The Maidens of Walsingham - стр. 22
– Your refusal is understood, Reverend," frowned the Viscount, unpleasantly surprised at the religiosity of this beggarly old man, who did not seem to understand the desperate need for this small and gratuitous favour on his part.
– I thank you for your help and your good endeavours. The Lord sees and will credit them to you when you stand before Him," the pastor said softly, sensing the noble lord's displeasure.
The viscount chuckled a little derisively.
– So, what were you talking to the Count about? – He asked, deciding to switch to a neutral topic.
– Mr. Pilough, the architect, is coming to the village tomorrow. He's going to look round the church and work on a plan to rebuild it, and I have to find volunteers to build it. His Lordship is very kind to us poor people. And he is interested, as you are, in my daughters' health.
'Colin has once again asked about Christine Glowford,' the viscount realised, and thought how the Earl's interest in her might not have caused a tragedy.
– You should guard your daughters: men have a taste for female beauty, and your daughters are very lovely," he warned the parson veiledly.
– 'They are, sir, they are. But I have confidence in my parishioners and their virtue. In all the time I have lived in Walsingham, there has never been a single incident of sinful intercourse or violence. The people here are very honourable to God and His laws. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready for vespers.
– Good day, Reverend.
Pastor Glowford left Rivershold, and Viscount Wilworth, displeased at his friend's inquiries about the parson's daughter, and knowing the Earl's amorous nature, went to his study. The Viscount was an honourable man and could not allow Christine to get into trouble, for he could not help seeing his friend's eye on this naive country beauty.
– That parson is a pure soul! – said the count, when he saw his friend enter his study.
– I agree. And you have been enquiring again about his daughter Christine! – The Viscount said reproachfully. – You shouldn't be interested in her.
– I was only politely enquiring about the health of Miss Cassandra and her sisters," Lord Draymore grinned, not the least embarrassed by his friend's words.
He was lying: after the admiring glance Christine had given him, the Count could not help thinking of her; she occupied his thoughts, and it seemed to him that the girl herself was fond of him, for there was something sensual in her gaze. But still he dared not go beyond this mute admiration and his reflections: Christine's low birth was not suitable for a high-born lord like himself.
– I tell you, you draw too much attention to yourself and to her," said the Viscount dryly.
– Yes? But, as far as I know, you are also somewhat interested in this family, especially the youngest," the Count answered him wryly.
– What? Do you suspect me of having a secret passion for poor Miss Cassandra? – The Vicomte was extremely indignant at such a malicious and perverse assumption of the Count. – How could you think such a thing? She is a child!
– Oh, yes, I forgot that you are as noble as King Arthur," said his friend again wryly.
– I'll be damned to say that Miss Cassie did make me sympathise with her! But not the kind of sympathy you have for her sister. My sympathy comes from pity for this sweet sick creature, and I want to help her, to get her into a good institution, to cure her mind a little. Good God, Colin, how perverse you are to think that I am interested in her as a woman! – The viscount was hotly indignant.