‘Alice?’ Elizabeth said in a warning tone. ‘It will end with him? It’s fine that you help the families here in Swaffham with other things, but William must be the only one you educate.’
Alice arched her brow. If she could help William, she could help others. Her sister hadherprojects as well, and Mary’s household was larger than the entire Fenton family’s. Alice had this.
‘Why?’
‘You are my most frustrating, sister.’ Elizabeth glanced through the open doorway. ‘But we’re here to celebrate Martinmas. The Alistair and the Benson families are in the other room, and no doubt wondering what we’re arguing about.’
‘We’re not arguing.’
‘Chatting heavily, then.’
Alice smiled. ‘Certainly.’
Elizabeth clasped her hands loudly. ‘Don’t think we won’t chat heavily another day. But right now I need to ensure that Cook hasn’t packed her satchel and left the kitchens.’
‘Oh, yes! What a tragedy would occur if the precious goose can’t be shoved in the oven and the cook, in shame, runs away!’
Elizabeth shook her head in chagrin, and Alice knew she had her sister on her side.
However, even as Alice’s heart warmed, unease settled upon her. It was time for her to meet everyone. To laugh even if she didn’t feel like it. Even if she disdained the waste and chatter that didn’t help her projects. It was time to begin what King Edward had ordered her to do. It was easier arguing with her sister.
‘Who else is coming?’
‘The Alistairs and Bensons, along with Lyman and Mitchell. Also, a few from the town council and a couple of shopkeepers,’ Elizabeth said.
Trust her sister to be supporting her husband. ‘Ah, to address cleaning up the streets?’
Elizabeth smiled conspiratorially. ‘I intend to ply them with lots of wine until they agree.’
‘Lots of wine? That should make the Alistairs and Bensons happy.’
‘No doubt the Alistairs more than most.’
Family friends for years, the Alistairs and the Bensons were like uncles and aunts to the Fentons. It would be easy for Alice to procure an invitation into their homes for investigation. They might be practically family, but she couldn’t dismiss anyone from being responsible.
Apprehension made her dizzy. But with Elizabeth beaming nothing but goodwill, how could she not do what the King commanded? What wouldn’t she do for her family?
‘That seems like quite a party for St Martin’s Day,’ she said.
‘Oh, I might have invited one more... Just to help your cause.’
Alice bit her tongue. It was what needed to be done, but the mere thought escalated her apprehension.
‘Anyone I know?’
‘It’s a surprise. I have it on good accord that the gentleman who will be attending this evening is visiting family and hasn’t been in town for years.’
Hugh had not been in Swaffham for years.
Alice’s heart skipped. There was no reason Hugh should come to Swaffham. No reason at all, except she’d seen him in that garden and he had said he would talk to the King.
‘You’ve gone pale.’ Elizabeth’s mouth turned down. ‘Have you changed your mind?’
Alice tried to stop her spinning thoughts. It couldn’t be Hugh. For one, Elizabeth would never have requested Hugh’s presence, and two he couldn’t be visiting family since he had none here.
‘No, no. Merely...nervous, I suppose.’
Her sister’s frown eased. ‘It’s the gentlemen present who should be nervous. That gown is stunning on you.’
