But even though he had announced his name, Maria still had no idea who hewas.
“Chilton, my dear, will you be a sweetie and fetch me my reticule. I must have left it with the luggage.”
“Of course, Agatha,” he said, and then promptly exited the parlor.
“Now then, we were discussing tea. Any chance it might be coming soon?”
“At four, dear Aunt. If you will sit yourself, it shall be here presently.”
Agatha sat in a comfortable chair, pulled a large kerchief out of a breast pocket and waved it as though she was shooing flies—which is probably what she usually did with it.
Maria suddenly realized guests would be arriving in a few hours and she rapidly tried to figure out what to do with her aunt… and her companion.
Chilton returned and handed Agatha her reticule.
“Thank you, dearest. Please seat yourself. I understand tea is imminent and we can finally put our feet up—so to speak.” She laughed, then dug into her reticule, pulled out a monocle, and turned it on her sister.
“Dearest Leah, are you speechless? You have barely said a word. How are you dear one?”
Leah seemed uncertain how to process this unexpected visit, but asked, “Where did you come from? We had no idea where you were. We have not had any communication from you for months on end, it seems.”
“Oh, the tales we have to tell,” she flailed her arms as though directing carriages in the Piccadilly. “But it shall have to wait until dear Harry is here.” She looked around the room. “Where is he, anyway? Is it not proper tea time?”
At that moment it was. Since there were so many having tea this afternoon, Daniels came in with the tea trolley and began to serve.
“Ah! How splendid,” Agatha exclaimed “I do hope you have some delicious little treats. Our carriage ride was most disappointing. We had nothing to nibble on and it was hot and dusty.” She turned to Daniels. “I should like a hot bath presently.” She turned to her family and said, “And I hope we shall have a leisurely supper where I can regale you all with our most marvelous adventures.”
Maria spoke up, “Aunt, I am afraid you have come at a most inconvenient time for that. We are having an evening of music, dance, and dinner. We are expecting about forty guests, so, you see, your tales must wait for another time, however delightful they might be.”
Agatha waved her hand. “Then do not mind us. We may or may not choose to attend your charming sounding event.” She turned to her companion. “How do you feel about that, precious?”
Chilton thought for a moment and said. “Itwouldbe rather nice to dance a few dances. It has been ages since we have been in anything like proper society.”
“Hmm. We shall see—after my bath. I absolutely must bathe! I do believe the winds of Africa have swept every ounce of native soil into my pores, and I feel as if I must soak away the sands of time.”
Harry and Christopher came into the parlor.
“We could wait no longer for our tea, so we wrapped up our work and here we are.” He noticed there were others in attendance. “Oh, who have we here?” Then he realized who it was. “Aunt Agatha… what a surprise. When did you arrive?”
She turned to her nephew. “Only just. And I am sorry if we are interrupting your entertainment this evening, but we could wait no longer to see you all.”
“And you are most welcome.” Harry then noticed her companion. “Hello, and you are?”
Chilton introduced himself and Harry introduced Christopher.
Harry did not hesitate to ask his aunt, “And who, exactly, is this young gentleman, Aunt?”
“My traveling companion. We met at the shipping company’s London booking office when I was planning my African adventure. It seemed we both had the same idea, so we decided to team up—as it were.”
“I see.” But it appeared he still had questions about this arrangement.
Maria stood up and said, “You must excuse me. There is still a lot I must attend to before our guests start arriving.”
“You are most correct, dear sister. And how may I help?” Harry asked. He headed to the tea tray and poured cups for Christopher and himself.
“Stay and have your tea, visit with Mother and Aunt, and just be ready when the guests start to arrive. I will handle all the rest.” And with that, she left the parlor.
* * *
