The Welfare of the Dead by Lee Jackson Read Free Book Online Page A

plans, Melissa?’
    â€˜Nothing as yet, my dear,’ replies Mrs. Woodrow.
    â€˜Really? Well, I have told Jervis to have the carriage ready for ten sharp – I thought that would suit. But I am late already.’
    â€˜I will speak to Jervis, my dear,’ replies Mrs. Woodrow. ‘Don’t let us detain you.’
    Mr. Woodrow nods farewell once again, and departs. The sound of his boots echo on the stairs. Mrs. Woodrow waits until he is out of ear-shot before she speaks.
    â€˜He so wants the best for her,’ she says at last, patting her daughter on the head, ‘but, to tell the truth, I am so loath to give her routine over to a perfect stranger. She is a sensitive child. Do you think me foolish?’
    â€˜Not at all. I am sure it is very natural in a mother,’ replies Annabel.
    Melissa Woodrow smiles, and gently touches her cousin’s arm. ‘I am glad you agree, my dear. But, I should say, best not to discuss the matter in front of Woodrow. He detests arguments. Now, young lady,’ she says, addressing the little girl, ‘we are planning an excursion. Where should you like to go today?’
    â€˜Today, Mama?’
    â€˜Yes, today.’
    The girl looks pensive, twisting a lock of her dark curly hair about her finger.
    â€˜The Zoo!’
    Melissa Woodrow smiles. ‘It is always the Zoological Gardens! But I can recommend them,Annabel – we can take the brougham and have a pleasant stroll round the park?’
    â€˜I should be delighted.’
    â€˜Excellent. Do you have a day-dress, my dear?’
    â€˜Well, the one I am wearing,’ says Annabel, unconsciously looking down at her clothing, a mauve dress of a rather plain design.
    â€˜Oh, I do not think that will do, my dear. We do not follow the American fashions here, you know. I will see if I can find you something from my wardrobe; and I just bought a delightful new cloud from Whiteley’s – that might be just the thing. It is still so cold. I am sure Jacobs will have an idea – she is quite the last word on such matters, although you would not know to look at her!’
    â€˜Really, cousin, there is no need to—’
    â€˜My dear, there is every need. You cannot be seen in Regent’s Park with nothing from this season . . . Well, anyway, do talk to Lucinda while I go and have a look.’
    Melissa Woodrow hurries back to her dressing-room, calling for her maid, ignoring the slight look of annoyance on Annabel Krout’s face. Annabel, however, does not protest any further, beyond a quiet sigh of resignation. Conscious that her little cousin is watching her, she bends down over the child’s desk.
    â€˜How old are you, Lucy?’
    â€˜Nearly seven.’
    â€˜That is grown up, isn’t it? Have you been to the Zoo before?’
    â€˜Yes,’ says the little girl, a slight note of childish contempt in her voice, as if insulted by the suggestion that she might want for such an experience.
    â€˜With your Momma, I mean, Mama and Papa?’
    â€˜Papa doesn’t go anywhere.’
    â€˜No, well he is a busy man. I suppose he must go towork, to earn a living, to keep you and your Mama happy.’
    The little girl frowns. ‘I wish
he
was happy,’ she says.
    â€˜Isn’t he?’ asks Annabel, puzzled.
    Lucy Woodrow shakes her head, very firmly.
    â€˜Why, dear?’ persists Annabel. ‘What do you mean?’
    The sound of Mrs. Woodrow’s voice, calling Annabel Krout from down the hall, interrupts the conversation.
    The little girl returns to looking at her alphabet.
    â€˜I like the Zoo,’ she says.

C HAPTER SIX

    â€˜T HAT,’ SAYS L UCY Woodrow, pointing emphatically at the large animal approaching step by step, ‘is an Indian elephant. Because it has small ears.’
    â€˜For an elephant,’ suggests Annabel Krout.
    The little girl looks up at her cousin, unsure if she is being teased. ‘Yes,’ she