Victoria Holt by The Time of the Hunter's Moon Read Free Book Online Page A

way to her brother’s for Christmas. She will stay a couple of nights.”
    I had heard her mention Daisy Hetherington many times and always in tones of great respect. Daisy Hetherington owned one of the most exclusive schools in England. Aunt Patty couldn’t stop talking about her.
    “Aunt Patty,” I cut in, “the most extraordinary thing has happened. There was a man whom I met at Schaffenbrucken and he happens to be in Canterton. I’ve asked him to tea tomorrow. That will be all right, won’t it?”
    “But of course dear. A man, you say?” She clearly had her mind on Daisy Hetherington. “That will be nice,” she continued absently. “I’ve told them to get the tapestry room ready for Daisy. I really think it is the nicest room in the house.”
    “It certainly has lovely views…but they all have.”
    “She’ll want to hear all about the move. She always likes to know everything that’s going on in the scholastic world. Perhaps that is why she is so successful.”
    “Aunt Patty, you sound just the tiniest bit envious, which is unlike you.”
    “Not me, my dear. I wouldn’t change places with Daisy Hetherington for Colby Abbey Academy itself. No, I’m content. Glad to give up. It was time. There is only one regret and that is you. I’ll confess I wanted to hand on a fine and flourishing business to you…” Her eyes began to twinkle. “But you never know what is waiting to turn up. Cordelia, I think it will be a little quiet for you in that country village of ours. You’ve been to Schaffenbrucken and you’re fully qualified. You see, Daisy Hetherington’s Colby Abbey Academy for Young Ladies—to give it its full title—has a reputation which we never had. Colby is synonymous with Schaffenbrucken…or almost. I was just wondering…”
    “Aunt Patty, did you ask Daisy Hetherington to stay here or did she ask to come?”
    “Well, I know how she hates staying at inns. I said it was scarcely out of her way and she might as well stay here for a couple of nights. I have a few pieces she might find useful. There’s that roll-top desk and some of the girls’ desks too and books. She was quite interested and she would like to meet you. I have told her so much about you.”
    I knew her well. I could see those rather mischievous lights in her eyes when she was planning something.
    “Are you asking her to find a place for me in her school?”
    “Well, not exactly asking her. And in any case it would be for you to decide. It is something you will have to think about carefully, Cordelia. How will you like country life? I mean village life centered round the church. It is all right for old birds like Violet and me but for a young girl who has been educated with a view to using that education…Well, as I said it will be for you to decide. If Daisy likes you…I know she will like your qualifications. Daisy is a good woman…a little stern…a little aloof and very, very dignified…in fact the opposite of your old Aunt P., but a shrewd businesswoman, one who knows where she is going. You’ll see for yourself. If she took you in, after a while you might have a very good position there. I was thinking of a partnership. Money? Well, I’m not destitute and I’ll be comfortable enough with what I have and what I’ll get for Grantley. It’s a very good price. Colby Abbey breaks up for Christmas a week before we do…so I’ve asked her here. It’s not a bad idea that she should come when the girls are breaking up for Christmas. Then she won’t be able to criticize our methods of teaching which I am sure she would. You’ll admire her. She possesses those qualities which I lack.”
    “I shall certainly not admire her for that.”
    “Oh, you will. I wasn’t the right type to run a successful school, Cordelia. Let’s face it. None of the girls is in the least in awe of me.”
    “They love you.”
    “There are times when respect is more important. I can see my mistakes…looking back. Nothing very