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Chapter Nine
The warmth of the afternoon sun streamed through the open windows as Madalene took a sip of tea.
“Please say that you will come,” Jane said over the rim of her teacup.
Madalene frowned, lowering the cup in her hand. “I daresay that your brother won’t want me at his ball.”
“It doesn’t matter what he wants,” Jane countered. “I want you there.”
Lady Hawthorne spoke up from next to her daughter. “Jane is correct. Besides, we both want you there.”
“I suppose I could attend, assuming I haven’t left for the countryside yet.”
Reaching forward, Jane placed her empty teacup on the tray. “You must delay your trip.”
“I already have for the sake of finding Edith,” Madalene replied.
“Has the constable found any leads on where Edith could be?” Harriet asked.
Madalene shook her head. “I’m afraid not.”
“You must be patient,” Harriet encouraged. “After all, these investigations can take time.”
“Time that Edith doesn’t have,” Madalene asserted, placing her cup and saucer onto the tray. “I just don’t believe the constable is doing all he can on this case.”
“Has the Bow Street Runner made any progress?” Jane asked.
“I’m not sure,” Madalene replied. “My solicitor hasn’t responded to my letter.”
Jane gave her a knowing look. “You might be working yourself into a frenzy for no reason,” she said. “The Bow Street Runner may have already found Edith, and she will be able to attend the ball in Baldwin’s honor.”
“I don’t believe that to be the case,” Madalene responded. “I’m sure I would have heard if that were true.”
“It would be nice to have two friends at the ball,” Jane commented. “I tire of pretending that I enjoy going to these social events.”
“Attending these social events is expected of you,” Harriet said, exasperated. “You are the daughter of a marquess.”
“I know,” Jane responded, “and I am expected to smile and pretend to enjoy all the busybodies that flutter around the room, openly judging one another.”
“Not everyone is a busybody,” Harriet pointed out.
“You are right,” Jane said, her lips twitching. “How could I forget the gossipmongers?”
Madalene hid her growing smile behind her fingers. They both shared a mutual dislike for social events, but Jane wasn’t in a position where she could refuse invites. However, that didn’t stop her from complaining about it incessantly.
“If you don’t stop, perhaps I will just arrange a marriage for you and be done with it,” Harriet declared, but there was no real threat behind her words.
“Will you arrange a marriage with a pirate for me?” Jane asked, perking up.
“Why a pirate?” Harriet asked.
“Then I could travel around the world and learn to use a cutlass,” Jane declared.
“Dear child,” Harriet sighed, “whatever am I going to do with you?”
Jane laughed. “We shall grow old together, and I will read you books by the fireplace.”
“What of grandchildren?”
