Fortunes of the Heart by Telfer Chaplin Jenny

Author:Telfer Chaplin, Jenny
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Endeavour Press Ltd.
Published: 2013-01-31T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

As had been previously arranged, Mrs Josephine Delaney turned up at Kate’s door on the following Saturday afternoon, by which time Kate had cleaned the best front room from top to bottom. Not only had she rearranged the furniture to the best advantage, but also she had polished the old wardrobe to within an inch of its life, and, from a length of material bought at a jumble sale, she had even made opulent new curtains with which to frame the inset wall-bed. Then as a last, pretty little touch, the previous evening she had crocheted a couple of small doyleys which she then arranged tastefully on the knee-hole dressing table.

Kate bustled around putting the final touches to the best front room. Finally, she rubbed down the dark, wood-grained varnish of the door and as a grande finale, gave a ceremonial flick of her duster at the picture of Highland stags at bay in pride of place over the fireplace. That done, she stood back and, hands on hips, surveyed and admired her handiwork. She nodded her self-satisfaction.

Yes, Kate, my girl. It will do very well. I’m sure there’s not a finer, nor a cleaner room to rent anywhere in the whole of Candleriggs. Come to think of it, even if Mrs Delaney doesn’t like it or want it after all, then there are plenty more herring in the sea.

On that happy and positive note, she then went into the kitchen to attend to Pearce and make him a cup of tea, while she awaited Mrs Delaney’s arrival. They had just finished their tea and scones when the door knocker sounded. As if shot from a cannon, Kate leapt to her feet and almost ran to the hall in her eagerness to open the door, so anxious was she to start on this new phase of her life. She opened the door and there on the landing stood a tall, striking-looking woman whose very bearing pronounced she was a lady of quality. It took all of Kate’s will power not to give a quick bob of a curtsey, as she had been trained to do whenever, and if ever, she chanced to meet any of the fine ladies at Laggan House.

As if innately sensing the younger woman was somewhat discomfited, Mrs Delaney took the initiative. Holding out her gloved hand, and in a very cultured Irish accent, the visitor said: “You must be Mrs Kinnon. I believe you are expecting me? Mr McGregor gave me your name and address and suggested that I call round to see you today. I’m Josephine Delaney – Mrs Delaney, that is.”

By now, having recovered her composure to some extent, Kate invited her visitor into her home and set about making her feel welcome. As she showed her guest into the freshly prepared front room, she first gave a nervous cough.

“Here it is, Mrs Delaney, the room I can offer you. I’ve arranged the furniture to make it a bed-sitting room, and with that

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