Chapter 81

“Are you going to introduce us?” Stan asked Basil.

“Oh, yes, please forgive me. Stanley Jones, meet Leander Norris.”

“ReverendLeander Norris.” Leander extended his hand.

“Ah yes, the reverend who married my niece,” Jones said.

“Your niece?” Leander asked.

“Mr. Jones is Mrs. Shocking’s uncle,” Basil said.

Already nervous, any strength Leander had left drained from his body. “Pleased to make your acquaintance again, sir.”

“And how is my niece?”

“A bit under the weather. She stayed in Southampton with her mother to convalesce,” Basil said.

“Well, it’s a shame we didn’t see you when you came in,” Jones said in a sincere tone. “You could have joined our party.”

“Thank you. We were in the corner over there.” Basil nodded in the direction of a crowded corner in the main dining room. There were no empty seats where Basil indicated they were sitting.

Mr. Jones looked at Basil and cocked his head to the side. Neither man said anything. A rambunctious party came from the Lily Pond.