Читать книгу Ultimate Prizes - Susan Howatch - Страница 15

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘I didn’t think it was important.’

‘But she’s famous! She almost married that millionaire – and then there was the film star – and everyone knows she flirted with the Prince of Wales!’

‘I don’t find that sort of thing very interesting.’

‘Well, she obviously found you very interesting indeed! Why in heaven’s name did she call you Stephen?’

‘The name Neville reminded her of Mr Chamberlain.’

‘But what was she doing calling you by your Christian name when you’d only just met her?’

‘Oh, society people have very peculiar manners these days. Like people in show business.’

‘Well, it all sounds very fast to me! Why, she even said she talked to you on your own for half an hour in the garden!’

‘Only about Victorian literature.’

‘But what did everyone think when you disappeared for half an hour with a society flirt?’

I cleared my throat. ‘I think that designation’s a little uncharitable, Grace. Not even a society girl’s beyond redemption.’

‘Don’t tell me she wants you to redeem her!’

I cleared my throat again. ‘Well, as a matter of fact she did show signs of wanting a complete change of direction. I’ve promised to write her a line or two in response to any queries she may have about spiritual matters.’

‘Honestly, Neville! I wouldn’t have thought you could be quite so naïve!’

‘And I wouldn’t have thought you could be quite so catty and cynical!’

Grace suddenly drooped as if all the strength had drained out of her. Immediately I hated myself. ‘My dearest love –’ I took her in my arms – ‘I know it all seems highly irregular, but what’s a clergyman to do when he’s asked for spiritual advice? He can’t refuse to give it simply because the person in search of help is someone with whom he’d never normally associate!’ I kissed her before adding: ‘Of course I’ll show you every letter.’

‘Don’t be silly. You know that’s not necessary.’ She clung to me briefly before turning away with the abrupt comment: ‘The curates have arrived.’

‘Bother the curates.’ I grabbed her back into my arms and said in my firmest voice: ‘I love you very much – as I trust I proved to you last night – and for me you’ll always be the only woman in the world. Why on earth should I even look twice at a saucy little piece of nonsense like Dido Tallent?’

That indeed was the question.