About this story
A friend's private letter reached you first, praising the appointment in terms warmer than John allows himself. Between his caution and your own delight at palaces and state carriages, the morning uncovers an ambition neither of you expected to name.
How it opens
Government mail arrived at ten while heat held the road and office verandah almost motionless.
Your husband opened one letter, left his carriage waiting, and walked home beneath a crooked umbrella.
Mr. Ancram's private letter arrived first, but John must be allowed to tell his own news.
I believe you know what has brought me home before breakfast, Judith.
Choose
Say nothing until John's official letter speaks for itself.
Tell John that a friend warned me an appointment was likely.