A Cornish Maid by Fenella J. Miller

Author:Fenella J. Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Published: 2011-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Demelza waited in vain for either Martha or Lucas to arrive and escort her downstairs for dinner. The children were invisible all day. She was decidedly put out even though she knew the situation was entirely her own doing. The pretty blue glass necklace and earbobs that matched her gown completed her ensemble. She was ready but no one came.

Even ringing the bell produced no response. Surely the servants were not ignoring her as well? At five o’clock, Betty arrived with a tray. “I reckon you’ve been a wondering what’s going on, miss. The doctor has took himself to the village and madam had nursery tea with the children.”

The tray was placed on Demelza’s lap and she viewed her meal with displeasure. Meat pasty, potatoes and beans would normally have pleased her, but tonight she was too cross to appreciate the appetising aroma. She was tempted to tell the girl to take it away, but that would be impolite and childish. “Thank you, but could you put it on the table by the window? I shall go there to eat.”

Although she sat at the window until almost midnight she did not see him return. Eventually she disrobed and climbed into bed, thoroughly dispirited. Tomorrow she must apologise to Lucas for suggesting that he should fall off the roof. There was no necessity for him to take himself to the village every evening in order to avoid her company

However, he proved remarkably elusive. He spent his time crawling over the roof and vanished to the village every evening. At least Martha had forgiven her. They ate each evening in the dining room where they discussed politics and literature. Not once was her behaviour mentioned or the reasons why Lucas now preferred to spend his free time elsewhere.

Exactly a week after his arrival, he appeared on the terrace dressed more conventionally. She lowered her book, pleased that her hands didn’t betray her disquiet.

“Miss Tregorran, I apologise for absenting myself these past few days but I wished to get the roof repairs completed before the weather changed. I’m delighted to inform you Tregorran House is now watertight.”

“I can’t tell you how pleased I am. So kind of you to have given up your time on our behalf. I have been wishing to apologise — ”

“There’s no need, my dear. I shall be leaving for Plymouth first thing tomorrow morning and your stitches must come out before I go. When will be convenient for me to do this?”

“Right away. I’m eager to resume my normal activities. I have yet to discover a suitable puppy for the boys’ name day next week. Do you wish me to go inside or can you do what you must out here?”

“I shall attend you in the small sitting room, Miss Tregorran, in five minutes.” He nodded and with a brief smile strode off.

He intended to remain aloof from her in future. Her nonsensical imaginings had been put firmly in their place. She envied the easy relationship he’d developed with the children.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.