Josephine's Lists

Chapter 6- Let's make a deal

CHAPTER 6

Josephine played the pianoforte, practicing sheet music gifted from Isabella. Constance anxiously stared out the front window and onto the bustling street.

"It has been five days," Constance whined in disappointment. "I must have done or said something to displease him."

Josephine paused her fingers upon the keys to reassure her friend, "You really do worry too much. We are in the middle of the busy London season. And a man such as Sir Cartwright is likely to have many invitations. Invitations which he would be expected to accept. He cannot spend every moment on High Street, gazing at you, can he?"

"It seems a rather good use of his time in my opinion. Although his gazing irritates you, I quite like it. He makes me feel adored, or at least he did, before disappearing for five days."

"Have you thought, he might be making himself scarce so as to not appear too eager? You know I was recently told by a..." Josephine cleared her throat, "certain gentleman, that he found little joy in females desperate for his attention. Perhaps said gentleman has imparted this advice to Sir Cartwright, advising him not to appear too eager."

Constance left the window for the laziness of the sofa. She sat smashing a fringed cushion and complained, "But that is terrible advice! I long for his attention, and doubt I could ever tire of it. Should we call on Isabella? Maybe she will know why Sir Cartwright has not come. He could even be ill. Do you think?"

Josephine turned on her piano stool, placing both hands on her knees before saying, "I have already said it once, you worry too much. Instead of sitting around speculating, we should be productive or at least occupy our time with a worthwhile pursuit. My dog could use some exercise, what would you say to taking Red for a walk in the park?"

"I do not know...what if he were to come by while we were out?" Constance speculated.

"You cannot be serious Constance! I refuse to watch you mope over Sir Cartwright, as I watched you mope over my cousin. And at least with John, you had reason. Now come on...I insist we get some fresh air," Josephine commanded, pulling Constance to her feet.

Red's laziness sometimes made him an unfit walking companion. Today was one of those sometimes. The scarteen kerry beagle laid upon the ground, in the middle of Hyde Park, as an exasperated Josephine tugged at his lead.

"It is of no use Josephine. He will not budge!" Constance proclaimed, after inconspicuously pushing Red's hind end with the toe of her boot and Josephine aggressively tugged the lead.

"He must. I cannot possibly carry him all the way back to High Street, can I?" she asked rhetorically, equally as annoyed with her lethargic pet.

"I cannot believe I let you talk me into this."

The sound of a halting barouche and low laughter echoed from behind. Josephine turned around to discern the source. An amused Isabella looked down upon the comical scene with Mr. Tennyson at her side looking much less amused.

Drat.

"What have you ladies gotten yourselves into today?" Isabella asked, smile still stretched wide across her face.

Constance was quick to reply, "Josephine's lazy hound has refused to walk another step, and there is no way we can carry him back."

"Red only needs a trifle of rest," Josephine defended, leaning down and patting her dog. "I am certain he will continue walking shortly."

"Oh dear! You are in a fix...Maybe we could be of assistance...Josephine and her dog could ride back with Charles," Isabella turned to look at her brother whose expression remained stoic, "and I will accompany Constance on her walk back."