Cry of the Peacock by V.R. Christensen

Author:V.R. Christensen [Christensen, V.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Captive Press Publishing
Published: 2014-01-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter twenty-six

ABBIE AWOKE THAT morning feeling that the weight of her cares these last few days had been somewhat lifted. The room was quiet. There was no one else asleep or awake. Only the evidence of their work the evening before was present to prove Mariana had been there at all.

On a table in the corner of the room, two of her best mourning dresses had been laid out. Together, Abbie, Becky and her sister had determined to refashion the skirt so that the typical gored A-line of their aunt’s tailor-made dress might be traded for something a little more stylish. Consequently, more fabric would be required. It was also suggested that Abbie exchange her starched black collar for one of white lace. If they could manage to do so much in the short time they had, Abbie would have something quite suitable, indeed, for tomorrow’s outing.

“Good morning,” Mariana said as she entered the room. “Did you sleep well?”

“Very well. You are up early.”

“I’m used to getting up early. Besides, I thought to get a head start. I have sent to the dressmaker’s for the materials we will need. I expect to have them in hand this morning. Are you hungry?”

“I am, actually.”

“Good. So am I. Shall we go down to breakfast? And perhaps by the time we have finished our meal, our materials will have arrived and we can start in earnest.”

* * *

Ruskin and his father had managed, at last, to get away. It had been a real struggle to get everything settled and taken care of in time for the Opening Ceremony. Perhaps it had all been a bit rushed, but Ruskin was determined not to miss this event. The recent troubles at home had been a trifle more serious than he had prepared himself to contend with. Arabella had wanted the cottages done by winter. There was no hope of having them completed before spring, and the workers were both angry with the delays and displeased with the prospect of moving at the same time. They had threatened to strike. A few had threatened, even, to burn the new construction down. But at last some necessary, though painful, concessions had been made, and peace had been established once more. Ruskin only prayed it would last long enough for Arabella to agree to marry him. What happened then they would weather together, as mistress and master of Holdaway. He liked the sound of that.

Anxious to return to Town, Ruskin had embarked on the journey feeling optimistic—and certainly deserving—of the joy that awaited him. No doubt Arabella had felt his absence as greatly as he had felt hers. He was anxious to get on with things, to secure her promise, to use this time to his best advantage and to make her truly aware of the benefits to this union. One way or the other, she must be made to understand them.

Upon arriving, however, he was immediately deflated. Having made assurances that his time would be at Arabella’s disposal, he had assumed, and perhaps mistakenly, that her time would be equally at his.

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