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“Then this is an occasion for celebration”

Mrs March pursed her mouth For one awfulto refuse to allow them to pass, and they would have to wrestle with her on the doorstep But perhaps she only wanted to give that iing

“This way,” she said, with a mirthless smile “You may have to wait a moment or thile your rooms are prepared Mr Tremaine does not like to have rooms in use when there is no need, so parts of the house are closed up most of the year I’ll have tea served to you in the second-best parlor”

“‘The second-best parlor’?” Francesca repeated, feeling cross

But A hand on her arm and shook her head “Thank you, Mrs March,” she said, to the woht

“Ma insufferably rude!”

“That may be true, but I still don’t think we should co to bloith ht be tempted My dear, you know you’re inclined to accept first impressions far too hastily Perhaps Mrs March is shy…overwhel inspiration

“Mahtmare,” Francesca retorted

“Here we are” Mrs March had stopped at one of the doors and aiting for them to catch up

“Thank you, Mrs March” As usual Amy’s manners were impeccable “I re roo the housekeeper of her faht to be there “Do you knohat ti loves

“The master is in Oxford,” said Mrs March, with satisfaction She watched their faces fall, and allowed herself a s, I’reet you, but as it is he won’t be home until the day after tomorrow”

“Oxford,” Francesca repeated woodenly

“William has friends in Oxford,” Amy explained, but her voice was full of disappointment “Oh dear, I suppose I should have written to infor today, Mrs March, but I so wanted to surprise him”

Even the housekeeper wasn’t proof against Ahtly “He’s asked for leg o’ lamb for his dinner day after tomorrow It’s his favorite and he won’t miss that”

Amy smiled “Well, that is a relief I suppose we can occupy ourselves until then”