Chapter 2The next day, Matthew banished all conjecture from his mind. In the morning, he went for a ride on the downs with young Mr. Bolton and the male members of Abigail’s family who had been pushed into taking part in the play reading. There seemed to be an unspoken agreement that they were decamping from the confines of the house while they still could.
As a result of a brisk canter, Matthew was more relaxed as he changed for dinner in his room, before making his way to the staircase. Below him was a gathering of people and luggage in the hallway, indicating the remaining guests had safely reached their destination.
From his higher vantage point, he recognised Mrs. Robinson, a vibrant lady in her thirties, with her two youngest daughters. Matthew thought wryly they would no doubt be
