“Excellent. That will be all, then.”
He bowed himself out, and Aunt Cecily poured the tea. “What brings you to Surrey this time of year, my dear George?”
“I’m in need of a favour from you, m’dear.” He explained his need for a hostess. “Your nephew has graciously consented to my scheme, if you’re agreeable.” I opened my mouth to correct him, that it was her husband who had been my uncle, but he continued, “And Miss Arabella will accompany you as well.”
“We’re going to Town?” Arabella squealed her delight and danced around the room.
“This was your idea, wasn’t it, George?” Aunt Cecily gazed at Mr Stephenson and quietly glowed. This, I realised, was how she would have looked had she been wed to him instead of to Sir Eustace.
I might just as well have not been in the room, but I was used
