Wingless Bird - стр. 31
– Anthony is not feeling well. – The Countess raised her beautiful eyebrows slightly: her son had drunk too much red wine at dinner last night, which naturally displeased his mother.
"He drinks too much!" – she thought, but did not dare to share her anxiety with her niece, for they still knew so little of each other.
Ever since the meal at which Anthony had so awkwardly insulted his cousin, the two had hardly spoken to each other, and, exchanging a polite "Good morning," had passed each other in silence. But the heart of the mistress of Greenhall rejoiced at this circumstance.
– I hope he will soon feel better. We are going to the Duchess of Marlborough's this evening, and he must not miss it, for this ball is a wonderful chance to make new acquaintances and use his charms. Many pretty daughters of wealthy families have made their debut this season, which will bring a good dowry to the future spouse. Anthony must not miss his chance," said Lady Cranford.
– In your opinion, dear aunt, what should he expect? You must remember the sermon he preached to me about Mademoiselle de Croix and her ambition to win the Duke of Nightingale's heart and marry him. – Vivian asked, wanting to know what plans her aunt had for her son.
– As you know, Anthony is my youngest son, which means that when his father died, he inherited only a small share of the vast fortune that my eldest son Richard received. According to my deceased husband's will, Anthony receives a certain, rather decent sum each month, but compared to what his own brother receives, it is a pittance. I feel guilty towards my boy for not being able to leave him my funds… The heartless laws of England forbid me to bequeath my entire fortune to him, so all my money and this house will go to the already rich Richard. Fortunately, Anthony is well aware of his situation and is willing to do his best to marry well and secure a secure future for himself. However, like you, he does not dare to think about marriage with girls above him and much richer than him, because he is not the most prestigious groom in England. Alas! – The Countess wrinkled her nose and shook her head.
Only now Vivan realised how much Aunt Beatrice loved her son, and what an unenviable position in high society her cousin occupied. She thought: Anthony must have found his position as the youngest son much more burdensome than even her own, the daughter of a poor provincial nobleman. She had grown up in a modest mansion with a small garden, while Anthony had been surrounded from birth by the outrageous luxuries he would have to give up, for his chances of getting the daughter of an earl, or even a viscount, into his net were as slim as those of a beautiful Frenchwoman marrying the Duke of Nightingale.
– I'm so sorry. Anthony is a wonderful caring man and a true gentleman… I hope he marries very well and never knows what need is," Vivian said quietly to her aunt, and she raised her eyebrows in surprise at such high praise for her son.
"What if they are secret lovers, and their quarrel is a mere game, plotted by them to deaden my doubts, anxieties, and correct guesses as to their true feelings? How could I see if it was true? – suddenly flashed through Lady Cranford's mind, and the sprouts of distrust of her niece rose again in her soul. – Or am I deeply mistaken? After all, Vivian clearly wishes to make a good match, and my son is a poor candidate. And he realises how poor Vivian is. Besides, as she grows older, her beauty will fade and her poverty will not disappear. "No, no, my Anthony is a clever boy and knows how important it is for him to decide with his head and not his heart."