Miss Hartwell's Dilemma by Carola Dunn Read Free Book Online Page A

we shall spend a week on the Roman occupation. Next Wednesday, I shall hire a chaise and those of you who have studied diligently shall go to Colchester to see the Roman remains. There is an excellent confectioner’s near the Roman walls, where we shall take a nuncheon.”
    “Famous!” exclaimed Louise. “My uncle said he is going to stay near here for a few days. I shall persuade him to go with us and treat us all to cream cakes.”
    “The purpose of the visit,” Miss Hartwell reminded her severely as possible, considering that she was unable to hide a smile, “is to inspect the Roman ruins, not to gorge on cream cakes.”
    “I expect Uncle Bertram knows all about the Romans,” said the irrepressible Louise. “He has been to Italy, after all. Besides, in case all of us are to go, he can take some up in his curricle so you will only need to hire a single chaise.”
    “True,” mused Miss Hartwell. “You may ask him then, but do not pester him. Now, back to our books, or no one will be going.”
    Between describing in thrilling detail Queen Boadicea’s sack of Colchester and going upstairs to change for dinner some six hours later, Amaryllis had little leisure for thought. Wearily, she slipped off her shoes, unbuttoned her dress, and pulled it over her head with a shiver. There was more than a hint of autumn in the chill, September afternoon.
    Wrapping a green Paisley shawl, a remnant of her former extensive wardrobe, about her shoulders, she lay back on the bed to put her feet up for a few minutes.
    Each year it took a week or two to reaccustom herself to the demands of her profession. She was really too tired to walk by the river this evening, and the weather was not inviting. However, she had made the assignation and must keep it. She and Bertram still had a great deal to discuss.
    Perhaps she had been unwise to allow Louise to approach him about the trip to Colchester. What an enterprising minx the child was. But he might wish to be gone long before then. It was natural that he should have wanted to see her, to explain what had happened six years ago; but that did not mean he was still interested in marrying her.
    She remembered the feel of his hands holding hers, his kiss on her fingers and shivered again. Getting up, she dressed quickly and went downstairs. The candles were already lit. Outside the light was fading fast. She had forgotten how early it grew dark now.
    Miss Tisdale was in the common drawing room, presiding over those girls who had already come down. Unlike the private drawing room, this was a large chamber furnished in the best taste, though somewhat shabby from constant use. Mrs. Vaux considered it her duty to train her pupils in the choice of elegant furnishings and had insisted on purchasing the best they could afford.
    Miss Hartwell went to Miss Tisdale and drew her aside.
    “Bertram was here,” she said.
    “So I have heard, my dear. ‘Bring hither the fatted calf.’ Luke 15, verse 23. Hardly appropriate, perhaps, since ‘was lost and is found’ applies to you better than to his lordship, and no one could say you have wasted your substance with riotous living.”
    “Nor am I hungry enough for a fatted calf. In fact, I am not hungry at all. I believe I shall go for a walk instead of joining you for dinner.”
    Miss Tisdale nodded, her shrewd eyes concerned. “I shall make your excuses,” she said briefly.
    Impulsively, Amaryllis kissed her cheek.
    Booted, cloaked, and hooded, she walked briskly down Queen Street to the Colne, a pretty stream that flowed peaceably through green meadows. In summer the grass was scattered with yellow kingcups and pink lady’s smock, a delightful place to stroll. Now, in the chilly dusk, the muddy path was uninviting, trampled by the hooves of cattle. Amaryllis contemplated it with dismay.
    “You were all about in your head to suggest such a dismal rendezvous,” said an amused voice behind her. She turned to see Lord Pomeroy, larger than ever in his