of the day was busy enough to keep her keenly tuned to her surroundings, for the impact of London town upon the senses of one raised in the country was something she had not anticipated. Every turned corner offered glimpses of things of which she had never been aware, and even her father grew animated in pointing out objects of interest to her, from the Town mansions of the great aristocrats to the gallows at Tyburn. If it were not for an occasional recollection of their mission there, Sophie would have declared herself well pleased with the city.
They arrived in Berkeley Square and found themselves quite content with the house Sir John had taken for the season. The public rooms were spacious enough to permit small but adequate gatherings when they should be ready to entertain company. They spent the rest of the day unpacking, but during the afternoon, Lady Corby managed to dash off a note to Sir John’s widowed sister, Mrs. Sarah Brewster, to let her know that they had arrived and were settling in.
Mrs. Brewster had married a wealthy gentleman from Kent, who had left her a house in Town, his property in Kent and a small fortune to go with it. She, like her brother, was an avid enthusiast of the chase, but because of a severe fall incurred in her middle years, she had been forbidden to ride again. Since that time, she had seldom visited her brother in Leicestershire, preferring the amusements of London to sitting about the countryside watching others have all the fun.
But she was quite happy to receive her brother’s family in Town and had written enthusiastically when she had heard of their plans to come. Soon after noon on the day following their arrival, she appeared, bursting in upon them like a whipper-in going after some wayward hounds.
“Hallo, Clarissa!” she boomed, taking her sister-in-law in a crushing embrace. “You are looking much too pale, gel! Looks like you’re off your feed.” She subjected Lady Corby to a careful scrutiny. “Not breeding again, I hope? No? That’s good. Where’s that girl Sophie?” she asked, turning abruptly. “Let me see you! Just as I remembered you. You look fine, gel! In prime form! You will take well.” She bugged Sophie mercilessly and patted her briskly on the back, while giving her a final bit of heartfelt advice. “Just don’t rush your fences.”
Though the sentiments were not what Sophie could wish, she had to smile. It was impossible not to like this bold, unconventional woman, even if she did not share one’s tastes.
Lady Corby, however, was slightly overcome. Between visits she tended to forget the full effect of Mrs. Brewster’s personality, and she might be forgiven for imagining that the experience of Town life might have had some moderating influence. Still, she, too, had an affection for her sister-in-law, despite their differences.
“Sadie,” she said rather breathlessly, “you are looking well. I’m so glad you were at home to get our message.”
“I wasn’t,” stated Aunt Sadie matter-of-factly. “Just got word this morning. But I loaded up and drove to Town immediately. Made it in record time, too, in this weather. I shall have it reported to the Four-in-Hand Club, even though they will not count it officially. It will give them something to aim at.” She spoke without rancour.
“Oh, dear,” said Lady Corby faintly. “I fear we have inconvenienced you dreadfully.”
Aunt Sadie was astonished. “Of course not, gel! Did I say so? I always welcome a challenge. You know that. But enough of this. Where is my bow-legged whelp of a brother?”
By this time the sound of her booming voice had brought Sir John downstairs, and as she spoke he had come up behind her. Taking his cue, he put a rough arm around her rather thick waist and gave her a suffocating hug.
“Who’s this calling me bow-legged? Sadie, you have not changed a whit. Still game enough for anything, I’ll warrant.”
A rosy hue spread over Sadie’s rather rugged
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