Wingless Bird - стр. 30
The night passed, the morning came, and with it an early breakfast, and with every hour Miss Cowell grew more anxious: what if the dresses were never delivered? It would be a tragedy, for the reception at Lady Marlborough's, which was to change Vivian's life dramatically, would be today!
The evening drew nearer, but the dresses were still missing. At luncheon, Vivian, full of grief, could no longer cope with her emotions, and she had no appetite at all.
Her condition did not escape her aunt's notice, and she asked her what was the cause of her nervous jerky movements, silence, and sad eyes.
– I am very sorry you have noticed my grief, dear aunt. The dresses that were to have been delivered last night have not arrived, and I have not a single dress worthy of my debut," Vivian confessed frankly, hoping that her aunt would help her to find a way out of this unpleasant situation.
– How unfortunate. But, my dear, your blue dress suits you very well and looks quite elegant," Lady Cranford tried to comfort her.
– No, no, not at all! How can I appear in it among guests who will be dressed in splendid gowns and suits? No, auntie, I am afraid if I go to Lady Marlborough's party dressed like that, I shall be mocked, and no honourable gentleman will even look in my direction. – Vivian sighed sadly, and flung up her hands: "Oh, auntie, what am I to do?
Lady Cranford wondered if perhaps she could lend her niece one of her new dresses that had never been worn.
– I have some brand new dresses that were delivered to me a couple of days ago, but I'm afraid they won't fit you, as they are made to my figure and height. Besides, as you may have noticed, I am still in mourning for my deceased husband, and all my clothes are black," she said, and, wishing to comfort her niece, for whom she was beginning to feel a real kinship, she took her hand in hers. – But don't be sad, my dear, we shall think of something.
Vivian, who had not expected such a friendly gesture from her strict aunt, smiled gratefully at her and squeezed her palm tightly.
– Shall we send one of our footmen to the atelier? What if your order is ready, but for some reason it was forgotten to be delivered? – The Countess suddenly suggested: she knew well how many orders every atelier serving the families of London's high society had. – At which atelier were your dresses ordered?
– Mrs.Davidson's atelier," Vivian answered readily.
– My dear, Mrs.Davidson's is one of the most sought-after ateliers in London and caters for half of all the noble families in London, including our own. There have been a couple of occasions when our orders have been sent to the wrong address and we have received orders from other families. I'm sure your dresses have been delivered by mistake to someone else. – Lady Cranford immediately summoned her breakfast footman and ordered him to go to Mrs.Davidson's studio to find out what fate had befallen Vivian's dresses. Then she turned to her niece again: "My dear, don't be afraid to trouble me if you have any difficulties.
– I thank you, auntie. And how can I ever thank you for your care? – Vivian replied softly, but she was full of wonder: why had her aunt suddenly become so kind to her? Was this some kind of game? A pretence? Should she be trusted? – Oh, I only just noticed that breakfast was without your son!