The Caxley Chronicles by Miss Read Read Free Book Online Page A

willows lining
the banks were shimmering green and gold in their new May finery, and Edna wore a dress which matched their colour. In her presence Dan felt strangely shy, as he was introduced. Sep, who had known the Crockfords slightly for many years, was obviously ill at ease. Edna was quite unperturbed.
    'I believe you want to discuss business matters,' she said, rising. 'I'll be with the children if you need me.'
    Dan leapt to his feet in alarm.
    'Don't go! Please, Mrs Howard, don't go! The business concerns you too, I assure you.'
    Wonderingly, Edna slowly resumed her seat. Dan, still standing, wasted no more time but swiftly outlined his proposal. It would be doing him a great honour. He realised that she was very busy. Any time which would suit her
convenience would suit his too. It
was usual to pay
sitters, and
he hoped that she would name her fee. He would try to do justice to her outstanding good looks.
    The words tumbled out in a vast torrent now that he had begun. Edna gazed upon him in amazement, her beautiful eyes wide and wondering. Sep grew paler as the scheme was unfolded. What impudence, what idiocy, was this?
    At last Dan came to a halt, and Edna spoke shyly.
    'It's very kind of you, I'm sure. I don't quite know what to think.' She looked at Sep in perplexity. Clearly, she was a little flattered, and inclined to consider the project.
    Sep found his voice.
    'We'll have nothing to do with it,' he said hoarsely. 'I'm not having my wife mixed up in things of this sort. We don't want the money, thank God, and my wife wouldn't want to earn it that way, I can assure you. I mean no offence, Mr
Crockford. Your affairs are your own business, and good luck to your painting. But don't expect Edna to take part.'
    Dan was frankly taken aback by the force of the meek little baker's attack. The thought that there would be such fierce opposition had not entered his mind. He spoke gently, controlling his temper, fearing that Edna would be surely lost to him as a sitter, if it flared up now.
    'Don't close your mind to the idea, please,' he begged. 'Think about it and talk the matter over with your wife, and let me know in a few days. I fear that I have taken you too much by surprise. I very much trust that you will allow me to paint Mrs Howard. She would not need to sit for more than three or four sessions.'
    Calmer, but still seething inwardly, Sep acknowledged the wisdom of discussing the matter. His old timidity towards those in the social class above him began to make itself felt again. One could not afford to offend good customers, and although his face was firmly set against Edna's acceptance, he deemed it wise to bring the interview to an outwardly civil close.
    He accompanied Dan to the door and showed him out into the market square.
    'We will let you know,' he said shortly, 'though I must make it plain that I don't like the idea, and very much doubt if Edna will agree.'
    He watched Dan swing across the square on his homeward way. His red hair flamed in the dying sun's rays. His chin was at a defiant angle. Dan Crockford was a handsome man, thought Sep sadly, and a fighting man too.
    Suddenly weary, conscious that he must return to face Edna,
he caught sight of Queen Victoria, proudly defiant, despite a pigeon poised absurdly on her bronze crown.
    'And what would she have thought of it?' wondered Sep morosely, turning his back on the market place.

    The scene that ensued was never to be forgotten by poor Sep.
    'Well, that's seen the back of that cheeky rascal!' announced Sep, on returning to the parlour. He assumed a brisk authority which he did not feel inwardly, but he intended to appear as master in his own house.
    'Who says we've seen the back of him?' asked Edna, dangerously calm.
    'I do. I've sent him about his business all right.'
    'It was my business, too, if you remember. Strikes me you jumped in a bit sharp. Never gave me time to think it over, did you?'
    'I should hope a respectable married woman like you