The Potter's Niece by Randall Rona

Author:Randall, Rona [Randall, Rona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Endeavour Press
Published: 2016-03-07T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

‘I assure you, dear boy, I heard every word. Not that either suspected, for I pretended to be absorbed in a mirror — ’

‘ — to which no woman pays so much attention as you, dear Mother.’

‘With the exception of your aunt.’ Agatha threw her son a sharp glance, suspecting mockery but meeting only bland interest. Reassured, she went on, ‘Of course, Phoebe was quite put about, which pleased me. I was also delighted when your grandmother accused her of wanting Tremain for herself and that this was behind her wish for Olivia to be named as heretrix. And there the girl was, paying not the slightest attention, lost in a pile of dreary books, every word from the other end of the room floating over her head. I swear your cousin isn’t quite normal.’

‘She seems very normal to me … ’

Meaning sexually, of course. Agatha guessed that, but pretended not to. Any hint at sexuality in a conversation was always ignored by her.

She continued, ‘You should have seen poor Phoebe’s face! Absolutely distorted with rage! She even slammed the door behind her, which one never does in the presence of older people who have influence and wealth. Thank God, my dear mother is at last wielding her power sensibly and letting the inheritance clause stand in your favour. And that is as it should be. Now there’ll be no more talk about Olivia becoming mistress of Tremain — Phoebe will never dare raise the question again. The girl is mad not to want it, of course, but she would be useless as chatelaine anyway. And you won’t even have to marry her to get it. The place will be yours exclusively. Dear God, what a wonderful night this is!’

Lionel shared his mother’s elation, seizing her ample waist and whirling her cumbersome figure around until she was breathless. When she collapsed, exhausted but laughing, he declared, ‘We must drink to it! You must drink to me, the new master of Tremain, lord of the manor, king of the whole domain!’ He exulted, ‘How people will envy me, how they’ll crawl and curry favour! And women will pursue me even more than they do now.’

‘You must be careful, Lionel. Careful in your choice of companions and careful in your choice of women.’

‘Aren’t I always?’

‘I don’t know. Sometimes I am unsure.’

Lionel dropped a light kiss on his mother’s cheek, assuring her that he knew well enough how to pick and choose — and how to discard, as well.

‘Nevertheless, my son, you must be even more selective now. More particular, more shrewd, more discreet.’

‘I am always so. I learned discretion long ago. And now we will drink the best Bordeaux in Pierre’s cellar — if he hasn’t finished it off himself.’

Agatha declared that Pierre would never do such a thing. ‘He wouldn’t even open a bottle without my permission.’

‘Wouldn’t he, Mother dear — wouldn’t he?’ Lionel tinged the words with wry amusement as he reached for the bell rope. Then on second thoughts he decided to take the man by surprise and promptly headed for the kitchen.

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