He noticed a sudden change in expression from both Cecilia and Miss Meyer. So he asked, “Is something wrong, Cecilia?”
Shaking her head, she replied, “Not at all, Brother. It’s just that I did not know you were fond of jokes.”
Concurring with her, Miss Meyer said, “Yes, Your Grace, the same goes for me as well.”
Embarrassed, Anthony replied, “Oh, come now, you two. Of course I am fond of jokes. You say that as though you assumed that I don’t ever laugh.”
With a chuckle, Kenneth egged, “Oh, quit your dillydallying. Go on, then. Tell us your joke and prove them wrong.”
Anthony was suddenly anxious about exactly what joke he was going to tell. He already had one in mind, but he was now unsure of its entertainment value.
* * *
Catherine knocked on the kitchen door, “Good afternoon, everyone. Just popping in to see how the dinner preparations are going. My word! Susan, dear, you look quite ill!”
Answering on her behalf, Ella—the scullery maid—replied, “Apologies, Mrs. Oakley. She was complaining about a headache this morning, and it seems to have progressed into something worse.”
Placing a hand on Susan’s forehead, Catherine said, “Yes, she does seem to have a low fever. Susan, dear, why don’t you go lie down? I’m sure Lillian would be willing to take over for tonight.”
Ella tucked some loose strands of Susan’s grey hair behind her ears and spoke once more on her behalf, “Er, Mrs. Oakley, pardon me. I forgot to mention that Miss Lillian also fell sick earlier. I believe Jenny is assisting her in her room.”
“Oh dear! This is quite strange. Susan, did you eat anything at all today that was unusual?”
Lifting her head from the table, Susan finally spoke, “No, Catherine. But I know Timothy was sneezing and coughing all of yesterday. It is possible that he gave it to us.”
“Right, well, just make sure you get some rest. I shall speak to His Grace and inform him of the situation. Ella, dear, would you please help her to her room?”
Chapter 11
Cecilia was excited to be up past her bedtime once more, and to be at a table with adults, at that. Granted, this dinner was quite last minute and unusual, but never mind all that. She was still surrounded by grownups.
After Mrs. Oakley had informed everyone that Timothy—one of the kitchen helpers—had gotten Mrs. Mullens and most of the other kitchen staff quite ill, her brother had said that though this was unexpected, it was widely known that many people fall ill during the change of seasons.
So Lord Gillinghamshire graciously offered to host dinner tonight. In fact, he was the one to suggest that Cecilia join them. When Anthony expressed his hesitation at the idea, Lord Gillinghamshire returned,
“Who cares if it isn’t the way we do things? You cannot possibly expect Lady Cecilia to go to bed without a proper dinner, can you?”
So her brother had agreed to let her come, provided that she went home as soon as dinner was over. He believed that sleep was important for children.
But presently Cecilia did not feel like a child. After all, was she not at a grown-up dinner party? So even though Cecilia felt like skipping for joy, she endeavored to maintain her composure.
Yes, because that is what a proper lady would do.
At the moment, she was exploring Lord Gillinghamshire’s drawing room. And even though it was slightly smaller than the drawing room the Ambrose siblings were used to at home, it was also furnished quite extravagantly.
At last, Lord Gillinghamshire returned from the kitchen bearing good news, “Not to worry, everyone. Our wonderful chef has promised us a simple yet filling dinner which should be ready in about an hour’s time.”
This announcement was received positively by everyone, including Cecilia, who was used to having her dinner at five o’clock sharp. Looking at the hanging clock, Cecilia saw that it was now half past six.
But I shall not grumble. A lady is always gracious, especially to her host.
Two servants entered the room carrying trays of bite-sized sandwiches and set them down on the center table.
Lord Gillinghamshire invited everyone to help themselves, “Especially you, Lady Cecilia,” he said. “I know that this is quite late for you. I hope these will do until dinner is served.”
Cecilia thanked him and started eating. But in order to not let on that she was hungry, she ate slower than usual.
Speaking to her again, the kind host said, “It has just occurred to me, Lady Cecilia, that this is your first time on our estate, is it not?”
