“I am not yet in thy father’s intentions about the journey, Katherine. He promised to take thee when he went up to the House. If he forswears his promise, why then, child, I know not. Ask him when he is going.”
“I did so this morning and he said I must excuse him at present.”
“Then he will take thee, later.”
“That’s a bit different, mother; and it isn’t what he promised me. It is my wish to go now.”
“There is no way for thee to go now. Let London wait for its proper time.”
“Alura Percival, and Lady Capel, and Agatha Wickham, are already on their way there. Captain Chandos told me so an hour ago.”
“Indeed! Has he learned how to speak the truth?”
“Like other people, he speaks as much of it as is profitable to him. If father is not going just yet cannot you go, dear mother? You know Jane will expect us to keep our promise.”
“Jane knows enough of the times to understand why people are now often prevented from keeping their promises. Is Jane going much out?”
“A great deal and she says Lord Leyland wishes her to keep open house for the rest of the season. Of course, I ought to be with her.”