A Marriage Arranged by Mira Stables

Author:Mira Stables [Stables, Mira]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Fawcett
Published: 1981-07-11T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Anna's long-planned program moved smoothly into action. Housekeeping presented no difficulties, though the variety of tempting viands presented by the London provision merchants was something of a trial to a young lady who was watching her figure. Bailey—the butler— and Mrs. Ellis were competent and seemed to have established harmonious relations with their underlings, and there could be no denying that Lady Holroyd's house was equipped with every modern convenience. The kitchen boasted an enclosed stove, which not only provided vastly improved cooking and baking facilities but also heated water. There was even a bathroom. To be sure the water supply was temperamental, varying from a trickle to a gush, and hot water must, of course, be laboriously carried from the kitchen. But it was a great luxury, as was the indoor closet, which enjoyed the distinction of being flushed out by that same temperamental water supply.

For the first week of their sojourn the sewing room was a hive of industry. A number of dresses were almost finished, requiring only the final adjustments that would ensure a perfect fit. The capacious cupboards in Lady Wellasford's room filled steadily.

Margaret Kingston was their first caller, coming in response to a note from Anna announcing their arrival in Town. From the start, Julian was inclined to like her and to think that his wife had chosen wisely. She was plainly but fashionably dressed and had a quiet air of assurance. Probably in her early forties, he judged. She wasted no time in polite small talk but began at once to suggest various ways in which they could meet people.

"I shall take you calling with me," she told Anna, "and we can drive together in the Park. What kind of carriage do you keep, and do you propose to drive yourself?"

They discussed this from every aspect and finally decided that it would be best to use the landau with the coachman to drive the two ladies. "In state," pronounced Mrs. Kingston cheerfully. "And I'll not pretend it won't be a treat for me, as well as a good way of introducing you informally to my friends. You've no idea how much you miss the comfort of having your own carriage until you've had to depend on hirelings," she told Julian. "In fact I will frankly confess that I am looking forward to spending a few months in the lap of luxury. I can think of nothing more delightful than to enjoy all the pleasures of the Season in supreme comfort and delightful company. I shall feel positively guilty in accepting the handsome salary that your wife insists upon paying me. It seems wrong to be paid for such pleasant service. But I can be helpful over all the tiresome details of entertaining, and I can introduce her to a number of pleasant people. I promise you, milord, that I will take good care of her and do my utmost to promote her interests."

Yes, confirmed Julian. He liked her very well. She was straightforward and unaffected.

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