My True Companion Read Online Free Page B

and the last Millie heard he had
married an American heiress and emigrated to New York.
    “Don’t listen to Mrs Oakengate,” Barbara said. “You’re a
very pretty girl. Quite beautiful even.” There was some reserve in the way she
said it, her lips tightening at the corners. Millie supposed she was just being
kind.
    The ascent was worth it for the magnificent views over the
Peak District, and down to the pretty spa town beneath them. Finally assembled
together, the group stood together, looking out and catching their breath.
    The Heights of Abraham were named after the battlefield in
Quebec where General Wolfe lost his life fighting against the French in
seventeen-fifty-nine. The peaceful sight below them seemed at odds with the
heat of war.
    “It is not as beautiful as Prussia,” said Count Chlomsky.
“But sometimes the British countryside has its own peculiar charm.”
    “No better place on earth,” said Alex Markham.
    “That’s true,” said Barbara Conrad. “The beauty of the
British countryside cannot be beaten, I don’t care what you say, Count Chlomsky.”
    “Ah, Madam, we all love our own country best.”
    “And yet you left your country,” Millie said, hoping to
gauge the Count’s reaction.
    “That is true, young lady, I did. But loving one’s country
and approving of one’s leaders is a very different thing.”
    “It was for love that General Wolfe died in Canada,” said
Barbara.
    “That and to get a British foothold in Canada,” said the
Count. For a man who had changed sides during the war, he sounded less than
flattering about the country he had aided.
    “I can see why you love it here,” Millie said to Hortense.
    “Yes, it’s my favourite place,” said Hortense. She seemed
subdued. Millie didn’t like to think of Mr Parker-Trent being cruel to his
wife, but his tone of voice the night before suggested he was more than capable
of brutality.
    “You said you wanted to speak to me,” said Millie. “Last
night?”
    “She’s changed her mind,” said Mr Parker-Trent, cutting in
before Hortense could speak. “I’ve told her not to poke her nose into matters
that don’t concern her.”
    “It was probably nothing,” said Hortense, in a voice that
suggested fear and resignation all in one.
    “Well, isn’t this a wonderful sight?” a voice said behind
them. “A tribute to a man who promised to leave Canada to famine and
desolation, and yet accused the enemy of not behaving in a gentleman-like
manner.” It was James Haxby and he looked to be completely unfazed by the climb
up the hill. He was also looking directly at Millie. “Ah, I see the ghost of
Fazeby Hall has escaped her bonds. Good morning, Millicent.”
    “Good morning, Mr Haxby,” said Millie.
    “Oh,” said Hortense. “You’re the adventurer.” Her sullen
face changed, her ruby red lips turning up at the corners. “I’m Hortense
Parker-Trent.” She held out her hand.
    “And I am her husband,” said Mr Parker-Trent, casting a
furious glance at his wife.
    “You have my deepest sympathy, Mrs Parker-Trent,” said
Haxby, ignoring Mr Parker-Trent’s obvious fury. “Cynthia, how are you?”
    Cynthia Fazeby stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek.
“I’m very well, you naughty boy. Let me introduce you to the rest of the
party.”
    “It’s alright, I know Mr Markham. How are you Markham? And
Mrs Conrad. I believe we met in Argentina not long ago.”
    “Yes, that’s right I was there with my husband,” said
Barbara. She said it as if Haxby had challenged her, yet his statement had
sounded innocent enough.
    “I’m afraid he and I didn’t get to meet,” Haxby said. “Away
on business, wasn’t he?”
    “Yes, that is correct.”
    “Count Chlomsky.” Haxby held out his hand but there was
something in his eyes when he looked at the Count that perplexed Millie. Was it
open hostility? Or wariness? Haxby did not appear to be a man who hid his
emotions.
    Millie was used to people who behaved with great