‘Perhaps you can explain?’ There was a touch of sharpness in Nannie’s tone.
‘Don’t ever ask me to explain anything Gustavo says; the man is not to be believed under oath.’
‘But what’s become of Jerry?’
‘Oh, he’ll turn up.’ Constance’s tone was comforting. ‘Aunt Hazel,’ she called. Miss Hazel and Mrs. Eustace, their heads together over the tea table, were busily making up three months’ dropped news. ‘Do you remember the young man I told you about who popped into our garden last week? That was Jerry Junior!’
‘Then you’ve seen him?’ said Nannie.
Constance related the episode of the broken wall—the sequel she omitted. ‘I hadn’t seen him for six years,’ she added apologetically, ‘and I didn’t recognize him. Of course if I’d dreamed——’
Nannie groaned.
‘And I thought I’d planned it so beautifully!’
‘Planned what?’
‘I suppose I might as well tell you since it’s come to nothing. We hoped—that is, you see—I’ve been so worried for fear Jerry——’ She took a breath and began again. ‘You know, Constance, when it comes to getting married, a man has no more sense than a two-year child. So I determined to pick out a wife for Jerry, myself, one I would like to have for a sister. I’ve done it three times and he simply wouldn’t look at them; you can’t imagine how stubborn he is. But when I found we were coming to Valedolmo, I said to myself, now this is my opportunity; I will have him marry Connie Wilder.’