Chapter 24 The Barest Civility
The Barest Civility
DOWNSTAIRS, there was a clang of the bell summoning the servants to their dinner.
Upstairs, Belinda was stewing.
Since hearing Mr Alwyn’s inspiring story, she had wanted him to know that she also sought to be useful and good.
So this morning in the front hall, I blathered on to him about being Dora’s companion as if it weren’t a mere notion!
Recalling the particulars that her tongue had reeled off, she cringed. ‘Lovely family’, indeed! I can barely tolerate the mother, and have yet to even meet the father. And no one has ever said a word to me of Lancashire.
When she had heard herself slipping into these fabrications, it seemed there was no stopping. And then, his response had been so strange — an appeal for time that he might present her with an alternative.
What could that possibly be?
In any case, I certainly must tell Aunt Rose about all of this. Leaving her room, Lindy headed down the hallway to where she believed her aunt to be. She may hear us discussing it, and she’s had enough surprises this week.
As she reached the bedroom door, Lee was coming out, looking eager for his meal.
Slipping in, she found Rose standing at the foot of the poster bed, regarding her husband.
Tucked under the blanket in repose, his mouth was agape, making him look very much like an overlarge, hairy child, vulnerable and sweet.
“He sleeps so much of the time,” Rose said, solemnly.
Belinda put a hand on her aunt’s back, standing beside her for a long moment. She would not speak of her plan while Rose seemed unable to hear it.
But suddenly, another bell sounded — that of the front door.
Curious, the two of them moved to peer out of the window. A pair of women stood on the doorstep below, their faces hidden by their bonnets, but seeing a beaded reticule dangling from one of their arms, Lindy knew, It’s the Chaffees!
“No!” Rose gasped. “How dare they come at this hour? Probably hoping to catch us unaware – well blast them, it’s worked!”
Seeing her aunt wide-eyed and weepy, Belinda hardly recognized her. Over the years, Rose had proven herself to be the one person Lindy could always count on for wisdom and clear-thinking.
What a state they put her in! And it’s entirely my fault they've come at all.
Mr Caspar stirred under his covers, murmuring in his sleep.
Suddenly, Belinda saw that this couple, whose affection and guidance had carried her throughout her life, needed her help for once.
“I will see to them, Aunt Rose,” she said firmly, though she quailed inside.
Without objecting, Rose sank onto the bed and draped her arm protectively over her husband.
Steeling herself, Lindy exited the room and started down the hallway. Meeting Minnie on the stairs, she spoke just as the maid opened her mouth.
“Yes, I saw them through the window,” Belinda whispered as the candlelight revealed no one was in the hall below. “Where have you put them?”
“Didn’t put them anywhere, miss!” There were two pink spots of indignation on the maid’s cheeks. “They jes’ walked past me and made themselves to ‘ome in the parlour!”
Even the servants are suffering from my mistake.
“No matter, Minnie. Go and join the others for your dinner. I’ll see to our…guests.” A few additional words were perched on Belinda’s tongue, but good sense held them there.
A quick bob and the servant was down the stairs, headed back to the kitchen.
These Chaffees are hardly owed the barest civility. Praying she might be eloquent while sending them off, Belinda descended the last few steps. Just as she reached the closed parlour door, she could hear Clarice beyond it, soughing loudly.
“La! Where is our aunt?”
“Well, we know she’s in London, at least,” Anne replied, then went on, drolly, “Perhaps she’s down on Drury Lane, reprising one of her favourite r?les.”
Her sister giggled. “Even as our uncle lays ill upstairs?”
“All the more reason she might be eager to secure another benefactor.”
Belinda burned with anger as the sisters laughed.
“My, what a fine instrument this is!” This was Clarice.
“Well, of course — nothing but the very best for Dear Rose and Nelly Darling. You might as well play it if you’d like — that maid seemed in no hurry.”
As Lindy tried to calm herself, a few sweet notes sounded from the pianoforte. The song gained strength, and she marveled that such a rude creature could be a channel for such beauty.
Oh, stop shirking, she urged herself. The sooner you face them, the sooner they’ll be gone.
Gripping the doorknob, she drew on every ounce of courage that might be found within her.