Algernon Black

(Chapter 152) A Mother's Plan

Mrs. Black had overseen the preparations for a fabulous meal. She was sure it was so as it was her tried and perfected split pea soup, and so she wondered why her son and their guest seemed to eat as if it was their last meal before public execution.

"Did you see Edia in town?" Cecilia asked in an attempt to spark conversation.

Algernon toyed about with his soup lifelessly. "Yes."

"Well, that's good." Mrs. Black declared, after gaining no additional input. "She's been asking about your health the entire time you've been gone."

"Right." Algernon murmured as Mrs. Black noticed that, unlike any other time her son was in the room with Lucy, he didn't steal glances at their guest but avoided her as if the mere sight of her induced him great pain.

"And did you enjoy going into town, Lucy?" Mrs. Black questioned, grasping for any conversation.

"Yes, it was beautiful," Lucy said, trying to be upbeat though her heart wasn't in it.

Mrs. Black wiped at her lips conjecturing at what could have both of them so morose. "Yes, it is a quite beautiful little town. The people are the best part, however."

Lucy imagined life in the way Algernon must have grown up surrounded by the vigor of the village. It made her envious and it made her sad to know she wouldn't get to experience that ardor again. "I agree."

Lucy's disposition further declined, and now Mrs. Black was at a complete loss of what to do or say.

"Lady Black," Hanagin said with a saving grace of interruption. "We have a visitor."

Algernon and Lucy both looked to the butler and then to each other with hearts plunging.

Mrs. Black reined in a grin as she made for their main entrance. "And who could that be?"

A sudden lurch in Lucy's chest had her heart in her lungs as she wondered if Jared had arrived. But her throat choked on her excitement when she realized what that would mean for her and Algernon. She turned to him now to see him immobilized and staring down at his plate, refusing to make eye contact.

"Should we go too?" Lucy asked as the air grew too grave to breathe.

Algernon still didn't look up but nodded. Lucy left first. And he walked behind, staring at her back like he was following a guard to the gallows.

When they rounded the corner to the entrance Algernon grew erratic with the thought of Lucy gone and reached for her arm. But his attempt came up short when Lucy turned the corner. Algernon paused to swallow his anguish before following suit.

Mrs. Black stepped aside to make way for an older woman to step further into their house. "Thank you so much Mrs. Engrhim."

"Oh, no thanks needed dear!" The older woman cheered, dressed in layers of clothes needed to combat the cold winter night. "I had heard Algernon had come to town but missed him earlier. And I didn't know when he'd be off again, so I thought I'd stop by to drop him off my lemon tarts he's so found of for his birthday." The long-time acquaintance of the Black family held out a bright yellow pastry to Algernon who in a reaction from such sudden relief of grief, laughed.

"It looks absolutely amazing, Mrs. Engrhim." Algernon said. He took the dessert and kissed her redden cheeks to the immense surprise of everyone. Cecilia spectacled the cause of his bipolar behavior, and figured it had something to do with Lucy looking quite a bit happier too.

"Do come in Mrs. Engrhim and Mr. Engrhim." Mrs. Black said, recalling the proper courtesies of which to treat their guest. "I insist."

"Well, all right." The couple comfortably crept into the grand foyer where they immediately began a conversation with Mrs. Black about the current buzz of the town. Hanagin had set off in a flight for champagne and glasses.