Voices in a Haunted Room

I insisted that Jeanne join us, which she did, rather against her will. Alberic went to the kitchens. He was very friendly with one of the servants-young Billy Grafter, for whom he had actually found a job in our kitchens.

Engaging staff was usually left to the housekeeper or butler. I knew they had been looking for a replacement for old Jem Barker, who had died a few months before, and when Billy Grafter appeared, the butler asked permission to engage him, which was immediately given for he was bright and young and supplied references which assured us that he was a willing worker. It appeared that on one of his visits to London, Alberic had met Billy when he was working at an inn. Billy was a country boy who did not like town life and he jumped at the chance to come to us.

I knew that he and Alberic were often in each other’s company. Alberic had to exercise Sophie’s two horses and as there were several in our stables, the young men often went off together in then” spare time.

Sophie was pleased about this. She said Alberic’s English was improving and she was glad he had a friend at Eversleigh.

My attention that day was on Evie and Harry Farringdon. They seemed so happy together.

I wondered why Harry did not make some effort to see her. He could always make some excuse to visit us and go to Grasslands.

Mrs. Trent was a very wily woman. She knew she could not invite the Farringdons to Grasslands, for she was not the kind they would welcome into their family. No, Evie had to fascinate the young man to such an extent that he would suggest marriage even without the enthusiasm of his family.

That was probably where the affair was flagging. If Evie had come from a suitable family, they might have been engaged by now.

I would do my best for Evie. I liked her. She was different from her grandmother and sister. She was a pleasant, pretty, ordinary young girl. Jonathan had come home for the christening. Outwardly he seemed devoted to Millicent.

Only I knew what a farce that was, for he conveyed to me by his looks and the occasional whispered word that he had not given up hope yet and he was sure I was not going to abandon him.

To tell the truth, he filled me with misgiving. There was some potent sexuality in him of which I could not help being aware and I was horrified to realize that I was still unsure of myself. I must tread warily, I knew.

I spent as much time with David as I possibly could. I believe he had never been so happy in the whole of his life. He adored Amaryllis and was so delighted when he fancied she knew him. It soothed me a great deal to watch him with her, and I could not help thinking of that old man, Andrew Mather, who had been so happy with the child who was not his. But Amaryllis was David’s. I was sure of it-or perhaps I was trying to convince myself that this was so.

After the christening Aunt Sophie had been driven home by Alberic, for she had merely come for the ceremony. My mother said it was amazing how she had changed. “At one time, when we were in the cMteau, she would not emerge for anything.”

“Enderby has done a great deal for her,” I said.

“Enderby, Jeanne, of course, and I think she has a great interest in that boy Alberic.”

“Thank Heaven she found something to be interested in!”

“I hope she will become more and more reconciled,” said my mother.

She had asked Evie to stay for a rather informal supper and Evie accepted with alacrity.

It was a pleasant meal; we were very merry; we heard at length about Millicent’s christening, and Gwen Farringdon talked about that of Harry. There was no mention of the state of affairs on the other side of the Channel and that was pleasant.

We all sat in the punch room afterwards conversing until everyone began to droop a little and my mother suggested we retire. Evie should be escorted home. Harry immediately offered to take her and my mother thought that either David or Jonathan should accompany them, discreetly implying that it would not be quite acceptable for the pair to go alone. David offered to go and my mother and Dickon said good night.

I went along to the library to get a book which I had left there and was coming out when Jonathan came in. He shut the door and leaned against it, smiling at me.

“I thought you had retired,” I said.

“No. I saw you come down here, so I followed.”

“For what purpose?”

“Unnecessary question. To do that which you are making increasingly difficult. To talk to you.”

“What about?”

“Us.”

“There is nothing more to be said.”

“After all we have been to each other! You can’t dismiss it like that.”

“It was madness ... momentary madness.”

“Oh come, Claudine. It wasn’t momentary, was it? Didn’t we meet by arrangement?”

“I admit I did a terrible thing. Please, Jonathan, forget it, and let me forget it.”

“You are never going to forget that, Claudine. Nor am I. Besides, we have our little angel upstairs to remind us.”

“No, no,” I said. “Amaryllis is David’s.”