“What do you suppose you will do at a literary salon?” Juliet asked.
“Perhaps our aunt could read fromThe Dreadful Doings of Dembric Dale?” Cordelia asked. “They’re probably always looking for superior literature and nobody knows how to find them as well as you do, Aunt.”
“That is always a possibility,” Miss Mayton said nodding. “Then of course, the members may well wish to see your Desdemona if they are in the mood for something particularly poignant.”
In the distance, they could hear the front doors crash open. Juliet leapt from her seat. “Can that be Darden already? So early in the day?”
“Goodness, we did not expect him until dinner,” Miss Mayton said.
Lord Darden himself came into the breakfast room and braced himself for the onslaught of sisters. It was a deal more manageable than it had been in the past, as only Cordelia and Juliet remained in the house.
Cordelia had leapt up and threw her arms around her brother, as Juliet did from the other side.
“Our dear brother.”
“Dear Darden.”
“My sisters, Miss Mayton, I am so pleased to see you,” Darden said from somewhere behind someone’s India shawl.
“How is it you are here so early?” Cordelia asked.
“I was only in Kent, and I set off before sunrise,” Darden said. “I told Cahill and Dunston, we were staying at Dunston’s house you understand, that my sisters were arriving and I must not tarry.”
“You are a very good sort of brother, Darden,” Cordelia said.
Darden laughed and said, “Now unhand me so I can be a stillbreathingsort of brother.”
They did unhand him and took back their places at the table, while Darden filled a plate from the sideboard.
“Father is not yet down?” he asked.
“Not yet,” Miss Mayton said. “I believe the journey tires him, though he is too good to say so.”
Darden returned with his plate and sat down. “How long did it take you this time?” he asked.
“Thirteen days,” Juliet said.
“Thirteen?” Darden said laughing. “From Taunton? I suppose you managed to entertain no end of people.”
At that, the uncomfortable memory of Mrs. Dorothy Jordan came to everyone’s mind.
“We only dined with an actress,” Juliet said. “I do not know if you know this, Darden, but they can be rather stupid.”
“Nothing between the ears at all,” Miss Mayton confirmed.
“I suppose that’s why they have such a terrible reputation,” Juliet said.
Darden snorted. “Yes, that must be why.”
“I wrote an ode about it,” Juliet said. “Ode to Incomprehension.”
“I see,” Darden said. “Well I am surprised Cordelia did not fancy knowing a famous actress.”
Cordelia took on a stoic look and said, “I am afraid Mrs. Jordan and I live in different spheres, with different understandings.”
“Yes, I suppose you would,” Darden said. “Any other adventures of note? I do not see any wildlife roaming about so that seems a good sign.”
Tattleton cleared his throat from the sideboard. “We have acquired a goat, my lord.”
