Saraband for Two Sisters

There seemed always to be something going on. I saw people dance round the maypole on May Day and crown the May Queen; I saw lovers embracing in the fields on sunny afternoons; I heard their laughing as they shouted to each other-apprentices and serving girls. I saw them on the river and arm in arm in the streets. I watched the traveling peddlers-and they often came to Pondersby Hall and spread their packs for us to see-calling their wares as they went through the streets. I listened to the chat between them and their customers. I would watch the corn-cutter, who in addition to dealing with painful feet could pull out a troublesome tooth, and this usually attracted a crowd to watch the anguish of the poor victim. There were jugglers and fiddlers and often there would be cockfighting in a corner of the street, a practice which filled me with disgust, but I never had to see the actual contest because so many crowded around to witness the so-called sport that I could not have looked in had I wanted to.

Then of course there were the shops-the object of our visits-and so much beautiful cloth to examine, so many ribbons to choose. Ana and I would spend hours in this fascinating occupation. She said it was all part of the preparations for marriage. Perhaps there should have been other preparations. If my mother had been with me, or Bersaba, I could have talked to them. Perhaps I could have learned... . But I should learn gradually, and Richard would be kind, respecting my ignorance. But how I longed to talk to Bersaba.

The time was passing. It would soon be my wedding day. I saw little of Richard. He was with his company, he told us. The Scottish unrest was occupying much of his time. There could be trouble with these Covenanters. It seemed plausible enough when he explained to me. “You see, the Covenant has always been important to Scotland It was started nearly a hundred years ago when the Scots feared a revival of Popery. This year the King wished to introduce the English liturgy into Scotland and they have revived the Covenant.»

“It seems to me,” I said, “that there has to be perpetual trouble over religion.»

“It has always been so,” he answered. “And this means of course that we have to be watchful of events on the border. If there should be trouble I shall have to be ready.” I understood that, though I was sorry that it meant he could not enjoy these exciting preparations with me.

Carlotta came to my room one evening. I wondered why she always chose the evenings just before I was about to retire for this sort of thing. I fancied her object was to disturb me because she resented my happiness. I was becoming more and more convinced that she had taken up with Bastian because she had known that Bersaba and he were friendly. Of course that was just a childish friendship but nonetheless important to them because of it.

There was a strain of evil in Carlotta, something that loved mischief. I began to wonder whether she was not after all a witch.

She sprawled in the chair and surveyed me.

“We don’t see very much of our bridegroom,” she said.

“Mine, do you mean?”

“The bridegroom, shall we say. I was wondering whether we can be so sure that he will be yours.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“I have been thinking about this since I heard and I wondered whether I should warn you.”

“Warn me? What about?”

“I heard the story. It created quite a stir at the time. It was five years ago.”

‘What story?”

“He was going to marry, you know, and changed his mind.”

I felt myself go cold with fear. “What are you trying to tell me?”

“Our Richard was married when he was quite young, and she died.”

“You’re not suggesting-“ “Suggesting what?”

“That she...that he...”

“That he dispatched her? I never heard that It’s an interesting idea.

There is something odd about him. He’s a cold fish. I never could abide cold men.»

“I thought you were rather interested in him at one time ... when you thought he preferred you.”

“I did think he was normal then-just a little quiet. But what I want to tell you is that he changed his mind before. He was betrothed, the arrangements were going ahead, just as now, and then a few weeks before the wedding... it was all off.»

“Why?”

“That’s the mystery. There was no wedding. Whether she discovered some dark secret or whether he decided to jilt her, we don’t know. It was all a great mystery. But I think you ought to be prepared.”

“Thank you. It’s kind of you to be so considerate.”

‘Well, it would be most awkward if it happened again, wouldn’t it?”

“We want a quiet wedding.”

“Of course. I think you’re wise ... in the circumstances.” She stood up and regarded me almost superciliously. “I just thought I ought to warn you.»

“That’s so kind,” I murmured.