The Novel in the Viola by Natasha Solomons

Author:Natasha Solomons [Solomons, Natasha]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, General, Literary
ISBN: 9781848944978
Publisher: Windsor
Published: 2011-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Kit and I might not have been engaged, but my life at Tyneford had shifted. Mr Wrexham enquired as to whether I wished to move to more commodious quarters, but I declined. I’d grown to love my attic room. Lying in bed at the top of the house, I dreamt that I sailed along on the lookout post upon the mast of a tall ship, and I had the best view of the endless sea, better than the captain himself. Mr Wrexham, though surprised, agreed that I may remain for the present in my attic chambers, but the morning after Kit’s declaration, I became for the first time ‘Miss Landau’.

Mr Wrexham summoned me into his study, and for once offered me a cup of tea, which so surprised me that I declined. The butler’s face contracted and I realised, too late, that refusal had been a mistake. So, when he gestured to me to sit, I did so instantly, almost missing the chair in my haste. Manners always impeccable, he contrived not to notice. He perched on the chair opposite, back straight as one of the poplars beside the driveway, knees together, tails dangling behind him, white hands resting upon his black lap.

‘This is a situation of some delicacy, Miss Landau. Mr Rivers has informed me that while yourself and Mr Kit are not presently engaged, such an event is highly likely,’ he paused. ‘This makes your present situation somewhat problematic. You can no longer continue as a maid, Miss Landau. But since you are not as yet engaged, we need to proceed with considerable tact.’

Mr Wrexham explained that my duties were to be undertaken by May and the dailies (Mr Rivers could not endure his future daughter-in-law washing his floors or making his bed a minute longer) but I was to assist Mrs Ellsworth with the running of the household, a more genteel task, that as far as I could tell involved the ordering of dinners and the endless arranging of flowers. I was not permitted to assist with actual cooking. My hands were to be smooth and untainted by work before a ring was slipped onto my finger.

‘There remains the awkward matter of meals. Until the engagement is official and declared in The Times, it is not appropriate for you to take your meals with the family. But you can no longer eat in the servants’ hall. It has been decided that you will take your repast in the morning room.’

I tried not to frown. ‘Alone?’

‘For the present, Miss Landau.’

‘Very well, Mr Wrexham.’

He winced, ever so slightly.

‘Madam, if I may be so bold. Circumstances have changed. If it pleases you, I am now “Wrexham”.’

I shook my head. ‘No. As you said, I am not yet engaged. I live in no-man’s land. I take my meals alone. Until I am Mrs Rivers, you are Mr Wrexham.’

The butler did not smile but gave a slight nod. ‘As you wish, Miss Landau.’

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