Time for Silence

I felt the need to be alone to think. I could not believe Mr. and Mrs. Cherry could possibly be concerned. Yet Mrs. Cherry had had the key. If any workmen came to the house, she would be the one to deal with them. Alice, Meg, Carrie—impossible! The Mentons? Eddie? Eddie was the most likely. He had not been with us so long. He was young. Perhaps he would be tempted. Whoever wanted such information would pay well for it.

I went for a walk and was wandering rather aimlessly when suddenly I saw the words BECONSDALE ROAD. There was a familiar ring about it. Of course, Beconsdale Square was where the house Annabelinda was going to see was situated.

The Square must be near the Road, I presumed, and it did not take me long to find it.

The houses were certainly grand. They were all different, which added to their attraction. Most of them were well set back from the sidewalks and had their drives.

They all appeared to be occupied by the affluent, which was what I had expected. I wondered which one was for sale. I walked around the square, in the center of which was a well-kept garden that I supposed was for the use of the residents, in accordance with the custom.

I found the empty house. It was certainly impressive, and I felt sure Annabelinda would be pleased.

I could not resist opening the iron gates and looking along the drive. The grass on the lawn needed cutting and the shrubs surrounding the house were overgrown. That gave the place an air of mystery. That would all be different when Annabelinda took charge. I could well imagine that the house offered just what she wanted.

I walked up the drive. If I met anyone I would say that a friend of mine was interested in the place and I should shortly be coming along with her to see it. There was a big brass knocker and I could not resist knocking. It sounded quite deafening in the silence all around.

The place was quite isolated because of the grounds surrounding it. I guessed it had been empty some little time.

There was no answer to my knock, which was perhaps just as well as I felt I was probably being a little officious. I went around to the back of the house and looked through windows. I could see the hall and wide staircase. It would be grand enough for Annabelinda, I was sure.

I could not cast off the eerie feeling the house aroused in me. But empty houses did have that effect—particularly one which, in spite of being situated in a London square, was somewhat isolated.

It must have been two days later when Annabelinda called. She was in a state of tension still, and I wondered what was happening, for I certainly felt that something was.

On this occasion she was anxious to be alone with me.

She said rather breathlessly, “I have decided that I am going to tell Marcus.”

“Tell Marcus!”

“Yes. I am going to tell him everything.”

“Everything?”

“I…I’ll see. I am going to tell him about Carl. I have to, Lucinda. I can’t go on. I can see I have got to.”

“You’ve seen Carl again?”

She nodded.

“And he is being difficult?”

She nodded again. “I can’t go on, Lucinda. I just can’t.”

“Don’t work yourself up into a frenzy. I think you are doing the right thing. I am sure Marcus will understand. After all, he is a man of the world.”

“People expect women not to have lovers.”

“Well, things don’t always work out as people expect.”

“You seem to think it is so easy.”

“Of course I don’t. But I feel sure it will be all right. If you didn’t tell him, you’d be worrying about Carl forever. If you tell him the truth, you’ll know that is the worst that can happen. At least you’ve faced it.”

“I shall choose my moment.”

“That’s sensible enough.”

“I’m thinking of it all the time. I am going to tell Carl I can’t do what he wants.”

“What does he want?”

“He…he’s still in love with me. He won’t give me up. He’ll make trouble, Lucinda.”

“I am sure you should tell Marcus. Then you’ll be well rid of Carl. Let him know you don’t care for his blackmail…for that’s what it is, isn’t it? Marcus will send Carl about his business.”

“It’s not easy, but I have to do it. Who would have thought all this could have come out of…that…?”

“Poor Annabelinda! But you are doing the right thing at last. Marcus must understand.”

“Do you think so?”

“He must,” I said firmly. “Come and see Edward.”

“I don’t feel up to it.”

“It will do you good. Andrée always likes to see you. She thinks you are so attractive and lead such an interesting life.”

“Well, I suppose I could.”

“Of course you could.”

I took her up to the nursery. Edward was sitting on the floor coloring pictures. Andrée was sewing.

Edward looked up and said, “Hello,” while Andrée laid aside her sewing and said, “Good morning, Mrs. Merrivale.”

“Good morning,” replied Annabelinda and sat down.

“You are better today, Mrs. Merrivale?” asked Andrée.

“Yes, thanks. Much.”

“I’m so glad.”

“You haven’t brought your funny hat,” commented Edward without looking up from his painting.

“You don’t appreciate this one?” asked Annabelinda.