Josephine's Lists

Chapter 3- Hello London

CHAPTER 3

Miss Whitmore and Miss Yorke's arrival at High Street caused a mild commotion in the house, Lady Cavender being eager to spoil the pair of them. She was the sister of Miss Whitmore's father, elegantly refined, yet occasionally a loose cannon. One of her bouts of insanity included tossing an old bonnet into a warming fire in her study. Not all that odd if one is alone, but this brief lunacy consisted of fourteen on-looking guests and the bonnet burning concluded with Lady Cavender giggling, "I always wondered how quickly those ostrich feathers would burn."

Yes, definitely a loose cannon.

Lord Cavender was a kind fellow with easy manners. Though, unlike his wife, not a particularly memorable man. He was, however, known for doting on her. They had no children aside from a son who died shortly after birth, and as such they were grateful for the young houseguests. Like Josephine, Lady Cavender had an affinity for gossip, both ladies devoid of bad intentions but instead curiosity derived out of boredom. Between this commonality, and Lady Cavender's desire to provide maternal guidance, the two had become close.

Miss Whitmore and Miss Yorke sat upon the sofa, cup of Imperial tea in hand, while Lady Cavender delicately sipped her own. Untapped excitement thrummed in the air.

"I see you have a new carpet Lady Cavender. It is lovely," Josephine complimented.

"Thank you my dear, purchased it just last month. I was fond of the colors, such a pretty shade of pale blue. I simply had to have it." She paused and stared reflectively at the girls for a moment before complimenting, "Look at the pair of you, exquisite. Much like a painting." They looked up offering Lady Cavender a modest grin, before smiling at one another.

She continued, "We are certain to be driven mad by male visitors. I suppose there are worse things. In fact, we should have our first ones this evening at dinner." Lady Cavender directed her attention toward Josephine. "Your Mr. Charles Tennyson is set to join us."

Constance chimed in, "Oh Aunt Elizabeth, I am sure Josephine is wrought with anticipation. As am I."

Miss Yorke set down her cup with a light clatter, and adopting a mild look of annoyance warned, "Please, refrain from calling him my Mr. Tennyson. It is not possible to possess someone without so much as an acquaintance."

Taking another sip of tea, Lady Cavender said, "Do not look so melancholy child, you might actually enjoy his company."

"I am half sure I will not," Josephine promised, trying not to sound like a petulant child but missing the mark. Josephine's nerves were shortening her temper.

"Whatever that means..." Lady Cavender quipped. "Well, this might peek both of your interest. I sent an invitation to Mr. Tennyson's close companion, Sir Cartwright. Although not quite as handsome, a very fine gentleman, and he boasts a friendlier character. So perhaps, if your Mr. Tennyson fails..." Lady Cavender teasingly grinned at her own use of the word, knowing Josephine was a good sport in matters of teasing. "Maybe then, you will find Sir Cartwright of interest. That is, if Constance does not first secure his attention."

Neither Miss Whitmore nor Miss Yorke were shaken at the thought of battling over the attention of a male. The girls had been victims of jealous females on numerous occasions, but never at the hand of one another. One of the many reasons the pair were as thick as thieves. Each were beautiful but in decidedly different ways, the similarities ended at their equally porcelain and unblemished complexion. In contrast to Josephine's dark locks, Constance donned a golden hue. Where Constance's eyes were of a warm brown, Josephine's a striking shade of blue. Constance stood tall and thin, while Josephine petite with an enviable figure. Josephine carefree and unplanned. Constance anxious yet methodical.