Chapter 8Meg did not get the opportunity to return to the vicarage for a week or more. When she dropped in unexpectedly shortly after midday, she was surprised to find the house in an uproar. A harassed-looking Lucy met her in the hallway, the baby bawling in her arms. As Meg took the child to help soothe her, Lucy led her into the parlor, glancing over her shoulder as if concerned about being overheard.
“What on earth is the matter?” Meg asked as Rose stopped crying, distracted by the dancing feathers on her bonnet.
“Tom’s here,” Lucy said with a sigh.
Meg snorted, “That i***t,” which raised a weary smile from Lucy. “Why’s he turned up this time?”
Tom, a military officer, was the middle of the three Whitmore brothers and caused more trouble than the other two put together. As far as M
