Wingless Bird - стр. 24
– But what's wrong with wanting to marry a man who has a high title? – Vivian whispered.
– Why, there's nothing wrong with it! But rich dukes do not marry brides who are poorer than they are, not even one as beautiful as Mademoiselle de Croix. – Jane shrugged her shoulders. – She has chosen a game that is beyond her! She'll be a maiden all her life! And so be it!
Miss Cowell smiled falsely, hiding her bitterness behind a smile: if this beautiful French girl, the daughter of a rather rich and noble man, had only a tiny chance of marrying a member of English high society, what awaited her, Vivian, the daughter of a poor provincial gentleman?
Without realising it, Jane had hurt her friend, but Vivian was silent about it, because she had told the bitter truth: rich aristocrats do not marry poor beauties. They almost never marry for love, but are guided by sober judgement. Rich men marry rich brides, even if they are not beautiful and have fragile health, or are already sick.
"Ah, why is Anthony only the second son? I could have had him easily! It's a pity his older brother is already married, because now I'll have to compete for the attention of rich aristocrats with many high society misses! And to make matters worse, I've got a rival. This Frenchwoman is clearly not in the mood for friendship with me… And how could we be friends? Our histories and aims are too similar! – Vivian thought with displeasure. – I'll write to them today and tell them about the Frenchwoman. I need new directions!"
– Well, in that case, I feel sorry for this Mademoiselle de Croix. – Vivian winked at Jane, and she smiled broadly.
– Oh, Miss Viviane, you'll be even more beautiful in your new clothes! And then that girl will die of envy! – Jane whispered excitedly.
– But I think I ought to make her acquaintance. At least for the sake of propriety," said Miss Cowell thoughtfully, and picked up a pair of long white gloves. – Are these in fashion? They are lovely! I haven't got them yet!
– All the aristocrats are wearing them now. Take two pairs, only white. They're usually worn to balls and receptions. Even Lady Cranford wears them a lot. But she always wears black. Still mourning her dead husband. – Jane cleared her throat quietly and asked, barely audibly: – But, Miss Vivian, what's the matter with your funds? You bought so much today and ordered a grand fifteen new dresses, and a dozen pairs of shoes…
– Dear Jane, please don't think about it," Vivian interrupted her friend in a cheerful tone. – I have enough money to be a London fashionista. But you are right: I should get two more pairs of gloves… No, I think I shall get three! And these silk ribbons. Oh, how beautiful! What lively colours! Oh, Jane, I can't wait for my debut! How exciting to even think about it! – She smiled dreamily and pressed her palms to her chest. – I will dance with the most brilliant gentlemen! Which man is the most desirable gentleman in England?
– Duke Nightingale! – Jane answered without a second thought.
– Nightingale? – Vivian asked with a laugh. – His ancestors were birds?
– I think it sounds very romantic! Rumour has it that his great-grandmother was the mistress of one of the kings, and loved to sing, and for that the king gave her the title of Duchess of Nightingale.