Page 65 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
Emily put a hand to her mouth, giggling. “None other.”
“He’ll eat poor Uncle George alive!”
“Oh,” said Emily, “how I would love to be a fly on the wall at that meal. Uncle George deserves it. He’s a stuffy old cod, as far as I’m concerned. Did you know he and Aunt Josephine haven’t spoken to each other in five years?”
“What?”
“It’s not for lack of his trying. She’s tired of his abuse.”
“Surely he never struck her.”
“Abuse comes in different forms, dear Madeline.”
Madeline remembered Lady Elizabeth’s horrible insults and epithets. How true Emily was.
“Well,” said Madeline, “I just wish Ethan Powell wouldn’t go out of his way to make people uncomfortable.”
“Oh, I don’t think he does it on purpose.”
Madeline tilted her head. “What about his chiding of poor Foster?”
Emily waved her hand. “Foster needs to leaven his own fancy if you get my meaning. He’s too stuffy as well. Where are all the men who like to have a bit of fun in life? That’s what I’d like to know.”
“I suppose you’re right,” said Madeline. “I just wish Mr Powell would settle down with a nice lady and tame his inclinations.”
At this, Emily burst out in an uproarious laugh that startled her.
“Emily,” Madeline said sternly, “control yourself. You’re being most unladylike.”
“And who is here to check up on me? Are you the representative to all the peerage of England?”
“Hush. I’m only saying there’s no call for it.”
“I’m sorry, dear sister, but you are droll sometimes.”
“I was not being droll.”
Emily’s face lost all mirth. “Then you were completely serious?”
“I most certainly was.”
This caused the mirth to regain control of Emily’s face. “Oh, my older sister, such a naive young babe!”
Madeline’s frustration was growing. “What on earth are you talking about?”
Emily looked behind her, and then leaned in with a whisper. “Mr Ethan Powell will never settle down with a lady.”
She stared at Madeline for quite some time.
“I don’t under—” The truth dawned on her and sent a hot wave through her collar. “Wait, are you saying ...?”
“There are some people in the world who just aren’t made for women, Madeline. Ethan Powell is one of them, I’m afraid.”
Madeline put a hand to her mouth. “Well, I can’t say I approve of that. I’m shocked.”
“I care not,” said Emily. “He’s a wonderful man.”
“That may be, but ... oh, Emily, I’d rather not discuss it further.”
