Today's Reading

Viola had been born with a cleft lip. Although it had been repaired after several surgeries, she still bore a vertical scar from nostril to mouth and a shortening of her upper lip, both of which were barely noticeable. Even so, Viola had always avoided people outside the family, living like a recluse. Begrudgingly, she had begun reading to invalids after that advertisement appeared in print. Through it, she met her future husband, along with a dear friend who lived in the poor house, and Viola's life had changed for the better.

Might Emily's own life be changed by taking on some new employment as well?

"I can talk to him for you, if you'd like," Viola said. "Just to return the favor."

"No, thank you. I can talk to Mr. Wallis myself...should I decide to. I don't know that I'd have time to edit for him with my responsibilities here."

Nearby, Mamma grumbled as she struggled to rethread the small eye of her needle, then glanced up over her half-moon spectacles. "Actually, this might be a good time. Things are quieter now that autumn has arrived. Some people over-winter here, but it's unlikely we shall be busy during the colder months, especially over Christmas."

"I shall think about it," Emily said and returned to her book.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, the front-door knocker sounded. Georgiana eagerly tossed aside her needle-work to answer it, even though their housemaid, Jessie, would have done so, given the chance.

A moment later, their friend and former lady's maid bustled in, all aflutter, Georgiana on her heels.

"Astounding news, ladies!" Fran Stirling proclaimed. "I could not wait to tell you. You will never guess. You are to have royal neighbors!"

"Royal neighbors? Besides Viola, do you mean?" Emily teased.

"Yes, even more royal, if you can imagine."

Mamma sat forward. "Not the Prince Regent—not when he has the Brighton Pavilion?"

"No." Fran's cheeks rounded with an eager, pursed-lip smile. "One of his brothers. The Duke of Kent, his wife, and their baby daughter. Not to mention a whole suite of servants."

"Where are they to stay?" Sarah asked. She patted a nearby chair, and Fran sat.

"Woolbrook Cottage."

"No!" Viola exclaimed. "That's just beyond our house."

Fran nodded, eyes alight. "General Baynes has leased it to them for the winter, although the arrangement is supposed to be a secret."

"Then how did you learn of it?" Sarah asked, not truly surprised, for Miss Stirling seemed to be acquainted with everyone in town and heard the latest news well before they did.

"The general hired Mr. Farrant to carry out a few repairs on the place before Their Royal Highnesses' arrival."

"Ah." Sarah smiled. "Leave it to you to know the very person."

Mamma thoughtfully shook her head. "And here we anticipated an uneventful winter."

* * *

The following day, as Sarah and Emily tidied the dining room after luncheon, a sharp triple knock rattled the front door.

Sarah and her sister shared a look and then made their way into the drawing room to receive the unexpected callers. Mamma and Georgiana joined them as Jessie led two tall strangers into the room.

The young maid, her eyes wide and fearful, squeaked, "Captain something and...oh, I forget." She turned and fled the room.

The older of the pair, who looked to be in his midthirties, frowned after her. "Is the girl feebleminded?"

Sarah's face heated in both embarrassment and indignation, yet she managed a calm reply. "Not at all. Only easily intimidated."

"Ah." The older man seemed to take the words as a compliment, his broad shoulders straightening yet more. He wore civilian dress but possessed an officious military bearing and a severe expression.
...

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