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room for everyone.”
    “The next thing you’ll suggest is that we marry her off.”
    Drew made a great show of considering this. “You know, that’s not a half-bad idea.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous. Aunt Ruth?”
    “Why not? Just because she’s reached a certain age, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t still have a heart. Don’t you think she’s been alone long enough?” He sat up a little. “Oh, I know. We could have a double wedding. You and me and Aunt Ruth and her long-awaited love. No, wait, there’s Nick and Miss Holland, as well. A triple wedding! Won’t it be jolly?”
    She crossed her arms. “Now you’re just being silly. And who exactly is going to walk me down the aisle? Neither ofus has any family to speak of, and my uncle Calvin isn’t really up to making such a long trip.”
    “We’ll think of something, darling. The doctor perhaps. Or the vet.” He grinned at her. “So when are the other two little maids meant to arrive from school?”
    “Carrie and Muriel won’t be here until a week before the wedding. Carrie’s father was absolutely against her coming back so soon, but since it is for the wedding, he finally gave in.”
    “What about Miss Brower? I never heard about her family when she was here before. Do they also object?”
    “She’s practically an orphan, too,” Madeline told him. “Her great-aunt raised her and pretty much lets her do as she pleases about most things.”
    “Ah,” Drew said, “this explains a great deal.”
    Madeline shook her head. “Muriel’s a good sort. Just a little brassy at times.”
    “Like a euphonium.”
    “But you like Carrie, don’t you?”
    “Miss Holland is a delight, and I have yet to meet anyone who seems more appropriate for Nick. I’m glad she’s coming back for a while. It will give them a chance to get better acquainted.”
    “Give who a chance to get better acquainted?” Nick asked as he came into the room.
    “You, my good fellow,” Drew said. “We’ve decided to marry you off, as well.”
    “Oh, all right.” Nick considered for a moment. “Anyone I know?”
    “You remember Miss Holland who came to visit with my Madeline this past summer, don’t you?” Drew asked.
    Nick’s eyes lit. “Oh, I should say I do.”
    “Well, she’s coming to Farthering Place.”
    Madeline nodded. “She and Muriel are coming to stay for a week before the wedding. Won’t that be fun?”
    “Oh, capital! I didn’t think she’d be back over so soon. She never mentioned it in her letters.”
    Drew gave him a knowing look. “You’ve exchanged letters, have you?”
    “A few,” Nick said. “You know, just keeping in touch.”
    “I see you were right after all, darling,” Drew said. “Young Mr. Dennison has been pining.”
    “Pining?” Nick asked. “Me? It’s a monstrous lie.”
    “Thinking fondly?” Drew suggested, and Nick smiled.
    “Well, perhaps that. She was jolly nice to have around, and I shouldn’t be unhappy to have her back again.”
    “You don’t think Barbie will mind, old man?”
    Nick made a face. “Barbie and I are on the outs again just now.”
    “Carrie suits you better anyway,” Madeline said.
    Dennison stepped into the room, clearing his throat with utter correctness. “Pardon me, sir, but Miss Madeline’s dressmaker is here.”
    “Oh.” Madeline glanced at her watch and then touched her lips to Drew’s cheek. “I didn’t realize it was so late. You boys try to behave.”
    She hurried out, and still Dennison stood there, lips pursed. “And you, Nicholas. Haven’t you any business to attend to?”
    “That’s what I came in here for, Dad.”
    “We’re just seeing to it,” Drew added. “Thank you, Denny.”
    Dennison bowed. “Very good, sir.”
    Drew laughed softly once the butler had gone. “You’d think you were working for him and not me.”
    “Good old Dad.” Nick chuckled. “He’s always afraid I’ll overstep my place.”
    “Couldn’t be done, old man. Couldn’t be done. What,