Wingless Bird
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– Two hundred and fifty-one," said the Countess: her niece's behaviour made her feel annoyed, but remembering that up to this moment the poor girl had been deprived of the contemplation of such mansions, she drew a deep breath to drive away the unflattering feeling. – But let us not delay: we have arrived late as it is… I should have remembered to leave early for such receptions. Anthony, lead the way!
The young man did not have to ask twice, and soon the guests from Greenhall were exchanging greetings with the Duchess of Marlborough, the mistress of the mansion. Dressed in a large embroidered green dress, the woman looked so young that Vivian at first mistook Lady Marlborough for one of her two daughters.
– My dear Elizabeth, it is so good to see you again! – Lady Cranford said with a smile, holding out her friend's palm, which she gladly took in her own. – Promise me you will never leave London for more than a week!
– Ah, my dear Beatrice, you know I wish the same thing! But as the wife of a counsellor at the royal court, I have no choice but to follow my husband wherever he is directed," said Lady Marlborough, with a sweet laugh, and glancing at Vivian, said amiably: – 'And this pretty girl must be your niece!
– She is, Your Ladyship. – Vivian blushed slightly at the compliment from the Duchess herself and made a deep curtsy. – May I express my gratitude to you for the honour of being invited to your reception. I am so glad to be here!
– No need to thank me, dear girl! It's a pleasure to meet my best friend's niece too!
"Best friend"? I didn't realise my aunt had such important connections! However, there is nothing to be surprised about: aunt Beatrice is only a step below the rank of the Duchess of Marlborough!" – Miss Cowell thought with satisfaction.
"What a pretty maiden! It is fortunate that William is already married; otherwise, who knows, he might have lost his head at her beauty?" thought Lady Marlborough in her turn, and rightly remarked that she had never met a prettier maiden in her forty-eight years than this modest red-haired girl.
But Vivian had no plans for the Duke of Marlborough's eldest son and heir: Jane had already informed her that he had married the daughter of an earl that spring.
– Anthony, look at you! What a handsome man, indeed, I even regret that I am already married! – coquettishly exclaimed Lady Marlborough and extended her hand to kiss him.
– Why, my fair lady, would your husband be able to live without you? – He said delicately, and barely touched his lips to her white glove.
Anthony was gallant and polite, but Vivian could easily see that he was clearly not happy to be talking to the duchess. She was right: Anthony would have liked to marry one of her ladyship's daughters, for his mother was her best friend, but Lady Marlborough, as well as her husband, knowing Anthony's disadvantageous financial position, was unwilling to marry her daughters to him and did not conceal it from either the young gentleman or his mother. For this reason Mr. Cranford despised the Marlborough couple and tried to avoid them.
– But, please, let us go into the hall: everyone is already assembled, waiting only for you! – The Duchess exclaimed vigorously and placed her palm familiarly on Anthony's elbow, then whispered in her friend's ear: "I am sure your niece will be a great success today!
Lady Cranford laughed softly, and they all headed for the large, beautiful doors leading into the huge ballroom of the mansion.
Suddenly Vivian noticed a dark-haired girl standing at the far window and smiled slyly: the girl was none other than Mademoiselle de Croix.
The beautiful Frenchwoman was looking at Vivian, and a friendly smile played on her lips as if she were silently inviting her to a conversation.
– I beg your pardon, I'll be a little late," said Vivian, suddenly, quietly, to herself.
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