"I don't like having anything done in a hurry," Helen said, laughing a little. "Ruins the charm of it. A lady certainly likes to feel like she's special and I am a proper lady. I maintain the facade of it, anyway."

She tipped her head toward the library door. "Let's go play croquet on my lawn. I think I still remember where I put the set and you're a much better sport about it than James has ever been."