The Passionate Friends. Meg Alexander

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СКАЧАТЬ He rang the bell and gave his orders. “You spoil them, dearest. Prudence will have your blood! Think of her carpets…”

      “We’ll be careful, Uncle Perry.” Eleven-year-old Thomas stood upon his dignity, clearly affronted by Peregrine’s reference to the nursery. “Henry doesn’t drop things.”

      “And I don’t drop things either.” The youngest boy glared at his eldest brother.

      “Yes, you do, and they always land with the butter side down.” Thomas directed a quelling glance at Crispin.

      “He won’t do so today.” Judith reached out a hand to Crispin. “Have you had an exciting day?”

      “We went to the Tower to see the wild animals.” The little boy’s eyes grew round. “There were lions, you know…”

      “And were they very fierce?”

      “I didn’t like it when they roared.”

      “He put his hands over his ears,” said Thomas in disgust.

      “I expect I’d have done the same myself,” Judith announced mildly. “An unexpected noise can be frightening…” She looked at Henry. “What did you like best about today?”

      Henry was dear to her heart. Less ebullient than his brothers, he had a retiring nature. She and he had struck up a friendship based upon long silences, trust, and occasional conversations when the boy had opened up his innermost feelings to her.

      “I liked it all,” he said. “I made some drawings of the animals. They were all so strange and new. Would you like to see them?”

      “I’d love to, Henry, but I must go home. Next time, perhaps?”

      “No, Judith, I won’t have it.” Elizabeth sprang to her feet. “We see so little of you nowadays. You must stay and dine with us—”

      “But, my dear, I can’t. I am expected. In any case, I am not dressed for dinner.”

      “Then I won’t change. After all, we are dining en famille. Dearest Judith, may we not send a message to your home?”

      “Oh, please!” The three boys stood in a semicircle round her. “We haven’t shown you the presents which Dan brought for us.”

      “Judith may be expecting her betrothed,” Dan said stiffly.

      “No! He is away at present.” Judith spoke without thinking.

      “Then there can’t be the least objection.”

      “Objection to what?” Sebastian had come to join them.

      “To Judith dining with us. Sebastian, how is Prudence?” Elizabeth gazed at him with anxious eyes.

      “Perfectly well, and all the better for her rest. She will come down for dinner.”

      “There, you see!” Elizabeth turned to Judith. “Now you can’t refuse. Prudence will be so glad to see you.”

      Judith wavered. The temptation to enjoy the warmth of this happy family circle was almost irresistible, if only for a little longer. Still she hesitated.

      “Mrs Aveton dines from home this evening,” she murmured. “She will require the carriage…”

      “Then let us send it back with your message.” Elizabeth clapped her hands. “We shall see you home, and since Mrs Aveton will be out you won’t be missed.”

      The circle of pleading faces was too much for Judith.

      “Very well,” she agreed. “I shall be happy to stay.”

      Elizabeth beamed at her. “I’ll write a note myself,” she insisted. “Then there can be no objection.”

      “Of course not,” Perry said dryly. “Who will stand in the way of a force majeure?” He turned to Judith. “Eight years of marriage and two children have not yet reduced my wife to the shrinking violet whom I’d hoped to wed.”

      Elizabeth laughed up at him. “You gave no sign of it when we first met, my love.”

      His look of affection was disarming. “No!” he agreed. “I like a challenge and I haven’t been disappointed. You continue to surprise me.”

      Judith looked down as a small hand stole into hers.

      “I’m glad you’re staying,” Henry told her. “Now we can show you the things which Dan brought back for us.”

      Thomas came to join his brother. “Mine is a dagger from India. It has a jewelled hilt. I can’t carry it yet, of course, but when I’m older I shall do so.”

      “And yours?” Judith turned to Henry.

      “It is a wooden mask. Dan says that it will ward off evil spirits.”

      “A useful item.” Perry twinkled at his nephew. “And certainly a thing which no gentleman’s household is complete without.”

      “Perry, I believe you’re jealous!” Judith began to smile.

      “Of course I am. I was tempted to send Dan away again to fetch a similar thing for me.”

      Two small fat hands reached up to touch his face. “Papa, you won’t do that, will you? I love Dan. I don’t want him to go away…”

      Perry hugged his daughter. “I’m teasing, Puss. Dan won’t go away again.”

      “I should think not, after such an unsolicited testimonial.” Sebastian looked amused. “Now, boys, off you go. Judith will call in upon you later, but your mother wishes to see you.”

      Sebastian settled himself in the great wing-chair and Judith lost her charge as the little girl struggled from her lap and ran to climb upon her uncle’s knee.

      “A daughter next, Sebastian?” Perry asked with a grin.

      “Only if she is as pretty as our little Kate here.” His brother dropped a kiss upon the child’s head. Then his face grew grave. “I shall not mind, as long as Prudence and the babe are well.”

      Judith was quick to sense his concern. “Are you worried about her? The doctor gave you a good report, I hope?”

      “Prudence is well enough at present, though I can’t persuade her to rest. Judith, I’d be grateful if you’d have a word with her. She is accustomed to be so active, but you are always a calming influence.”

      “I’ll do my best,” she promised.

      “Then come and see her now.” Elizabeth jumped to her feet. “Oh, I had forgot. We’ve ordered tea in the salon. The boys will be starving…” She held out her hands to her daughter, and led the way across the hall.

      Under their father’s watchful eye, the boys were on their best behaviour, and to Elizabeth’s evident relief, the carpets suffered no disaster. Her own girls ate little, and were clearly flagging after СКАЧАТЬ