The Bird has got wings - стр. 31
– Love, my friend, is unpredictable! – Jeremy laughed at that. – I fell in love with that red-haired nymph so much that I didn't care about a thing. The old man sent me away when I told him of my intention to marry Vivian.
But when I received the news of his death, when he finally made me happy with his passing, the first thing I did when I got back to London was to pay a visit to your cousin. I proposed to her. She accepted. It's a very amusing story with a happy ending. But I missed you at the wedding.
– Alas, I had to leave London immediately to visit my brother," Anthony sighed.
– Vivian told me. I hope the child will be back on his feet soon.
– I hope so too.
There was silence. A strange, uncomfortable silence for both gentlemen. Fortunately, footsteps were soon heard on the stairs and the butler appeared.
– I gave your card to Miss Salton, sir," Mr. Anderson said to Jeremy as he approached the guests. – She said to ask if you gentlemen would like to quench your thirst?
– No, thank you," Anthony replied politely.
– I think I shall decline too," shrugged Mr. Wington. – But did Miss Salton tell you how long we must wait for the ladies to appear?
– She did, sir. She said she was almost ready, and the ladies would be down in a few minutes. Is there any other favour I can do for you? – The butler asked.
– I don't think so. But please share with us: where did you learn English so well? – Anthony asked with a smile.
– My position requires many skills, sir. – Mr. Anderson's lips trembled slightly in a smile. – 'Besides, as you must know, Mr. Salton is a pure-blooded Englishman, and he prefers everyone in his house to speak his own language. Even the maids. – He gave his guests a polite bow and left.
As the butler had promised, the girls appeared in the hall a few minutes later, interrupting the gentlemen's lively conversation about the defeat of Napoleon and his allies. They seemed to be discussing an entertaining piece of gossip: their ringing laughter suddenly filled the vast hall and echoed quietly from the high, pale but elegant ceiling.
– But we'll continue this conversation later," Jeremy said with a smile to his friend and walked towards Miss Salton, who smiled at him, stopped and bowed. – It's good to see you again, Miss Salton. And glad my husband could visit you today," he said delicately, bowing gracefully.
"What a talented personage this vile man is! He smiles at me, but in his heart he thinks my friendship with Vivian is worthless!" – Charlotte thought involuntarily, watching the gallant behaviour of her friend's husband, who, as she now knew, was a real despot.
– I am glad, too, that Mrs. Wington and Mr. Cranford have so unexpectedly filled my day with warmth and light," Charlotte replied politely. – But you must take care of our dear Vivian: she has been in poor health of late.
– I assure you that my husband is surrounded by love and care," replied Jeremy.
– Oh, I'm sure she is! – Miss Salton managed to squeeze out. – But have you heard the latest news? The Duke of Nightingale and Miss Beckley have officially announced their wedding date!
– Duke Nightingale is getting married? – Anthony was surprised to hear the news for the first time.
– My friend, you seem to have got your Devry fix! – Jeremy said with a laugh. – It was all over the newspapers!