“Papa, I just received a letter from CousinJessica.”
“And how is the lass?” he asked as he put one set of clippers aside and picked upanother.
“She and Ronald just came back from a Mediterranean tour and she wants me to come to London for a visit. And I’d like to do that verymuch.”
“London, eh? And what’s in London of any value that you can’t find righthere?”
“Oh, Papa, don’t be so provincial. You know London holds many delights that the provinces don’tprovide.”
“Silliness, debauchers, spendthrifts, and wastrels, I have nodoubt.”
Susan laughed. “I’m not asking your permission, Papa. I’m announcing that I’m going. I’m no longer a child. I can make my owndecisions.”
“And just how are you to get to London? We have no horse and trap tospare?”
“The London coach. It leaves Ash every morning and returns every evening. Simple aspie.”
“Huh. So be it then. But mind you tell your Mamma yourself. I’ll not be bothering with any of her upsets over youleaving.”
“You shall have nothing to worryabout.”
Susan dashed from the barn and immediately went to her room to write Jessica an affirmative response so she could get in the lastpost.
