The Linnet Bird: A Novel by Linda Holeman

Author:Linda Holeman [Holeman, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Published: 2005-05-16T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

IT WAS THE FIFTH OF FEBRUARY. FAITH AND I HAD BEEN INVITED to an evening of light refreshments and chamber music at a home in Alipur, where several of the bachelors—including Somers Ingram—had their quarters. The party was being put on by the Senior Ladies Group from the Calcutta Club. Apparently, this was a proper evening, Mrs. Waterton assured us, chaperoned by this group of ladies who often assisted unmarried men with entertaining before they found a wife to take over the duty. “It’s a nice change for gentlemen to be able to entertain in their homes occasionally,” she said.

As soon as I had heard that Mr. Ingram was one of the hosts, I tried to find excuses to send my regrets. But Faith was very keen to go, as she had been seeing more of Mr. Snow, and she knew he would be in attendance. “If you don’t accompany me, Mrs. Waterton may say I can’t go, Linny. Please. You must come, for my sake if nothing else.”

I finally agreed, but knew I would be uncomfortable. And yet there was no way I could avoid Mr. Ingram indefinitely; our paths would have to continue to cross at social events. I could not remain within the Waterton home forever.

The home was airy and more sparsely furnished than the couples’ homes I’d visited. Apart from the Senior ladies, bustling about importantly, the crowd was all young, the laughter louder, the talk more animated. It was obvious that the mood this evening was less formal than usual.

Charles Snow immediately came to greet Faith. She took his arm and they wandered off, their heads together, intent in their conversation. I chatted with a few of the other young ladies in the drawing room, sipping lime cordial. I didn’t see Mr. Ingram and was relieved.

But as we were summoned to the music room, where the tuning of a viola was evident, he appeared at my side as if from smoke.

“Miss Smallpiece,” he said.

“Good evening, Mr. Ingram,” I said coolly. Now it was up to him to set the tone. His face was unreadable.

“It’s good of you to come. Welcome to my home.”

“It’s very nice.”

“Yes. It’s quite comfortable.” He stepped closer. “I was hoping we would meet again before too long, Miss Smallpiece. In fact, I had this event moved ahead a few weeks so that I would have a chance to speak to you before too much time had passed. I considered sending a card to the Watertons’ but thought you might turn down my offer to call. As well, Mrs. Waterton would have been present even if you did accept.”

“And why would her presence be a problem, Mr. Ingram?”

Without speaking, he led me down a wide hallway. I looked over my shoulder as we went, wondering whether to draw away from his grasp and join the others, wondering if anyone saw what would be interpreted as very unbecoming behavior. But everyone was filing in the other direction, their backs to us now, and I allowed myself to be led.

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