She curtsied, not as deeply as she would to the Queen, but still with a show of deference. “Mrs. Trewlove, I’m honored to make your acquaintance. It was so kind of you to invite us to dine with your family. Allow me the honor of presenting my sisters. Ladies Constance, Florence, and Alice.”

Connie and Flo bobbed respectful curtsies. Alice’s dipping, a bit more enthusiastic, was accompanied with an endearing smile. “A pleasure, Mrs. Trewlove.”

Selena noted the approval in Aiden’s eyes, the triumph within the dark depths, and felt as though his win was hers. Had he felt the same when she’d bested him at billiards? Had he been as glad that she’d won then as she was that he’d won now? Strange, how she never wanted to see him defeated.

“It was kind of you to help Fancy with her bookshop,” Mrs. Trewlove said. “Now come along and eat before the food gets cold.” Turning on her heel, she headed for the table, which seemed to be a signal to everyone else because they scattered, claiming seats—just as Selena had surmised they would—in no particular order.

“Ladies.” Aiden’s voice held a warmth that reached out and wrapped around her.

Once everyone was settled, she found herself sitting beside Lady Aslyn. Her husband had taken his seat at one end of the long table, his mother at the far end. Her sisters sat beside Selena, youngest to oldest. Aiden was across from her. His other two brothers were seated near his mother. Wives sat beside husbands. Mr. Tittlefitz was in attendance, as was the young boy, Robin.

Assorted platters and bowls lined the table. Mick Trewlove stood and began slicing into a rather hefty-looking roast. “Pass your plates!”

“Are there no servants?” Connie whispered.

“Might as well learn how it’s done when there aren’t, as we might be without soon enough,” Flo responded, equally low but still Selena heard her.

It was interesting to watch the china dishes make their way around the table, empty when they were handed to Mick, filled with strips of beef when he passed them on. Once all the plates were resting in front of their proper person, people began reaching for bowls, adding potatoes, peas, and carrots to their meal before handing the pottery off to the next person.

“Bread!” Finn called out.

Aiden plucked a muffin from a wicker basket and tossed it down the length of the table. Finn snatched it from the air.

“Boys,” Ettie Trewlove chided. “We have company. Mind your manners.”

Selena imagined the woman had spent a good part of her life telling her boys to mind their manners. Obviously when she spoke, they obeyed because the bread basket made its way around the table.