upper body to behold the women at the other tables, offering them a charming smile. “I cannot imagine why they would do so. I am one of your husband’s oldest friends, and we are out in public, not hiding in a dark room. But maybe we should prove we have nothing to hide.” He stood and turned in a circle to include all present in his address. “Pardon me, ladies, may I have your attention?”
His opening statement could not have been more unnecessary—he had everyone in the room riveted upon him.
“I have observed that this town is blessed with an extraordinary abundance of attractive and amiable ladies.” Graham paused to give me a surreptitious wink. “Mrs. Darcy and I invite everyone here to join us. We should appreciate the company. Since I am new to the area, I want to become acquainted with all of you.” He turned to address the two male servants present. “Would you be good enough to place the other tables together with ours and move the chairs so the others may sit with us?”
The two men voiced their agreement and set to the task.
Frenzied movement ensued as the women rose from their seats and hied towards our table. I gaped at the spectacle. Had I ever before witnessed a group of ladies moving with suchhaste? Many opted to carry their chairs rather than wait for the servants to move them, and they positioned themselves as close to Graham as possible.
My friend Mrs. Sarah Mead managed to seize the available spot on my right. I moved close to her with the intention of remarking on the singular behaviour of the ladies present, but the sight of her stilled my tongue. Sarah’s eyes, glassy and directed at Graham, revealed her to be no less fascinated with him than any of the others. What could explain this phenomenon?
The young male servants worked with diligence to accommodate all the ladies who, without exception, accepted Graham’s invitation. The serving girl, upon her return from the kitchen, halted and blinked at the sight of the rearranged furniture.
By and by, I faced Mrs. Mead again. “It is a pleasure to see you here.”
After a long moment, she appeared to return to herself and met my gaze. “Mrs. Darcy, I am glad to see you as well.”
“Can you account for why so many ladies have come to the inn today?”
Her lips pursed. “I…no, I cannot. My own presence is somewhat of a mystery.”
“How can that be?”
“An hour or so ago, I sat in my parlour working on an infant’s dress for my neighbour’s baby when a sudden inexorable impulse pressed me to go to the Hound and Hare at once. So, I readied myself and walked towards the high street. I encountered several of my neighbours along the way, all of whom had acted upon a similar urge. The closer we came to the inn, the more ladies we encountered.”
“That is…extraordinary.”
“Yes, I know.” Sarah’s sight returned to Graham. “It is all quite strange.”
Graham raised a hand to the serving girl. “Miss, bring out your best teas and cakes for everyone.”
The girl stood transfixed for several moments, her eyes glued to Graham. When one of the young men who had moved the tables coughed, she flinched and blushed. “Yes, sir, at once.” She scampered back to the kitchen.
