Laura Matthews Read Online Free Page B

where instinct cautioned her she would need every ounce of her resources.
    Phoebe staredin amazement at the harp when the steps were let down for her friend to descend. “Dear God, Glenna, I had no idea you meant to bring the harp for such a short stay.”
    “Never mind, love, I will explain.” Glenna whispered this aside before turning to the vicar and his wife, who appeared no less astonished as the postillion struggled to release the instrument from where it had become securely lodged in the chaise. It took the combined efforts of the postillion and one of the Thomas’s servants to unload the unwieldy harp and convey it into the vicarage.
    The vicar and his wife politely refrained from commenting on the invasion of their diminutive home by the instrument, but Phoebe’s eyes indicated her desire to get Glenna alone for the promised explanation. As soon as she could do so without appearing rude, Glenna excused herself from tea and asked Phoebe to escort her to her room.
    When the door was closed behind them, Phoebe caught her hand and demanded, “What is going forward, Glenna? Are you up to some mischief’?”
    “I suppose you would say so, Phoebe, though I assure you it is with the best of intentions.” Glenna’s eyes danced with merriment. “I thought you might enjoy learning to play the harp.”
    “Pooh, you thought nothing of the kind, my dear friend. Do you intend to leave that...monster with us?” she asked incredulously.
    “I’m afraid I shall have to, love. I cannot very well take it to Lockwood with me, now, can I?” Taking pity on her confused friend, Glenna proceeded to unfold the story of her engagement and her decision to befriend the dowager.
    “Well, it is very kind of you, I suppose,” Phoebe pronounced doubtfully, “but I do not think my father would like being a party to such a deception.”
    “Shall I tell him the whole, Phoebe? You see, I cannot think Pontley’s aunt would be comfortable with me as myself, and yet I cannot believe that she is not in the most desperate need for consolation at such a time. Pontley has been most callous about the whole thing, and I really cannot think I will marry him in the end. If you think I should tell your papa, I will do so, and abandon the scheme.”
    Phoebe’s brow wrinkled with concentration. "Well, he did no more than write a recommendation for your cousin, after all, and so long as he does not know what you plan, there can be no blame for him. I know he would approve of your kindness in the matter, Glenna, so perhaps we shall not bother him with the details.” She smiled mischievously. “I have heard nothing to indicate that the dowager’s temperament is conciliating, so you are apt to be only too well rewarded for your efforts.”
    “Even a disagreeable woman deserves comfort and assistance at such a time,” Glenna retorted self-righteously.
    * * * *
    And Glenna recognized immediately when she met the dowager that she was indeed a most disagreeable woman. Her attitude toward her new companion was condescending, and, meaning to start as she meant to go on, she immediately set Glenna about numerous tasks of an irritating and demeaning nature. She bullied and chided the young woman, and was immensely pleased when her new Mary accepted all this complacently.
    Relegated to an attic room with a tiny, dirty window, Glenna promptly set about cleaning it, though she was twice interrupted in the small task by a summons from the dowager. When she finally had an opportunity to survey the view, she was delighted by the gently rolling hills with their coppices, the fields and the Home Farm. Used as she was to her daily sight of the channel in Hastings, the lake was a welcome vision, and she determined to explore the estate if she were ever given a moment’s peace.
    The dowager set her to listing the items of personal property which were to be conveyed to the dower house, and as the list grew daily, Glenna began to wonder if the old woman intended to