They Found their Way to Heaven by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-908303-08-0
Publisher: Barbara Cartland.com

CHAPTER SIX

Three days later, while reading Romeo and Juliet with Violet in the library, Elvina was informed by an agitated footman that she had a visitor.

The young footman told her, wooden-faced, that the newcomer was a rough, rude man who spoke in grunts, demanded to see Mrs. Winters and otherwise refused to give any account of himself.

Elvina chuckled, recognising Simpson from the graphic description.

“Wait here a moment,” she told Violet.

“Can I not come with you?”

“Certainly not. While I am away you can learn Juliet’s potion speech and act it for me when I return.”

She ran down to the stables and her eyes lit up with delight at the sight of Jupiter and Mars, her two dearest steeds.

And there, too, was the friendly, familiar face of Simpson, looking as though it was carved out of oak. He was about sixty, tall and sturdy.

He had served Elvina’s family all his life and was not in the least surprised that she had finally recognised that she could not do without him. Not before time, in his opinion.

“Good morning, Mrs. Winters,” he greeted her, remembering his instructions.

Elvina welcomed him, then spoke to Harris, who ran the Duke’s stables and who was studying Jupiter and Mars with admiration.

“Two of the finest beasts it’s been my privilege to see, ma’am,” he said. “His Grace told me they were coming and that they were to be well housed. And if Mr. Simpson would like to lodge with Mrs. Harris and me, we have a very nice room.”

He looked expectantly at Simpson as he spoke, but receiving no response, he became puzzled.

“Simpson is a little hard of hearing,” Elvina explained.

Harris said it all again louder and this time the matter was resolved.

Once she had seen her horses stabled and fed, Elvina took a stroll with her groom to the little wood nearby, where they could be sure of privacy. For it was true that he was a little deaf, although not nearly so deaf as he sometimes assumed.

“How are things at home?” she asked, as casually as she could.

“Goin’ well,” he assured her. “The butler thanks you for the banker’s draft and the horses are all in prime condition.”

“And my neighbours? Is there any local gossip?”

“One matter that may interest my La– that is, may interest you, ma’am. Captain Broadmoor and Miss Margaret have announced their engagement.”

The world seemed to stop. Elvina told herself not to be absurd. She had half expected this news. And yet –

“That is most interesting,” she said, trying to sound bright. “And very suitable.”

“Indeed, ma’am. I must say that some of us were disappointed, havin’ hoped that the Captain and yourself – ”

“Oh, no,” she replied quickly. “There was never any question of that. I always encouraged him to court Margaret. I am delighted for them.”

Simpson had brought all the mail that had arrived since her departure and a brief glance told Elvina that one of the envelopes was addressed in Andrew’s hand.

“Thank you,” she said in a colourless voice. “Why don’t you go and settle into your lodgings now?”

“Yes, ma’am.

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