Death’s Long Shadow by Judith Cutler

Death’s Long Shadow by Judith Cutler

Author:Judith Cutler [Cutler, Judith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severn House
Published: 2021-07-06T00:00:00+00:00


SIXTEEN

Harriet

Mr Pounceman was obviously going to be centre stage this evening. His valet had returned him to the fine figure he usually was, and had even managed to undo a seam in his trousers to accommodate the bulk of his bandaged ankle. Having been carried downstairs – no mean feat for the footmen involved – Mr Pounceman and his chair simply dominated the drawing room, a fact that did not displease me. Lady Stanton was an enthusiastic handmaiden, insisting that he had too many or too few cushions, that he needed to be closer to or further from the fire and the table placed at his side for his sherry glass was too low or too high. Since she involved the gentlemen in her endeavours, for a while I could lurk in a less well-lit corner and observe, rather than participate in the proceedings. My all-too-brief moment in Matthew’s arms had made me realize how bone-weary I was. In the past I had shared responsibility for the house with Samuel, who had every detail of both our jobs at his fingertips. Good as Dick was, he was not Samuel, and it would take years of experience to grow into his shoes. And he was not hosting a strange group of people considerably above his social station. If only I could kick my boots off and sit and read for an hour. Just an hour. What would I choose?

Dick coughed gently. ‘I was wondering about the table arrangements, ma’am. With the wheelchair to accommodate.’

‘I’m sorry. Of course. Yes, what had you in mind?’

He looked taken aback. ‘I … it’s usually you or Mr Wilson who works these things out, ma’am. But I’d say we had to put Mr Pounceman at the head or foot of the table, because that’s the best place for his chair.’ Encouraged by my nod and smile he continued, ‘Should I put her ladyship beside him? At the head? And you beside Sir Francis at the foot, and Mr Rowsley beside Mrs Arden, who asked me to convey her apologies as she is still engaged in the kitchen?’ He dropped his voice. ‘And devil take the rest!’

‘What an excellent plan,’ I said. ‘Every last bit of it!’ He was about to put his suggestions into operation when I called him back. ‘Dick, after servants’ supper tonight, can you mention to everyone the matter of her late ladyship’s effects. I meant to do it today, but it would have been quite wrong in … in the circumstances. Some will have no intrinsic value, but might mean much to one or another of us. We can distribute them as soon as we have a moment to call our own. No one must feel left out, it goes without saying.’

‘Ma’am, that would be much appreciated. And may I say, I believe that Mr Bowman might want an object or two: he remembers things she said better than he recalls a conversation an hour ago.’

‘Of course! Thank you for reminding me. He would be proud of you, Dick.



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