Page 35 of Some Like It Scot
“You didn’t get a chance to try any of the salmon sandwiches?” I whispered back. “They were delicious.”
“I’m afraid Mr. Page preceded me in line.”
And without elaboration, Mr. Wake added another reason for me to send a frown to Mark’s profile. Taking all the sandwiches before nice Mr. Wake had a chance to eat one? Boar!
“Pardon me.” Ana Lennox raised a delicate hand in the air, and unlike the rest of the folks who’d either kept their afternoon clothing or changed into something less Clue-like, Ana now wore a glittering and possibly air-constricting blue gown. I had to admit the shade brought out the color of her eyes, which is where I tried to keep my attention since the rest of her skin strived for an escape from the confines of her dress in an unflattering way.
“I’m a vegetarian,” Ana continued, blinking her fake eyelashes with extra gusto. “So I’ll need the non-meat option.”
Mrs. Lennox blinked back a few times, and then her smile grew tight enough to possibly bounce a penny. “When did you become a vegetarian,dear?”
“Two weeks ago when I visited Charlene at her home in Sussex. She’s a vegetarian and swears that her hair has become glossier from the effort. I felt certain I should become one too since she made such a valiant case. As you know, I’ve never been a particular fan of beef or pork anyway.”
The whole collection of people surrounding the table turned their attention back to Mrs. Lennox, whose eye may have twitchedthe teeniest bit. Her husband, however, offered a gracious chuckle. His good-natured glance around the room inspired the same feeling as when I watched any version of Mr. Bingley fromPride and Prejudice. Even his beige suit offered a more relaxed and welcome appeal.
“Ah well. I imagine this interest is as transitory as the last one, Ana darling. In fact, you may develop a sudden liking for steak before we even reach dessert tonight.”
Ana’s laugh bubbled out, apparently unaffected by the teasing, and she waved a dismissive hand at her father. “Now, Father, you’re going to make everyone think I’m petty.” Her blue gaze trailed the room, pausing on Mark, Mr. Wake, Mr. Logan, and even one of the valets, before returning to her mother. “I suppose a little chicken wouldn’t hurt anything.”
“There’s the spirit, darling,” Mr. Lennox offered with a raised glass. “Don’t allow the legumes to have all the fun.”
I caught my laugh with my hand and met Mr. Wake’s grin.
“Tom’s learned to keep a steady head and quick laugh when it comes to the ladies in his life.” He tapped his temple. “Very clever motto, I’d say.”
With aDownton Abbeyreproduction and a husband-hunting daughter, both probably came in handy.
“There were not the same allowances of food choices in the Edwardian era, if we wish to be authentic,” Mrs. Lennox continued. “However, I shall speak with Chef. Since there are upwards of seven courses, you should find a variety of options for any dietary needs.” She drew in another breath and gestured toward the table. “As I was saying earlier, rank matters in all areas of the Edwardian life, and none other is so apparent than at the dinner table. As your hosts, Mr. Lennox and I will hold the places of honor at the center of the table, facing each other.”
She nodded to her husband, who took his place, waiting to sit until she was settled.
Having watched way too many Regency era movies, I’d expected the hosts to sit on either end of the oval-shaped table instead of in the center, so this would be an interesting fact to tell all of my Austen-loving followers later.
“Now, the highest-ranking lady would sit on Mr. Lennox’s right.” Mrs. Lennox scanned the room, attention landing on Miss Lennox. “Which, my dear, I believe is you.”
With another giggle, Ana sashayed to her place and slid down into the seat beside her father. “I do hope you sit near me, Lord Wake.”
The man, easily Ana’s father’s age, may have smiled beneath his mustache. Maybe. But the quiet groan of annoyance I heard at his nearness suggested otherwise.
“The highest-ranking man will then sit to my left.” Everyone’s attention moved to “Lord” Wake.
He recovered from his discomfort (and perhaps he felt relieved at being all the way across the table from Ana) and offered a gracious smile to the room as he took his seat.
“The second highest lady”—Mrs. Lennox’s gaze skipped right over me and offered Miss Dupont an encouraging smile—“will then sit to the host’s left. While the second highest-ranking gentleman will be placed at the hostess’s right.” Evidently my fishing pole and wellies dropped my social status to the bottom rung.
At this, Mrs. Lennox appeared a bit uncertain as to next in line.
“I’ll gladly take the spot, Mrs. Lennox.” Mark stepped forward and bowed. With an arrogant tilt to his head, he walked past Mr. Logan and took the seat on the other side of Mrs. Lennox.
The man really needed his pride knocked down a few notches.
Mr. Logan and I filled in the other spots near the head of the table, with me sitting beside Lord Wake, and Mr. Logan beside Ana, which seemed to please her much more than him.
“Tomorrow evening it will be appropriate for each of the gentlemen to pull out a chair for the lady nearest him, as we do not haveenough footmen to complete the task. However, in Edwardian times, if there were sufficient servants, they would have drawn out the ladies’ chairs.”
“I do believe we women are quite capable of pulling out our own chairs.” This from Miss Dupont, whose expression wasn’t as quiet as her usual disposition.
I wasn’t certain, but I thought I saw Mrs. Lennox roll her eyes before turning a humorless smile on Miss Dupont. “Yet you all are here to experience theEdwardianera, so we will stay close to the rules ofthattime as much as possible.”
