Читать книгу The Broken O - Carolyn Wells - Страница 4

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The summer home called Lovell Terrace was one of the most effective on Long Island, and its simple, straight lines were far more suggestive of cool, pleasant afternoons than were neighbouring houses surrounded by elaborate gardens and fancy hedges.

That is, as to its front lawns. At the back there were flowers a-plenty, and now, in early October, there were chrysanthemums, golden glow, Cosmos, and other autumn blooms, which mingled with the sumac and asters until the place was a mass of colour. The house itself had a great front expanse, with columns from pediment to porch, whose main rectangle had wings concocted by covered passages so large as to be really rooms.

In the garden, two girls were walking, Perilla Fairfax, daughter of the house, who would become a bride tomorrow, and Hilda Sheldon, who would be her maid of honour.

"Just think, Hil, this is the last day Lovell Terrace will be my home!"

"Nonsense, your home as much as ever! You'll have two homes, that's all. Three, in fact, when you get your city home in shape."

"All the homes I want, anyway. You know, I'm marrying Corey for his money, that's all."

"Of course, I know. It's what he's marrying you for that I can't tell."

"I can give you that bit of information, if you want it," and Corey Malden came down the steps of the back porch.

Malden was older than his bride-to-be. He was about thirty-eight, while Perilla was twenty-four. Yet, for some reason, they had from their first meeting felt a congeniality of tastes and opinions, which had quickly grown to friendship and as quickly on to love.

And on the following day they were to be married, and their intimate friends found it hard to say which of the two seemed the happier at the prospect. Malden, extremely rich, thought of his money only to give it to others or use it himself for pleasure or profit, never for ostentation.

Perilla, beautiful but not vain, cared for her beauty only because it pleased her fiance, and brought her the loving praise of his lips and eyes.

A handsome man was Corey Malden, living in Richmond, where he well suited the role of country gentleman. He longed for the day when he would take his lovely bride to Virginia, and though Perilla was not at all like a southern girl, she would hold her own with the best of them.

For, though John Lovell, owner of Lovell Terrace, was a Southerner, he was not the father of Perilla. She was the child of Mrs. Lovell and her first husband, Charles Fairfax. Of a romantic nature, she had named the baby Perilla, and her other child, a boy, Malcolm.

The two Fairfax children had grown up happily and at peace with the family, and two years after the death of their father, they had accepted a new parent with calm approval and good-natured welcome.

Malcolm, though two years older than Perilla, had no romantic leanings, and looked upon her wedding somewhat as a joke.

Perilla, on the other hand, was making a solemn ritual of it, and Malcolm guyed her for it.

"Well, my turtle doves," he said, coming round the corner of the house, "not ready yet to change your plans and give up your mistaken ideas?"

"Not yet, Malky," returned his sister, "but when we do, I'll let you know."

"What time you leaving the house, Pril?"

"Don't know, I'm sure. What time, Corey?"

"Oh, about four or five," said the prospective bridegroom.

"That's the fun of going in your own car," said Hilda. "You don't have to go till you're ready. Get off that brick wall, Perilla. You'll catch a cold."

Perilla jumped off the low wall and, going into Corey's arms, nestled there.

Of course, her speech that she was marrying Malden for his money was a great joke, and Hilda understood it as such. Perilla, accustomed to wealth, gave little thought to the great fortune of the man she was about to marry, and Corey Malden, unostentatious in his tastes, wanted only to give his bride everything she might care for.

Perilla, at twenty-four, was, like the most of her generation, worldly-wise, but she had a good sense of humour, which made her a general favourite, and a kindly generous nature, which brought her crowds of friends.

Until meeting Corey Malden, she had seen no man she cared for especially, but he had captured her staunch young heart, and now she longed to be with him the rest of her life.

Malden, too, had fallen victim to her charms at once, and their courtship had been rapid and sincere.

The parents had approved the match, for though Lovell was a stepfather, he always took an interest in the doings of his wife's children, and was often consulted about them.

The outlook then for the wedding the next day seemed in every way favourable, and preparations were practically completed.

"You don't seem a bit flustrated." said Hilda, shaking her blonde curls as she looked at Perilla; "you ought to be nervous and almost hysterical."

"Why?" asked the bride to be. "Mum is overseeing everything, and she's a marvel of an overseer. Oh, here's Mr. Gaskell. Hello, Mr. Best Man! Corey, tell everybody who's who."

Malden made introductions all round, and the newcomer fitted himself into the circle.

"Call me Tony," he said. "Makes me feel more at home, and then, it's such a pretty name!"

"It is a pretty name," protested Perilla. "I mean, it's a jolly name, one of the sort I like."

"Yes, I know," smiled Gaskell, "like Pete and Billy and such. Me for Marmaduke and Reginald."

"You and I are rather out of it, Malcolm," said Malden, looking downcast, but Perilla slipped her hand into his, and said, "Be it understood, plainly, that there is no name in the world so beautiful as Corey. I have spoken."

"Speak again," begged Gaskell, "I like to hear you talk."

"You don't have to urge her," said Malcolm. "Pril is a chatterbox."

"Thank Heaven for that," and Malden laughed. "It relieves me of a lot of responsibility. I hate to talk!"

"Listen to him," exclaimed Tony. "I've known that guy for years, and as a talker he's a complete radio outfit."

"How come you've known him so long," asked Hilda, "and yet you've never been here before?"

"I have been here before, fair lady, but by ill chance, you were not here at the same time."

"I couldn't get old Tony here very often." said Malden's soft, southern voice. "He's all wrapped up in his law cases. One of the most famous lawyers in Philadelphia, our best man is."

"Thank you, sir," was the gay response, and then catching sight of a stranger, Tony dropped his voice lower, and said, "Don't look now, but who is the houri tripping across the lawn?"

"Just as well look now as any time," said Malcolm. "It's Miss Latimer. Muddie's faithful and trustworthy social secretary. What is it, Jane?"

"Mrs. Lovell wonders if you won't all come into the house: it's teatime."

"We sure will, my soul's awakening," and Malcolm rose. "Wait a minute while I line up these strangers within our gates. But you know Corey Malden—no?"

"Oh, yes, I've met our Mr. Malden several times."

"Of course she has, Mal," said Perilla. "Jane knows everybody here except Mr. Gaskell. Jane, let me present Tony Gaskell, our best man, except this pleasant faced boy named Corey."

An affectionate smile passed from Perilla to her fiance, for the last term that could be applied to Malden was "boy." In fact, he sometimes looked and seemed older than he was. But the lines of his face and the dignity of his bearing were not of age, but because of a studious, thoughtful life, and long hours of scholarly work. Born into a wealthy and educated Virginia family, he had lived most of his life in the south, and being gregarious, he had devoted his time to an intensive study of the religions of the world, and had made discoveries and proved theories, which had set his name high on the roll of honour of his chosen subject.

At times he had needed certain legal assistance and had chosen the help of Tony Gaskell, with whom he had built up a lasting friendship.

"Oh, Mr. Gaskell," cried Jane, "how nice of you to come! I was afraid you wouldn't, and I'd have to take on your duties, too, and I've just all I can attend to!"

Jane, the secretary, was bubbling over with good-humoured smiles. Without any effect of presumption, she was the friend of the family, the helper in all social duties or courtesies, and the general assistant of Perilla and her mother.

"There, there, Mona Lisa," said Malcolm, "you've delivered your message; run along now, and we'll follow."

Jane, laughing, ran along, turning to wave her hand as she went. "Peach of a secretary," declared Tony. "Didn't know they grow like that."

"She's a dear," said Perilla. "Some girls would be spoiled by our foolery, but she takes it beautifully. Malcolm calls her those foolish names, because—"

"I'll tell it," her brother interrupted. "You see, Jane looks just like a picture I once saw in some gallery. So I call her all the pictures I can think of, hoping some time I'll hit the right one and recognise it."

"I'm to help you," said Perilla, looking dismayed. "What will you ever do without me, Malky?"

"Don't worry, darling, it isn't one of the things that matter. Come on, now, didn't you hear the summons?"

Perilla walked ahead between Corey and Tony, while Hilda came after with Malcolm.

"I really think that this time Hilda and Malcolm will hit it off," said Perilla, musingly. "I do hope so."

"How like a woman," said Tony. "No sooner does one get married, than she plans a wedding for a friend. They do look well together, though."

"Yes," Corey agreed, "but that platinum blond hair of Hilda's would look well with anybody's."

"Mine?" asked Tony. "But, after all I think I prefer the picturesque Jane."

"Picturesque, according to Malcolm," agreed Perilla. "He teases that girl terribly, and yet she never seems annoyed at him."

"But that isn't teasing," said Corey. "She is like a picture, not one definite picture, you know, but—"

"A whole film," suggested Tony. "However, I didn't come here to discuss the little seckerryterry. Any other guests to-night, Perilla?"

"Only a couple of ushers. Two friends of Malcolm's. Pete Wilson and Bob Coles. Know them?"

"No, not yet. But I know you like their names."

"Yes, I do. I suppose you think I'm a silly to like silly names."

"I think you everything there is of the most glorious," declared Tony, and Malden chimed in: "That's right, old top. Glorious is just the word for my Perilla. And I want you two to like each other a heap, for you two are just about the only real friends I have."

"Why, Corey?" and the girl's voice was wondering. "You never told me that before."

"Oh, he doesn't mean it literally," and Gaskell laughed. "There are lots of men in his home town who would gladly be more friendly than he likes—yes, and lots of fair maidens who would gladly be bride to the young Lochinvar."

"Well, they've lost their chance," Perilla said, "the girls, I mean. But Corey can have all the men friends he wants."

They reached the house and went in the lounge, a great room with the most comfortable furnishings that could be devised.

Gaskell, who had seen Mr. and Mrs. Lovell on his arrival, sat down by her on a big davenport and waited as Malcolm brought his two chums to be introduced.

"They're gorgeous chaps. Mum." he declared, and Wilson looked modest, while Coles said, enthusiastically: "Well, Pete isn't so gorgeous, Mrs. Lovell, but I am. I just put it the other way so you'd think I was not too self-assertive."

"I think, you're both darlings," Ellen Lovell said, smiling at them. "Now run and play with the girls. I want to talk to Mr. Gaskell."

"What shall we talk about?" said Tony. "To-morrow's doings?"

"Yes. Have a cocktail?" and she herself lifted one from the tray the butler was passing. "It's really absurd for me to ask you such a thing," she went on, "as my fear is imaginary, and I know interference would be useless."

Ellen Lovell was a fine looking woman. Not only her serene, beautiful face attracted attention, but her graceful manner and especially her soft, low voice charmed all who met her. Tony Gaskell, having been at the Lovell home many times, and feeling well acquainted with his hostess, protested that he would follow her wishes in whatever direction they might lead.

"Speak low," she said, "I don't want anyone to hear us. It's just this: You know Corey and Perilla are taking their wedding trip in his motor. Corey's chauffeur, Boynton, is simply perfection; he's a most skilful and careful driver, and a wonderful mechanician as well. You know all this, yet I remind you of it now. Now, here's my trouble. Corey loves to go fast. Not only fast, as anyone else would use the word, but fast like a speeder. Why, when his car is going about seventy, say, he'll say: 'Can't you help her along a little, Jim?'"

"But he's never had an accident, Mrs. Lovell—"

"I know it; that's why I'm afraid. Even Perilla has confessed to me that she's frightened the way Boynton takes corners."

"Now, my dear lady, this is nerves, and nothing but. Have another cocktail."

"No, thank you, but you may. Now, Tony, whether you think me silly or not, I want you to speak to Corey about this, before they start. To-night, perhaps, might be better than to wait until to-morrow. To-morrow will be a crowded day, children get up so late and the ceremony at twelve makes it difficult to get ready. Will you do what I ask."

"Why, of course I will. What shall I say?"

"I don't care how you word it. Just make it clear that I am afraid for my girl if he goes so fast. And tell him, won't you, that you too, feel he is both foolish and unkind to his bride to endanger her safety as he so often does?"

"I do think so, Mrs. Lovell, and I will tell him and ask him just what you suggest. If he is offended, it will be with me, not with you."

"Oh, thank you, Tony. You've lifted a weight from my heart. Of course, I have spoken to him about this, lots of times, but that's just the trouble. A thing you harp on like that loses all power of persuasion; the same subject brought up by another has far more force."

"Yes, but you know old Corey is going to see through us. I'll bet he'll say at once that you put me up to saying it."

"All right if he does. Tell him I did, and tell him that you want to add your persuasion to mine."

"And I do. I quite agree that he has no right to jeopardise his wife's life, whatever he may do with his own. A married man has responsibilities that a single man need never think about."

"Very well. Oh, here's another thing, Tony. I've had to put you and Corey in the same room. You see, we didn't expect Pete and Bobby to stay the night. We thought they wouldn't come until to-morrow morning. So we've been obliged to double up. I've given you and Corey Malcolm's room. It's enormous, with the best bathroom in the house. You won't mind, will you?"

"Not a mite. Seems a pity to turn Malky out, though."

"No, indeed, he's more than willing. Don't you envy Corey?"

"Well, I just do. Every man at the wedding will envy him, married or not! Now, Mrs. Lovell, is there anything else I can do for you? Anything about the ceremony. You know that's what I'm here for."

"You know more about your duties as best man than I do. Don't let Corey drop the ring, and all that. Now, go over there; they're looking for you. And send Miss Latimer to me, please."

"There's a peach! Who is she? I'm mad about her."

"She's a perfect darling. Don't ever take her away from me."

Tony smiled at her, and crossed the room to where Jane Latimer was gaily chaffing the bridegroom.

"Mrs. Lovell wants you, Miss Latimer," Gaskell said. "Come back when you can, won't you?"

"Yes, indeed," and Jane ran away.

"I don't know how I'll get along without Jane," said Perilla; "I think I'll have to have her when I get back. May I, Corey, if I can get her from mother?"

"You may have anything or anybody in the world that I can get for you."

"Now that's the sort of husband to have," said Hilda. "I hope to goodness that's the sort I get!"

"You will have, if you take me," exclaimed Malcolm, who, as they all knew, was deeply in love with his sister's friend.

"Don't bother me about it to-day," she returned, airily. "I've one wedding on my hands now, and I never consider more than one wedding on any one day."

"Don't take it too hard, dear," Perilla begged her. "I'd hate to have you overworked to bring my wedding off properly. But something tells me it will go off beautifully. Are you letter perfect in your part, Corey? Or shall we have a rehearsal?"

"Oh, have a rehearsal!" cried Jane, who had returned to the group. "They're such fun."

"But not a dress rehearsal!" Perilla decreed. "Come on, and dress for dinner now, and we'll have the rehearsal this evening."

So they all went, to their various rooms. Malden, however, did not appear until Gaskell was ready to go downstairs.

"Go along," Corey said. "I was delayed talking to Mr. Lovell about some affairs. You go on, and if I'm late they'll excuse me."

"Righto!" And Gaskell hurried down the stairs, taking them three at a time because he had had a glimpse of Jane Latimer through a doorway.

After dinner, Perilla declared the rehearsal should take place at once.

"Is everybody here that belongs in the procession?" asked Malcolm.

"All but the Tenney girls," his sister said. "You and Bobby run over and get them and we'll have all ready when you get back."

"Now, who, for mercy's sake are the Tenney girls?" exclaimed Tony. "Haven't we enough girls around here now?"

"They're my bridesmaids," Perilla told him. "They're darlings, and they live just up the road a piece."

The great drawing-room was soon arranged, and under the orders of Miss Latimer and Mrs. Lovell, all the necessary furniture was put in place. Flowers and ribbons were not in evidence, and the altar could not be put in till morning, but there was enough scenery to work with.

"Perilla is beautiful," said John Lovell, watching the graceful figure of his stepdaughter as she made sure things were as she wanted them.

"They all are," returned his wife. "I never saw a lovelier wedding group. And here are the Tenneys, quite in the class with the others."

But Corey Malden, looking at his chosen bride, wondered how anyone could see any charm in the others. As Perilla's great dark eyes met his own, and her perfect mouth made a smile just for him, he told himself he had won the very pearl of girls.

He wondered a little at his marvellous luck. He was handsome, in a dignified way, had all the courtesies and graces of his southern breeding, but he was nearly fourteen years older than Perilla, and years count with a young girl.

But he knew well that his darling was marrying him because of her love for him, her dear precious love that left no room for doubt of her fealty, loyalty and true sincerity.

To the idea that she was attracted by his wealth, he gave no thought. Dearly as Perilla loved beautiful belongings, much as she cared for the luxuries of life, Corey Malden knew that her affection for him was the mainspring of her existence now. They had often talked over the difference in their ages, and had put it from their minds.

And Perilla herself, knew her own heart. She was sure of her love, sure of her faith, and she was as happy as it is possible for a girl to be.

Malden's father was dead, and his mother, because of incurable arthritis, was unable to attend the wedding. So they had planned their trip to include the Malden home in Richmond, and Perilla was as anxious to meet Malden's mother as he was to present his bride.

The Tenney sisters, neighbours and long-time friends of Perilla, were excitedly asking questions and making comments, their big blue eyes dancing with delight at every new detail of interest. They made up the list of the bridal party, and as Mrs. Lovell had little to do in her part she took charge.

But the young people were entirely conversant with the tricks and manners of up-to-date weddings, and after going through the manoeuvres twice, declared they could do it blindfold.

The Tenney girls, escorted by Malcolm and Bob Coles, went home early, and at Mrs. Lovell's suggestion Perilla and Hilda were at once sent to bed.

"And no visiting in rooms or whispered good-nights in the hall," the pleasant voice went on. "Now, Jane, you and I will look after a few little matters, and then bed for us, too. John, I can't dictate to these young men as I do to the girls, but you see to it that they go to their rooms soon after Malcolm comes home."