The Two Mrs. Abbotts by D. E. Stevenson

Author:D. E. Stevenson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2013-10-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Five Riders on the Moor

When Jerry had invited her P. G. to come to Ganthorne she had made it clear that no entertainment need be expected, “We’re all workers,” Jerry had explained, and Miss Watt had replied that she desired no entertainment, she could amuse herself…but after a day or two Jerry discovered that it was rather nice to have another young woman to talk to, rather pleasant to do things with Jane. They got on very well, for Jane was a good listener and Jerry liked talking…soon Jane knew practically all there was to know about Jerry, but Jerry still knew very little about Jane.

One morning Jerry decided that the horses needed exercise and she invited Jane to accompany her for a ride on the moors. Jane accepted with delight and soon the two of them were walking down to the stables together. On the way they called at the cottage to leave some eggs for the Meltons, for Jerry was of the opinion that Melanie needed extra nourishment—she was far too thin. It was pleasant to call at the cottage nowadays, and to see Melanie’s happy face. It was delightful to see the cottage looking clean and comfortable. The Meltons had brought a few of their own things: a couple of basket chairs, some gaily colored cushions, and a Persian rug. These additions made an astonishing difference to the living room—it looked cozy and pretty, it looked like a home.

“I’ve brought you some eggs,” said Jerry, handing over the little basket. “There are two for you and two for the colonel…and mind you eat yours, Melanie. I’ve written your name on them.”

Melanie laughed, for Mrs. Abbott amused her a good deal. She said, “How did you know I gave the others to Daddy?”

“A little bird told me,” replied Jerry gravely. “And I was very angry. If you give these to Daddy they’ll poison him.”

This alarming prophecy left Melanie unmoved.

“This is my lucky day,” she said, nodding. “I got a parcel from America this morning and now eggs from you.”

“What did you get?” inquired Jerry, for she, also, had a generous friend upon the other side of the Atlantic and occasionally received exciting parcels, full of luscious food.

“I got butter,” replied Melanie, “and sugar, a tin of spiced ham, a tin of marmalade, and a box of candy and some hairpins.”

“Marvelous!” cried Jerry, opening her eyes very wide.

“Yes, isn’t it?” agreed Melanie. “I mean everything is just exactly right. It was frightfully clever of her, wasn’t it? The worst of it is you aren’t supposed to write and thank people. It seems a funny idea—she’ll think it is ungrateful if I don’t write to her.”

“You can write and say thank you very much for your kind thought,” suggested Jane. “Tell her she guessed right; that’s what I always do.”

They both looked at Jane. “I suppose you’ve had parcels, too,” said Melanie.

“Dozens,” replied Jane.

“Have you got cousins in America?” asked Jerry—for this seemed the obvious explanation.

Jane blushed. She said, “Er—no.

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