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From: | Joy Kelly |
Subject: | reclaim times |
Date: | Sun, 20 Aug 2006 21:39:46 +0300 |
She had always been in the position oftaking rather
than of having to surrender.
In the stable-yard she dried them on her large
embroidered handkerchief,and stood hesitating. Mingott asked him to bring theclock
back for your wedding. Id always cared for him, ever sinceI came out; that was why I
wouldnt marry any one else. The two women looked at each otheralmost with hostility,
and Charlotte turned to go.
The two cousins sat silent, facing each other; but
Delia looked away.
Delia drew near the bed, and stood looking down at
her cousin with neweyes.
She broke off, her thin lipspressed together upon
her secret. Indeed, it might almost have been said that there wasnothing open in
their relation.
And, besides,shed never leave Aunt Lovell. There
were days when I thought the sun would never set. Let people eat when theylike, for
all I care: its their narrow-mindedness that I cant stand.
Delia Ralston stood speechless, looking away from
her cousin in a growinghorror.
Indeed, it might almost have been said that there
wasnothing open in their relation. But the eyes had the same little green
spanglesfloating in their transparency. A bottle of Burgundy willbrush away the blue
devils.
The talk once over, Delia was annoyed with herself
for having yielded toCharlottes wish.
Yes, Delia agreed, I see no other comfort for her.
Id always cared for him, ever sinceI came out; that was why I wouldnt marry any one
else. Id always cared for him, ever sinceI came out; that was why I wouldnt marry
any one else.
But you must give me time: I must manage it inmy
own way.
A flush ofpride suffused the potential fathers
brow. Just so, she remembered, poor cousin So-and-so had looked the weekbefore she
sailed for Italy!
Charlotte Lovell was seated on the sofa, upright
and rigid, asDelia had left her. Charlotte has had a return of her
oldillness.
Icouldnt bear to hurt him as much as that. Youre
trying to tell me that I must giveher up? Yes, I did, Mamma: he says I do my
hairstylishly.
But you know youve got to buck up, old boy. Just
what she deserves, probably, Charlotte returned with a cold smile. Those buttons
hadbeen on Charlottes best dress the year she came out.
She lived to grow robust and middle aged,energetic
and even tyrannical.
And to tell him thetruth would at once put an end
to the marriage; of that even Chatty wasaware. You must try to be sensible, Chatty
dear.
And, besides,shed never leave Aunt Lovell.
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