“We also think we need to bring some of this under a proper new Clarence Foundation umbrella,” Nick said. “We ought to be more involved in shaping our own ventures, hand-selecting organizations and projects that have a specific meaning to us. Obviously this doesn’t preclude you sending us on other outings,” he added hastily, “but we think it will help shape a larger cohesive purpose for us as a team.”

Agatha’s lips had puckered into an O of astonishment. Richard laid a hand on the binder as if trying to read it through osmosis.

“How very clever of you both,” he said, and I couldn’t tell if he meant it. “Thank you for the additional reading. I shall do it at my own convenience and get back to you.”

Agatha, who had clearly assumed he’d tell us to get stuffed, jerked her head between us and her brother like a ticked-off chicken.

“I assume that concludes your portion of this agenda, Rebecca,” Richard added.

“Actually, there is one more thing,” I said. “My sister is getting married, so Nick and I will need to be on hand for that. Probably in November. I wanted you to have advance notice. She’s also expecting a baby.”

“Goody, I love babies!” Elizabeth chirped. “Hearing that makes me broody.”

“Indeed,” Richard said. “Perhaps, Rebecca, this is one instance in which you should use your sister as inspiration. Certainly, no duty of yours is more important than delivering this family its next heir.”

Nick opened his mouth to say something, but Richard was quicker.

“Moving along,” he said. “I’ve been briefed on Frederick’s whereabouts. He was in Afghanistan by last reports, and safe, but I won’t hear more until the mission he’s undertaken is over, or unless he’s forcibly evacuated.”

“I still cannot believe you let him go,” Agatha scolded.

“He’s been expertly trained. And it’s very difficult to say no when your child is motivated to do good in the world,” Richard said, although I noticed that his lips had gone white. “I suppose you’ve never run up against that situation with Nigel.”

“Nonsense,” Elizabeth said, leaning across the table to pat Agatha’s hand supportively. “I’m sure his campaign to legalize ecstasy is going to revolutionize the club scene. And create jobs.”

Agatha frowned hard at the table. “The situation is just very frightening,” she admitted. “I’m worried about him, and I don’t like it at all.”

Nick handed her the handkerchief he always carried. “Neither do I,” he said. “But Freddie made a choice, and I trust that he and Father knew what they were doing.”

No one but me could see how hard his other hand was gripping the seat of his chair.

*  *  *