Shadow of the Past by Judith Cutler Read Free Book Online Page A

– and to my silent applause – obliged the musician as a page-turner. Since the fortepiano never rose above a delicate murmur, I assume the composer’s instructions were disregarded in this case, also. At the end the two young ladies exchanged a few inaudible words. The short conversation over, Lady Dorothea looked in my direction and offered a hesitant smile, which I returned, much, I suspect, to Lady Chase’s private amusement. But she did nothing so crass as to make the least remark. Lady Dorothea returned to her sister-in-law’s side, and soon the tea-tray arrived.
    Under cover of passing the cups, I spoke to her in a low voice, ‘It is good of you to be kind to poor Miss Southey. I fear hers is not an easy life, and she needs the friendship of…of someone like you.’
    She said lightly, ‘I cannot imagine any governess having a pleasant existence, poor thing. Miss Southey is a notable musician, is she not?’
    Honouring her for turning my clumsy compliment, I agreed, but we were unable to pursue our conversation. Just as I prepared to sit beside her, a footman tiptoed over to me. I was needed at another deathbed.

CHAPTER FOUR
    At long last the rain stopped. To my eyes it was a sudden event. My parishioners, however, nodded and sucked their teeth and said they’d seen how it would be, all along.
    ‘They are able to predict the weather?’ Lady Dorothea asked, round-eyed but also amused.
    We were in the church porch after matins. Most of my flock, including Lady Chase and her nephew and his wife, had long since gone home, but Miss Southey and her charges were dawdling round the graveyard. They and Lady Dorothea were no doubt determined to enjoy a bracing walk in the brief burst of sunshine.
    ‘Their livelihoods – indeed, their lives – depend so much upon the weather that they are certainly skilled in reading the signs. Much as you or I can read music, which would perplex them.’
    ‘So your church musicians played all by ear?’
    ‘They may have had some knowledge of notation. At Christmastide they reform their band and will come with the carol-singers to the Hall to serenade you. You will havemummers, too,’ I added, hoping that she would still be present to enjoy them.
    She might have read my mind. ‘There is talk of our returning to London. But only talk, and once my brother is settled anywhere, it is hard to move him.’
    I could not argue, more than conscious of her ladyship’s feelings about the situation. ‘There is nothing like a country Christmas,’ I declared, ‘when all the villagers are gathered together to celebrate, regardless of rank. Lady Chase is said to be more than generous – she does not limit her hospitality to her tenants, but opens her doors to all.’
    ‘You used the same phrase in your sermon,’ she observed.
    ‘Then I was speaking of the Almighty.’
    ‘And urging us to follow His example.’ She nibbled an elegantly gloved finger, as if unsure whether to put her next question. At last she responded to my encouraging smile. ‘What made you take up religion, Mr Campion?’
    Take up? She made it sound like an interesting hobby. I bit my lip.
    ‘Was it the typical last refuge of the youngest son?’ she continued blithely. ‘Would not the army or the law have suited you better?’
    ‘The army, never.’ Now was not the time to tell her how my cowardice had once paralysed me. ‘And I have no interest in the law. But do not misinterpret what I am saying. The Church was an active choice. A calling. It was not a matter of what suited me. It was a matter of what suited my Master.’
    ‘Your Master would not have thought you suited to a more fashionable parish?’
    ‘It did not appear so. I can only respond to His Will, Lady Dorothea. Did we not say together this morning, using theprayer His Son taught us – Thy Will be done ?’
    ‘Of course. But they are only words, are they not?’
    ‘Not in my experience.’
    She glanced over her shoulder. ‘I see my nieces and