The Hourglass by Tami Egonu

Author:Tami Egonu [Egonu, Tami]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: THE Publishing
Published: 2017-12-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

The day was already long and still it had far to go. They arrived back at the house in time for the evening festivity. Tables were placed out in the garden and lanterns lined the paths, ready to be lit at the appropriate time. Mrs Beatty had spent all day baking and roasting and the air was delicious enough to eat.

‘It seems all we do is sleep, eat and drink,’ remarked Edward.

‘We have good health too. Now is the time to appreciate a good life,’ Henry replied and patted him on the back. ‘We are living my man. Do not rush to the next moment and miss where you are right now.’

Charlotte had not noticed the telegram waiting for her. It was Sophia who saw the solitary envelope lying on the silver plate. Seeing that it was for her sister she shouted out. The door to Charlotte’s bedroom was still open, allowing Sophia’s vocal call full entry.

‘Charlotte. Charlotte.’

‘What is it?’ she shouted back.

‘There is a telegram for you. It must be from Arthur. Do you want me to open it for you?’

‘No I do not!’

‘Shall I bring it up to you?’

‘I will come down, stay there.’ On her descent, Charlotte could hear her mother talking to Sophia.

‘You do not have to shout dear. A lady should not need to shout to be heard. The entire house can hear you.’

‘Yes Mother.’ Her eyes catching sight of Charlotte, she waved the telegram excitedly. ‘Is it from Arthur? Is the old fart coming?’

‘Let me open it first and I shall tell you.’ Both mother and sister stood huddled around her as she tore open the envelope, her smile fading when she read the brief message.

‘What is it dear?’

Lifting a hand to her throat, Charlotte tried to swallow away the tightness that prevented her from speaking. Seeing her daughter’s tears, Miriam stepped forwards and held her protectively. The telegram had been dropped. Sophia bent and picked it up, reading it out loud once she had smoothed out the surface.

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