Page 40 of The Best-Laid Plans

“I’ve come to know her better,” Artemis continued. “She is kindhearted and generous in addition to being, I suspect, an actual genius. She is not one to employ even a single unnecessary word, which can make her seem upset or arrogant, though she is neither.”

“You are fond of Rose,” Ellie observed.

“She is, in many ways, the person I wish I were.” Artemis led Ellie from the shop and directly past a woman who watched her departure with a bit too much interest. Voice lowered, Artemis said, “Ididnotice it that time.”

“What do you suppose is behind this?” Ellie asked.

“I haven’t the first idea.” Still, Artemis walked past the shops with head held high, giving Ellie the confidence to do the same.

They’d not gone far when Daria and Gillian ran them to ground.

“We were chatting during my mother’s at-home this afternoon,” Daria said without preamble, “and overheard the oddest comment. About Ellie.”

Heavens.

Artemis motioned all of them onward. “We’ll head for home. On the way, tell us what you heard.”

They walked in a clump, though the pavement was not quite wide enough for four abreast. Still, the matter at hand required the effort.

“Mrs. Carter said, ‘Ellie Napper always was a little unusual.’” Daria gave them all a significant look. “And she said it in a tone that indicated her memories of Ellie were meant to confirm something happening now, something that could be explained or at least supported by Ellie being ‘a little odd.’”

“Mrs. Carterhas always been a little odd,” Ellie muttered.

Artemis nodded. “Odd and a touch vindictive. She used to say the unkindest things about my sister Daphne.”

“And while that was not a particularly kind observation,” Daria continued, “it was not what sent us to find you.”

Oh dear.“What else was said?” Ellie hated to even ask.

“In response to Mrs. Carter, Miss Ramsey said that while she was surprised to hear reports of Ellie’s behavior, she supposed there was always a history of such things when one looked back.”

That was a strange thing to say. “What ‘reports of my behavior’?”

“Neither lady clarified,” Gillian said. “And we didn’t dare ask.”

They’d not quite reached the Lancaster house when Newton came rushing down the pavement toward them. He looked a little distressed. Ellie didn’t know if she could endure more bad news, not without at least a moment to guard herself against it.

“Oh, Ellie,” he said and not in a tone of being overjoyed. “I’ve just had a concerning conversation.”

“An epidemic of late, it would seem.”

He looked to the Huntresses, all of whom allowed their concern to show. Newton sighed. “I had hoped my mother was misinformed.”

Horror seized her on the instant. “Your mother?”

Artemis called for a temporary end of the discussion, insisting they focus their energy on reaching her house. “We need to get a grasp on this so we know what to do next.”

No one objected. And no one spoke all the way there. Only when they were seated and tea obtained did the discussion resume.

“What did your mother have to say?” Artemis asked.

“She has heard from a friend of hers that there are whispers going about connected to my name,” Newton said.

“We knew your feigned courtship might make people wonder a little,” Artemis said, “but absolutely nothing that has happened between you should cause enough speculation to be problematic.”

Newton shook his head. “Not that sort of connection. The whispers say that Ellie is attempting to dupe me into an understanding. That she is manipulating me, or using her... wiles to ensnare me.”

She could do nothing but stare agape in silence.

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