Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal

Author:Mary Robinette Kowal
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2013-04-14T23:44:34+00:00

Fourteen

Family Matters

When Jane next accompanied Vincent to Stratton House, Mr. O’Brien came out of the library to receive them, all smiles. He looked past them to the entry and his smile dimmed. “Is Miss Ellsworth not with you today?”

“No, I am afraid that she decided to stay home.” Melody had shown admirable wisdom in removing herself from Mr. O’Brien’s influence.

“She has not suffered from one of her headaches, I hope?” He walked with them toward the ballroom. Vincent strode ahead, leaving Jane to manage the task of disappointing the young man.

“No, she was quite well when we left.” Jane kept her tone light. “I think she only wanted a change.”

“Ah…” He studied the floor as they walked. “Ah. Well. Thank you. I am glad that she is in good health.” After a few more pleasantries, Mr. O’Brien excused himself and left her at the door to the ballroom.

Jane’s conscience gave a pang then, because she thought that she had, perhaps, misjudged him. His disappointment seemed genuine, but there was nothing to be done for it. Separating the two now, before more damage was done to either heart, was necessary, though not without pain.

Melody had seemed cheerful enough at breakfast, talking about the variety of projects she would undertake that day, but in more than one quiet moment, Jane had found her staring into the middle distance with a melancholy look upon her face. Jane pushed the door to the ballroom open, thinking about her sister and the want of occupation she would face at home alone.

“Vincent, I hate to ask but … do you think I might leave off work from eleven to three today?”

He frowned as he removed his coat. “You do not need to ask my permission, Muse.”

“No. I just wanted to be assured that you could do without me.” She glanced back at the door to make certain it was shut. “I thought that if I could accompany Melody on her morning calls it might divert her tolerably.”

“I can hardly vouchsafe your time.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Do you think … we could have a dinner party?”

Jane stood on her toes to kiss Vincent on the cheek. “I know how little you enjoy such things. Thank you. I will invite Major Curry so you may discuss glamour to your heart’s content.” With the inclusion of Mr. Colgrove and some of his set, Melody would have ample opportunity to see that she had other admirers. Jane had no doubt of her sister’s ability to attach a gentleman. She only hoped that one of them could attract Melody’s equal interest.

* * *

When Jane arrived at home early and suggested to Melody that they make morning calls together, her sister dropped her book so quickly that Jane might have thought she had not been reading at all. In very little time, Jane changed from her simple work dress to a sprigged muslin day dress with French knots in slate grey and coffee. Melody wore her celestial-blue pelisse, which did such lovely things for her eyes.

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