The Education of Miss Paterson by Chesney Marion & Beaton M. C

Author:Chesney, Marion & Beaton, M. C. [Chesney, Marion & Beaton, M. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Historical, Humour
ISBN: 9781472101815
Amazon: B00837FB9C
Goodreads: 23444485
Publisher: Constable
Published: 1985-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

Six

Patricia awoke late the following morning to find Miss Simpkin perched on the end of her bed. She struggled awake. “Is anything the matter, Simpers?”

“No, my dear,” said the governess. “It is just that we never seem to have a comfortable coze together like we did in the old days.”

“You pick the oddest times,” yawned Patricia. “What do you wish to talk about?”

“Why, gentlemen,” said Miss Simpkin brightly. “They are all enamored of you, my love. You have taken London by storm.”

“The news of my fortune has no doubt taken London by storm as well,” said Patricia cynically. “Do you know what I am doing today?”

“Mr. Johnson said that Lord Charles is to take Miss Chalmers to the opera and that he has arranged that Colonel Sommers shall escort you.”

“Colonel Sommers is all very well in his way,” said Patricia. “He is handsome and kind and courteous, but so absent-minded! Half the time he does not seem to know where he is or whom he is with.” She stretched her arms lazily. “Still, I had better look out something grand for the opera. There is that opera gown I started making. It only lacks some ribbon to trim it. Are you going out, Miss Simpkin? Perhaps you could buy some for me.”

“I was hoping we could perhaps go out together,” said Miss Simpkin. “I long to have an ice at Gunter’s. It would not take us very long and you have no arrangements for the afternoon.”

“Perhaps Lord Charles means to take me driving,” said Patricia hopefully.

“No, he is taking Miss Chalmers and her mother to the Park.”

Patricia turned away to hide her disappointment. “In that case, Simpers, I shall take you to Gunter’s and then you can help me choose ribbons for my gown.”

Gunter’s, the famous confectioner’s in Berkeley Square, was crowded. It was about the only place in London where ladies could go to eat cakes and ices unescorted without occasioning comment.

“What is the time?” asked Miss Simpkin as soon as they were seated.

“Two o’clock,” said Patricia, squinting at the fob watch pinned to her bosom. “You keep looking this way and that. Are you expecting someone?”

“No,” said Miss Simpkin nervously. “No, no. Why should I?”

“Silly old thing,” thought Patricia. Aloud, she said, “Miss Sinclair was quite cross when I said I didn’t want her to come with us. She is becoming a bit like a jailor. For some reason, she disapproves of me.”

“I never liked her, you know,” said Miss Simpkin. “So rigid. All that learning. It addles the brain so.”

“But learning is your stock in trade,” said Patricia.

“But genteel subjects. Not geometry and Greek. Only gentlemen should learn those.”

Patricia ordered ices. After a time she said, “Do eat yours. It is melting on your plate. Why do you keep looking about you?”

“I love seeing all the Fashionables. Of all marvelous things! Here is Mr. Geoffrey Truebury.”

Patricia looked up and saw a foppish young man approaching. “Must we meet him…?” she started to say, but Miss Simpkin was already waving to the young man.

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