“I like what he does more than I like what he says. He tries to spur people to his ideas. You can’t spur Mother.”
“No.”
“I am glad that you are more—a—persuasive in your methods.”
“Am I?”
She smiled, nodding her head. He wondered whether there was a tincture of the coquette in her. In criticising Wilverley was she trying to hide her real feelings for him? He had not answered the question when Wilverley left Brian and approached the pair on the sofa. Grimshaw made sure he wanted to talk to Cicely, and rose at once. To his surprise, Wilverley said without any condescension:
“I’m looking forward to making your better acquaintance, Mr. Grimshaw. If you have no other engagement, will you dine and sleep at the Court some day that suits you next week?”
“With great pleasure.”
A day was named, and shortly afterwards Wilverley took his leave. Grimshaw left the Manor a few minutes later. Alone with her children, Lady Selina said with a sigh:
“Dear me! It wasn’t a very pleasant dinner, was it?”
“I enjoyed myself,” said Cicely.