Josette by Danielle Thorne Page B

that you share the same sentiments of these gentlemen, Captain Carter.”
    Cleary he did not like sharing compliments with either Edward or Millerd. Rather than respond to her baiting, Carter merely looked her over with indifference.
    “And you Miss Price,” Millard interrupted, “are the prettiest of them all, if I may be so bold.”
    The amusement at Carter’s expense came to a breathless halt. Josette looked from Millerd to Amy. Carter cleared his throat, and she was certain he laughed from behind his mask.
    “Have we complimented one another to everyone's satisfaction?” Caroline asked.
    “Let's take a turn, ladies. It's uncommonly warm in this swarming room.”
    “I’m dying of thirst,” said Amy. “Edward, won't you fetch me something to drink?”
    Edward made a gesture and hurried away, but not without calling back, “And for you Miss Berclair?”
    Caroline shook her head. She took Josette by the arm and moved over to a window that had been cracked for circulation. They both opened their fans and began to cool themselves.
    “Tell me, Miss Price, how long will your cousin be at Beddingfield Park?”
    “I believe he plans to stay until the Season.”
    “Will you join him in London?”
    “I’m not certain we will go to London this year. Edward will return to find a new distraction.”
    Caroline gave a chuckle, and Josette took the opportunity to ask, “And your cousin, Captain Carter. How long will he be with you?”
    “Phillip?” Caroline made a careless gesture. “I haven't seen him in years. He was fond of my father but since his death and that filthy Bonaparte we're lucky to see him at all, and even then at his father's home.”
    “His family has an estate in Ipswich?”
    “Yes, and he a modest situation of his own. His elder brother will inherit, worthless thing. Phillip’s on shore leave since his last commission. Disastrous affair. But of course, you know.”
    Josette nodded at the unspoken insinuation.
    “He was very fond of your brother.”
    The pair made a turn, and Josette pressed her lips together in a polite smile.
    “Why I don't recall a time we've ever seen so much of him,” Caroline said.
    “He stayed with us for some time after his arrival.”
    “Yes, so I recall. And that place in the village.” Caroline looked sideways at Josette and lowered her voice. “It's hardly proper,” she said in an accusing tone, but then looked away and smiled at someone.
    “Village?” Josette repeated with some confusion.
    “Bedfield. He takes care of matters there--with the child.”
    “How kind,” Josette said. She did not understand what Caroline implied and would not share in the satisfaction of a conspiracy.
    “Indeed,” Caroline breathed. “At least he found the little thing a home.”
    Josette nearly tripped over the hem of her gown. She searched the room and found the captain standing over his aunt's shoulder enduring what appeared to be a droll inquisition.
    Captain Carter placing fatherless children in country villages? What could he be at? For a moment the idea that his visit to her family had been a sham, if not opportune, irritated her. He had important business in Bedfield after all. Business his relatives were not approving of.
    “It was very kind of you to include us,” she said after a long pause in which Caroline seemed to be waiting.
    “Yes,” said the redhead. “Though I'm sure mother would have thought of it even without Philip's determination. And despite the state of affairs,” she added quietly.
    Josette blinked. “We hope to have you to dine with us before the year is out.”
    Caroline condescended to a little dip in reply. They finished their tour back into the arms of Edward and Millerd who were contriving to start a game of cards, but Josette refused. Motioning to Edward with as stern a composure as she could manage, she insisted they start their long way home. He acquiesced, but unhappily, and Amy took Caroline warmly by the hands and begged that she