Madrilene's Granddaughter. Laura Cassidy
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Название: Madrilene's Granddaughter
Автор: Laura Cassidy
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Историческая литература
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“I think it went very well,” Bess said, relaxing into her chair by the hearth.
“Indeed it did,” Harry agreed, taking his own place near her. Judith dropped a kiss on the top of his head in passing, and put a full glass in his hand. He sipped appreciatively.
“It was lovely,” declared Judith. “Was it not, George?” George agreed, and busied himself finding seats for everyone. He hastened to the door to welcome two latecomers. Katherine had flown up the stairs to her chamber to repair her toilette, and Rachel had been helping to clear the table in the hall. They took their chairs, spread their skirts and raised their glasses to their lips.
Katherine set hers down and spoke. “My dear Lady Bess, you should be very proud of your efforts today. So many guests, such fine food—so much of it prepared by your own hands! It is all very praiseworthy.”
Bess smiled wryly. She wanted no praise for what was a pleasure, and resented the patronising tone the girl used. She had seen how her younger son had reacted to the exquisite Katherine but hoped it was just another case of beauty making its usual impact on Hal’s susceptibility in this area. He had always been so; even as a child he seemed to love the more physically attractive among his small circle, however kind and worthy the others. It was a fault, Bess had always conceded indulgently, but then children were like that. Now Hal was no longer a child, it worried her more, for beauty did not last nearly as long as other qualities and those qualities did not have room to emerge when a woman traded only on her looks, as the lovely Monterey demoiselle did. Bess’s sharp eyes had noticed that Katherine had annoyed most of the ladies tonight by flirting with their men, and—even though it was all in the family today—it was unacceptable behaviour.
Most of Hal’s women, so far, had been like that, Bess mused, her blue eyes wandering over Katherine, who could have come from the same mould. Involuntarily her eyes moved to the girl sitting beside her, then quickly away. Better that known and familiar devil, than the one incalculable in the shape of Rachel. Last night Bess had liked Rachel Monterey, today she saw nothing but her likeness to a distressing phantom from the past.
“What are you thinking of so carefully?” Harry asked her, leaning forward. She smiled to see him so well today. Those attacks of his came and went, and she felt strongly one must make the most of each day of good health.
“That Hal is very taken with Katherine Monterey.”
“Hal is always taken with any female of passing good favour.”
“I think this may be different. After all, she is the granddaughter of an old friend of yours and I feel he would not have made it so plain if he were not serious.”
Harry laughed. “I believe you are right. Our son is not a fool, and John Monterey, despite his disability, is a hard man.” He stretched out his legs, blissfully free of pain today. “What about the other little girl? I rather like her, but understand she is some kind of poor relation to the Montereys, with no means at all.”
“No.”
“But very taking looks, you must admit. Since she came here I have had the strangest feeling—as if I have known her before, although I cannot think where. I’m getting old, I suppose.”
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