Wingless Bird
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– I have no need of food. You may go now," Anthony said indifferently, and fixed his eyes once more on his book.
– But, may I… You ordered me not to come to you last night, and I would like to know what was the reason…" Emily began in the firm, sweet tone she used to flirt with her mistress's son.
– Remember for the future: the fact that you spend nights with me doesn't make you think you're someone I have to answer to! – Anthony was angry: his mistress suddenly thought she could ask him such questions?
The maid only smiled slyly.
– You are right, Mr. Cranford, I think I am a little conceited. But shall I come to your chambers tonight?
– No. I shall be busy," said her lover. – But the day after tomorrow I shall see you at the usual time. Now go and don't bother me any more with your silly questions.
From Mr. . Cranford's cold tone, she knew that the moment was not the right one for flirting, and she was right: Anthony was in a bad temper and angry with himself for falling in love with his penniless cousin against his better judgement. Emily left her lover's chambers and went to iron her mistress's dresses. The maid smiled: she was young, beautiful, cunning, and the mistress of a real aristocrat who was good in bed and gave her expensive trinkets (which Emily carefully hid in her mattress. What more could a simple maid want? Trying not to be seen by anyone, the girl came to her lover's house at midnight and left at three in the morning, because at four she had to prepare for Lady Cranford's awakening. Emily had almost no time to moan, but was content with her lot, and, not being distinguished by modesty, wished to spend her time in bed with the young and handsome Mr. . Cranford. But this secret liaison was not known to anyone: the lovers jealously kept their secret.
"Anthony is only mine. He doesn't know it yet, but I won't let anyone take him away from me. Even when he marries, I will remain his mistress and bear him many children," thought the cunning girl, walking on the marble floor almost noiselessly.
Chapter 10
– It was all gone.
Vivian lay on the bed, staring almost unblinkingly at the high white ceiling. Rare but large tears streamed down her cheeks. Tears of deep disappointment and bitterness. But not a single groan, not a single cry, not a single curse escaped the girl's lips: why all this? Wailing could hardly save this evening and get her dresses delivered at least an hour before she left for the ball. And if a miracle did happen, and the dresses were in Greenhall right this minute, would Vivian have time to prepare for such an important event in just one hour? An hour! Sixty minutes! It would be in an hour that Lady Cranford and Anthony would get into their carriage and drive to Lady Marlborough's ball, and she, the inconsolable niece, would be left in her room to weep silently and feel herself the most miserable person in the whole world.
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?
– But you…
– No, no, Jane, I cannot waste my time in the vain pursuit of an unattainable bridegroom. But do not think that I do not detract from my charm, and I know very well that sometimes beauty wins even the hearts of kings and emperors.
– But then who have you got in mind? – Jane asked.
– I have no one in mind for my future spouse, for the only man I know who is a member of high society is my cousin. I had planned to find my victim at the ball tonight…" Vivian sighed, and a painful smile appeared on her lips, "but God must have other plans for me… I think he is punishing me for falling asleep during Sunday services.
The girls laughed quietly, but suddenly there was a loud knock at the door, and Lady Cranford entered Vivian's chamber uninvited. She was ready for her imminent departure: she was wearing a beautiful black silk dress, with long black gloves on her hands, her hair was elegantly coiffed and feathered, and she had a broad, happy smile on her lips.
– Your dresses are found, my dear! – she exclaimed.
Jane jumped up from the bed and made an awkward curtsy: oh, lest her mistress should think she thought she was her niece's friend!