The Mad Herringtons by Jane Myers Perrine

Author:Jane Myers Perrine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
Publisher: Beyond the Page
Published: 2014-05-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

At the rehearsal late that afternoon, Aphrodite studied the group gathered in the ballroom. James kneeled on the floor, almost asleep with his head nodding over the tree trunk he was painting. Gone were his dramatically waving hands and great enthusiasm in his part as Theseus.

Susannah sucked on a needle prick as she sewed on the pile of costumes, while Athena’s countenance bore the look of exhaustion and petulance that Aphrodite knew too well would lead to a tantrum. The other cast members sat on the floor with their backs against the wall and read their lines in a desultory manner. Only Warwick still looked alive and awake, holding pins as the squire’s wife fitted Athena’s drape.

“I hereby declare that tomorrow will be a holiday for all the fairies and denizens of ancient Greece,” Aphrodite announced. “No more thoughts of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Everyone sleep late in the morning. Frederick”—she turned toward her almost fiancé, who was helping Athena read her lines—“can your cook put together a picnic by the lake for tomorrow afternoon?”

“I’m sure that will be no trouble.”

“Then tomorrow, everyone, go to town or ride or take walks until late afternoon. Help Susannah sew. Perhaps after dinner we could gather for just a short time for her to fit the costumes.”

“Ditie, the play is only four days away. This leaves us so little time,” Terpsi said.

“I know, dear, but everyone is so tired. We’ll all come back ready to work again tomorrow.”

Unwillingly, Terpsi agreed, and the cast scattered.

As had been suggested, all slept late and ate breakfast in their rooms. A note came on Aphrodite’s tray that Mrs. Horne was indisposed, so Frederick would be caring for his mother all day. With a disappointed sigh, she arose and called her maid. Athena arrived shortly after Mignon started to arrange Aphrodite’s hair.

“Oh, Ditie, I’m so excited that we’re not reading that boring play again,” Athena said as she settled herself on the side of the bed and watched Mignon’s attentions. “Although,” Athena began, then paused to chew her lower lip. “Although it has not been all that terrible. I have to say that Mr. Horne isn’t as boring as I thought he was.”

“Oh?”

“I mean, I told you I thought he was an old stick. Mayhap that’s not all bad. Warwick frightens me. Mr. Horne is much more . . . oh, I don’t know. Comfortable.”

“I knew it,” Mignon whispered. “I knew what would happen if you let that little flirt get close to your beau.”

Aphrodite glared at her dresser, then said, “What do you mean, Athena?”

“I mean, he’s not really dull. He’s soothing and patient.” Athena bounced on the bed. “I’ve learned a line or two with his help.” Then she stood and flounced toward the mirror and studied her reflection, smoothing her dress and patting her hair.

“What are you planning to do today?” Aphrodite asked.

“I don’t know. Susannah is taking her daughters into the village. I may go with them.”

With that, Athena danced toward the door

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