Page 77 of Wicked Is the Duke
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Anna looked up fromher needlepoint at the sounds of Daisy and Alice descending the stairs like a heard of wild horses. Jane had arrived. Anna knew they waited for her arrival in one of the unused bed chambers which overlooked the street.
Jane wouldn't stand for the girls lacking in manners and would have no problem setting them straight. Henry had even noticed their lack of respect towards her at dinner the night before. If they pulled the same with Jane, they would find themselves being reprimanded quickly and efficiently.
The door opened, and Jane entered, wearing a pale yellow cotton day dress embellished with gray roses. She was followed by Alice and Daisy. The pair stood back as Jane and Anna greeted each other. Jane sat down on the couch next to Anna. She couldn't help but notice the younger girl's faces as they quietly sat respectively in two chairs across from them. They had everything planned out to try and get their way.
"Are you and Henry leaving for Blackmont Crest after the tea, or does my brother have more business?" Jane inquired.
"Henry wants to return to the country as he and Norwood have that business with the railroad starting up. We're leaving in three days, but not before we visit the modiste."
"Norwood said we'd follow a few days later. He offered for me to stay here, knowing I hate quick visits, but I simply cannot stand being here in the heat of summer."
"Can we stay with you and Norwood rather than go back with Henry?" Alice asked.
Anna poured tea and passed Jane a cup followed by the girls as she waited for Jane to answer.
"I would think you'd be excited to return home to Blackmont Crest."
"Oh, we are. We just want to spend more time with you, that's all," Alice replied innocently.
"And we'll have plenty of time for that."
"Then we can stay here in London with you and Norwood?" Daisy inquired innocently.
"And stay with you in the country?" Alice chimed in.
Jane lowered her cup and set it back on the table. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. Norwood has plans for while we're here, and we're expecting friends from the continent within a fortnight," she replied. Anna could see Jane gauging the girls’ reactions carefully. "Besides, you'll be more comfortable among your own things at Blackmont Crest."
We won't," Alice replied. "You can't make us stay with her."
Jane looked at Anna knowingly before addressing her two wayward sisters. "I believe that perhaps the two of you aren't ready to help host a tea. A tea, I might add in your honor."
"Go ahead, I don't care," Alice spat.
Anna stared at the young girl as if carefully choosing her words. "Alice, what have I done to stir such anger from you and Daisy?"
"You don't know? Are you really that stupid?"
"Alice, I will warn you this one time; be careful how you speak," Jane said softly.
Anna ran her hands over her skirts and looked at Alice square in the eye. "No, I don't know."
"You took Henry from us. Everything was fine until you entered his life. Then he sends us away and marries you."
"No," Jane interrupted. "I don't believe you. If that were so, why didn't you act out when I married Norwood and moved out of the house?"
Alice teared up, saying nothing. She put her cup down on the table between the chair she sat in and that of her sister's.
"May I be excused?" she asked.
Jane stood her ground. "Not until you apologize to me and Anna. Then you may go."
Alice stood trembling. She never looked at Anna or her sister directly. Anna had the feeling the girl felt betrayed. What had started as a grand idea had been shot down by their own sister.
"I apologize if I acted inappropriately."
