“I think you will find him to be quite delightful. And you know he has a job as a junior clerk with definite prospects forpromotion.”
Teresa stopped and squinted at her sister. “Are you trying to set meup?”
Emily had been caught out. “Well… maybe just alittle.”
“ButLinton…”
“The trio is to be no more… at your insistence. Linton will be moving onnow.”
It was clear her sister had not considered that when she proclaimed her manifesto of freedom, but now it was sinkingin.
“Oh…”
“And Trent is charming, handsome, close by, and available… unlike Mr.Hawthorn.”
“You do have a point,” Teresa said, seeming to warm to the idea of Mr. Trent. “The water is boiling,” she pointedout.
“Oh, thankyou.”
During the tea, Emily directed her conversation to Fanny, but kept an eye on Trent and Teresa, nudging their interaction along as both seemed to be enjoyingthemselves.
Without warning, a bank of clouds covered the sun and, looking up, they could see the promise of rain was imminent. The scent of rain was already heavy in theair.
“We should probably go inside the house now,” Fanny saidrising.
“Must we?” Trent asked, still engrossed in his conversation withTeresa.
“Unless you want to sit out here with umbrellas, I suggest we go home before the clouds burst,” Fannyinsisted.
And right away, large drops of rain began splattering on thewalkway.
They scurried inside, leaving the still set tea table to be soaked by the pendingstorm.
Fanny grabbed Emily’s arm. “We should dash. We did not bring umbrellas, and if we hurry, I think we can make ithome.”
“Of course, off yougo.”
Trent was still facing Teresa and taking her hand said, “That was a most enjoyable conversation, Miss Teresa. I should very much like to read the book yousuggested.”
“Then I shall lend it to you,” she saidshyly.
“Perhaps we can meet for tea again sometime soon, or even take a walk in thepark.”
“I should love that and I can give you the bookthen.”
Trent backed up and let her hand slip from his. “I will contact yousoon.”
“Come, Brother,” Fanny insisted. “This is my nice afternoon dress and I do not want itruined.”
Trent turned from Teresa, and the brother and sister left at a run, as the tempo of the rainincreased.
Emily and Teresa, arm in arm, watched from the front door as their friends ran down thestreet.
Emily thought it best if she did not comment on what appeared to be a budding romance between Trent and her sister. If Teresa wanted to say anything, she would eventually. The important thing was that the seed had beensown.
Chapter 27
The twins were already in bed, with Nanny standing guard, when Alice greeted Emily later that evening. Emily had dressed conservatively in a pale apple green dress with a forest green belt and summer shawl. Her hair was braided and pinned to the top of herhead.
