Pride and Percabeth

Chapter Thirty-Nine

"My friend, Mrs. Jackson, invited us for dinner tomorrow, " Aunt Chase said when she and Annabeth were sitting down to a supper of steak and kidney pie and treacle tart. "I believe you are acquainted with her son, Lieutenant Jackson."

Annabeth put down her knife and fork.
"He stayed with the Graces while I was at Skye Castle. He's Lord Skye's dearest friend."
"I've heard he's quite a dashing figure and popular with the young ladies wherever he goes."
Annabeth blushed and lowered her eyes.
"Is Lieutenant Jackson staying with his parents?"
"Mrs. Jackson says her husband and son are still in Portsmouth on Naval business. Dinner tomorrow afternoon will be just us ladies."
How would Lieutenant Jackson treat her if they encountered each other again? Would he be cold and reserved and brush him off as minx who had stepped out of line?  Or had a distance of two weeks made her trespasses look small and more forgivable?
Aunt Chase smiled at Annabeth from across the table.
"I have a special treat for after dinner."

A maid brought a pitcher of negus and a tray of chocolate biscuits into the drawing-room after supper.
Annabeth and Aunt Chase sat by the fire, underneath a portrait of Magnus in hunting dress which hung over the mantlepiece.

Aunt Chase pulled out an envelope that had been tucked into the red sash tied around her black gown.