Page 5 of Murder at Donwell Abbey

Isabella rested a gentle hand on Emma’s knee. “Are you sure, Emma? Donwell is a very fine house, but you’ve resided at Hartfield your entire life.”

Emma smiled at her sister. “As you know, in the natural order of things wives usually move in with their husbands. Besides, I love Donwell, and it’s past time it receive the attention it deserves.”

She truly did love the gracious old abbey. It wouldn’t be easy to whip it into proper shape, but she would relish the challenge.

John regarded her with a sardonic eye. “Even better, you’ll escape having to live with Miss Bates.”

She wrinkled her nose at him, half in reprimand and half in agreement.

“I suppose that settles it,” Isabella said with a sigh. “Goodness, what an evening!”

Emma held up hand. “There’s one more thing I’d like to discuss.”

“What now?” John groaned.

“This party … ball … or dance that we’re supposed to organize in six days. I don’t see how I can do it without help.”

George frowned. “Emma, you will have my help.”

“Of course, but it’s not the same thing.” She cast a pleading eye at her sister. “It requires a woman’s touch.”

And talents.

Her sister gave her a rueful smile. “You wish me to stay.”

“Yes, please. Besides, you know how much Father would enjoy having you and the children at Hartfield for another week. He never wishes you to leave.”

“And what about my wishes?” asked John. “Don’t they enter into it?”

“Of course they do, my love,” Isabella replied in a gentle voice. “But these are very unusual circumstances. Father and Emma need me, and it will only be for another week or so.”

John blew out an exasperated sigh. “Very well, butonlya week. Not a day more.”

Isabella simply shrugged.

John stared at her for a few moments before switching his attention to Emma. “Is there anything else? Are wenowallowed to retire? I must be on the road, first thing.”

Emma managed a smile. “Of course.”

“Goodness,” she said, after John and Isabella left the room. “What has come over our family? I hardly recognize anyone.”

“Words fail me,” George dryly replied. “You must admit, though, that life has suddenly become quite interesting. One can only imagine how Highbury will react to the news of your father’s betrothal.”

Ugh.

“The gossip will be utterly gruesome,” she said.

It seemed their welcome spell of peace and quiet was coming to a close.

CHAPTER2

Emma surveyed Donwell Abbey’s large supper room, where spare tables had been commandeered and dressed in crisp linens, then set with long-unused silver and glassware. The crystal glittered in the candlelight, platters were piled high with delicacies, and guests milled about, happily chatting and eating. No one would have guessed that the hosts’ frantic preparations had been completed a mere hour before the first arrivals.

Mrs. Hodges, Donwell’s inestimable housekeeper, studied the room with an anxious gaze. “I hope we don’t run out of punch.”

“I shouldn’t think so. We’re halfway through the evening and still seem to have plenty of it.”

“Wait till that lot dancing in the great hall come in,” Mrs. Hodges sourly noted. “A plague of locusts, they’ll be.”