Death at the Wedding Feast by Deryn Lake

looked at him with eyes twinkling.
    â€˜You little devil,’ John answered, chucking her under the chin, ‘you knew very well that they were going to be twins, didn’t you? How did you do that?’
    â€˜I get pictures inside my head sometimes.’ She lowered her voice. ‘But don’t talk about it because it upsets Grandpa.’
    John crouched down so that he was level with her eyes. ‘Does it? Then we won’t mention it in his presence.’ He stood up again.
    â€˜What are their names, Papa?’
    â€˜Did I forget to write that?’
    â€˜You most certainly did, my boy.’ This from Sir Gabriel. ‘What are you calling them?’
    â€˜Jasper and James. They are truly identical, Sir. I think you will really love them.’
    â€˜I wish I could see them.’
    And there was a wistful sound in the old man’s voice. John stared at him and saw that the years were beginning to sit heavily on Sir Gabriel’s shoulders.
    â€˜Come with me, both of you,’ he said impulsively. ‘I shall be returning to Devon in the next few days. Please regard this as a holiday and keep me company, do.’
    â€˜But the Marchesa,’ said his father, ‘we cannot intrude on her hospitality.’
    â€˜She invited you both,’ lied John. ‘And if she should find it too much to cope with there are plenty of places in Exeter where you might stay. Please come with me, Pa. I really want you to see my sons.’
    â€˜Yes, Grandpapa,’ echoed Rose. ‘You know you will enjoy it.’
    Sir Gabriel folded the magazine and laid it on the table, putting his spectacles beside them. Then he sat in silence before announcing, ‘By Jove, I will come with you. As I remember it the Lady Elizabeth plays a damned good hand at whist. I shall enjoy seeing her once more. When do we leave?’
    John went up and hugged him, then planted a kiss on his cheek. ‘Father, you have made me totally happy. The journey would not have been complete without you.’
    â€˜And me,’ said Rose quietly.
    â€˜And you, darling girl,’ said John, lifting her up to his shoulder height.
    And let it just be hoped and prayed for that Elizabeth will be in agreement, he thought to himself.
    Three days later they left London. Irish Tom, pleased as punch to be driving to Devon once more, took the coach and the pair of horses out along the route used by the stages and some of the flying chaises. John had considered that the other means of transport would prove too much for the two vastly differing ages that were to accompany him. So the journey took somewhat longer than usual as Tom kept his team throughout, resting them overnight. Sir Gabriel, with great spirit, enjoyed the journey almost as much as Rose, peering out of the window and exclaiming at the various objects of interest they passed. The fourth member of the party, a nursery maid belonging to Rose, sat beside Irish Tom, much to the enjoyment of both of them.
    Deciding that tact was by far the best option, the Apothecary left his father and daughter settled comfortably in an inn in Exeter and took the high road to Elizabeth’s house while daylight still held. Once arrived, he sent Irish Tom to the kitchens and announced himself at the front door. A footman answered.
    â€˜Come in, Mr Rawlings, Sir. The Lady Elizabeth is dining at the moment with the Lady Felicity Sidmouth and the Honourable Miranda Tremayne. Should I announce you?’
    â€˜Yes, if you would.’
    The footman knocked on the dining room door and another footman answered. There was a deal of whispering and then the Apothecary was announced in ringing tones. Elizabeth swept to her feet in a rustle of taffeta.
    â€˜My dear, I had not expected you back quite so soon. But I am delighted to see you. Have you dined?’ John shook his head. ‘Then pray join us. You know the other two, of course.’
    He bowed to each female present very