Chapter 12 Summary

On a wet afternoon, Vinnie wonders why she has not heard from Chuck in a week, certain it must be a deliberate slight. Perhaps he found someone else after she declined to set a date to visit him. Remembering how he applauded her virtue for delivering Roo's message to Fred, he had also reported on the progress of his research. Chuck can see himself remaining forever in England. Mumpson may be a plebian contraction of De Mompesson, a follower of William the Conqueror, but Chuck is not sure he wants a French lord as an ancestor. Hearing again that Vinnie has no plans to visit, Chuck sounds disappointed and promises to call in a few days. Perhaps he is sulking, Vinnie thinks, or has met someone else. No one answers when she dials his number Monday, planning to announce she is coming. Vinnie...