Page 12 of Refining the Debutante
“I am sewing infant quilts for the newborns in the village. There is a mother of twins who has a particular need for linens.”
Mrs. Withers leaned over and set her hand affectionately on her daughter’s arm. “My Georgina is the most charitable girl, is she not, Mr. Roderick?”
The size of Ethan’s eyes should have already answered the question for him. “Indeed. I am duly impressed.”
“I think it remarkable.” Jane put her hand to her chest. “Do you know my brother regularly sends funds and necessities to a boys’ school? You two are quite matched in nature.”
“Do you think so?” Miss Withers asked. “I would never presume to compare myself to Mr. Roderick. My sewing is nothing to the efforts he surely makes.”
A maid brought in tea, and Jane served their company first. When she handed a cup to Ethan, she whispered, “Don’t ruin this.”
Ethan said much louder, “You’re a great comfort to me, Jane.”
She glared at him and then served their younger sister, who usually never said a word in company. Why could Jane not be more like Hannah and even Richard, who could both sit beside him in silence? His sisters looked alike with their matching dark-brown hair and eyes and rosy cheeks—though Hannah was a smaller build—but their temperament could not be more different.
“What other pursuits do you enjoy, Miss Withers?” Ethan asked, drawing his attention back to his guests.
“I am fond of music and art, but please, I do hate to direct conversation to myself. What of your interests?”
Ah, a modest woman. Another box seemed to check itself in his mind. “I enjoy physical exercise, hunting, and a good afternoon nap.”
Miss Withers smiled. “I should think a nap is needed if you are as active as you lead me to believe.”
“He has spent the entire day lying around in the library,” Hannah said.
Ethan sputtered on his tea. Why had Hannah decided this was a good moment to talk? This was clearly Jane’s influence. Hannah was the sweet one. “I have been trying to study some laws,” he said by way of explanation. “It’s a long, dreadful story and certainly too boring for such delicate ears.”
“I agree,” Jane said.
“You have piquedmycuriosity, Mr. Roderick,” Miss Withers said. She tilted her head to one side, and he could tell she was attempting to read his character as well.
He might as well do his best to impress her. “I am making a study of the rights of the poor, but I am afraid I do not possess the mind of a barrister; each statute is convoluted, and I need an interpreter to discover the buried meaning.”
“When you find an interpreter, I would be interested to know what you have learned.”
Ethan caught an approving smile from Mrs. Withers. She was following the conversation with rapt attention. He met Miss Withers’s gaze and grinned. “I would be glad to share such knowledge with you.” Her enthusiasm for a passion he shared impressed him.
“Are you long at Stonebrook, sir?” Mrs. Withers asked. Were her fingers crossed in her lap? It seemed her excitement about her daughter’s conversation with Ethan rivalled his own.
“I have a business trip in a month and then will return to Stonebrook until the new year.”
“Well then, you must come to our picnic.” Mrs. Withers said. He was beginning to wonder if she had created the picnic just for the opportunity to push his daughter toward him.
“A picnic?” If he said yes, would he come across as overeager? “I wouldn’t want to ruin any fun by intruding.”
“Nothing of the sort,” Mrs. Withers said. “I was going to copy a few invitations tomorrow. Nothing formal—just an intimate gathering under my shade trees. We are going to haveice cream.”
“Ice cream?” Ethan leaned forward as if coconspiring. “I would not want to miss something so delightful.”
“No, you mustn’t,” Miss Withers said, picking up where her mother had left off. How could he say no to such a sweetly delivered plea? “And your sisters must come too.”
“Thank you,” Jane said. “That is most kind.” After a moment, she elbowed Hannah.
Hannah squeaked a quiet thank-you.
Ethan eyed Miss Withers. “And you will be there, of course?”
“Undoubtedly.” She smiled at him.
