Page 25 of Indecently Daring

20th January 1845, Holbrook House, Sussex.

“Well, I think we’ve done splendidly well,” Cat said, as she ticked the last item off the list.

Alana looked around at the stacks of boxes filled with everything they had collected for the charity auction and could only agree. They had just done an inventory and the generosity of the parish—with a little persuasion from the force of nature that was Lady Cat Barrington—was lovely to behold.

She turned back to Cat, who was sitting in splendour in the kitchen storeroom on a well-padded armchair, with her injured ankle propped up on a velvet-covered footstool and a cashmere shawl about her shoulders to keep the chill away. Every so often, a besotted footman would poke his head around the corner to ensure there was nothing the lady wanted. It was most amusing.

“It’s a wonderful haul,” Alana agreed happily. “Aunt will be so pleased. Her auction will be a tremendous success.”

“What shall we put up as a prize for the tombola?” Cat asked, perusing the list with a little frown that wrinkled her nose. “We want everyone to buy tickets so it must be something that everyone wants.”

“How about that goose? It’s the fattest I’ve ever seen and, no matter who wins it, I’m certain they’d be pleased. After all, the books would be my idea of a splendid gift, but not everyone would appreciate them, and I’m uncertain lace hankies would be much use to Mr Bishop.”

“He could give them to his wife,” Cat suggested.

Alana shrugged. “I suppose so, but I can’t see Mrs Bishop being much impressed with lace handkerchiefs either, though perhaps I’m wrong. Everyone likes a bit of luxury, but then everyone likes roast goose too.”

Cat laughed and nodded. “Well, that’s true enough. The goose it is. So, the date is set for this weekend. What else is there to do?”

“We need to finish the cards with the numbers on to give out to the bidders. The posters are already up, and Aunt has arranged for everything to be taken to the village hall Friday night. Saturday morning, we’ll set up the chairs and arrange all the donations, so they look impressive, and the auction starts at two. So, just a bit of work drawing up the numbered sheets for us, and we’re done.”

“Well done us, then,” Cat said with a grin. “It’s going to be a tremendous success. I hope everyone enjoys it.”

“I’m sure they will, especially if they win that goose,” Alana said with a laugh. “Well, I shall find one of your minions to carry you back upstairs and head over to the vicarage.”

“They’re not my minions,” Cat said with a disgusted expression.

“Well, they act like it,” Alana retorted.

“The poor fools. They think I’m as sweet as I look, which is far and wide of the mark. If they knew my propensity for getting into trouble and causing chaos, they’d run a mile,” Cat said frankly.

Alana shook her head, wondering how Cat could believe such a thing. She might not have seen much of the world, but she suspected men would put up with a great deal for a woman who looked like Cat. “If you say so.”

“Why are you going to the vicarage?” Cat asked, suddenly more interested in Alana, her silver gaze fixing upon her.

“Aunt asked me to fetch the key in case the vicar isn’t there when they deliver the boxes for the auction. She says he’s always out and about on calls in the afternoon and often he doesn’t get home until late.”

“The poor man works too hard,” Cat said, studying Alana with interest.

Alana shrugged, uncomfortable with her friend’s scrutiny. “I suppose.”

“Well, give your vicar my best regards. I’m very much in charity with him for having rescued you so heroically.”

“He’s not my vicar!” Alana protested.

“He forbade you to have nightmares,” Cat pointed out, one blonde eyebrow raising, as if this explained everything.

“Oh, I so wish I hadn’t told you that,” Alana grumbled. “He was just being kind.”

“Mm-hm. I bet he cuddles all his parishioners in their nightgowns.” Cat’s tone was dry as dust, her eyes glittering with laughter.

“That… That was just… it didn’t… Oh!” Alana said in disgust. “It would serve you right if I told your minions you’d said you were not to be disturbed and left you down here all day.”

“They wouldn’t leave me alone all day even if you did,” Cat replied with a sigh that sounded rather heartfelt. “But by all means try it. I don’t mind a bit of peace and quiet.”

“Abominable girl,” Alana grumbled as she stalked from the room. “I’ll see you later.”

“That you will,” Cat called after her merrily.