Виктория Холт - The Captive

“I don’t know why you think it’s going to be such fun. Is it because that old Lucas is going to be there?”

“He’s not exactly old.”

“Oh, he is. He’s ever so old. You’re old and he’s older than you.”

“You think that because you are young. It is a matter of comparisons.”

“Well, he’s old and he can’t walk straight either.”

“How do you know?”

“One of the maids told me. He was nearly drowned and it almost killed him.”

“Yes, she’s right. I was nearly drowned too.”

“But you’re all right. He’s not.” I was silent and she went on: “The old Rev is going to be there with his awful wife … and the doctor all the most boring people you can think of.”

“They may be boring to you but not to me. I’m looking forward to it.”

“That’s why your eyes sparkle and look bluer. Tell me about it after.”

“I will.”

“Promise … everything.”

“I’ll tell you all I think you should know.”

“I want to know everything.”

“All that is good for you.”

She put out her tongue at me.

“Governess,” she said.

“Not the most pleasant part of your anatomy,” I said.

“What’s that?”

“Work it out for yourself. Now I’m going down.”

She grimaced.

“All right. Don’t let that Lucas persuade you to go back.”

“I won’t.”

“Promise.”

“I promise that.”

She smiled.

“I’ll tell you something. Gramps will be there, so it won’t be so boring after all.”

The guests were already assembling. I went down and very soon we went in to dinner. I found myself sitting next to Lucas.

“What a pleasure!” he said.

“I am so glad you came.”

“I told you I would.”

“What happened to Dick Duvane? I hear he has gone away.”

“It’s not permanent. He’s just gone away for a spell.”

“I’m surprised. I thought he was your good and faithful servant.”

“I’ve never looked upon him as an ordinary servant, nor has he regarded himself as such, I believe.”

“That’s why I’m so surprised he’s gone.”

“Dick and I used to travel a lot together. We had an adventurous time.

Now I’m stuck at home . can’t get about as I used to. Poor Dick, he gets restive. He’s gone off on his own . just for a spell. “

“I thought he was so devoted to you.”

“He is … and I to him. But because I’m afflicted and restricted, there’s no reason why he should be. How are you getting along here… really? I suppose we can’t discuss it here … right in the middle of the family. You must be getting to know them well.”

“Not all. It is the first time I’ve seen the Dowager Lady Perrivale.”

He looked along the table to where she sat. She looked rather formidable. It was indeed the first time I had seen her. She had had to be helped downstairs and I gathered that she spent most of her time in her own room. The Major was sitting beside her, carrying on an animated conversation with her which she seemed to enjoy. Tristan at the other end of the table was talking to the doctor’s wife.

Lucas was right: we could not speak of the family at their dinner table.

Conversation was general, embracing the Queen and her advancing years, the merits of Gladstone and Salisbury and suchlike.

I was not paying a great deal of attention. I so much wanted to be alone with Lucas. There was a great deal to say. I was longing to ask him what he thought about the drunken sailor.

I really believed then that, had it been possible to talk intimately with Lucas, I would have told him everything at that point.

With the ladies I left the men over the port and went into the drawing-room. To my surprise I found myself seated next to the Dowager Lady Perrivale. I thought perhaps it might have been arranged and she wanted to inspect Kate’s governess.

She was one of those women who must have been formidable in her prime.

I could see from her face that she was accustomed to having her own way. I remembered what I had heard of her; how she had restored Perrivale Court when she brought her money into the family, and I imagined she had a certain fondness for the place.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity of a chat, Miss Cranleigh,” she said.

“My daughter-in-law tells me that you are doing very well with Kate. My goodness, that is an achievement. The governesses that child has had! And not one to stay more than a month or two.”

“I haven’t completed a month yet. Lady Perrivale.”

“I do hope you will… and many months. My daughter-in-law is so happy with the outcome. She said Kate is a different child.”

“Kate needs to be understood.”

“I suppose we all do. Miss Cranleigh.”

“Some of us are less predictable than others.”

“I expect you are very predictable, Miss Cranleigh. I am most unpredictable. This is what they call one of my good days. I shouldn’t be down here if it were not. You look to me as if you have a very orderly mind.”

“I try to have.”

Then if you try, you will’. I have given up trying. Though I used to be the same. I could never endure mess and muddle. One grows old. Miss Cranleigh. Things change. How do you like Perrivale Court? “

“I think it is one of the most interesting houses I have ever been in.”

“Then we agree. I was fascinated by it from the moment I saw it. I am so pleased Tristan is married and settled. I hope there will be grandchildren … soon enough for me to see them before I go. I should like several.”

“I hope your wishes will be granted.”

“I want this place to pass to my grandchildren… children of the Arkwright blood mingling with the Perrivale … you know what I mean. Arkwright money made it what it is today … so it is only right. It would be just the right mixture, you see …”

I thought this was an odd conversation. I noticed that her eyes were slightly glazed and I wondered whether she had forgotten to whom she was talking. I saw Mirabel cast an anxious look in her direction.

The Dowager Lady Perrivale noticed Mirabel’s glance. She waved her hand and smiled.

“Don’t you think she is delightful, Miss Cranleigh? My daughter-in-law, I mean. Did you ever see anyone so beautiful?”

“No,” I said.

“I don’t think I have.”

“I knew her mother and her father … the dear Major. It is so nice to have him as a neighbour. Her mother was my best friend. We went to school together. That was why the Major came down here after her death

when he left the Army, of course. I said, ” Come and settle in Cornwall. ” I’m thankful that he did. It brought dear Mirabel into the family.”

“She lost her first husband,” I said tentatively.

“Poor Mirabel. It’s sad to be left a widow with a child to care for. Of course she had her wonderful, wonderful father … and he came out of the Army just at the right time. He has been a tower of strength to us all. Such a delightful man. Have you met him … I mean apart from tonight?”

“Yes.

Kate took me to see him at the Dower House. “

“She would. She adores him. He’s so good with children. Well … he’s good with anyone.

He’s devoted to Mirabel. He was delighted with the marriage . so was I. It was just what I wanted. And it means the Major is here with us a charming neighbour . and a member of the family really. “

“He has a lovely home there at the Dower House.”

“He seems to like it.

I’d like to go along and see him there . but I can’t get out now .”

“What a pity.”

“Yes … indeed. But I have a good woman. She has been my maid for years. She’s my constant companion. I’m in the rooms next to those used by my husband when he was alive. It’s almost a separate part of the house. My husband was a man who liked to be alone. He was very religious, you know. I always said he should have gone into the Church. Well, it has been nice to chat. You must come along and see me. Maria-that’s my maid-will be pleased to see you. In fact she keeps me informed.”