The Lacemaker by Mary Kingswood

Author:Mary Kingswood [Kingswood, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sutors Publishing
Published: 2019-09-12T04:00:00+00:00

16: Proposals

As soon as she descended from the Leatham’s carriage that afternoon, Caroline knew that something was wrong. Susie’s face as she opened the door told her as much.

“Mr Stratton’s here,” she sniffed.

“Today? It’s not his usual day.”

“Cooked it up between them, didn’t they? Knew you were going to be out all day, and as soon as you were out of sight, there he was. They’ve been together in the parlour all day, and taking no notice of me, none at all. Holding hands and all sorts. They’re there now, waiting for you.”

“Ah.” Caroline peeled off her gloves and hat, laying them on the hall table. Why was Susie so disapproving? She knew what was coming, and surely it was good news. It would mean the breaking apart of their little family, but for the best of causes. At least they would still have Poppy to look after. “Where is Poppy? She hasn’t disappeared or done anything foolish?”

“No.” Susie’s face softened. “She’s been good as gold, the little lamb. Tending her chicks, and the goat’s arrived with the sweetest little kid you ever saw, so she’s happy as can be. John Christopher’s been helping her settle the creatures into their pen.”

“That’s something, anyway. Can we have some tea in the parlour, please, Susie?”

“Aye, it’s all ready, and a marmalade cake. I knew you’d want something.”

The parlour door was open, so Caroline walked in without knocking. Lin and Mr Stratton were sitting side by side on the sofa, not holding hands, but with guilt written all over their faces. They jumped up at once, and Mr Stratton made a somewhat less fluid bow than usual.

“Miss Milburn,” he said.

“Mr Stratton. What a surprise.”

“Oh Caro, don’t be angry!” Lin burst out. “You must have guessed… we’ve known for ages… Lester’s asked me to marry him and I’ve said yes and please, please don’t make us wait until I’m twenty one or I shall die!”

“I’m not angry,” Caroline said. “Why ever should I be angry?”

“You’ll say I’m too young and I’m not, truly I’m not.”

“I’ve not said anything yet,” she said, with a quick laugh. “But this is exciting news! I wish you both joy.”

“So you won’t stop us? You’ll still be able to manage, won’t you, even without my share of the money?”

Caroline went cold. Lin’s dowry. That was why they were so nervous, and Susie was disapproving — Lin wanted her third of the inheritance. Or rather, Mr Stratton wanted it. No wonder he looked so guilty.

“Lin, let me talk to your sister alone,” he said.

Reluctantly, she left the room and he closed the door behind her.

“Miss Milburn, I—”

“Caroline,” she said, flopping onto a chair. “Or Caro. If we’re to be brother and sister, then we’d better dispense with the formalities, Mr Stratton. Lester.”

“Indeed.” He sat, too, taking the same position on the sofa. “You are not, then, displeased with your sister’s choice? You must know that I will cherish her for ever. I want nothing but her happiness.”

“I am not displeased with her choice, but you want more than her happiness, I think.

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