Josephine's Lists

Chapter 10- Deny the invite

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Henry, Constance, and Josephine entered the foyer, foregoing decorum, and bellowing in laughter.

"I can barely stand to look at it!" Josephine teased through tears of mirth, grasping her clenched stomach.

"Are you sure it is a dog?" Henry questioned, barely able to deliver the words.

Constance protectively held her painted pooch, pointing and saying, "See, clearly that is his tail...wait...or was that a paw?"

Another burst of laughter ensued.

"I believe we all agree, you have won! And most spectacularly!" Henry proclaimed.

Their jubilation was interrupted by a startled Lady Cavender exiting the double doors of the drawing room.

"Dear! What a commotion you are causing out here! I gather the day was a success?" Lady Cavender asked, smoothing her skirt and resting her hands upon her ample hips.

"The day a success? Yes! Our paintings...now that is up for debate," Josephine informed, clutching her own monstrosity unfit to be called art.

"Collect your senses, you three. We have visitors!"

Without explanation, the threesome was escorted into the drawing room. Sir Cartwright was closest to the door, his eyes immediately seeking out Constance. Tennyson stood motionless, with both feet firmly planted. Josephine ignored the escalation of her pulse at the sight of him, even with the grim expression he wore.

"This day truly is full of surprises," Josephine observed looking between the two guests, but lingering upon Mr. Tennyson.

"I am happy to find your health restored, Miss Yorke," stated Sir Cartwright.

"Thank you."

Henry took this opportunity to take his leave. He whispered to Josephine, "Be sure to ask for Sir Cartwright's opinion on my sister's masterpiece. If his answer is at all favorable, we will know for certain he is in love." This statement earned him a playful swat on the arm, and a glowing smile.

Tennyson addressed Henry saying, "Will you be joining us in the country, Mr. Whitmore?"

"I would not miss it for the world!" He replied, winking at Josephine, and bidding everyone good day.

Lady Cavender insisted both gentlemen stay for dinner. Sir Cartwright accepted with an enthusiastic smile, and Tennyson with an indifferent nod. Dinner was pleasant but Josephine sensed Charles discomfort. He made no effort to engage her in personal conversation. Instead, he spent the meal enthralled with Lord Cavender's many descriptions of beetles indigenous to the Amazon.

Enthralled?

With beetles?

If that wasn't a clear sign that he was avoiding her, she didn't know what was. Entomology was one of Lord Cavender's best kept secrets, mostly because he realized the majority of people found it as interesting as a rotting log. (The rotting of said log, may or may not have been caused by the Elm Bark Beetle)

Yes, obviously avoiding me.

Josephine had no intention of being ignored, and she possessed the subtlety of stampeding bulls. So, when the gentlemen joined them after dinner, she immediately approached Charles.

"A word please, Tennyson," she quietly insisted, with one hand propped upon her hip.

He rolled his eyes in annoyance, but gestured to the corner chairs, allowing her to lead the way.