100: Charlotte's Tale

Andrew glanced at Evelyn, clearly not surprised when she gave an almost imperceptible nod.

He turned to Mary. “That will be all, thank you, Mary.”

“Yes sir.”

Evelyn took the hand he extended to her and allowed him to guide her to a chair. The faintest deadly glint was in his eyes as he kept them on the older man, despite the gracious tone with which he offered their odd guest a chair.

“Please, have a seat. Do you prefer to be addressed as Mr. Herbert? Or Mr. Jenner?”

“Ah, thank you.” Shrugging out of his jacket, he folded it neatly and draped it over the back of the chair as he sat down. “And Ned will do, if you please.”

“Ned then. Something I can get you? Champagne? Brandy? Gin?”

“Bourbon would be nice.”

“Very good.” Andrew paced to the bar, turned up a tumbler and tipped out a generous pour of bourbon. “I’m Andrew,” he introduced, handing Ned his drink. “I believe you’ve already met my wife.”

“Thank you. Wife?” Ned arched a brow. “So Charlotte wasn’t able to persuade you