Wingless Bird - стр. 38
The image of Miss Cowell, niece of the famous Dowager Countess Lady Cranford, was modest. Very modest. But this girl had no need of bright dresses, heavy jewellery or elaborate hairdos: her beauty was so mesmerising that if she had worn men's breeches and coat she would have been no less beautiful. All in white, like a graceful snow-white swan, Viviane was ready to win the hearts of men and destroy rivals: she knew that Mademoiselle de Croix was not the only hunter of the rich, because a dozen other girls who had already debuted this season, pursued the same goal. What a pity there are so few rich noble gentlemen, and so many aspiring maidens to be their spouses!
"Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, must look just like that," said Anthony's mind, as he gazed at his cousin with fascinated eyes. – Could a mortal woman be like the goddess? Lord knows I wish Vivian were coming down into my arms right now. How I wish I could take her away right now into the sweet wilderness, sing songs of her unearthly beauty, and kiss her hands, her cheeks, her lips… And then… These foolish thoughts… Get out of my head! Viviane is going to the ball to find her way to luxury and wealth, and what could I give her? If Viviane were to reciprocate and become mine, poverty would swallow us both up. Is that what I wish for myself?"
– Good evening, cousin," said the girl affably. – You look beautiful: poor girls and their mothers: let them guard their hearts!
Anthony laughed softly, and, as his cousin descended the last steps, gallantly offered her his arm.
– Thank you," smiled Vivian. – But where is Aunt Beatrice?
– My mother has a habit of hurrying everyone and demanding punctuality, but she keeps everyone waiting for her. I remember that was a character trait my father disliked," replied Anthony, trying to suppress his admiration and appear indifferent to his cousin's appearance, to let her know that her beauty could captivate anyone but him.
– Oh, it is so like me! – laughed Vivian. – 'I assure you, dear cousin, this is the first time I have not been late, and even appeared before my time. But, Anthony, at the ball you must stay by my side and warn me if any black-hearted, miserly, card-loving or hard-drinking man should seek my attention.
'In that case, my nymph, you should stay away from me,' thought the young gentleman gloomily, but only smiled falsely and replied:
– 'I am afraid, my dear cousin, I cannot spend this evening by your side, though I am desperate to keep you away from ardent gamblers, drunkards and misers. You must realise my situation and that from tonight I am doomed to find a wealthy wife.
The girl smiled sadly.
– Yes, I am familiar with your difficulties. And you must know that I am very sorry, and I sincerely hope that very soon we shall see you in church, betrothed before God to a girl worthy of you. – She gently removed her palm from her cousin's palm. – But, pardon my curiosity, have you already got someone in mind? I swear I will keep it a secret.
Anthony shrugged his shoulders helplessly.
– Unfortunately, pretty rich heiresses are scarce this season. For that reason, I'm practically out of options. Mother wishes me to marry, and as soon as possible. But I agree with her impatience: marriage is the only sensible step for me to take.