< previous page page_86 next page >

Page 86
and turned to answer an anxious question from Mrs. Sotheby about the trip. Then Rose-Anne asked Linda to be sure to let her know the date of sailing of the ship on which she planned to make reservations and to reserve tentatively for Donald and herself also.
"I expect we can get our hols at the same timewe usually doand it would be nice to have a day or two of sailing. It's a good idea, Linda. I mean, good for us. We can fly to wherever the ship leaves from, which will save us some traveling time and give us more time on the island. While you're at it, chase down the flights and connections and make those reservations for us, too. Oh, Lord! Hold your breath!"
Startled, Linda did freeze for a moment. Then she smiled. Peter had returned, triumphantly carrying cup and dripper, which he set down without spilling a drop. There were so many laughing compliments on this marvelousfor Peterfeat of balance and dexterity that it wasn't until everyone had risen from the table that Linda realized that Rose-Anne had been rather free of her services withoutas Gertrude had saida by-your-leave to Mrs. Bates or a thank-you to Linda. Then she shrugged. She would check with Mrs. Bates, of course, and the Sothebys' manners might not be all they should be, but she was their aunt's employee, after all.
Conversation after lunch was desultory, and at three o'clock both Rose-Anne and Donald said they had to get back to their offices and would drop their mother at home. Peter also

 
< previous page page_86 next page >