Страница 59 из 70
The Duchess was seated at her dressing table while Rose tried to arrange her hair. The poor woman's hands trembled so much they had lost their usual skill, and her face was swollen with weeping. So, Maria
"There you are," the Duchess exclaimed, catching sight of Maria
"With pleasure," Maria
This kindly offer was received with a look of unconcealed hatred. Putting her apron to her eyes, Rose stumbled out of the room.
"Ridiculous woman," the Duchess said, as Maria
"She is jealous of me, I think. And she has had a bad shock, you know."
"So have you. It is amazing how shocked people are when the things they have always believed to be true actually happen. Rose knows her Bible, she is devout; but when she sees evidence of the survival of the spirit she loses her wits. Ah, that feels splendid. How gentle your touch is."
They went downstairs together to find the others waiting. Even Lady Violet was present, dressed in her usual gray, a lace veil covering her pretty hair and shadowing her face. The evening was not a success, despite the doctor's spasmodic attempts at cheerful conversation; in between his comments his face would sag like that of a sad old bloodhound.
After di
The night and the next day were a repetition of the nights and days that had gone before – quiet sleep, hours of sorting and making lists. By midafternoon the Duchess had finished her self-appointed tasks and declared she intended to rest awhile.
"My dear Maria
Maria
Upon leaving the room she was surprised and a
"Ah, Miss Ransom. You don't ride today?"
"No."
"But the weather is tres beau, n'est pas? What a pity to stay indoors."
Maria
She was sufficiently upset by the encounter and by Victor's belated attempt to ingratiate himself to ask the Duchess how much longer the tutor would be with them.
"Only until I can find a replacement," was the reply. "I have written to friends in Edinburgh asking for recommendations and with luck I shall begin interviewing applicants this week. Why do you ask? The man has not bothered you, I hope?"
The serenity of her tone showed how far this possibility was from her mind. Maria
Another uneasy evening followed. The party broke up early. As Maria
"I am sorry to keep you from your rest," he said formally, closing the parlor door. "I assure you I will not keep you long."
"Indeed, you need not apologize. I have been so anxious to talk to you! Only, I did not want to intrude."
The doctor smiled sadly. "You understand what is happening, don't you? You are fond of her too, I daresay."
"I love her," Maria
"Death. Strange, how hard it is for us to pronounce the word. Or perhaps not so strange, since we fear the actuality so much. I am afraid that in my own grief I have been selfish. I ought to have talked with you earlier. The position is difficult for you."
"Is there nothing we can do? Mr. Carlton suggested -"
The doctor's eyes flashed. "Carlton! Where is he, when I need him? He went off without so much as a word or a by-your-leave; most heartless and inconsiderate of him! Any suggestion of his would be absolute balderdash… But now you had better go to bed. You are very tired, I see."
Maria
"Small wonder. Your nerves are under a great strain. We will talk again – tomorrow, perhaps. It will comfort both of us, I think."
He patted her hand. So natural was the gesture that Maria
"Sleep well," he said softly. "Sleep well and soundly."
Maria
Perhaps it was the thought of one kind elderly lady that recalled Mrs. Jay to her mind, with such vividness that she actually turned, half expecting to see the familiar, black-gowned form sitting in the armchair by the fire. The chair was, of course, empty. Maria
She was about to get into bed when she remembered she had not locked the door. Foolish it might be, but she was determined to neglect no precaution, though she was now so weary she could barely force her limbs to walk to the door and back. She left one candle burning. Scarcely had her nightcap touched the pillow than she was asleep.
Deep in the grasp of nightmare, Maria
The mist curdled and lifted and Maria