Lady Rose's Education by Kate Milliner Read Free Book Online Page B

have given this address to my parents, so that if there are any news, they can send me a telegram.”
    ”Quite right, well done,” the Earl said.
     
    ***
     
    When the party had arranged themselves in different parts of the drawing room, Mr. Cowley retreated himself to the corner. He seemed to be contemplating some portraits of family's ancestors. Lady Rose felt it her responsibility to give him some company.
    ”That is my great grandmother, in the picture,” she said. ”Do you appreciate art, Mr. Cowley?”
    Mr. Cowley shrugged.
    ”I am not sure whether I would call made-to-order portraits art,” Mr. Cowley said but then flashed a quick smile to her direction, to soften the harshness of his words.
    ”Please feel free to insult my ancestors,” Lady Rose said, more intrigued than offended.
    ”Ancestors? Oh yes, I can see the family resemblance,” Mr. Cowley said. Lady Rose noticed which painting they were looking at. It was a hunting scenery with only a fox as a subject.
    Lady Rose laughed.
    ”Wit in the first conversation! Very daring for an Englishman.”
    There was some quiet shuffling, while they moved in front of the next painting. Again the air quivered with criticism from the gentleman's direction. Lady Rose had to admit that the portrait of her great grandfather George was not particularly skilful. His gaze was matt and flat, and frankly, he looked like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. Of course that could have been his actual appearance.
    ”So, do you move in circles with many non-Englishmen?” Mr. Cowley asked.
    ”No, I can't say I do,” Lady Rose said and blushed, as if caught from a lie. ”I was only referring to – I admire some continental poets.”
    He looked at her and now his eyes flickered with genuine interest.
    ”Which ones?”
    ”Goethe, Schelling, Madame de Staël...”
    ”Indeed? I would call that daring, for a peer's daughter.”
    Lady Rose waited him say something more, but he didn't. She had to break the silence.
    ”Are you a history scholar like Lord Alderton?”
    ”Yes, indeed I am,” Mr. Cowley said.
    Again Lady Rose waited in vain for a longer account. It didn't appear, but after a while Mr. Cowley looked straight at her and abruptly said, ”So, I guess you must be next.”
    Something about his direct gaze made Lady Rose blush.
    ”I peg you pardon?”
    ”As soon as Peter – Lord Alderton, I should say – and you sister are wed, you are expected to start the great search. To find your future husband. Is that not how it works in your circles?”
    Lady Rose looked away. ”Impertinent puppy,” she thought to herself.
    ”Do you not count yourself as part of 'our circles', as you put it?” she asked.
    ”Good golly, no, I don't. My father is a gentleman, but a country Earl he is not.” When he said ”country Earl”, Mr. Cowley made a sweeping gesture with his hand, indicating the vastness of the estate around them.
    ”You say it like there is something wrong with being an Earl,” Lady Rose said, now a little annoyed.
    ”Oh, no, you misunderstand me. I have a great respect for the peerage.” From his tone it was hard to tell whether he spoke in scorn, so Lady Rose thought it best to change the subject.
    ”Have your parents been infected by the influenza?” she asked.
    ”My father was, but he seems to be over the worst by now. My mother has stayed in good health so far, but I am quite concerned for her. Her lungs are not strong.”
    ”I see,” Lady Rose said. His sonly concern had softened her again.
    ”There are very worrisome news in the papers, you see,” Mr. Cowley said, now completely serious. ”The influenza seems to be reaping the nation.”
    ”Yes, I understand that you are concerned,” Lady Rose said, ”but please try not to fret. I am sure your mother will be alright.” She touched the gentleman's arm lightly and he looked surprised.
    ”Thank you, Lady Rose, you are very kind,” he muttered.
     
    ***
     
    ”How are you, Letitia?” Lady