Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/281

 In plain English, Anne was going to have a baby.

Dearest James had told Dear Mother that he would come to the country at once to see Edward. But he did not come at once and Dear Mother was distressed. What would people think? A brother not coming to see a brother who had been away in France for a long time!

For once Edward wished to see James—but not for pleasure. He wished to talk with James about James's little son, and he wished if possible to make him break off his engagement with Alice Ruggles.

But James himself had done that, and very recently.

He came to the country at last looking very handsome and attractive. He did not come alone. There was a young woman with him.

She was extraordinarily beautiful and gentle. She wore the richest and quietest clothes, and a marquise diamond big enough to have supported the entire Eaton family for the rest of their lives.

"Ellen," said James in his most beguiling voice, "this is my Dear Mother. Mother Dear—my wife."

Dear Mother shambled forward as if her legs had been suddenly stiffened. Her upper lip drew back from her projecting shelf of upper teeth.