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“What do you mean, a dangerous pair?” Jane asked.
Caroline glanced at Elizabeth. “It’s just that…well, they’ve been known to cause a stir on the social scene. Women flock to them like moths to a flame. But I suppose you're not worried about that.”
“Not at all. I think Richard's stepsister Anne is going out with them as well.”
Caroline stopped in her tracks. “AnneDeBourgh?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “I guess.”
“Oh. Well. It's common knowledge that Anne has had her sights set on William for quite a while.”
“Well, Will is crazy about Lizzy,” Jane interjected. “No one can turn his head.”
“I'm sure you're right, Jane,” Caroline said, her tone slightly patronizing. “Perhaps his bachelor days—as wild as they were—are over now.”
Elizabeth fought the sudden swell of insecurity that threatened, and turned a charming smile on Caroline. “I'm not worried. He misses me and can't wait to get home.”
They browsed the farmer's market, where Elizabeth bought some produce, freshly baked sweet rolls, and some locally roasted coffee. The market was in the same park where she and Will had danced last week, and the sweet memory made her miss him even more.
Jane and Caroline drove her home, and they parted ways, agreeing to meet for dinner at seven at a restaurant in New Seabury. Elizabeth was feeling less than enthusiastic about spending the evening with Caroline; her comments about Will had rankled, and she couldn't shake the cloud that sullied her mood.
She quickly texted Will, letting him know she would be going out soon and would talk to him later, and he responded quickly.
Have a good time. I’ll be out with Richard and Anne, and I can only imagine what kind of trouble they’ll try to get me into. I miss you terribly.
She smiled. Hedidmiss her...he’d said as much, repeatedly, and she pushed Caroline’s negative comments from her mind.
A little while later, she walked into the restaurant and found Jane and Caroline at the bar, perusing the wine menu. It was busy, and unfortunately they hadn’t made a reservation, so they each ordered a glass of wine and settled in to wait until the hostess called them for a table.
“What did you ladies do today to fill the rest of your afternoon?” Elizabeth asked.
“Oh, not much of anything, really,” Jane answered. “We mostly lounged on the deck and got some sun. What should we do tomorrow night?”
“I don't know. Did you have any ideas?” Elizabeth asked.
“I thought we could just cook something for dinner, drink some wine, and maybe watch a movie?” Jane suggested, looking between Elizabeth and Caroline.
“Cook?” Elizabeth and Caroline said simultaneously, and all three women laughed.
“If there's any cooking to be done, it'll be done by you,” Elizabeth said to Jane.
“I second that,” Caroline said. “I'm useless in the kitchen.”
“Would either of you mind if I invited Georgiana to join us?” Elizabeth asked. “I promised her we'd get together this week.”
Caroline brightened. “Georgiana is awonderfulyoung woman. She's a teacher, and a wonderful pianist.” She turned to Elizabeth. “Have you heard her play?”
“Yes, once. I suppose that when we get to know each other a little better, she'll be more comfortable playing in front of me.”
The hostess called out for them, and Jane waved. “Our table is ready.”
Dinner was enjoyable. The women chatted about anything and everything, and Elizabeth felt more relaxed.
“Don't expect a meal like this tomorrow night,” Jane said. “I feel like I'm going to pop.”
“Me too,” Caroline leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Who knew the Cape could offer such fabulous cuisine?”
Jane glanced at Elizabeth and rolled her eyes, and when her phone rang she glanced at the screen.
