Wingless Bird - стр. 34
Everything was gone. The dresses were never delivered. The footman sent by Aunt Beatrice to Mrs.Davidson's atelier had still not returned. Vivian would not be going to the long-awaited reception. Her debut was not cancelled, of course, but postponed indefinitely. How long would she have to wait now for another chance? A week? Two? In high society, during the season when unmarried girls are hunting rich suitors, a fortnight is an eternity. An eternity in which all the rich bachelors would be sorted out. And who will she get? Someone's youngest son, like her cousin? No, that was not to be: the beautiful Miss Cowell needed to become the lawful wedded wife of a rich, or better still, a very rich man, and as soon as possible. Time has no patience. Time kills. Time is always trying to take away the dearest, the most precious thing.
– Oh, Miss Vivian… Please don't cry! It pains me so much to see you suffer! – exclaimed faithful Jane.
Vivian's head rested in her friend's lap, and her body was motionless, as if all strength had left it and turned it into one of the statues her aunt loved so much.
– Alas, Jane, it is beyond me. But I am not suffering, no. I am filled with disappointment.
– But what are you so disappointed about?
– The knowledge that everything I need depends on a pretty dress. But that's ridiculous. Isn't it, Jane? Just think of it: I can't go to a ball, my debut, because of some piece of cloth! – Vivian sighed irritably.
– 'Yes, Miss Vivian, it's very sad,' Jane said, stroking her hair gently. – But there is still time! I'm sure your dresses will be here any minute!
– I wish I had your confidence! I am afraid I shall spend the evening in these chambers. Dear Jane, I so appreciate your support! – The red-haired beauty said softly, and, tilting her head slightly, looked at her friend: "You will stay the night with me, won't you?
– Miss, I'd love to, but I have to get up early," she said, embarrassed. But her soul was filled with joy: Miss was asking her to sleep in her chambers! She needs her! How pleasant that would be! And these thoughts made Jane ashamed of her refusal, so she quickly added: – But I will stay with you, let there be no doubt in your mind!
Vivian smiled warmly, rose from the bed and hugged her faithful Jane tightly, and the latter responded enthusiastically.
– Dear Jane! Why can't the Cranfords be as good and kind as you? – whispered Vivian. – I swear to you that as soon as I am married you will come away with me! And my aunt will no longer frighten you with her icy stare!
– Of course you will marry, dear Miss Vivian! To a very rich and noble man, no less! – said Jane with sincere faith in her words.
– I thought you despised the Frenchwoman for hoping to lure a rich man into her net, but you hope to do the same for me? – Vivian chuckled and pulled away from her. – How contradictory you are, my dear friend!
– Come, Miss Vivian, the "French rat" is a dry rose compared to you! And you're as beautiful as the world has ever seen. Not only I think so, but all the servants of Greenhall! – The maid smiled broadly. – The Frenchwoman has no chance with the Duke of Nightingale, but you do!
– Do you think so? – Vivian gave her a wink, but then added sadly: – 'Alas, he is beyond my reach: why should he want me, beautiful but poor, when he can marry the daughter of some earl or duke and double his fortune?