The Bird has got wings - стр. 43
– Oh, yes! How good of you to remind me of that! – Charlotte thought of it. – Just this morning I received a long-awaited letter from Denmark! The parents were so busy trying to keep their holdings in Norway that they had forgotten all about their daughter! – She laughed softly. – But I'm not offended with them, not in the least!
– And what do they write? – Vivian asked. – 'I hope they will soon return to London?
– Exactly! I think they are on their way! – Charlotte glowed. – And they even managed not to lose their Norwegian possessions! They have to pay double tax to Sweden… But it's better than nothing.
– I'm glad to hear that. It must be terrible for them, being so far away from their only daughter… More tea? – smiled the hostess of the house.
The girls were sitting in the huge, cosy drawing room, in front of the late Mr. Wington's favourite fireplace, drinking tea and sweets.
– Yes, I suppose so. Your father must miss you very much too," Charlotte said softly. – But when shall I get to meet him? He must be a very honourable man.
– When is he coming? – Vivian raised an eyebrow and handed her friend a cup full of fresh tea. – Alas, he doesn't know that himself. In every letter he writes only about his print shop. That print shop is his life, you know. It was that damned print shop that ruined us. But now that I'm a rich lady, the Cowell family business will be revived. Fortunately, Jeremy lets me send quite a lot of money to Casterbridge.
– That's truly kind of him… – Miss Salton tasted her tea and then, looked round and said quietly: – Please tell me your husband didn't scold you yesterday. I can't bear the thought of it.
– Don't worry, my dear, he didn't," Vivian replied calmly, thinking she had been wise to hide her swollen palms under her lace gloves.
And she was telling the truth: Jeremy hadn't raised his voice at her. He raised his whip at her. But Charlotte will never know that, of course.
– He's so strange, your husband," Charlotte grumbled. – Honestly, I'm afraid of him! He's got you locked up in a golden cage, the very best kind of pretender. I can't even find the right words to express my displeasure!
– You are right about that, my dear Charlotte," said Vivian quietly. She held her cup of tea in the palms of her hands, as if trying to warm them. – But let's not talk about him. He is not worthy of us spending even a minute of our time together on him. My husband is out hunting now, and I hope he will not return until late at night. – 'And so tired that he will leave me alone,' mentally added the girl.
– That's even better! – Charlotte said confidently. – They say the Duke of Nightingale and Miss Beckley's engagement ball is in the very midst of preparations, and some say that London has never seen such a splendid ball! That the Prince Regent himself will be there! – she chattered, forgetting Mr. Wington's unfortunate presence. – But poor Miss Beckley! You will outshine her with your beauty on such an important evening!
– I'm not sure I'll be able to go to the ball," Vivian confessed frankly. – Do you remember when I said I wouldn't be disappointed to see the Duke lead his bride to dance? I lied.
– Oh, no, poor thing… You still love him! – Charlotte gasped.