Ines walked in first, followed closely by Delaney, and then Smith Jones.
"Everyone," Ines announced cheerfully, gesturing to the handsome man in the navy coat. "What a wonderful surprise! Captain Smith has returned early from his duties in Portsmouth to surprise his dear wife."
For a second, there was dead silence.
Then, Aunt Margery proved exactly why she was the reigning Aunt of London society. She did not miss a single beat. She fell into the act so flawlessly that even Delaney was impressed.
Aunt Margery practically threw Fifi off her lap and stood up, throwing her arms wide open.
"Smith, my boy!" Aunt Margery boomed joyfully, walking across the room as fast as her age would allow. She grabbed the actor by the shoulders and planted a loud, fake kiss on his cheek. "Look at you! Safe and sound on dry land! How have you been? How are the terrible English waters?"
