Mrs Vane made no answer beyond an affected smile, but Cupid growled at Mrs Jane, whom he did not seem to hold in high esteem. The coach, with a good effort on the part of the horses, got under way, and rumbled off towards Tewkesbury.
“And how does Sir Richard, my Lady Betty?” inquired Madam, with much cordiality.
“Oh, extremely well, I thank you,” answered Lady Betty. “So well, indeed, now, that he talks of a journey to London, and a month at the Bath on his way thence.”
“What takes him to London?” asked Mrs Jane.
“’Tis for the maids he thinks to go. He would have Betty and Gatty have a season’s polishing; and for Molly—poor little soul!—he is wishful to have her touched.”
“Is she as ill for the evil as ever, poor child?”
“Oh, indeed, yes! ’Tis a thousand pities; and such sprightly parts as she discovers!”
(Note: So clever as she is.)
“’Tis a mercy for such as she that the Queen doth touch,” said Mrs Jane. “King William never did.”
“Is that no mistake?” gently suggested Lady Betty.