Page 108 of Threads that Remain

“I did not use those words,” Edward said.

“You said we ought to keep an eye on them.”

“I meant to see that they did not lose their way.”

“Precisely. There are many ways someone could lose their way. I am keeping an eye on them.”

Sarah closed her eyes briefly. “He is a menace,” she murmured.

Henry leaned slightly towards her. “A very thorough one.”

She almost smiled.

Edward took Ned by the shoulder and gently held him back. “Come along, my boy. Let us give your sister and Henry a little room.”

“That would defeat the entire purpose.”

They had not walked another quarter hour before Ned, taking advantage of his father’s stopping to greet an acquaintance, contrived to place himself directly between Sarah and Henry.

He did so with such innocent determination that Henry was obliged to fall back a step, while Sarah found herself walking beside her brother.

“Ned,” said she, “you are in my way.”

“Am I? How unfortunate.”

“Move.”

“I am only maintaining a suitable distance between you and Henry.”

“A suitable distance?”

“Yes. I believe three feet is sufficient for ordinary conversation, though perhaps four when discussing serious matters.”

Henry turned aside, his shoulders shaking.

Sarah gave him a look of such concentrated fury that he immediately became solemn.

“Henry,” Ned continued, “do you ride?”

“Occasionally.”

“Do you dance?”

“Well enough.”

“Do you play cards?”

“I think you know that I do. We played together last night.”

“Do you gamble?”

“No.”

“Drink excessively?”

“Ned!” Edward exclaimed, just catching up to them.

“I must ask, Father. A gentleman may be charming when the family of the girl he is courting is staying in his own home, and quite another creature when that family is not around.”