Chapter 221

Charles baited his hook and cast it far out into the lake. Once his hook and lure sank below the water, he glanced around for the boats. The one carrying James and Gillian had drifted behind the sweeping protective curtain of an ancient willow tree close to the left side of the lake. The other, the one with Audrey and Jonathan, was drifting along in the middle of the lake. Audrey was reeling in a fish, and Jonathan rushed to help her. Moments later they fell deep into the boat and vanished from view.

Charles sighed. "So much for spending time alone without the ladies." He knew a black cloud had to be forming over his head when he idly wondered whether the dandies back inside the house would be preferable company.