“When are they going to be married?”
“Well, that’s hardly settled yet. Diana is coming to stay here for a little while, we hope, next month, and no doubt they’ll arrange it then. I hope it may be some time in the spring or early summer.”
“I do love weddings,” said Rose emphatically.
“Do you, my dear?” Lady Aviolet’s voice, though amiable, displayed not the least interest in Rose’s gushing enthusiasms.
“There will be a good deal of business to be settled before their wedding takes place, quite apart from Diana’s preparations, and her trousseau and things. Of course, in a sense, this alters your little Cecil’s prospects, but I think you can trust Ford to see that his interests are considered in every possible way.”
“I only hope to goodness,” said Rose fervently, “that Ford and Diana will have half a dozen kids of their own.”
A certain quality of taken-abackness in the silence that ensued conveyed to Rose that her aspirations might be open to the accusation of a lack of delicacy.
With unwonted discretion, she did not endeavour to rectify the mistake by volubly explaining it.
She found, to her surprise, that her stay in London had the effect of rendering Squires more bearable to her. She appreciated anew the material comfort of the big, luxurious house, and was happy when she saw Cecil regaining his colour and his appetite.
Ford was very often away, sometimes in London on business connected with his marriage, and sometimes at Diana’s home on the other side of the county.