Kelthorne lied. “I completely forgot that I made a promise a sennight past to call upon Mr. Ash at the camp after the performance tonight. I shan’t be long, perhaps an hour including the distance I must walk.” Laurence stared at him, his mouth agape. Silence returned to him and from the ladies as well. Mr. Emborough cleared his throat and said that one’s promises must always be honored. “I say,” he continued, “but I should like some of that brandy we enjoyed last night.” “Aubrey, you cannot be serious,” Laurence said then clamped his lips shut. His disapproval would have been obvious to a simpleton. Another strained silence fell over the entire party. Kelthorne knew he was behaving badly, but he had no choice. Once Judith had taken the stage, his course had been set. It was Miss Currivard who squared her shoulders and took charge of the situation. “Of course you must keep your promise,” she said with a smile. “As for myself,” and here she turned to Mr. Emborough, “I should also like a little brandy as well.
