ELEVEN
"I caught them showing off for the girls in the practice yard, so I warned them, but Keith and Widald would not listen. I caught Keith kissing Lina in the stillroom several times and I lost count of the number of times Arlie came to dinner with bits of grass or hay stuck to her underdress. Both men said they had honourable intentions and talked of marriage, but I'm afraid – "
Father cut Portia off. "Afraid your sisters might be doing things only married women do? Well, you're all of an age for it. I shouldn't be so surprised. I like having you girls at home so much I admit I've waited longer than I should have to find husbands for you all, but perhaps I have waited long enough. Both Keith and Widald are worthy sons of loyal men. I take it your sisters are fond of them?"
Portia's
