The Wedding Game by Jane Feather Read Free Book Online Page B

that the prospect of her mother remarrying might encourage the daughter to get herself to the altar as soon as possible,” Prudence remarked.
    “Yes, precisely,” Chastity said with some satisfaction. “One hand washing the other, really.”
    “So, you invite both women for next Wednesday and we twist Father's arm to be there, and we send Douglas Farrell the usual instructions,” Constance said. “That means flowers for every woman, and a white one for Laura.”
    “It'll have to be carnations,” Prudence said. “They're the only buttonhole flowers easily obtained at this time of year.”
    “Then that's settled.” Chastity nodded. “A good evening's work.”
    A slight alerting tap on the door brought the return of Max and Gideon. The two men had no difficulty reading the slightly self-conscious start given by all three sisters at the interruption. “Just what miserable souls' lives have you been rearranging now?” Max asked.
    “You know perfectly well we only suggest helpful things,” his wife said with dignity as she stood up. “We work only in the interests of good.”
    “Tell that to some of those pathetic people who've had their lives ruthlessly turned upside down without their even knowing it,” said Gideon.
    “Can you give me one example of a couple we've put together who are unhappy about it?” his wife demanded.
    Gideon threw up his hands in defeat. “Since I don't know half of them, what can I say?”
    “Leave us to do our business just as we leave you to do yours,” Prudence said.
    “You still express opinions,” he commented mildly. “Is a husband to be accorded the same right?”
    “If you're ready, Constance, I believe it's time we went home,” Max said.
    “And I think it's time I went to bed,” Chastity said, jumping up from the sofa.
    “Now look what you've done,” Prudence accused her husband, but with a laugh in her voice. “Driven away our guests by being quarrelsome.”
    “Not a bit of it,” he denied. “They were going anyway.” He moved to the door. “Constance, Max, let me see you out.”
    “By the way, what were you discussing about Christmas?” Constance asked as they all walked into the hall.
    “Now, that is truly none of your business,” Max said.
    “Surprises?” Chastity asked, her hazel eyes glowing. “I love surprises, particularly Christmas ones.”
    “Then I hope you won't be disappointed. Good night, Chastity.” Max kissed her and bade farewell to his hosts. Constance hugged her sisters and the Ensors went out into the crisp night to their motor, waiting at the curb, engine running, the chauffeur huddled into a heavy driving cape.
    Chastity yawned. “I'll bid you good night, Gideon.”
    “I'll come up with you and make sure you have everything you need,” Prudence said, linking arms with her. “Will you be long, Gideon?”
    “No, I'll just turn out the lights and lock the door,” he said. “I sent the staff to bed an hour ago.”
    Prudence examined the arrangements in the guest room with a critical eye. “I think you have everything,” she said, smoothing down the already smooth coverlet before going to the dresser. “There's milk and chocolate and the spirit stove here if you'd like hot chocolate.” It was a reference to the sisters' nightly ritual in their father's house, when they would gather together over hot chocolate in their own private sitting room to talk over the events of the evening.
    Chastity shook her head, smiling. “Not after chocolates and Benedictine,” she said. “Everything is perfect, Prue, so go to bed and I'll see you in the morning.”
    Prudence nodded but hesitated, her hand on the doorknob. “This Douglas Farrell,” she said, “you seem to have developed such an antipathy towards him. Do you think you'll be able to meet him face-to-face . . . do what we have to do for him as a client without betraying something?”
    Chastity unthreaded the topaz ribbon from her hair before answering. Then she said, “I