Читать книгу Soul Survivor - G. S. Willmott - Страница 12

Chapter 7

The days following Megan’s death were tough for both Lara and Lisbeth; the young girl became withdrawn, spending much of her time in her room. Her nanny tried to encourage the forlorn girl to spend time outside in the garden, but she was met with indifference. Lara had not been near the stables to see Princess since the day of the accident. The days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months without much change in her emotional state. She was now back at St Leonards Girls School and was under the watchful eye of Mrs Humphries. The headmistress reported to the trust on the young heiress’s progress at the March trust meeting in London.

‘Welcome everybody, as you know Lara has experienced another terrible blow and is having difficulty coping. I would like to table Lisbeth Forsyth’s report for your consideration. I now call on Mrs Humphries to present her report,’ said Sir Horace.

‘Thank you Sir Horace. Yes, Lara is going through a very tough time at the moment. She not only lost her parents but now she has lost her best friend. I have been keeping a close watch on her at St Leonards and have noticed how withdrawn Lara has become. She is pleasant to her classmates but won’t let any of them get close to her. Lara has lost all interest in sport and only partakes in the compulsory games during physical education classes.

‘One consolation is she has dedicated herself to her schoolwork and therefore is achieving excellent results.’

‘Do you have any recommendations that would help her get back to normal, as it were?’ asked Lord de Neville.

‘My opinion is she needs to interact with girls of her age.’

‘Isn’t that was she’s doing at your school?’

‘Yes, but she needs more. My recommendation is she enrols at our boarding school – she will be in constant company with similar-aged girls, plus have the benefit of guidance from the older boarders and teachers.’

‘What do we all think of Mrs Humphries’ recommendation?’

‘My view is we need to consult with Miss Forsyth first before any decisions can be taken,’ said Mr Harmsworth.

‘Yes, I’m sure you’re right Arnold,’ said Sir Horace.

The trust members agreed that Sir Horace would visit Lisbeth Forsyth and discussed the options with her.

The following week Sir Horace contacted Lisbeth and arranged a meeting at Westmoreland.

1949

Cuba recognises Israel

Joe Di Maggio becomes the first $100,000 a year player

The Peoples Republic of China proclaimed by Mao Zedong

March 31, 1949

Sir Horace’s car drove up the tree-lined driveway to Westmoreland and parked under the large portico. Sir Horace eased himself out of the back seat stepping onto the paved pathway. He looked around at the magnificent gardens: ‘This would be difficult to leave,’ he thought.

Lisbeth met him at the front door inviting the portly solicitor inside. They made their way to the library.

‘Can I offer you a cup of tea, Sir Horace?’

‘That would be lovely, Miss Forsyth.’

Lisbeth rang the kitchen placing her order that included scones jam and cream.

‘So, where’s young Lara?’

‘She’s in her room where she spends a large part of her time these days.’

‘So it’s been difficult for her, no doubt?’

‘Yes, as you would expect.’

‘The trust has asked me to get your opinion on whether you think it would be beneficial to her recovery to become a weekly boarder at St Leonards.’

‘I take it ‘weekly’ means she would come home on weekends?’

‘That’s correct. The trust members believe it is important that she remains connected with you and her home. Mrs Humphries has made the recommendation on the basis Lara would be living with girls her age and could, therefore, come out of her shell.’

‘When would she be expected to begin boarding?’

‘At the beginning of next term.’

‘Would you mind very much if I gave it some thought before giving you my opinion?’

‘Not at all, Miss Forsyth. Take your time.’

Sir Horace finished his tea and devoured the last remaining scone before taking his leave.

Lisbeth thought long and hard about what would be best for Lara. Eventually, she came to the same conclusion that the trust had made; it would be in her best interest to attend boarding school.

She telephoned Sir Horace, agreeing to the trust’s proposal.

‘I must ask you Sir Horace: with Lara attending boarding school will my overall salary package remain the same?’

‘Certainly Miss Forsyth, have no fear. It’s just as important to the girl and the board that you remain at Westmoreland. She will be home every weekend and of course term holidays.’

‘Thank you. I was a little concerned I would no longer be required.’

Lisbeth’s responsibility was to inform Lara of the change to her living arrangements. This she knew would be difficult for her to accept.

At dinner, she broached the subject.

‘Lara, I have something important to talk to you about.’

‘What is it, Nanny?’

‘Well, Mrs Humphries your headmistress and the other trust members that look after your interests have decided that the best thing for you would be to become a boarder during the week and come home on the weekends.’

‘Why? I like living here with you and Lucy, Mr Bryant and the others.’

‘Darling, you will be living with your classmates. You’ll have so much fun together. On the weekends we can do all the things you like doing, like rowing the boat along the river and horse riding together.’

‘I don’t think I ever want to go horse riding again.’

‘You may change your mind in the future, you never know.’

‘When will I have to start?’

‘The beginning of next term in a few weeks.’

‘If I don’t like it can I come back home?’

‘Yes darling, of course you can.’

‘All right. I’ll give it a try.’