China Court by Rumer Godden

Author:Rumer Godden
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781504040389
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 2016-08-02T04:00:00+00:00

Vespers

Jam sol recédit igneus …

THE SETTING SUN NOW TURNS OUR GAZE TO THEE.

HYMN FOR VESPERS OF SATURDAY FROM MRS QUIN’S Day Hours

The Flight into Egypt The Virgin is seated on an ass and holds the Child to her bosom. He is asleep. Joseph walks behind supporting his steps with a long staff. Bleak, rocky landscape. In the distance a lion searching for prey and two robbers beating their victim with cudgels.

Full border of conventional flowers, fruit, and ivy leaves painted in colours and heightened with gold. Figure of a cat playing with a mouse (satire on the robbers and their victim).

MINIATURE FACING THE OPENING OF VESPERS IN THE HORAE BEATAE VIRGINIS MARIAE, FROM THE HOURS OF ROBERT BONNEFOY

It was the next afternoon and the hands of the grandfather clock in the hall were slowly moving toward teatime ‘of this interminable day,’ groaned Bella. ‘Here we are,’ she said, angrily pacing the drawing room, ‘all of us, hanging about waiting for a chit of a girl.’

‘We may have to wait a week,’ the second Grace reminded her gloomily. ‘We have only had twenty-four hours.’

They had gathered because the news had spread that, an hour ago, a boy had brought a letter for Tracy from Peter. ‘A letter and a bunch of clover,’ the youngest Grace had reported, since when speculation had filled the house.

‘I didn’t think Mother would have done this to us,’ said the eldest Grace.

‘If you ask me, she delighted in being contrary,’ said the second.

‘I think Tracy will see reason,’ said Walter. ‘I have talked to her.’

‘As a matter of fact, so have I,’ said Harry.

‘It’s a pity you did that, Harry,’ said Walter put out. ‘Too many cooks, you know.’

‘Well, I had a word with her myself,’ said Tom.

‘I don’t think it matters who talks to her,’ said Bella. ‘I don’t believe she listens.’

‘She certainly isn’t very responsive,’ said the second Grace. ‘When Dick and I—’

‘Who would have believed that such a timid manner could hide such a stone wall!’

‘It isn’t that she’s rude—’ began the youngest Grace.

‘The reverse,’ said Bella in an access of irritation. ‘She’s bafflingly polite.’

‘The child ought to play poker,’ said Dick.

‘It isn’t funny, Dick.’

‘I asked her what her mother would think,’ said a Grace, ‘and all she said was “Mother can’t talk to me about marrying!’”

‘Nor Barbara can.’

‘All the same, she shouldn’t talk of her mother like that.’

‘Tracy didn’t say it until we pressed her.’ The youngest Grace was fair.

‘I knew you would take her part,’ said Bella. ‘You are far too soft.’

‘But I like her,’ said the youngest Grace.

‘We all like her,’ said Bella angrily. ‘Isn’t she in the family?’

‘Of course,’ said the first Grace, ‘I told her we were only thinking of her good.’

‘Naturally. One just couldn’t let her be saddled …’

‘At her age.’

‘Yes, she’s so young.’

‘She has no idea what she would be letting herself in for.’

‘A house can persecute you.’

‘She wouldn’t have a moment to call her own the rest of her life.’

‘Did you tell her that?’

‘Yes, and

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