"Good God, already?" exclaimed Judith.
"Yes, and you see what an anxious position it puts me in. I would not have her upset for the world. However, it seems certain Boney can't move against us yet. I shall wait until the Duke comes before I decide. That will be best."
The Earl agreed to it with a solemnity only belied by the quivering of a muscle at the corner of his mouth. Sir Peregrine adjured him to let him have any reliable news he might chance to hear and took himself off, his mind apparently relieved of its care.
His sister was left to enjoy a laugh at his expense. "Julian, I think you must have taken leave of your senses when you permitted Perry to marry Harriet! Two children, and another expected! It is quite absurd! He is only a child himself."
"Very true, but you should consider that if he were not married we should have him enlisting as a volunteer."
The thought sobered her. She put down her embroidery. "I suppose we should." She hesitated, her fine blue eyes raised to Worth's face. "Well, Julian, our morning visitors have all talked a great deal, but you have said nothing."
"I was under the impression that I said everything that was civil."
"Just so, and nothing to the point. I wish you will tell me what you think. Do we stay?"
"Not if you wish to go home, my dear."
She shook her head. "You are to be the judge. I don't care for myself, but there is little Julian to be recollected, you know."