The Vicar's Daughter by Kimberley Comeaux

Author:Kimberley Comeaux [Comeaux, Kimberley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781586608637
Goodreads: 935402
Publisher: Heartsong Presents
Published: 2001-06-01T00:00:00+00:00

Nine

“What is wrong with the earl?” Helen asked for the fourth time as they strolled along the path that led into town.

Indeed, Christina concurred silently, what was wrong with the earl? To Helen she merely feigned ignorance. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Helen threw her an incredulous look. “You must know what I’m talking about! For the last week, a transformation has occurred. He is no longer glaring at us or hiding in his study. He has actually been smiling, Christina, and has become a permanent fixture in whatever room we are in.” She stepped in front of Christina and put her hands on Christina’s arms. “You must see that this behavior is highly unusual and quite disturbing.”

Christina sighed. “All right, I do admit he is acting rather strangely, but I wouldn’t call it disturbing, nor do I mind the change. Perhaps he is beginning to heal from all that has happened to him. I believe having his nephew in his life has made him see that life is too important to hide from.”

Helen shook her head, causing her ringlets to bob like dangled sausages about her head. “I do not believe it is his nephew that has wrought this change, Christina. I believe it is because of you.”

Christina studied her friend’s grave countenance. “Helen, I don’t think. . .”

“I believe the earl has developed affections for you of a most romantic nature!” Helen blurted.

If only it were so, Christina thought. But she knew better. “Perhaps he’s beginning to realize he cannot keep himself shut off from the world. I’m sure it is for his nephew’s sake that he is coming about.”

Helen started to argue the point when the biggest gossip in Malbury, Mrs. Blaylock, caught sight of them as she stepped out of one of the little shops along the way. She was dressed in her usual colorful, flamboyant style, today wearing a taffeta dress of green and pink stripes. Upon her head she wore an elaborate turban of the same fabric with a bright peacock feather sprouting up in the front.

“Oh, dear,” Christina whispered to Helen. “She’s headed this way as if she’s on a mission.”

“Perhaps it’s to tell us where in all of England you can actually purchase that particular green and pink striped fabric. Do you think she has it specially made?” Helen whispered back.

“Hmm,” was all Christina could reply, for Mrs. Blaylock had already reached them.

“Why, good morning, Mrs. Blaylock! God has surely favored us with a beautiful sunny day, has He not?” Christina sang out with her usual cheery smile, as both she and Helen bobbed a quick curtsy.

“Indeed He has,” Mrs. Blaylock returned, although her smile was more calculating than pleasant. “It has also been an informative one.”

By the way the woman looked at her, Christina had a sinking feeling that her information had something to do with her going to Kenswick Hall every day. “Well, that’s wonderful, Mrs. Blaylock. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we really have to be—”

“Yes, indeed. When I

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