The Maidens of Walsingham
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Count Draymore smiled thoughtfully, finished his brandy, put the glass on the table, then stood up and walked to the window. The image of Christine, dressed in a modest white dress and bonnet, did not leave his mind.
"Sometimes wildflowers are more beautiful than capricious society roses," thought the count. – "But she is a peasant, and such an affair would disgrace me."
– And here comes Pastor Glowford. And, as I said, alone," he said to his friend with a chuckle, as he looked at the parson approaching the house. – I like the old man, but I think he's an Anglican nut.
– That's what a parson is," said the viscount, grinning.
In a couple of minutes, the butler announced the arrival of Pastor Glowford solemnly, and was immediately ordered by the Count to conduct him into the drawing-room. In a minute the parson stood before the high-born gentlemen from London.
– 'Thank you for receiving me, your Lordship. – The parson bowed delicately, not forgetting the social manners he still remembered despite his long stay in the wilderness. – 'I am flattered by your invitation, and it is a great honour.
– Come in, reverend, sit down," the Count answered him politely. – I wish to introduce my good friend Viscount Wilworth.
– Good afternoon," he said, and extended his hand to shake the parson's.
– I am honoured, sir," replied the parson, shaking his hand, and thinking that the Viscount was not so prim as the Landlord of Walsingham.
– 'I understand, reverend, that you have come on business? – Lord Draymore asked, pointing with his hand to a large, upholstered armchair.
The parson was embarrassed that his dusty shoes were staining the expensive carpet that covered the floor of the Rivershold drawing-room and leaving marks on it. But Lord Draymore and his friend understood the parson's embarrassment and delicately ignored it; they had servants who would always remove the dust and dirt.
– Thank you," said Pastor Glowford briefly, and sat down in the chair offered him.
– Tea, Reverend? Or perhaps you'd prefer freshly brewed coffee? – The Count asked him and rang the bell for the servants.
– Oh, no, not at all… – the parson was embarrassed: the poverty in which he lived was closer to his heart than the luxury that now surrounded him.
– Don't be embarrassed: it is a long journey from Walsingham to Rivershold, and you must be tired," said Lord Draymore, and ordered the maid to bring tea and toast for the parson. – Tell me about your parishioners. As Landlord, I am very interested in their lives. My secretary is in the village at the moment, but I would like to hear from someone who knows the people better than anyone else," the Count said to the parson as soon as the maid had left the drawing room.
– Of course, your Lordship, I will answer all your questions," said the parson, glancing at the large wall clock: he had not expected the Count to be interested in such things, and he intended to finish his business quickly and return home to his sick daughter.
The Count of Draymore sat down in the armchair opposite the parson's chair. The Viscount settled himself on a nearby sofa.
– When I was in the village, I couldn't help but notice how many young children and women there were, and how few men," the Count began. – How could this discrepancy have come about?
– The fact is, your Lordship, that the past winter has brought a real tragedy to our village: many men, women and children have died of disease, and some have frozen to death in their own beds," replied the pastor, with a heavy sigh.
– How many people lived in the village before this winter? – asked Viscount Wilworth, who was interested in the parson's information.
– One hundred and ninety-five, sir.
– And there are one hundred and fifty-one left," said the Count thoughtfully. – It is sad, very sad.
– Yes, sir, it was a great loss, but we did not bury the dead until the beginning of March, as the ground was frozen. My parishioners are very religious, kind and charitable, their lives are devoid of many goods and comforts, but they all live in the fear of the Lord.
– What do the villagers live by?
The maid entered, carrying a tray with a teapot, cups and a large dish of toast. She placed the set on a low table in front of the parson, poured a cup of fragrant, freshly brewed tea and quickly left.
– Farming, Your Lordship: growing cereals, fruit, vegetables, looking after the livestock, fishing, baking bread, and in the summer tending the potato field. But two months ago, our mill went out of order and the peasants have to grind grain by hand," replied the pastor.
"What a disgusting Middle Ages!" – Lord Draymore thought with disgust, only now realising the enormous amount of money that would have to be invested in the development of this remote corner of the countryside. And the waste of money was not to his liking.
– Sir, our village loses people every winter, with more and more single mothers and orphans. There are very few young men left, no more than twelve, and they are mostly girls who have no one to marry, for there are no single men…" The parson thought of his own daughters. – Forgive me, sir, but I cannot stay long: my youngest daughter is ill, and I must be near her.
– Miss Cassandra? – Viscount Wilworth asked in surprise. – 'But what is the matter with her? We had the honour of seeing her after the service, and she looked perfectly well.