Rivals of Fortune / The Impetuous Heiress Read Online Free Page B

“they are coming this very week. It may even be tomorrow!”
    â€œWhat, so soon after the wedding?”
    Selina nodded. “She wants to see the house right away and start the workmen redecorating. That’s what the housekeeper says. The servants are in a worry, wondering what changes she plans to make.”
    Joanna sighed. “Mother will make me go when she calls on her. I know she will. She doesn’t understand at all.”
    â€œCouldn’t you pretend to be ill?”
    â€œShe wouldn’t believe me.”
    The two girls contemplated this grim prospect in silence for some moments. After a while, Selina said, “I wouldn’t come into the country on my honeymoon. What a slowtop Peter is. I should go to Paris.”
    Joanna bridled.
    â€œI daresay it was all her notion,” added Selina hurriedly. “She wants to take over the household as soon as possible.” There was a short pause. “I was never more surprised in my life than when Mr. Erland joined us this morning,” she continued. “When did he arrive at the Abbey? I had no idea.”
    Listlessly, Joanna repeated what she had learned during his visit.
    â€œNo money!” exclaimed the other. “Well, what a take-in. After the way old Mr. Erland squeezed every penny, I should think there would be piles of it.” When Joanna made no reply, she added, “Do you think he is handsome?”
    Roused, Joanna stared at her. “Mr. Erland?”
    â€œYes. He has a kind of masterful manner, does he not?”
    The other girl was speechless for a moment, then she burst out, “Masterful? Selina, whatever can you be thinking of? He has no style at all. His coats look as if they were made for someone else. He has never even been to London, I believe.”
    â€œWell, of course he does not compare with men of fashion,” Selina responded hurriedly. “How could he after all, if he has been abroad for years and years? I only meant he seemed a pleasant, well-mannered man.”
    â€œAs well-mannered as one can be who has never had the advantages of mingling with the ton ,” said Joanna haughtily.
    Selina began to giggle. “Oh, Joanna, you should have seen your face when you said that. You looked the picture of disdain, just like my Aunt Arabella from London.”
    This idea did not displease Joanna. “He is well enough,” she continued in measured tones, “but he has missed the finer things of life and will never be truly cultivated.”
    â€œWill you really go riding with him?” asked Selina. “Do you think your mother will allow it?”
    Joanna frowned. “I don’t know. She said yesterday that I might dance at the dress party. I’m to come out in London next season, you know.” Suddenly recalling, she added, “Or I was to have come out. I cannot go now, of course.”
    â€œWhat dress party?” asked her friend eagerly, for once ignoring Joanna’s plight.
    â€œOh, Mama plans to give one to welcome Mr. Erland to the neighborhood.”
    â€œWith dancing?”
    â€œYes.”
    Selina clasped her hands. “Oh, if only Mother will let me dance.” Her face fell. “I don’t suppose she will, though. She is always scolding me for being pert and forward.” She grimaced. “How I hate not being out!”
    Joanna was looking at the garden wall and did not appear to hear.
    â€œBut you, Joanna, you will dance. That means you are practically out already. You will be invited to everything once that is known. How lucky you are.”
    â€œI shan’t come out,” said Joanna sadly.
    â€œWhat!” cried Selina, aghast. “Not come out? What do you mean?”
    Joanna shook her head. “My hopes are blighted. I shall dwindle into an old spinster like Miss Snell at Longton.”
    â€œWell, yes, of course. But not go to London? Joanna!”
    Before Joanna could explain to her friend why it was