Sarah M Eden by Friends & Foes

Author:Friends & Foes [Friends & Foes]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Sixteen

“We are fortunate Lizzie did not come along,” Crispin said to Philip as they watched James Driver attempting to make room in the carriage’s storage box for the group’s parcels. “She’d most likely have placed her purchases inside and attempted to fit us into the box.”

“That would have been positively ruinous for my cravat,” Philip scoffed, smoothing his neckcloth as if it had already endured such a disfiguring experience.

“Your cravat could use a little destruction.” Crispin eyed him critically.

“You and Sorrel have no appreciation for the fashionably inventive.”

“Took you to task, did she?” Crispin seemed far too pleased with the idea. Philip offered no response.

“Seems to be coming on to rain,” Garner noted as he walked past the spot where Philip and Crispin stood.

“Snow a week ago, now rain?” Philip glanced at Crispin. “What kind of party are you hosting, Cavratt?”

Crispin smiled at the friendly jab. “Perhaps we should leave for Kinnley before the weather thwarts us further.”

In an instant, Catherine and Sorrel emerged from the warmth of the Dove and Crow. Crispin handed his wife into Philip’s carriage, his being the better sprung of the two vehicles they had taken to Ipswich. Philip smiled to himself, noticing Crispin kept hold of Catherine far longer than necessary.

Perhaps I ought to walk back to Kinnley, Philip mused. The newlyweds might not prove enjoyable traveling companions.

“Do not be daft, Sorrel.” Fennel’s voice broke through Philip’s thoughts.

“I will beg you to cease berating me and help me inside.” Sorrel’s tone was tight and tense.

“Lord Lampton’s carriage rides smoother. If you think I am going to return to Kinnley just to explain to Marjie why you are too sore to move, you are much mistaken.”

“I will be fine, Fennel.”

“You are not fine now. I don’t know what was so important to bring you all this way, but I won’t—”

“Perhaps I may be of assistance,” Philip offered, not liking the mutinous look on Sorrel’s face and not wishing to see Fennel bashed across the head with that lady’s walking stick. “I am quite an expert at sibling disagreements, I assure you.”

Sorrel pressed her lips more firmly together. Fennel gave Philip an almost desperate look. This was, apparently, more serious than he had realized. “Now what seems to be the difficulty?” Philip asked.

“Sorrel is stubborn as an old mule.” Philip tried not to smile at Fennel’s assessment—cutting remarks seemed a family talent.

“I rode to Ipswich in this coach, and I see no reason why I shouldn’t return in it.” Sorrel eyed Fennel with all the inflexibility of a . . . well, a mule.

“You would be more comfortable in the other carriage.”

“If you are so enamored of Lord Lampton’s vehicle, perhaps you should ride in it.”

“It is rather remarkable, I must admit.” Philip shrugged.

“Which is why Mr. Garner ought to be permitted to return in it, just as he arrived,” Sorrel argued. “I have no intention of putting him out.”

“Mr. Garner does not require a gentle ride,” Fennel countered.

“Neither do I,” Sorrel declared defiantly.

“Blast it, Sorrel!” Fennel snapped at her.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.