““Eloise,” Penelope said, somewhat breathless from trying to shake off Hyacinth. “Penelope.” But Eloise’s voice sounded curious. Which did not surprise Penelope; Eloise was no fool, and she was well aware that her brother’s normal modes of behavior did not include beatific smiles in her direction. “Eloise,” Hyacinth said, for no reason Penelope could deduce. “Hyacinth.” Penelope turned to her husband. “Colin.” He looked amused. “Penelope. Hyacinth.” Hyacinth grinned. “Colin.” And then: “Sir Phillip.” “Ladies.” Sir Phillip, it seemed, favored brevity. “Stop!” Eloise burst out. “What is going on?” “A recitation of our Christian names, apparently,” Hyacinth said.””
