Page 34 of Her Whole Heart
“It is so old that I do not think we really know for certain,” Cordelia said thoughtfully. “My father told me that there have even been some cave paintings that depict it.”
“The Turks have practiced it for thousands of years, and there are records of it in many lands.”
“Have you been studying those languages too?” Amelia asked.
“No, but they are fascinating. I doubt I could find anyone here who could tutor me in them, though.” Diana appeared saddened by this lost opportunity.
“I really am best informed on how falconry has developed here in England.” Miss Torrington placed her hands in her lap. “But I will admit that I am more interested in learning about all of you.”
“What would you like to know?” Amelia inquired. “For I am certainly not as interesting as you, Miss—Cordelia, or any of my other friends. But I will attempt to at least be entertaining.”
Cordelia smiled at Amelia. “Let us just begin with how you all know one another?”
“We were at school together,” Jane answered simply. “Elizabeth and Amelia and I. We had the good fortune to meet Diana here in town a few weeks ago.”
“Sometimes I wish I had gone to school,” Cordelia said wistfully. “But my father needed me here.”
“I did not like being away at school,” Amelia said.
“Oh, I did,” Diana demurred. “They had so many language masters, and then when I was home, I taught as much as I could to my mother. She loves languages too.”
“That is a lovely memory.” Jane was always ready with the right thing to say.
“Unfortunately, my parents do not like town,” Diana said. “They tasked my brother with escorting me everywhere in the evenings, but he does not appreciate that arrangement any more than I do.”
“They are here in London, though?” Elizabeth inquired.
“Yes. They do not enjoy going out at night, that is all.”
“Whereas my father could not be kept in,” Cordelia said affectionately. “His friends are all come to town for the season. It is his favourite time of year.”
Amelia shook her head. “It is too cold for me. When we visited Gunter’s, we had tea instead of ices. I am eagerly awaiting the spring.”
“Speaking of tea,” Cordelia said, and stood to ring the bell.
Elizabeth smiled. When their hostess returned to their little circle, she said, “Ithasbeen too cold for ices at Gunter’s, but Jane and I anticipate a visit to sample them when it is warmer. Do any of you have a flavour you prefer?”
When they had exhausted their debate over asparagus, artichoke, barberry, pistachio, coriander, parmesan, and then, of course, the sorbets, Cordelia asked, “Which flavours do you think you would like to try, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Strawberry,” Jane said, without any dithering at all. She loved sweet summer fruits.
Elizbeth did like strawberries, but her favourite? “Lemon.”
“Perhaps by the spring you will have a suitor, Elizabeth, and he will take you to Gunter’s,” Diana said, appearing very much as though she would like that for herself. She cleared her throat. “Mr. Bingley showed you a great deal of attention at Rotten Row, Jane. Did he . . . I mean . . .”
“He did ask to call,” Amelia said smugly. “I knew he would.”
Jane flushed a deep red.
“Amelia! You were not even there!” Elizabeth exclaimed, both surprised and amused.
The younger girl shrugged. “My aunt told me that he had asked to call on Jane. It is why she sent me to see Simon yesterday. Was he nervous?”
Jane’s complexion was bright red. “He was very amiable.”
“Wereyounervous?” Diana asked.
“Yes,” Jane said and ducked her head.
