Fragile Mask by Elizabeth Bailey Read Free Book Online

expressed herself as being delighted to welcome Miss
Chaceley. Of course she was. She had been trying these few months
to penetrate the wall Verena had erected to keep out just such
intrusions. Verena could almost feel sorry for her. This was her
purpose in life.
    A widow, settling here some few years since, she had
nothing to do but busy herself in hunting out all the little
details that made up the lives of those around her. What else had
she, except a very obvious pride in her dress—up to the minute in a
spotted lawn open robe whose high waistline could not be said to be
becoming to a flat chest in a square frame?
    There was no need for Verena to touch upon the subject of
her visit, because the lady herself brought it up the instant the
greetings were over.
    ‘ A most charming young man,
and quite eligible. His father is Lord Hawkeridge, and I believe
the estates are in very good heart. No other sons to be provided
for. There is a sister, I believe, and she is out already so that
she must soon be off their hands.’
    ‘ Indeed?’ Verena said, maintaining the cool company manners
that stood her in such good stead.
    ‘ What a pity you were not there last night, Miss Chaceley,
for I am sure you could not fail to catch his eye.’
    ‘ As it chances,’ Verena said, ‘I have just met him at the
Ruishtons’. I called to see how Mrs Ruishton did, and am happy to
report that she seems very well.’
    ‘ Oh yes, dear Unice carries her children most comfortably.
And, pray, what did you think of Mr Hawkeridge?’
    Verena met the eager gaze under the large lacy cap with a
show of complete unconcern. ‘I do not know that I thought very much
about him at all, Mrs Felpham. Except perhaps to form the
impression that he is a practised flirt.’
    ‘ Quite accomplished, so I have been informed,’ averred Mrs
Felpham. She leaned forward in a confidential way. ‘Dear Miss
Chaceley, allow me to put you a little on your guard, although I am
persuaded it is not necessary, so sensible as you are.’
    If it was not necessary, Verena thought, why bother to say
it? But outwardly, she was all polite attention.
    ‘ How thoughtful of you, Mrs Felpham.’
    Excitement showed in the woman’s eyes. ‘You are so young,
my dear. You can have no notion of the sort of tactics that young
men such as Mr Hawkeridge are apt to employ.’
    ‘ What sort of tactics, Mrs Felpham?’
    ‘ Well,’ said the dame, settling down to enjoy herself. ‘I am
led to believe that there have been few female hearts held proof
against him. Do you know what is his practice?’
    ‘ No, Mrs Felpham,’ said Verena, though she was sure the lady
was going to tell her.
    ‘ What will he do, dare you imagine, but select some poor
wretch, and then tantalise and tease until she does not know
whether she is coming or going.’
    ‘ Indeed? How might he do that?’
    Mrs Felpham’s avid eyes sparkled. ‘Why, pay her a battery
of compliments and attention. Then, the very next time he sees her,
what will there be? Nothing but indifference and
withdrawal.’
    She stopped, eyeing Verena as if waiting for some comment.
There was much Verena might have said, but she waited politely,
allowing no change in her own expression. Mrs Felpham sighed, and
resumed.
    ‘ Of course it means nothing. For on the next
occasion, he will be all smiles and charm, declaring that it had
been her rebuff and he only feared to approach her. Once
she is softened by such mouthings, he will desert her once more,
sometimes for days, not paying court elsewhere, you know, but
keeping company instead with his particular
cronies.’
    ‘ And that is the end of it?’ asked Verena, unable to help
herself.
    ‘ No, indeed,’ exclaimed Mrs Felpham, brightening at this
show of interest. ‘He returns again. For by now, as you may
imagine, the unfortunate female is on tenterhooks and positively
tearing her hair out with yearning.’
    The more fool she, thought Verena, as Mrs Felpham sat back
with an air of utter