Читать книгу The Bird has got wings - Анна Морион - Страница 6

– Jeremy! I didn't expect to see you here! – Anthony exclaimed in surprise when he saw his best friend enter the lobby of Lillehus.

Mr. Wington gave the servant his hat and cloak, and the friends hugged each other tightly.

– You have come straight from the hunt! – young Cranford said cheerfully, only now noticing that Jeremy was dressed in a dark hunting suit, stained in places with brown mud. His boots were covered with dried forest soil.

– You wrote that you were back, so I thought I'd take my time and meet you," Jeremy said cheerfully. – But where are our beauties?

– Miss Salton is choosing a hat for her walk, and your husband is helping her. We're going for a walk in the garden, you see.

– Oh, splendid. Then my unexpected arrival is not so out of place… Are you the butler? – Jeremy turned to Mr. Anderson, who had come out of the next room. – Would you give your lady my card?

– If you say so, sir. – Mr. Anderson took the card from his new guest and headed for the stairs.

– 'Ah, yes, my sincere condolences: I learnt of your father's death in this morning's paper, a fortnight late,' Anthony hastened to say to his friend.

– Thank you, my friend. But I must confess that I feel no loss at all. He didn't exist for me, and I didn't exist for him," Jeremy said in an indifferent tone, smoothing his beautiful, slightly dishevelled hair. – My old man left this world at a very convenient moment for me, and I'm grateful for that.

– What cynicism," Anthony grumbled. – I know he wasn't a good father, but you have no right to speak of him that way.

– Even if you know that he got me addicted to alcohol when I was thirteen? – Jeremy grinned: his friend's words had hurt his pride, and he felt a little irritated with him.

– Thirteen? – Anthony asked incredulously.

– Thirteen. It was Christmas, and he made me drink a bottle of whisky with him at the party table. I'd never had a drink before. But my old man thought I was too reserved and he wanted to see me smile, he told me that night. – Jeremy lifted his chin and squinted at his friend. – I don't think they made you drink whiskey when you were thirteen.

– No, I wasn't. The first time I touched alcohol was when I was fifteen, and it was a small shot of sweet liquor," Anthony agreed, and suddenly realised what a bright, full of comfort and care he had had during the years when Jeremy had been a mere shadow to his father, a shadow he had tried to ignore.

– From that evening I drank every day. It was a glass of wine at lunch, a little brandy before bed… And whisky. Yes, my father's favourite whisky. He got me addicted to it," Jeremy said thoughtfully. – And when I became addicted, he said I was a disgrace to his name. Damn…" He stopped himself just in time to avoid swearing in front of his friend. – So I'm glad he's dead. Call me whatever you want. It's your right.

– I'm sorry… I'm sorry your father was so selfish," Anthony said quietly, but then smiled broadly. – But enough about him. Tell me, my friend, how did you decide to marry my cousin? I remember you said that even her beauty did not outshine her poverty!

– Love, my friend, is unpredictable! – Jeremy laughed at that. – I fell in love with that red-haired nymph so much that I didn't care about a thing. The old man sent me away when I told him of my intention to marry Vivian.

But when I received the news of his death, when he finally made me happy with his passing, the first thing I did when I got back to London was to pay a visit to your cousin. I proposed to her. She accepted. It's a very amusing story with a happy ending. But I missed you at the wedding.

– Alas, I had to leave London immediately to visit my brother," Anthony sighed.

– Vivian told me. I hope the child will be back on his feet soon.

– I hope so too.

There was silence. A strange, uncomfortable silence for both gentlemen. Fortunately, footsteps were soon heard on the stairs and the butler appeared.

– I gave your card to Miss Salton, sir," Mr. Anderson said to Jeremy as he approached the guests. – She said to ask if you gentlemen would like to quench your thirst?

– No, thank you," Anthony replied politely.

– I think I shall decline too," shrugged Mr. Wington. – But did Miss Salton tell you how long we must wait for the ladies to appear?

– She did, sir. She said she was almost ready, and the ladies would be down in a few minutes. Is there any other favour I can do for you? – The butler asked.

– I don't think so. But please share with us: where did you learn English so well? – Anthony asked with a smile.

– My position requires many skills, sir. – Mr. Anderson's lips trembled slightly in a smile. – 'Besides, as you must know, Mr. Salton is a pure-blooded Englishman, and he prefers everyone in his house to speak his own language. Even the maids. – He gave his guests a polite bow and left.

As the butler had promised, the girls appeared in the hall a few minutes later, interrupting the gentlemen's lively conversation about the defeat of Napoleon and his allies. They seemed to be discussing an entertaining piece of gossip: their ringing laughter suddenly filled the vast hall and echoed quietly from the high, pale but elegant ceiling.

– But we'll continue this conversation later," Jeremy said with a smile to his friend and walked towards Miss Salton, who smiled at him, stopped and bowed. – It's good to see you again, Miss Salton. And glad my husband could visit you today," he said delicately, bowing gracefully.

"What a talented personage this vile man is! He smiles at me, but in his heart he thinks my friendship with Vivian is worthless!" – Charlotte thought involuntarily, watching the gallant behaviour of her friend's husband, who, as she now knew, was a real despot.

– I am glad, too, that Mrs. Wington and Mr. Cranford have so unexpectedly filled my day with warmth and light," Charlotte replied politely. – But you must take care of our dear Vivian: she has been in poor health of late.

– I assure you that my husband is surrounded by love and care," replied Jeremy.

– Oh, I'm sure she is! – Miss Salton managed to squeeze out. – But have you heard the latest news? The Duke of Nightingale and Miss Beckley have officially announced their wedding date!

– Duke Nightingale is getting married? – Anthony was surprised to hear the news for the first time.

– My friend, you seem to have got your Devry fix! – Jeremy said with a laugh. – It was all over the newspapers!

– I don't remember it being in the papers, and I get the post and the papers every day. Even if it was a fortnight ago," Anthony grinned. – And when did this magnificent event take place? I mean the engagement.

– In the middle of August, if I'm not mistaken," said Vivian.

Anthony glanced at his cousin.

'So that's why she accepted Jeremy's proposal! The Duke of Nightingale was lost to her, and my friend has fallen at her feet," he surmised, and as if he had read his thoughts, Vivian smiled and nodded faintly.

– 'But let us lose no time! It will soon be dark, and we are wasting daylight on gossip! – Charlotte, seeing how sad her friend's face had suddenly become, exclaimed. She went to Anthony and asked him to help her put on her long, warm cloak.

– Is something wrong, my love? You look upset," Jeremy asked her, noticing his wife's expression.

– I'm just sorry about Charlotte," she lied in a whisper and put her hand on his elbow. – Not a single gentleman has been asked to marry her since I've seen her lately! But, my love, help me with my cloak. It's so cold outside! How do you find the strength to hunt on such gloomy, windy days?

– I love hunting and I don't mind the weather," Jeremy said with a charming smile. – But today Artemis decided to upset me. No trophies! But tomorrow I'll take your cousin with me, and I swear I'll be home before my sack is full.

– I will pray Artemis to have mercy on you, my dear," Viviane replied affectionately.

"Foolish lover of blood and murder! May God punish you for your bloodlust! May tomorrow your horse throw you off… may tomorrow you be drowned! May your gun shoot you in your own head!" – the girl thought with hatred burning in her soul.

Miss Salton, paired with Mr. Cranford, and the Wingtons left the house and went out into the large but sad autumn garden, in which the bright colours of the flowers did not burn, but only the tired bare trunks of the trees and their crooked branches creaked under the mischief of the wind. Owing to the fact that the girls' hats were securely fastened by silk ribbons tied beautifully under their chins, it was not necessary to hold them down with the palm of the hand, but the gentlemen were less fortunate, and they kept their tall hats from leaving their heads by laughing.

For a quarter of an hour the young men walked in a single line, the paths of the Salton garden being wide and well-maintained. Then Anthony remarked with a laugh that they were obviously eager to gossip, so Charlotte took Vivian's arm, and Jeremy and his friend Cranford slowed their pace so as not to overhear the girls' giggles and talked politics again.

– Forgive my naivety, my dear, but your husband is so polite to me that it's hard to believe that he's actually a tyrant and a despot! – whispered Charlotte to her friend.

– That's gossip! – Vivian exclaimed loudly and laughed, knowing that Jeremy, currently talking to her cousin, was staring at her back. And, leaning in close to Charlotte's face, she said quietly: – It is only a mask, only a screen. He is so charming in society, but so contradictory in his home. Many of the servants are afraid of him. Of course, they have never once voiced this fear aloud, but I can easily read it on their faces.

– I beg you, tell your cousin! He will protect you!

– I can't. If he finds out and discusses it with my husband, the news of my unenviable position will slip out of Wington Hall and be savoured all over London. And my aunt? She will be overjoyed at my tragedy! But, my dear, it's your turn to laugh.

– Probably at the ball in honour of the engagement of the Duke of Nightingale and his bride, many ladies will be weeping tears! – Charlotte said in a cheerful, loud tone.

– Are you sure they'll give a ball? – Vivian chuckled. – They've been engaged for three months and we still can't get an invitation! – She leaned down to her friend's face again and whispered: – Do you really think we shall soon be able to dance at this ball?

– Naturally, my dear. It is considered bad manners to announce an engagement and not to have a celebration," Charlotte answered in the affirmative and whispered: – But should you accept this invitation? You are married, but I suppose your feelings for the Duke are still intact?

– Oh, it doesn't matter now. Don't worry, I won't shed tears when I see him leading his bride to dance…" Vivian coughed and turned to the gentlemen and shouted: "And what are you gentlemen discussing so heatedly?

– War, my dear wife! – replied Jeremy.

– Oh, the boredom of death! – said the girl. – But what a freezing day it is!

– If you wish, we will go back to the house, to the warmth," Charlotte said to her.

– No, no, I am not cold at all. – Vivian answered her hastily, immediately regretting what she had said.

– Miss Salton is right, my dear. You look very pale. We're going home: I don't want you to be sick again," Jeremy announced in a firm tone.

– But you and I, we've only just arrived! – Vivian frowned and looked at Charlotte regretfully.

– I'm terribly sorry! – Charlotte whispered to her with a guilty expression.

– No apology necessary! It was my own fault! – Vivian replied in a whisper. – And, when the butler brought his card, I knew he would not let us spend time together… .

– Come, my dear. – Jeremy's tone of voice made Vivian grow cold.

– Come to Wington Hall tomorrow," Vivian said to her friend in a level tone of voice. She said it loudly, so that her tyrant could hear her words. – My husband and cousin will be out hunting, and I shall be alone at home.

– I have not yet heard you propose to devote tomorrow to hunting, but, my friend, my consent you have just received! – Anthony said jokingly to his friend.

– And tomorrow, Cranford, I'll give you a hard time and shoot so much game that your horse will have to carry my trophy bags," Jeremy said ironically, but then looked at his wife again. – Come, Vivian.

– I'll be there! I'll be there! – Charlotte squeezed her friend's hand tightly, and the girls walked slowly towards the gentlemen.

– I apologise for our hasty departure, Miss Salton," Jeremy said apologetically as the Wingtons left Lillehus. – My wife's health is so fragile that a light breeze is enough to give her a cold.

– I understand, Mr. Wington. Besides, I shall see Vivian tomorrow, and the thought warms my heart," Charlotte smiled at him playfully.

– Cranford, are you with us? – Jeremy asked.

– If Miss Salton does not mind, I should like to stay here and take her round the garden once more," said Anthony, and the answer brought a surprised but grateful smile to the landlady's lips.

– I shall be glad of your society, Mr. Cranford," she said quietly.

– But how will you get home? – Vivian asked her cousin. – 'We came in the same carriage!

– I'll leave you my horse," Jeremy said without opening his mouth. – Please see that it is delivered to Wington Hall by this evening. I want to take him hunting tomorrow.

– Thank you, my friend. I shall be at your house by eight o'clock tomorrow morning. Goodbye, my dear cousin," said Anthony.

– See you and have a good hunt," Vivian replied with some sarcasm. Then she hugged Charlotte tightly. – 'I look forward to tomorrow!

The Wingtons got into their carriage.

– Touch it! – Jeremy shouted to the coachman.

The carriage moved off.

– I must confess that your flight has struck me unpleasantly," said Mr. Wington gloomily, as he watched Anthony and Miss Salton waving to their friends through the window.

– Escape, my dear? – Vivian raised her eyebrows.

Her husband's scowl and stern expression made her body goosebumps, but she decided she had had enough! She wasn't going to let him boss her around anymore! It was time to show him that she no longer intended to be his prisoner!

– What else would you call what you did? – Jeremy contradicted her.

– I only wanted to visit my friend… My best friend! – She lifted her chin. – I am a free woman! Not your slave!

– You are my wife! – Jeremy said sternly and grabbed her slender wrist. – And you dare not leave the house without my permission!

– Oh, well, divorce me, if you don't like such a naughty wife! – Vivian sarcastically exclaimed, as if she didn't mind the iron grip of his fingers.

– That will never happen. You are mine. Only mine. And I will never, you hear me, never give you a divorce!

– Then stop it! Stop commanding me like some maid! You're supposed to respect my choices and my wishes, not suppress them!

– We'll talk at home," Jeremy suddenly said in a completely calm tone and let go of Vivian's hand.

– Fine! – She said coldly and turned her face away from the window. – Tell me, did you come here on purpose to keep me away from Charlotte? Or perhaps you are jealous of my cousin too?

– And if I am? – her husband grinned unpleasantly.

– If so, I'll tell you that this idea of yours is ridiculous: there never was and never will be anything between him and me. We're brother and sister. Besides, if it makes you feel any better, Anthony is in love with another girl and wants to marry her," Vivian said quietly.

Her whole being burned with disgust at her husband and the fact that he had deliberately taken her away from her dear friend. He had spoilt her day. But she did not ask why her husband had returned so early from hunting.

– What luck! – Jeremy replied mockingly.

Vivian remained silent.

After that brief conversation, neither spouse said a word all the way to Wington Hall.

When the carriage pulled up to the front door, Vivian left it in a hurry and went into the house and went up to her and Jeremy's bedroom with quick steps, and did not leave it, not even for dinner. The girl had lost all appetite, and only waited impatiently for her husband to come into the bedroom to discuss with her again the accusations she had thrown in his face.

"I will not raise my voice and I will be calm. We will talk like rational beings, not like animals living only on instinct. He loves me and I'm sure I can convey to him what he makes me suffer" decided Mrs. Wington.

After Jane had changed her into her nightdress and unbraided her high hair, Vivian sent the maid to rest, and sitting down at the dressing-table, began to comb her long fiery hair with a thick brush. Her body and soul were tense, and her mind tried to catch the sound of footsteps approaching the bedroom.

And soon she heard them.

– You did not wish to dine with me," was the first thing her husband said as he entered the bedroom and approached her.

– I don't feel well. You were right: it seems that this evil wind has brought me a cold after all," Vivian replied in an even tone.

– That's a pity. But let's continue our conversation, my love," Jeremy said in a quiet, ingratiating tone.

Vivian shifted her gaze from her reflection in the mirror to her husband's. Her emerald eyes opened wide. Her breathing quickened.

Jeremy stood behind her, a few feet away from her, a long, thin whip resting on his open palms.