He had been kissing Hidenory both times, he was sure of it.
Aubranael stood up. ‘Why are you all here?’ he said, aware that the question sounded abrupt but unwilling to waste any more time.
Miss Daverill spoke up first. ‘I went into the parsonage this morning, and if it is rude to walk in without a direct invitation, well, I make no apology for it! Sophy has never given two straws about it. But it was not Sophy I saw in the parlour! Quite another woman entirely! I suppose she must be something to do with the new parson—his mother, or something—but as I had heard nothing at all about a new arrival, I went to see Isabel.’
Miss Ellerby nodded and took up the tale. ‘I was concerned as well, for I have three times attempted to visit Sophy these last two days, and every time she has denied me
