Chapter 16A week before Christmas, against his own best interests, Percy agreed that Simeon must return to Surrey to reunite with his beloved wife and child, together with taking on all the clerical responsibilities of the season. Following his brother’s departure, Percy keenly missed Simeon’s benevolent and generous nature. As the second week of his visit drew to a close, Percy found solace in the old schoolroom with his sisters, and not only because Clarence’s constant yelling was at its faintest in this remote section of the house.
He had soon discovered that beneath Araminta’s lowering brow lay a sharp wit and an unexpectedly quirky sense of humor. Phoebe, away from the oppressive atmosphere of family mealtimes, proved to be a delightfully bubbly madcap. Gentle Eustacia’s faith in him
