Curse of the Kings

III The Months of Bondage

My room at Keverall Court was close to that of Lady Bodrean, in case she should want me at any time. It was a pleasant enough room—all the rooms at Keverall were gracious, even the smallest—with its paneled walls and mullioned window. And from the window I could see the roof of Giza House, by which I was foolishly comforted.

I had not been in the house long when I came to the conclusion that Lady Bodrean disliked me. She would ring her bell quite often after I had retired for the night and would tell me peevishly that she could not sleep. I must make tea for her, or read to her until she dozed; and I would often sit shivering because she liked a cold bedroom, and she was comfortable enough under her blankets while I was often in my dressing gown. She was never satisfied with anything I did. If there was nothing of which to complain she was silent; if there was, then she would refer to it over and over again.

Her personal maid Jane commiserated with me.

"Her ladyship seems to have it in for you," she admitted. "It's often like that. I've seen it before. A regular servant's got a sort of dignity. There's always housemaids or parlormaids or lady's maid wanted. But companions and such like—well that's up another street."

I suppose some natures could have borne it better than mine, but I had never been one to accept injustice; and in the old days when I had come to this house I had come on equal terms with Theodosia. It was very hard to accept the new position and it was only the alternative of banishment from St. Erno which made me stay on.

I took my meals alone in my room. During them I usually read the books I had borrowed from Giza House. I didn't see Tybalt during this time for he and his father had gone away for a while on some expedition into the Midlands, but Tabitha always had books for me.

She would say: "Tybalt thought this would interest you."

These books, my visits to Tabitha, and the knowledge that Dorcas and Alison were happily settled provided the only brightness in my life at that time.

I saw Theodosia now and then. She would have been quite pleasant to me if her mother would have allowed it. There was nothing malicious or proud about Theodosia. She was negative; she took her color from people about her. She would never be actively unkind, but at the same time she did little to alleviate my position. Perhaps she remembered the past when I had been inclined to bully her.

When I saw Sir Ralph he would ask me how I was getting on and he gave that amused look which I had seen so often. I could not say to him: "I dislike your wife and I would leave her tomorrow if I did not know that however unhappy I am here I should be far more so elsewhere."

I went to Rainbow Cottage to see Dorcas and Alison as often as I could. It was an interesting little place about three hundred years old, I think, and it had been built in the days when any family who could build a cottage in a night could claim the land on which it had been erected as their own. It was the custom in those days to collect bricks and tiles and to start building as soon as it was dark and work through the night. Four walls and a roof constituted a dwelling and that was done by morning. After that, the place could be added to. That was what had happened to Rainbow Cottage. When the Bodreans had acquired the cottage they had used it for their dependents and added to it considerably, but some of the old features remained, such as the old talfat—a sort of ledge high up on the wall on which children used to sleep and which was reached by a ladder. Now it boasted a moderately good kitchen with a cloam oven in which Dorcas used to bake the most delicious bread I had ever tasted; then there was a copper in which they cooked the scalded milk to make clotted cream. They were really very happy in Rainbow Cottage with its pleasant little garden; though of course they missed the spacious rectory.

I used to hate leaving them and going back to Keverall Court and my onerous duties, and consoled myself by doing malicious imitations of Lady Bodrean as I paraded round the cottage sitting room brandishing an imaginary lorgnette.

"And Sir Ralph," they asked timidly. "Do you see much of him?"

"Very little. I'm not exactly one of the family, you know."

"It's a shame," said Dorcas hotly; but Alison silenced her.

"When you were having lessons there it was so different," complained Dorcas.

"Yes, I never thought then that I wasn't one of them. But then I hadn't a post, and it was amazing how little I was aware of Lady Bodrean . . . fortunately."

"It may change," hazarded Alison.

I was optimistic by nature, and even at that dreary time I had my dreams. The dinner party—one of the guests, a lady, was unable to come. They could not sit down with thirteen. Very well, there is the companion. "She's quite presentable. After all she was educated here." And so I went down to dine in a gown which Theodosia found for me— she had looked frightful in it but it was just right for me— and there I was "Next to someone you know," whispered Theodosia. "Oh!" cried Tybalt. "How delightful to see you!" And we talked and everyone was aware of how absorbed he was by his neighbor at the dining table and afterwards he would not leave her side. "How glad I am," he said, "that Lady X ... Y ... Z ..." What did her name matter? "How glad I am that she could not come tonight."

Dreams! Dreams! But what else was there for me during that unsatisfactory period of my life?

I had read until I was hoarse.

"Your voice is not good today, Miss Osmond. Oh dear, how tiresome! One of the chief duties I look for is your reading."

She would sit there and in and out went the needle with its trail of red or blue or violet wool and I was sure she was not listening to what I was reading. If only I could have read from one of the books I brought from Giza House! Sometimes I had the mischievous thought that I would substitute one and see whether she knew the difference.

Sometimes she would lay aside her tapestry and close her eyes. I would go on reading, unsure whether she was awake or not. Sometimes I stopped to see if she had noticed. Often I caught her sleeping; but then she would catch me for she would awake suddenly and demand to know why I was not reading.

I would say meekly: "I thought you were sleeping, Lady Bodrean. I was afraid I should disturb you."

"Nonsense," she would retort. "Pray go on and I will say when we shall stop."

She kept me reading on that day until my eyes were tired and my voice weary. I began to think of escaping at any price, but I always came back to the thought of going away and never seeing Tybalt again.

Orange and Lemon turned out to be blessings for they needed daily exercise and this gave me the opportunity to get away from the house and it was easy to slip over to Giza House and have a chat with Tabitha.

One day I called and knew immediately that something exciting had happened. She took me into the drawing room and told me that Sir Edward was planning an expedition to Egypt. It was going to be one of his most ambitious efforts. She hoped to accompany the party. "Now that Sabina is married," she said, "there is no need for me to stay here."

"You will have some job to do?"

"Not an official job, of course, but I can make myself useful. I can housekeep if that should be necessary and I have picked up quite a lot. I can be useful in a fetch-and-carry sort of way as amateurs are."

I looked at her ecstatically. "How I envy you!"

She smiled that gentle sweet smile of hers. "Lady Bodrean can be trying I daresay."

I sighed.

Then she went on to talk about the expedition.

"Will Tybalt be accompanying his father?" I asked.

"Indeed yes. It's going to be one of the most important missions so far. I gather the archaeological world is talking of nothing else. Of course you know that Sir Edward is perhaps one of the greatest men of his profession in the world."

I nodded. "And Tybalt is following in his footsteps."

She looked at me shrewdly and I wondered whether I had betrayed the state of my feelings.

"He is his father all over again," she said. "Men such as they are have one great passion in their lives . . . their work. It's something that those about them must always remember."

I could never resist talking about Tybalt.

"Sir Edward seems so much more remote. He hardly seems to see anyone."

"He does come down from the clouds now and then . . . or should I say up from the soil. One should never expect to know men like them in a few years. They're a lifetime study."

"Yes," I said. "I suppose that's what makes them interesting."

She smiled gently. "Sometimes," she went on, "I have thought that it would be well for such men to live the lives of hermits or monks. Their work should be their families."

"Did you know Lady Travers?"

"At the end of her life, yes."

"And you think Sir Edward is happier as a widower than he was as a husband?"

"Did I give that impression? I came to them as a rather privileged housekeeper. We had known them for some years and when the need arose ... I took this post as you have taken yours."

"And Lady Travers died after that?"

"Yes."

I wanted to know what Tybalt's mother was like, and as Dorcas and Alison had often told me, I was far from tactful. So I blundered on: "It wasn't a very happy marriage, was it?"

She looked startled. "Well. . . They had little in common and as I said men like Sir Edward perhaps don't make model husbands."

I was certain then that she was warning me.

She said brightly: "You remember Evan Callum."

"Of course."

"He's coming to visit us. I hear that Hadrian will be returning also. They'll be here soon, both of them. They'll be interested to hear about Sir Edward's expedition."

I stayed talking although I knew I shouldn't. I wanted to glean all I could. Tabitha was quite animated.

"It would be wonderful if you could come," she said. "I am sure you would prefer it to looking after that not-very-agreeable lady."

"Oh, if only I could."

"Never mind. Perhaps some day ..."

I went back to Keverall Court in a daze. I was dreaming again. That was my only comfort. I dreamed that Tabitha was taken ill; she couldn't go. Someone must take her place, said Sir Edward. "I know," cried Tybalt. "What about Miss Osmond? She was always interested."

How ridiculous and how unkind to wish an illness on Tabitha!

"I am surprised, Miss Osmond," said Lady Bodrean. "I have been ringing my bell for half an hour."

"I'm sorry. I forgot the time."

"Forgot the time! You are not here to forget time, Miss Osmond. You are not paid for that, you know."

Oh, why didn't I tell the disagreeable old woman that I would serve her no longer!

Simply because, said my logical self, if you did you would have to do something. You would have to go away and how would you ever see Tybalt if you did?

I had somehow betrayed my inability to accept my position with resignation and this was something Lady Bodrean seemed to have made up her mind to enforce.

She reminded me far more than was necessary that I was a paid servant. She tried to curtail my liberty whenever possible. She would send me on an errand and time me. She would make me walk round the gardens with her carrying her basket while she cut flowers; she would tell me to arrange them—and my efforts in this artistic endeavor had always amused Dorcas and Alison. They used to say, "If anyone can disarrange a bowl of flowers, that is Judith." At the rectory it was a joke; here it was a serious matter. If she could humiliate me, she did; and she was seeking and finding many opportunities.

At least, I said to myself, this has taught me what a happy home Dorcas and Alison gave me and I ought to be forever grateful for that.

I shall never forget the day she told me that there was to be a ball at Keverall Court.

"Of course a young lady in my daughter's position must be brought out formally. I am sure you realize that, Miss Osmond, because although you yourself are not in the same position, you did learn something of gracious living when you were allowed to take lessons here."

"Graciousness is something that I miss nowadays," I retorted.

She misunderstood. "You were very fortunate to be allowed to glimpse it for a while. I always think it is a mistake to educate people beyond their stations."

"Sometimes," I said, "it enables the sons and daughters of erudite churchmen to be of use to their betters."

"I am glad to see you take that view, Miss Osmond. I have to confess you do not always show such becoming humility."

She was an exceedingly stupid woman. I had learned that Sir Ralph had married her for her fortune. Why he should have done so was beyond my understanding when he was a rich man in his own right. But what I could understand was why he had acquired his reputation for seeking consolation elsewhere.

"Now," she went on, "there will be a great deal for you to do. Invitations to be drawn up and sent out. You've no idea, Miss Osmond, what giving a ball like this entails."

"I can hardly be expected to," I replied, "coming from such a stratum of society."

"Dear me no. It will be an education for you to learn. Such experience for one in your position is so useful."

"I shall do my humble best," I retorted with irony.

But that, of course, was lost on Lady Bodrean.

Jane, Lady Bodrean's personal maid, winked at me. "A nice cup of tea?" she said. "I've got it all ready." She had a little spirit lamp in her room, which she had made very comfortable.

I sat down and she poured out.

"My word, she's got it in for you."

"I gather my company doesn't give her much pleasure. I wonder she doesn't allow herself the treat of being rid of it."

"I know her. She's enjoying herself. She likes tormenting people. She was always like that. I've been with her since before she married. She's got worse."

"It couldn't have been very comfortable for you."

"Oh, I know how to handle her. Sugar, Miss Osmond?"

"Thank you. Yes," I said thoughtfully, "she does seem to dislike me more than is warranted. Mind you, I am ready to admit I don't perform my duties with great efficiency. I can't imagine why she doesn't do what she is always hinting she will. Dismiss me."

"She doesn't want that. Who's she going to torment then?"

"There's a fairly large staff to choose from. Surely from among you all she could find some highly tormentable type."

"Oh you joke about it, Miss Osmond. Sometimes I think you're going to explode though."

"So do I," I said.

"I remember you coming here for your lessons. We used to say, 'My word, that one's got more spirits than all the rest of them put together. Regular little firebrand!'"

"And now you see the metamorphosis of Judith Osmond."

"Eh? I've seen it happen before. The nursery governess before that Miss Graham. Nice spirited sort of girl, she was. But she hadn't been here long when things started to happen. Sir Ralph had his eyes on her and when Lady Bodrean got to work . . . My word, she changed. In the old days Sir Ralph, he were a one. No woman safe from him. He's changed a lot too. He's got quieter. I've seen him have some funny dizzy turns too. Slowed him down a bit. There've been some scandals." She came closer to me and her lively brown eyes were alight with pleasure. "Women," she said. "Couldn't leave a pretty girl alone. The fur used to fly. Many times I've heard . . . being in the next room, you know. Couldn't help but hear even if I tried not to."

I could picture her, ear to keyhole while a younger Don Juan of a Sir Ralph stood accused before his wronged wife.

"After a while she seemed to make up her mind that there was nothing she could do about it. He'd go his way, she'd go hers. He wanted a son, of course. And there wasn't another child after Miss Theodosia. So Master Hadrian came to live here. But she, her ladyship, seemed to be more of a tartar every day; and once she gets her knife into someone . . . she's going to use it."

I said: "I should get out, I suppose."

Jane moved farther towards me and whispered confidentially, "You could find a better place. I've thought about this. What about Miss Theodosia?"

"What of her?"

"This ball . . . well, it's a sort of coming out. All the fine rich gentlemen of the neighborhood will be invited. Then they'll have balls and such like goings on. You know what it's all leading up to."

"Miss Theodosia is being paraded before them, in all her charms, and by no means the least of these is the nice golden dowry glittering round her neck. 'Young gentleman, show your credentials and make your bid.'"

"You always had your answer, didn't you? I used to say to Miss Graham, 'My goodness, that one's got a bit of lip, she has.' But what I'm getting at is this. Before long they'll find a husband for Miss Theodosia, and then you're her friend ... so ..."

"I, her friend. Please don't let Lady Bodrean hear you call me that. I'm sure she would be most indignant."

"Now you're getting bitter. It's all along of once being treated like one of them and now finding yourself here in a paid job. You have to be clever. Now you and Theodosia were together as children. You were the one who used to order her about. Theodosia's not like her mother. Suppose you remind her of your friendship."

"Ingratiate myself with the daughter of the house?"

"You could become friends with her again and when she marries . . . you see what I mean? Miss Theodosia wants a companion and who better than her old friend. What do you think of it?"

"Machiavellian!" I said.

"You can laugh. But I wouldn't like to think of spending my life looking after an old tartar like that."

"Suppose Theodosia doesn't marry?"

"Theodosia not marry! Of course she will. Why they've got the man for her already. I heard Sir Ralph talking to her ladyship about it. Quite a to do there was. She said: 'You've got an obsession with those people. I think you wanted Hadrian for Sabina.'"

"Oh?" I said faintly.

"I wouldn't mind taking a bet with you, Miss Osmond, that before the year's out the engagement will be announced. After all there's a title. Money, well I'm not so sure of that, but Miss Theodosia will have enough, won't she? When her father dies she'll inherit everything I reckon. Why she'll be one of the richest young ladies in the country. Of course, I wouldn't say they're exactly poor, but money's always useful and they say that he has poured a fortune into this work of his. A funny way of squandering your money I must say. When you think of what you can do with it ... and it all goes in digging up the ground in foreign places. They say some of those places are so hot you can hardly bear it."

I said, although I knew the answer already: "So for Theodosia they've chosen . . . ?"

"The son, of course. Mr. Tybalt Travers. Oh yes, he's the one they've chosen for Theodosia."

I could scarcely bear to sit there and listen to her chatter.

Sir Edward and Tybalt had returned to Giza House and they came to dine at Keverall Court. I contrived to be in the hall when they arrived, pretending to arrange some flowers.

Tybalt said: "It's Miss Osmond, isn't it?" As though he had to look twice to make sure. "How are you?"

"I'm the companion now, you know."

"Yes, I heard. Are you still reading?"

"Avidly. Mrs. Grey is so helpful."

"Good. Father, this is Miss Osmond."

Sir Edward gave me his vague look.

"She's the one who dressed up as the mummy. She wanted to know what it felt like to be embalmed and placed in a sarcophagus. She's read several of your books." Now Sir Edward's attention was on me. His eyes twinkled. I think the mummy adventure amused him. He was more like Tybalt now.

I wished that I could have stayed there talking to them. Lady Bodrean had appeared at the top of the staircase. I wondered whether she had heard my voice.

"My dear Sir Edward . . . and Tybalt!" She swept down the stairs. "I thought I heard you talking to the companion."

I went to my room then and stayed there all the evening. A respite from my tyrant because she was busy with her guests. I pictured them at the dinner table and Theodosia looking pretty in pink satin—gentle, amenable, with an immense fortune which would be so useful in financing expeditions to exotic places.

I don't think I ever felt quite so hopeless as at that moment, and with the recent encounter with Tybalt fresh in my mind—which confirmed everything I had ever thought him—I was more certain than ever that he was the only man for me. I asked myself whether I should offer my resignation without delay.

But, of course, that was not my nature. Until he was married to Theodosia I would continue to dream . . . and hope.

I walked the dogs over to Giza House and as I did so a voice called "Judith."

I turned and there was Evan Callum coming out of Giza House.

"Judith," he cried, his hand outstretched to take mine, "this is a pleasure."

"I heard you were coming," I said. "It is so good to see you.

"And how is everything with you?"

"Changed," I said.

"And not for the better?"

"The rector died. You know that Oliver married Sabina, and I am now companion to Lady Bodrean."

He grimaced.

"Ah," I said with a smile, "I see you have an inkling of what that means."

"I worked in the house once, you remember, as a sort of tutor to you all. Fortunately my work did not come under her jurisdiction. Poor Judith!"

"I tell myself fifty times a day not to be sorry for myself. So if I'm not you must not be."

"But I am. You were the best of my pupils. You had such an enthusiasm; and that is one of the greatest assets in this profession."

"Are you accompanying them on this expedition?"

"Unfortunately, no. I'm not experienced enough for such an honor. There'll be much coming and going between Keverall and Giza, I believe. Sir Ralph is being persuaded to help finance the project."

"He was always vitally interested. I hope they'll succeed in getting what they want."

"Tybalt has no doubt of it." He looked round him: "How this brings back the old days. You, Hadrian, Theodosia, Sabina. Oddly enough the one who was least interested was Sabina. Have they changed?"

"Sabina has become the rector's wife. I see very little of her. My duties do not give me much time. I visit Dorcas and Alison when I can manage it and I come over here to see Mrs. Grey who has been so kind in lending me books."

"On our subject of course."

"Of course."

"Good. I could not bear for you to tire. I hear Hadrian will be home at the end of the week."

"I didn't know. I am not told such things."

"Poor Judith. Life's unfair sometimes."

"Perhaps I've had my share of luck. Did you know that I was found on a train?"

"An abandoned child!"

"Not exactly. It was in an accident. My parents were killed and no one claimed me. I might have gone to an orphanage . . . never have met any of you . . . never have found a piece of a Bronze Age shield and never read any of the books from Giza House."

"I always thought you were the rector's distant cousin."

"Many people did. Dorcas and Alison thought it would be kinder to let it be known that I was some sort of distant relation. But I was unknown. And my great piece of luck was that they took me in and life was wonderful until now. Perhaps I have to pay now for that marvelous piece of luck I had in the beginning. Do you think life works out like that?"

"No," he said. "This is just a phase. They come to all of us. But Theodosia's at Keverall, and she's a friend of yours. She would never be unkind, I'm sure."

"No, but I see little of her. I am always kept so busy dancing attendance on her Mamma."

He gave me a compassionate look.

"Poor Judith," he said, "perhaps it will not always be so. I shall hope things change for you. We must meet . . . often."

"Oh, but the social barriers will be set up between us because when you visit Keverall Court you will come as a guest."

"I should soon leap over any barrier they put between us," he assured me.

He said he would walk with me and I was greatly comforted by his return to St. Erno's.

Hadrian arrived at the end of the week. I was in the garden whither I had been sent to gather roses when he saw me and called to me.

"Judith!" He took my hand and we studied each other.

Hadrian had become good-looking—or perhaps he had always been so and I had not particularly noticed before. His thick brown hair grew too low on his forehead—or did I think it was too low because one of Tybalt's most striking features was his high forehead? There was something inherently pleasant in Hadrian and however bitter he became the twinkle was never far from his blue-grey eyes. He was of medium height and broad-shouldered; and when he greeted me, his eyes always lit up in a manner which I found comforting. I felt that Hadrian was one of the people on whom I could rely.

"You've become a scholar, Hadrian," I said.

"You've become a flatterer. And a companion I To my aunt. How could you, Judith!"

"It's very easily explained. If one does not inherit money one needs to earn it. I am doing precisely that."

"But you a companion! Cutting roses ... I bet you always cut the wrong ones!"

"How right you are! These red ones, I am sure, should have been yellow. But I have the consolation of knowing that had I picked yellow, red would have been the chosen color."

"My aunt's a tyrant! I know. I don't think it's right that you should be doing this. Who suggested it?"

"Your uncle. And we have to be truly grateful to him for had he not arranged that I should come here, I should be cutting roses or performing some such duty for some other tyrant possibly miles from here—so I shouldn't be chatting with you, nor have seen Evan and er . . ."

"It's a shame," said Hadrian hotly. "And you of all people. You were always such a bully."

"I know. It's just retribution. The bully now bullied. Hoist with her own petard. Still, it's pleasant to know that some members of the household don't regard me as a pariah now that I have to perform the humiliating task of earning a living."

Theodosia came into the garden. She was in white muslin with pale blue dots and she wore a white straw hat with blue ribbons. She's grown quite pretty, I realized.

"I was thinking that it's like old times now we're all together," said Hadrian. "Evan and Tybalt ..." I noticed that Theodosia blushed slightly, and I thought of Jane's words. It was true then. No, it couldn't be! Not Tybalt and Theodosia. It was incongruous. But she was almost pretty; she was suitable; and she was an heiress. Surely Tybalt would not marry for money. But of course he would. It was the natural order of things. Sabina had not married for money, for Oliver as rector would have little of that useful commodity. How we had changed, all of us. Frivolous Sabina becoming the rector's wife; plain Theodosia to marry my wonderful Tybalt; and myself, the proud one, the one who had taken charge of the school room, to be the companion whose daily bread was service and humiliation.

"Evan, Tybalt, myself, you, Judith, and Sabina and Oliver in their rectory," Hadrian was saying.

"Yes," said Theodosia. She looked at me rather shyly apologetic because she had seen so little of me since I had come to Keverall Court. "It's . . . it's nice to have Judith here."

"Is it?" I said.

"But of course. You were always one of us, weren't you?"

"But now I am the companion merely."

"Oh, you've been listening to Mamma."

"I have to. It's part of the job."

"Mamma can be difficult."

"You don't have to be with her all the time," comforted Hadrian.

"There seems very little time when I'm not."

"We'll have to change that, won't we, Theodosia?"

Theodosia nodded and smiled.

These encounters lifted my spirits. It was to some extent a return to the old ways.

There was a great deal of talk about the coming ball.

"This will be the biggest we've had for years," Jane told me. "Miss Theodosia's coming out." She gave me her wink. "Timed, you see, when all these people are here. Lady B. is hoping there'll be an announcement before they go off to Egypt."

"Do you think that Mr. Travers would take his bride with him?"

"There won't be time for that by all accounts. There'll have to be the sort of wedding that takes months to prepare for, I reckon. Her ladyship wouldn't stand for anything else. No quiet little wedding like Sabina and the new rector had. Lady B. wouldn't let her only daughter go like that."

"Well," I said, "we haven't got them betrothed yet, have we?"

"Any day now, mark my words."

I began to believe she was right when I talked to Theodosia, who since the return of Hadrian was seeing far more of me than she had before. She seemed as though she wanted to make up to me for previously keeping out of my way.

The only time Lady Bodrean was the least bit affable to me was when she talked of Theodosia's coming out ball; I knew at once that she was hoping to make me envious. Theodosia could have had all the balls she wanted if she had left me Tybalt.

"You might go along to the sewing room," Lady Bodrean told me, "and give Sarah Sloper a hand. There are fifty yards of lace to be sewn onto my daughter's ball gown. And in an hour's time I shall be ready for the reading and don't forget before you go, to walk Orange and Lemon."

Sarah Sloper was too good a dressmaker to allow me to put a stitch into her creation. There it was on the table—a froth of soft blue silk chiffon with the fifty yards of pale blue lace.

Theodosia was there for a fitting, so I helped get her into the dress. She was going to look lovely in it, I thought with a pang. I could imagine her floating round the ballroom in the arms of Tybalt.

"Do you like it, Judith?" she asked.

"The color is most becoming."

"I love dancing," she said. She waltzed round and I felt we were back in the schoolroom. I went to her and bowed. "Miss Bodrean, may I have the pleasure of this dance?"

She made a deep curtsy. I seized her and we danced round the room while Sarah Sloper watched us with a grin.

"How delightful you look tonight, Miss Bodrean."

"Thank you, sir."

"How gracious of you to thank me for the gifts nature has bestowed on you."

"Oh Judith you haven't changed a bit. I wish . . ."

Sarah Sloper had jumped to her feet suddenly and was bobbing a curtsy for Sir Ralph was standing in the doorway watching us dance.

Our dance came to an immediate halt. I wondered what he would say to see the companion dancing so familiarly with his daughter.

He was clearly not annoyed: "Rather graceful, didn't you think, Sarah?" he said.

"Why yes, sir, indeed, sir," stammered Sarah.

"So that's your ball dress, is it?"

"Yes, Father."

"And what about Miss Osmond, eh? Has she a ball dress?"

"I have not," I said.

"And why not?"

"Because a person in my position has no great use for such a garment."

I saw the familiar wag of the chin.

"Oh yes," he said, "you're the companion now. I hear of you from Lady Bodrean."

"Then I doubt you hear anything to my advantage."

I don't know why I was speaking to him in that way. It was an irresistible impulse even though I knew that I was being what would be termed insolent from one in my position and was imperiling my job.

"Very little," he assured me, with a lugubrious shake of the head. "In fact nothing at all."

"I feared so."

"Now do you? That's a change. I always had the impression that you were a somewhat fearless young lady." His bristling brows came together. "I don't see anything of you. Where do you get to?"

"I don't move in your circles, sir," I replied, realizing now that he at least bore me no malice and was rather amused at my pert retorts.

"I begin to think that's rather a pity."

"Father, do you like my gown?" asked Theodosia.

"Very pretty. Blue, is it?"

"Yes, Father."

He turned to me. "If you had one what color would it be?"

"It would be green, Father," said Theodosia. "It was always Judith's favorite color."

"That's said to be unlucky," he replied. "Or it was in my day. They used to say 'Green on Monday, Black on Friday.' But I'll swear Miss Osmond's not superstitious."

"Not about colors," I said. "I might be about some things."

"Doesn't do to think you're unlucky," he said. "Otherwise you will be."

Then he went out, his chin wagging.

Theodosia looked at me with raised eyebrows. "Now why did Father come in here?"

"You should know more about his habits than I do."

"I believe he's quite excited about my ball. Judith, Mrs. Grey was saying that you were reading books, some of which had been written by Sir Edward Travers. You must know quite a lot now about archaeology."

"Enough to know that I'm very ignorant about it. We both have a smattering, haven't we? We got that from Evan Callum."

"Yes," she said. "I wish I knew more."

She was animated. "I'm going to start reading. You must tell me what books you've had."

I understood of course. She was desperately anxious to be able to talk knowledgeably to Tybalt.

The invitations had been sent out; I had listed the guests and ticked them off when the acceptances came in. I had helped arrange what flowers would be brought from the greenhouses to decorate the ballroom, for it was October and the gardens could scarcely supply what was needed. I had compiled the dance programs and chosen the pink-and-blue pencils and the silken cords which would be attached to them. For the first time Lady Bodrean seemed pleased and I knew it was only because she wanted me to know what care went into the launching into society of a well-bred girl. She may have noticed that I was downcast at times and this put her into a good humor so that I wanted to shout at her: "I care nothing for these grand occasions; Theodosia is welcome to them. My melancholy has nothing to do with that."

I went to Rainbow Cottage when I had an hour or so to spare. Dorcas and Alison always made a great fuss of me; they tried to keep my spirits up with griddle cakes which I used to be rather greedy about as a child.

They wanted to hear all about the ball.

"It's a shame they don't ask you, Judith," said Dorcas.

"Why should they? Employees are not asked to family balls surely."

"It's different in your case. Weren't you in the schoolroom with them?"

"That, as Lady Bodrean would inform you, is something for which to feel gratitude and not an excuse for looking for further favors."

"Oh Judith, is it really unbearable?"

"Well, the truth is that she is so obnoxious that I get a certain delight in doing battle. Also she is really rather stupid so that I am able to get in quite a lot of barbs of which she is unaware."

"If it is too bad, you must leave."

"I may be asked to. I must warn you that I expect dismissal daily."

"Well, dear, don't worry. We can manage here. And you'd find something else very quickly I'm sure."

Sometimes they talked about village affairs. They worked a good deal for the church. Having done so all their lives they were well equipped for the task. Sabina was not really very practical, they whispered, and although she could chatter away to people, a little more than that was expected of a rector's wife. As for Oliver he was quite competent.

I reminded them that they used to say he had carried the parish on his shoulders when their father was alive.

That was true, they agreed grudgingly. I knew they found it hard to forgive poor Oliver for not marrying me and even more difficult to forgive Sabina for being the chosen one.

It was comforting to remember that they were there in the background of my life.

There was a great deal of coming and going between Giza House and Keverall Court. As Sir Ralph was not feeling very well, Tybalt and his father visited him frequently. They were going into the details of the expedition. I quite shamelessly tried to be where I might catch a glimpse of them. Even Sir Edward knew me now and would give me his absent-minded smile.

Tybalt exchanged a word or two with me—usually asking what I was reading. I longed to hear from him about the expedition but naturally I couldn't ask him about that.

Two days before the ball a most extraordinary thing happened.

When I emerged from Lady Bodrean's apartment and was about to go for my daily walk I found Theodosia in the corridor. I fancied she had been looking for me.

She looked excited.

"Hello, Judith," she said, and there was a little lilt in her voice.

"Were you waiting for me?" I asked.

"Yes, I've something to tell you."

My heartbeats quickened; my spirits sank. This is it, I thought. Tybalt has asked her to marry him. The engagement will be announced at the ball.

She slipped her arm through mine. "Let's go to your room," she said. "You will never guess what it is," she went on.

I thought: I can't bear it. I've imagined it so many times, but I know I can't bear it. I'll have to go away ... at once. I'll go and tell Dorcas and Alison and then I'll get a post far away and never see any of them again.

I stammered: "I know. You . . . you're engaged."

She stopped short and flushed hotly, so I knew that although this might not be the surprise she had for me now, it was coming soon.

"You always thought you knew everything, didn't you? Well, clever Judith is wrong this time."

Clever Judith was never more delighted to be wrong.

She threw open the door of my room and walked in; I followed shutting the door behind me. She went to my cupboard and opened the door. Hanging there was a green chiffon evening dress.

"What is it!" I cried in astonishment.

"It's your ball dress, Judith."

"Mine! How could it be." I went to it, felt the lovely soft material, took the dress down and held it against me.

"It's absolutely right," declared Theodosia. "Put it on. I long to see you in it."

"First, how did it get there?"

"I put it there."

"But where did it come from?"

"Oh do try it on first and I'll explain."

"No. I must know."

"Oh, you're maddening! I long to see that it fits. Father said you were to have it."

"But . . . why?"

"He said: 'Cinderella must go to the ball.'"

"Meaning the companion?"

"You remember he saw us dancing. That day he said to me, 'That girl Judith Osmond, she's to go to the ball.' I said, 'Mamma would never hear of it,' and he said, 'Then don't tell her.'"

I began to laugh. I saw myself at the ball dancing with Tybalt. "But it's impossible. She will never allow it."

"This is my father's house, you know."

"But I am employed by your mother."

"She won't dare go against him."

"What an unwelcome guest I should be."

"Only by one. The rest of us all want you to go. Myself, Evan, Hadrian, Tybalt . . ."

"Tybalt!

"Well,of course he doesn't know yet, but I am sure he would if he did. Hadrian knows though. He's very amused, and we're all going to have a lot of fun hiding you from Mamma, if that's possible."

"I don't suppose it is for a moment. I shall be ordered out of the ballroom within an hour."

"Not if you come as my father's guest, which you will do."

I began to laugh.

"I knew you'd enjoy it."

"Tell me what happened."

"Well, Father said you'd always been a lively girl, and he wished I'd show more of your spirit. He was afraid you didn't have much of a life with Mamma and he wanted you to go to the ball. That's why he wanted to know what color dress. It was secret with Sarah Sloper. I chose the material and Sarah used me as a model. You're a bit taller than I and just a little thinner. We worked on that. And I'm absolutely sure it's a perfect fit. Do put it on now."

I did so. The transformation was miraculous. It was indeed my color. I let down my thick dark hair, and with my eyes shining and color in my cheeks I would have been beautiful I thought but for my nose which was too large. Hadrian always used to laugh at my nose. "It's a forceful one," he said. "It betrays your character. No one who was meek could ever have such a nose. Your powers, dear Judith, are not in your stars but in your nose." I giggled. In such a beautiful gown I could forget that offending feature.

"You look quite Spanish now," said Theodosia. "Your hair ought to be piled high on your head and you should have a Spanish comb. You'd look marvelous then. I wish it were a masked ball. Then it would be so much easier to hide you from Mamma. But she will know it is Father's wish and will say nothing ... at the ball at least. She wouldn't want a scene there."

"The storm will come later."

I didn't care. I would face that. I was going to the ball. I should have a little dance program with a pink cord and pencil and I would keep it forever, because I was certain that Tybalt's initials would be on it.

I seized Theodosia in my arms and we danced round the bedroom.

The night of the ball had come. Thank Heaven, Lady Bodrean would be too busy to want to be bothered with me. "My goodness," Jane had said, "we're going to have a session. There's her hair to do and I've got to get her into her gown. When it comes to what jewels she's to wear it'll be this and that—and that's no good and what about this. It's a good thing I know how to handle her."

So I was free to dress myself in the close-fitting green satin sheath over which were yards and yards of flowing silk chiffon. Nothing could have been chosen to suit me better. And when I had come up to dress I found that Theodosia had laid the Spanish comb on my dressing table. Hadrian was there to support me too. I felt that the position had changed since he had come back. I really had friends in the house now.

And on this night of the ball I prepared to enjoy myself.

Sir Ralph and Lady Bodrean stood at the head of the great staircase to receive their guests. Naturally I did not present myself. But what fun it was to mingle with the guests who were so numerous that I was sure I could escape Lady Bodrean's eye. In any case she would hardly recognize me in my finery.

I danced with Hadrian who said it was rather like some of the tricks we used to get up to in our youth.

"We were always the allies," he said, "you and I, Judith."

It was true.

"I'm sorry," said Hadrian, "that it's my aunt you have to work for."

"Not more sorry than I. Yet it gives me a chance to be at Keverall."

"You love the old house, don't you?"

"It seems like part of my life. Don't forget I was here almost every day."

"I feel the same. Theodosia's lucky. It'll be hers one day."

"You sound envious."

"I sound as I feel then. You see I'm a bit of a charity boy myself."

"Oh, no, Hadrian. You're Sir Ralph's nephew, almost a son."

"Not quite."

"Then, I tell you what you should do," I said lightly, "marry Theodosia."

"My cousin!"

"Why not? Cousins marry often. It's a very useful way of keeping the property well within the family."

"You don't think she'd have me, do you? I fancy now her gaze is fixed in another direction."

"Is that so?"

"Have you noticed her being eagerly intent every time anyone mentions the subject?"

"What subject?"

"Archaeology. She's so excited about this expedition. You'd think she was going on it."

"Trying to impress someone. Perhaps it's you! After all it is your subject."

"Oh no. Nothing of the sort. I'm not the chosen one."

I couldn't bear to talk of Theodosia and Tybalt so I said quickly: "Don't you wish you were going out to Egypt with the party?"

"I'd enjoy it in a way. I hear that Sir Edward is very much a lone wolf. He keeps his team in the dark. It's the way some people work. I was talking to Evan about it. We should have been flattered if we'd been asked to join the party of course. But at our stage it would only be in a minor capacity."

"And Tybalt?"

"Well, he's the great man's son. I daresay he won't be kept entirely in the dark."

"I suppose one day he'll be as great as his father."

"He has the same passionate absorption."

"I saw him dancing with Theodosia but I didn't see Sir Edward."

"He'll probably look in later."

The band had stopped; the dance was over. Hadrian led me to a seat sheltered by pots of palms.

"I feel like a fox in his lair," I said.

"You mean a vixen," corrected Hadrian.

"I admit to a kindred spirit with that creature on certain occasions but at the moment I'm far too mellow."

Evan came up with Theodosia and sat down with us. Theodosia looked at me in my green dress with great pleasure.

"You are enjoying the ball, Judith?" she asked anxiously.

I assured her I was.

Then Tybalt appeared. I thought he had come to claim Theodosia but instead he sat down. He did not seem the least bit surprised to see me.

Evan then said that he believed Theodosia had promised him this dance. They went off and Hadrian said he had a partner to find; that left Tybalt and myself alone.

"Are you enjoying the dance?" I asked.

"It's not much in my line, you know."

"I saw you dancing a little while ago."

"Most ungracefully."

"Adequately," I assured him. "You will be gone very soon," I went on. "How you must be longing to set out."

"It's a most exciting project of course."

"Tell me about it."

"You really are interested, aren't you?"

"Enormously."

"We'll go by ship to Port Said and overland to Cairo. We shall stay for a while and then make our way towards the ancient site of Thebes."

I clasped my hands ecstatically.

"Do tell me more about it. You're going to the tombs, aren't you?"

He nodded. "My father has been preparing for this project for some time. He was out there several years ago and he's always had the impression that he was on the verge of some great discovery. It's been in his mind for years. Now he's going to satisfy himself."

"It'll be wonderful," I cried.

"I think it's the most exciting project that I've ever undertaken."

"You have been there before?"

"Yes, with my father. I was very inexperienced then and it was a great concession for me to be there at all. My father's party discovered one of the tombs which must have been prepared for a great nobleman. It had been robbed, thousands of years ago. It was very disappointing as you can imagine. All the hard work, the excavating, the probing, the hopes . . . and then to find that the tomb has been so completely cleared that there is nothing left which would help to reconstruct the customs of this fascinating country. I'm getting carried away with my enthusiasm, but it's your fault, Miss Osmond. You seem so interested."

"I am, tremendously so."

"So few people outside our little world understand a thing."

"I don't feel myself to be exactly outside it. I was very fortunate. I took lessons at Keverall Court and as you know Sir Ralph has always been interested in archaeology."

"Fortunately, yes. He is helping us a great deal."

"It was he who engaged Evan Callum to give us lessons. Then, of course, there was what was going on at Carter's Meadow. I sometimes gave a hand there ... in a very unprofessional way, as you can guess."

"But you caught the fascination, didn't you? I can hear it in your voice and see it in your face. And I remember how excited you were when you came to the house for books. And I do believe, Miss Osmond, that you are not one of those ridiculously romantic people who believe that this is all digging and finding wonderful jewels and the remains of old palaces."

"I know such finds are few."

"It's true. But I am sure you would like to dance. So if you don't mind a little discomfort?"

I laughed and said: "I'll bear it."

And there I was, dancing with Tybalt. It was like a dream come true.

I loved him all the more because he kept putting his feet in the wrong places. He apologized and I wanted to cry: Your treading on my toes is bliss.,

I was so happy. Alison and Dorcas had said that I had the gift of shutting out everything but the moment and enjoying it to the full. I was glad of it on that night. I would not go beyond this glorious moment when Tybalt's arms were about me and I was closer to him than I had ever been.

I longed for the music to go on and on but it stopped of course and we returned to our alcove where Theodosia was seated with Evan.

I danced with Evan who said how glad he was to see me there. I told him about how I had found the dress in my cupboard and Sir Ralph had wished me to come to the ball.

We laughed and talked about the old days and later we went to supper and were joined there by Theodosia, Hadrian, and Tybalt.

How gay I could be on such an occasion. I sparkled and made sure that the conversation circled about me. Theodosia was very gentle and did not mind, any more than she had in the schoolroom, the fact that I drew attention from her.

Tybalt was naturally a little aloof from our frivolous chatter. He was more mature than the rest of us and I could not help noticing how insignificant Hadrian and Evan were in comparison. When Tybalt was talking of archaeology he glowed with an intense and single-minded passion which I was sure only a man who could feel deeply would experience. I believed then that if ever Tybalt loved a woman it would be with the same unswerving devotion which he gave to his profession. Because I wanted to see Tybalt animated, glowing with that enthusiasm which thrilled and excited me, I introduced the subject of archaeology and almost immediately he was the center of a fascinated audience.

When we paused Theodosia said: "Oh, you are all so clever . . . even Judith! But don't you think this salmon is delicious?"

Hadrian then told us a story of a fishing expedition he had enjoyed on the Spey, in the Scottish Highlands, where, he said, the best salmon in the world was caught. He was explaining how he had plunged into the river and pulled in the struggling fish, showing us the size of it at which we all laughingly expressed disbelief, when Lady Bodrean walked past our table in the company of several of the guests.

I was saying: "Of course, you know that all fishermen double the size of their catch and it wouldn't surprise me if Hadrian trebled his."

And there she was, her eyebrows raised in astonishment as slowly her outraged feelings were visible in the expression on her face.

There was a silence which seemed to go on for a long time; then she took a step towards our table. The men rose, but she stared incredulously at me. I attempted to put on a calm smile.

One of her guests said: "Oh, it's Mr. Travers, I believe."

Tybalt said yes it was; and then Lady Bodrean recovered herself. She made introductions, leaving me until last and then: "Miss Osmond," she said, almost making my name sound obscene.

Nobody noticed and there were a few moments of polite conversation, and then Lady Bodrean and her party passed on.

"Oh dear!" said Theodosia, very distressed.

"I somehow felt it would happen," I added, trying to pretend that I was not really perturbed.

"Well," said Hadrian, "Sir Ralph has to answer for his guests."

"What's happened?" asked Tybalt.

I turned to him. "I really shouldn't be here."

"Surely not," he said. "Your company has made it such an interesting evening."

That made everything worth while.

"I may well be sent packing tomorrow morning."

Tybalt looked concerned and I felt absurdly happy.

Theodosia started to explain. "You see my father thought Judith should come to the ball and he and I put our heads together. I chose her dress and Sarah Sloper made it ... but Mamma did not know."

Tybalt laughed and said: "There is always some drama surrounding Miss Osmond. If she is not dressing up as an embalmed body and getting into a sarcophagus she is dressing up in a beautiful gown and coming to a ball. And in neither place it seems is she expected to be."

Hadrian put his hand over mine. "Don't worry, Judith. You'll weather tomorrow's storm."

"Mamma can be very fierce," said Theodosia.

"But," put in Evan, "Judith came as the guest of Sir Ralph. I don't see how Lady Bodrean can object to that."

"You don't know Mamma," said Theodosia.

"I assure you I do and the outlook seems stormy, but since Judith came at Sir Ralph's invitation I can't see that she has done anything wrong."

"In any case," I said, "this storm is for tomorrow. At the moment it's a beautiful night. There's salmon which we hope was caught in the Scottish Highlands and champagne from the appropriate district. The company is invigorating, so what more could we ask?"

Tybalt leaned towards me and said: "You live in the moment."

"It's the only way to live. Tonight I'm a kind of Cinderella. Tomorrow I return to my ashes."

"I'll be Prince Charming," said Hadrian. "The music's starting. Let's dance."

I did not want to leave Tybalt, but there was nothing else I could do.

"Congratulations," said Hadrian as we danced. "You were the calmest of the lot. You put up a good show. I suppose you're really quaking in your glass slippers."

"I'm resigned," I said. "I have a feeling that very soon I shall be back in Rainbow Cottage writing humble letters to prospective employers."

"Poor Judith. It's hateful being poor."

"What do you know about that?"

"Plenty. I have my troubles. I have to crave my uncle's benevolence. My creditors are yapping at my heels. I must speak to him tomorrow. So you see, like you tonight I want to eat drink and be merry."

"Oh, Hadrian. Are you really in debt?"

"Up to the eyes. What wouldn't I do to be in Theodosia's shoes."

"I don't suppose she gets as big an allowance as you."

"But think of the credit! Did you know that my uncle is fabulously rich? Well, dear Theodosia will inherit all that one day."

"I hate all this talk about money."

"It is depressing. It's one of the reasons why I'd like to be rich. Then you can forget there's such a thing in the world as money."

We laughed, danced, and joked; but both of us were, I suppose, thinking of what the next day would bring. My ability to live in the moment was only with me when Tybalt was there.

I hoped to see him again, but I didn't; and before all the guests had departed I thought it advisable to return to my room.

I was wrong in thinking that the storm would break the next morning. Lady Bodrean had no intention of allowing it to wait as long as that.

I was still in my ball dress when the bell rang vigorously.

I knew what that meant and I was rather glad because the dress gave me confidence.

I went along to Lady Bodrean's room. She was in her ball gown, too—violet-colored velvet with a magnificent train edged with fur that looked like miniver. She was quite regal.

"Well, Miss Osmond, what have you to say for yourself?"

"What do you expect me to say, Lady Bodrean?"

"What I do not expect is insolence. You were at the ball tonight. How dared you intrude and mingle with my guests."

"It is not really very daring to accept an invitation," I replied.

"Invitation? Have you the effrontery to tell me that you sent yourself an invitation?"

"I did not. Sir Ralph gave instructions that I was to go to the ball."

"I do not believe it."

"Perhaps your ladyship would wish me to call him." Before she could reply I had seized the bell rope and pulled it. Jane came running in. "Lady Bodrean wishes you to ask Sir Ralph if he will come here ... if he has not already retired."

Lady Bodrean was spluttering with rage, but Jane, who, I believe, knew what had been happening, had hurried off to call Sir Ralph.

"How dare you presume to give orders here?" demanded Lady Bodrean.

"I thought I was obeying orders," I said. "I was under the impression that your ladyship wished Sir Ralph to come here to corroborate my story, for clearly you did not believe me."

"I have never in all my life been subjected to such . . . such . . . such . . ."

"Insubordination?" I supplied.

"Insolence," she said.

I was intoxicated with happiness still. I had danced with Tybalt; he had talked to me; I had conveyed to him my interest in his work. He had said, "Your company has made it such an interesting evening." And he had meant that, for I was sure he was not the man to say what he did not mean. So how could I care for this foolish old virago who in a few moments was going to be confronted by her husband who, I knew, would confirm what I had said.

He stood there in the doorway. "What the . . ." he began. Then he saw me and there was that now familiar movement of the jaw.

"What's Miss Osmond doing here?" he asked.

"I sent for her. She had the temerity to mingle with our guests tonight."

"She was one of them," he said shortly.

"I think you have forgotten that she is my companion."

"She was one of your guests tonight. She came to the ball on my invitation. That is enough."

"You mean you invited this young woman without consulting me!"

"You know very well I did."

"This young woman is under the impression that because she was allowed to have a little education and some of it under this roof that entitles her to special treatment. I tell you I will not allow this. She came here as a companion and shall be treated as such."

"Which means," said Sir Ralph, "that you will make her life unbearable. You will be as unpleasant to her as you know how—and my God, that, madam, is a great deal."

"You have foisted this person on me," she said. "I will not endure it."

"She will continue as before."

"I tell you . . . that I will not have you force me to have people . . . like this in my household."

"Madam," said Sir Ralph, "you will do as I say . . ."

He gripped the chair; I saw the blood suffuse his face; he reeled slightly.

I rushed forward and caught his arm. He looked about him and I helped him to a chair. He sat there breathing heavily.

I said: "I think we should call his valet. He is unwell."

I took it upon myself to instruct Jane to do so.

Jane hurried away and shortly came back with Blake, Sir Ralph's personal servant.

Blake knew what to do. He unloosened Sir Ralph's collar and taking a small tablet from a box put it into his employer's mouth. Sir Ralph lay back in the chair, his face, which had been a suffused purple, becoming gradually paler but the veins at his temples standing out like tubes.

"That's better, sir," said Blake. Then he looked at Lady Bodrean. "I'll get him to bed now, my lady."

Sir Ralph rose shakily to his feet and leaned heavily on Blake.

He nodded at me and a shadow of amusement came into his face.

He muttered: "Don't forget what I say. I mean it."

Then Blake led him away.

When the door shut Lady Bodrean turned on me.

"Now," she said, "you can see what you have done."

"Not I," I replied significantly.

"Go back to your room," she said. "I will talk to you later."

I went back. What a night! She would not get rid of me. She dared not. Nor was I sure that she wanted to. If I went she would be deprived of the joy of making my life miserable. I was sure she did not want that.

But I could cope with her and I did not wish to think of her on such a night. I had so many more memories to brood on.

At the end of that month Sir Edward with his expedition, which included Tybalt, left for Egypt.

Evan went back to the university where he had a temporary post as lecturer in archaeology; Hadrian went to Kent to do some work on a Viking burial ship which had been discovered somewhere along the east coast, and I returned to the monotony of serving Lady Bodrean which was only enlivened by her attempts to humiliate me. But the thought that I had friends in Sir Ralph and Theodosia was comforting. There were no more walks to Giza House because Tabitha had accompanied the party but I walked past it several times. It seemed to have reverted to the old days when we had called it the haunted house. The blinds were drawn, the furniture was under dust covers, and there were only three or four servants there. The two Egyptians, Mustapha and Absalam, had gone with Sir Edward.

I longed for the return of the expedition. And Tybalt.

I called more often at Rainbow Cottage since I couldn't go to Giza; there was always a welcome there. Dorcas and Alison were delighted when I gave them an account of the ball and the beautiful green dress which I had found in the cupboard.

I had been surprised at their attitude right from the beginning when they had been so delighted that I was to go to Keverall Court. I was young—and although my nose prevented me from being beautiful I could look quite attractive at times. I had assessed myself often in the last months comparing myself with Theodosia. I had a vitality which she lacked; and my animation was attractive, I was sure. Although my temper was inclined to flare up, any storm was soon over; I had an ability to laugh at life and that meant laughing at myself. I had my very thick dark hair—not easy to handle because it was almost straight; I had large brown eyes with lashes as thick and black as my hair; and fortunately I had a good healthy set of teeth. I was taller than Theodosia and Sabina and inclined to be thin. I lacked Theodosia's pretty plumpness and Sabina's hourglass figure. Moreover I had youth which was supposed to be a never failing attraction for aging roues. Sir Ralph's reputation was far from good. I had heard the blacksmiths talking to some of the farmers about the old days when Sir Ralph was in his prime as a seducer of young maidens. They were immediately silent when I, at that time in the company of Hadrian and Theodosia, had appeared. And yet Dorcas and Alison had been delighted that I was to have a post at Keverall Court.

I reasoned that they believed that Sir Ralph had given up his wild life. He was far too old to pursue it; and, remembering him on that night when he had come to Lady Bodrean's room, I could well believe it. All the same I did think it rather strange that Dorcas and Alison had so willingly allowed me to go into the lecher's lair.

Now they wanted a detailed account of the ball.

"A dress!" they had cried. "What a charming idea."

A further surprise because I had believed that one of the tenets of society was that young ladies did not accept dresses from a gentleman.

This was different. Theodosia had made it so. I had come to the conclusion that Sir Ralph liked me. I amused him in some way, which Theodosia had failed to do.

I was content to have been to the ball and to have enjoyed it. Had I not been presented with the dress I could never have gone.

It was so much easier to accept the cozy outlook I found at Rainbow Cottage rather than to probe the motives of Sir Ralph. For all his faults he was a kindly man. The servants certainly liked him better than they did his wife. As for myself, I felt fully competent to deal with any situation which might arise. I was fortunate in having Rainbow Cottage so close that I could run straight out of Keverall Court to it, if need be.

So I told them all about the ball. Dorcas was very interested in the food, Alison in the flower arrangements; and both of them much more interested in what had happened to me.

I danced the waltz round the tiny sitting room in Rainbow Cottage, knocking over the what-not which resulted in two casualties—the handle of one of Dorcas's little Goss china cups and a finger chipped on her eighteenth-century flower girl.

They were rueful but happy to see me happier; so they made light of the breakages. The cup handle would stick and the finger wouldn't be noticed. And with whom had I danced?

"Tybalt Travers! He's a strange man. Emily's sister who works there says both he and his father give her the creeps."

"Creeps!" I said. "The servants there are creep mad!"

"It's a queer sort of house and a strange profession, I think," said Dorcas. "Fiddling about with things that people handled years and years ago."

"Oh, Dorcas, you're talking like some country bumpkin."

"I know you're very interested in it. And I must say some of the pictures in those books you used to bring here would have given me nightmares. I used to wonder whether we ought to take them away."

"What pictures!"

"Skulls and bones . . . and I think those mummies are horrible things. And Sir Edward . . ."

"Well, what of Sir Edward?"

"I know he's very well known and very highly thought of but they say he's a bit peculiar."

"Just because he's different from themselves . . . just because he doesn't go around seducing all the village maidens like Sir Ralph did ... they think that's odd!"

"Really, Judith, where do you learn such things?"

"From life, Alison dear. Life all around me."

"You get so vehement every time these Traverses are mentioned."

"Well, they're doing this wonderful job . . ."

"I do believe you'd like to be out there with them fiddling about with all these dead mummies!"

"I could imagine nothing I should like more. It would be a little different from dancing attendance on the most disagreeable woman in the world."

"Poor Judith, perhaps it won't last forever. Do you know I think we might manage here. There's quite a big garden. We might grow vegetables and sell them."

I grimaced at my hands. "I don't think I have the necessary green fingers."

"Well, who knows, something may turn up. That young man who used to teach you. He was at the ball, wasn't he?"

"You mean Evan Callum."

"I always liked him. There was something gentle about him. You used to talk about him a great deal. You were better at his lessons than any of the others."

I smiled at them benignly. They had made up their minds that marriage would solve my problems. I had failed to bring it off with Oliver Shrimpton so they had chosen Evan Callum as the next candidate.

"I daresay he will be coming down here again. All this interest about the expedition . . ."

"Why doesn't he give people the creeps?" I demanded. "His profession is the same as Sir Edward's and Tybalt's."

"He's more . . . normal."

"You're not suggesting that the Traverses are not normal!"

"They're different," said Dorcas. "Oh yes, Mr. Callum will be here again. Sir Ralph, they say, is involved in this Egyptian matter. I heard that he's helping to finance it because his daughter is going to marry Tybalt Travers."

"Where did you hear that?" I asked.

"Through Emily."

"Servants' gossip."

"My dear Judith, who knows more about a family's affairs than the servants?"

They were right of course. The servants would hear scraps of conversation. I pictured Jane with her ear to the keyhole. Some of them pieced together torn-up letters which had been thrown into wastepaper baskets. They had their ears and eyes open for household scandals.

There was no doubt that the general expectation was that Tybalt was destined for Theodosia.

I went back to Keverall Court thoughtfully.

He doesn't love her, I told myself. I should know if he did. He enjoyed dancing with me at the ball far more than with Theodosia. How could a man like Tybalt be in love with Theodosia!

But Theodosia was rich—a great heiress. With a fortune in his hands such as Theodosia could bring him, Tybalt would be able to finance his own expeditions.

To Sir Edward very little mattered but his work and Tybalt was following very close in his footsteps.

This was why the servants in the house had the "creeps."

On the day Tybalt married Theodosia I would go away. I would find a post as far as possible from St. Erno's and I would try to build a new life out of the ruins of my old one. He might be obsessed by his work; I was by him; and I knew, as surely as I knew anything that when I lost him all the savor would go from my life.

Dorcas had said: "When Judith is enthusiastic about something her whole heart's in it. She never does anything by halves."

She was right; and now I was enthusiastic as I had never been in my life before—enthusiastic for one man, one way of life.

Theodosia, as though to make up for her neglect, sought me out a good deal. She liked to talk about the books she was reading and I could see she was making a great effort to perfect herself in the subject of archaeology.

She would invite me to her room and it often seemed as though she were on the verge of confidences. She was a little absent-minded; sometimes she would seem very happy, at others apprehensive. Once when I was in her room she pulled open a drawer and I saw a bundle of letters tied up with blue ribbon. How like Theodosia to tie up her love letters with blue ribbon! I wondered what was in them. Somehow I could not imagine Tybalt's writing love letters—and to Theodosia!

Dearest Theodosia,

I long for the day when we shall be married. I am planning several expeditions and these need financial backing. How useful your fortune will be ...

I laughed at myself. I was trying to convince myself that the only thing he would want from Theodosia was her fortune. And even if he did, as if he would write such a letter!

"How is Mamma behaving these days?" she asked me idly one afternoon when she had invited me to her room.

"Very much as usual."

"I expect she has been even worse since the ball."

"Your expectations are correct."

"Poor Judith!"

"Oh, we all have our problems."

"Yes," she sighed.

"Surely not you, Theodosia?"

She hesitated. Then she said, "Judith, have you ever been in love?"

I felt myself starting to flush uncomfortably but fortunately it was not meant to be a question so much as the preliminary to confidences.

"It's wonderful," she went on, "and yet . . . I'm a little scared."

"Why should you be scared?"

"Well, I'm not very clever, as you know."

"If he's in love with you . . ."

"If! Of course he is. He tells me so every time I see him . . . every time he writes . . ."

I half wanted to make an excuse to escape, half wanted to stay and be tortured.

"I really find archaeology rather boring, Judith. That's the truth, and of course it's his life. I've tried. I've read the books. I love it when they find something wonderful, but it's mostly about tools for digging and kinds of soil and so on and all those boring pots and things."

"If you're not interested perhaps you shouldn't pretend to be."

"I don't think he expects me to be. I shall just look after him. That's all he wants. Oh, it will be wonderful, Judith. But I'm worried about my father."

"Why should you be worried about him?"

"He won't like it."

"Won't like it! But I thought he was anxious for you to marry Tybalt."

"Tybalt! I'm not talking of Tybalt."

This was singing in my ears. It was like listening to some heavenly chorus. I cried: "What! Not Tybalt. You're joking!"

"Tybalt!" she cried. And she repeated his name with a sort of horror. "Tybalt! Why I'd be scared to death of him. I'm sure he thinks I am quite foolish."

"He's serious, of course, which is much more interesting than being stupidly frivolous."

"Evan is not frivolous."

"Evan! So it's Evan!"

"But of course it's Evan. Who else?"

I began to laugh. "And those letters tied up with blue ribbon . . . and all this sighing and blushing. Evan!" I hugged her. "Oh, Theodosia, I'm so happy ..." I had the presence of mind to add: "for you."

"Whatever's come over you, Judith?"

"Well, I didn't think it was Evan."

"You thought it was Tybalt. That's what people think because that's what Father wants. He'd love to see a match between our families. He's always been a great admirer of Sir Edward and interested in everything he does. And he would have loved me to be like you and able to learn about all this stuff. But I'm not like that, and how could anybody want Tybalt when there's Evan!"

"Some might," I said calmly.

"Then they must be mad."

"So mad that they might think you're mad to prefer Evan."

"It's good to talk to you, Judith. We don't like to tell Father, you see. You know what families are. Evan's people were very poor and he's worked his way up. There was some relative who helped him and Evan wants to pay him back every penny he's spent on him. And we're going to do that. I think it's to his credit that he's come so far. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Why Tybalt inherited all sorts of advantages, whereas Evan worked for his."

"It's very laudable," I said.

"Judith, you like Evan, don't you?"

"Of course I do; and I think you and he are ideally suited."

"That's wonderful. But what do you think Father will say?"

"There's one way of finding out. Ask him."

"Do you think one could do that?"

"Why ever not."

"But if he refuses."

"We'll stage an elopement. A ladder against the wall, the bride-to-be escaping down it and then off to Gretna Green or as that's rather a long way from Cornwall, perhaps a special license would be better."

"Oh Judith, you're always such fun. You make everything seem a sort of joke. I'm so glad I've told you."

"So am I," I said with heartfelt conviction.

"What would you do?"

"I should go to your father and say, 'I love Evan Callum. Moreover I am determined to marry him.'"

"And suppose he says no?"

"Then we plan the elopement."

"I wish we could do that now."

"But you must ask your father first. He may be delighted."

"He won't be. He's got this fascination for the Traverses. I believe he would have gone to Egypt if he'd been well enough."

"You'll probably go some time with Evan."

"I'd go anywhere with Evan."

"What does Evan say?"

"He says that we're going to be married whatever happens."

"You may be cut out of your father's will."

"Do you think I care for that? I'd rather have Evan and starve."

"It won't come to that. Why should it? He has a good job at the university, hasn't he? You have nothing to fear. Even if you don't inherit a vast fortune you will be a professor's wife."

"Of course. I don't care about Father's money."

"Then you're in a strong position. You must fight to marry where you please. And you can't begin too soon."

She hugged me again.

I was so happy. How pleasant it is to work for someone's happiness when doing so contributes to your own!

Theodosia was right when she had said that her father would not be pleased about the wedding.

When she broke the news there was a storm.

Theodosia came to my room in tears.

"He won't have it," she said. "He's furious. He says he'll stop it."

"Well, you have to stand firm if you really want to marry."

"You would, wouldn't you, Judith?"

"Do you doubt it?"

"Not for a moment. How I wish I were like you."

"You can be."

"How, Judith, how?"

"Stand firm. No one can make you marry if you won't say the appropriate words."

"You'll help me, won't you, Judith?"

"With all my heart," I said.

"I have told Father that he can cut me out, that I don't care. That I love Evan and that I'm going to marry him."

"That's the first step then."

She was greatly comforted and she stayed in my room while we made plans. I told her that the first thing she must do was write to Evan and tell him the state of affairs. We would see what he would say.

"I shall tell him that you know, Judith, and that we can count on you."

I was surprised to receive a summons from Sir Ralph. When I went to his apartments he was in an armchair in a dressing gown and Blake was hovering. He dismissed Blake and said, "Sit down, Miss Osmond."

I obeyed.

"I have the impression that you are interfering in my daughter's affairs."

"I know that she wishes to marry," I said. "I cannot see that I have interfered."

"Indeed! Didn't you tell her to come and deliver her ultimatum to me?"

"I did tell her that if she wished to marry she should tell you so."

"And perhaps ask my permission?"

"Yes."

"And if I did not give it, to defy me?"

"What she will do is entirely a matter for her to decide."

"But you, in her position, would not think of obeying your father?"

"If I decided to marry then I should do so."

"In spite of the fact that you went against your father's wishes?"

"Yes."

"I guessed it," he said. "Propping her up. That's what you've been doing. By God, Miss Osmond, you have a mighty big idea of your importance."

"I don't know what you mean, Sir Ralph."

"At least you admit to some ignorance. I'm glad to see you have a little humility."

I was silent.

He went on: "You know that my daughter Theodosia wishes to marry this penniless fellow."

"I know that she wishes to marry Professor Evan Callum."

"My daughter will be a very rich woman one day . . . providing she obeys my wishes. Do you still think she should marry this man?"

"If she is in love with him."

"Love! I didn't know you were sentimental, Miss Osmond."

Again I was silent. I could not understand why he had sent for me.

"You are advising my daughter to marry this man."

"I? She had already chosen him before I was aware of her intention."

"I had a match arranged for her, a much more suitable one."

"Surely she is the one who should decide its suitability."

"You have modern ideas, Miss Osmond. In my day daughters obeyed their parents. You don't think they should."

"In most matters. But in my opinion marriage is something which should be decided on by the partners concerned."

"And my daughter's marriage does not concern me?"

"Not as closely as it does her and her future husband."

"You should have been an advocate. Instead of which I believe you have a fancy for the profession of the man my daughter would marry ... if I permit it."

"It's true."

I saw the movement in his jaw and my spirits rose because again I was amusing him.

"I believe you know that I wanted another marriage for my daughter."

"There has been a certain amount of speculation."

"No smoke without fire, eh? I'll be frank. I wanted her to marry but to a different bridegroom. You have your ear to the ground, Miss Osmond, I'm sure."

"I heard suggestions."

"And you don't think it's a bad idea that my daughter chose this one? That's it. In fact, Miss Osmond, are you just a little pleased about it?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"Don't you? This is the second time you've admitted ignorance. That's not like you . . . and especially to feign it. You will help my daughter to disobey her father, won't you? You will be pleased to see her become the wife of this young fellow. You're a wily one, Miss Osmond. You have your reasons."

He lay back in his chair, his face suffused with color.

I could see that he was laughing. I was overcome by confusion at the insinuation in his words.

He knew that I was delighted that Theodosia was in love with Evan Callum, because I wanted Tybalt for myself.

He waved a hand. I was glad to escape.

A few days later Sir Ralph declared that he would permit an engagement between his daughter and Evan Callum.

Theodosia was in a state of bliss.

"Who could have believed, Judith, that there would have been such a complete turnabout."

"I think your father is really rather a sentimental man and you're so obviously in love."

"It's strange, Judith, how little one knows of people who have been close to one all one's life."

"I don't think you're the first to have discovered that."

The marriage was to be at Christmas time and Theodosia was plunged into a whirl of preparations.

Lady Bodrean did not approve. I heard her arguing with Sir Ralph about it. I hurried off to my own room but Jane reported afterwards, and I quite unashamedly listened to her account which I suppose was as bad as eavesdropping myself.

"My word," said Jane, "did the fur fly! They seem to think he's not good enough for our heiress. 'Have you taken leave of your senses?' asks Lady B. 'Madam,' says he, 'I will decide on my daughter's future.' 'She happens to be my daughter too.' 'And it is fortunate for her that she has not turned out like you or I'd be sorry for this young man she's going to marry.' 'So you're sorry for yourself,' says she. 'No, madam, I know how to look after myself,' he says. 'You knew how to scatter your bastards all over the countryside.' 'A man must amuse himself somehow,' he said. Oh he's the master all right. If she'd got hold of a meek man, she'd have ruled him. But not our Squire. Then she said, 'You told me that she was to marry Tybalt Travers.' 'Well, I have changed my mind.' 'That's a sudden turnabout.' 'She's in love with this fellow.' 'Love,' she snorted. 'Something you don't believe in, madam, I know, but I say she shall marry this fellow she's chosen.' 'You've changed your mind. How long is it since you said: "I want my daughter to marry the son of my old friend Edward Travers?'" 'I've changed my mind, that's all that's to be said . . .' And on and on they went throwing insults at each other. My word, we do see life."

I thought a great deal about Sir Ralph. I was really quite fond of him.

When Alison and Dorcas heard the news they were astounded.

"Theodosia to marry Evan Callum! How very strange! You were so much better at all that work that he's so keen on than she was."

I could see that they were nonplused. Another attempt to marry me off had failed.

Evan and Theodosia were married on Christmas Day with Oliver Shrimpton performing the ceremony. I sat at the back of the church between Dorcas and Alison; Sabina was with us.

When the bride came down the aisle on her husband's arm, Sabina whispered to me: "It'll be your turn next."

I noticed that her eyes went to Hadrian in the front pew.

Good Heavens! I thought. Is that the way some people are thinking?

As for myself I had always looked upon Hadrian as a brother. I laughed to myself to think of what Lady Bodrean would have to say if she knew that. She would think it highly presumptuous of the companion to think of Sir Ralph's nephew as a brother.

The bridal pair were spending the Christmas and Boxing nights at Keverall Court. After that they were going to a house in Devon which one of the dons at the university had lent them for their honeymoon. I was allowed to spend the day at Rainbow Cottage, returning early next morning. I wondered at this concession; then it occurred to me that Lady Bodrean probably thought that Sir Ralph, who now quite clearly had become a kind of protector to me, might invite me to the evening's entertainment which was being given to celebrate both Christmas and the wedding.

I spent a quiet day, and in the evening Alison and Dorcas invited one or two of their friends and we had a pleasant evening playing guessing games.

Two days later the radiant bride left with her husband. I missed her. Everything seemed flat now that the excitement of the wedding was over. Lady Bodrean became peevishly irritable and complained continually.

I had an opportunity to talk with Hadrian who was as usual worried about money.

"There's only one thing I can do," he said, "and that is find an heiress to marry me as Evan has."

"I am sure that did not enter his mind," I said hotly.

Hadrian grinned at me. "With the best intentions in the world, he must have a feeling of relief. Money's money, and a fortune never did any harm to anyone."

"You're obsessed by money!"

"Put it down to my lack of it."

At the end of January he left and it was about that time that Lady Bodrean was indisposed for a few days and I had a little freedom.

Sir Ralph sent for me and said that since Lady Bodrean did not require my services I might read the papers to him.

So each morning I sat with him for an hour or so and read The Times; but he would never let me get very far. I realized that he wanted to talk.

He told me a little about the expedition.

"I should have gone with them, but my doctor said No." He tapped his heart. "Couldn't have it giving out, you know. I'd have been a nuisance. Heat would have been too much for me."

I was able to reply intelligently because of the little knowledge I had acquired.

"It's a pity we couldn't send you up to the university. You'd have done well, I think. Always had a feeling for it, didn't you? That's what's needed—a feeling. I always had it myself, but was never anything but an amateur."

I said that there was a great deal of pleasure to be found in being merely an amateur.

"With Sir Edward it's a passion. I reckon he's one of the top men in his profession ... I'd go so far as to say the top."

"Yes, I believe he is considered so."

"And Master Tybalt's the same."

He shot a quick glance at me and I felt the telltale color in my cheeks. I remembered his insinuations about us in the past.

"He'll be another like his father. Very difficult man to live with, was Sir Edward. His wasn't a very happy marriage. There are some men who marry a profession rather than a wife. Always up and off somewhere. When at home buried in his books or his work. She didn't see him for days at a stretch when he was at home. And he was nearly always away."

"I suppose she wasn't interested in his work."

"His work came first. With those sort of men it always does."

"Your daughter has married an archaeologist."

"That fellow! I've got his measure. He'll be talking in a classroom all his life, theorizing about this and that. And when his day's work is over he'll go home to his wife and family and forget all about it. There are men like that—but they're rarely the ones who rise to the top of their profession. Would you like to see some reports of what is happening in Egypt?"

"Oh, I should enjoy that."

He regarded me with that familiar shake of the jaw.

I read some of the reports to him and we discussed them. How that hour used to fly!

I had slipped into a new relationship with Sir Ralph which surprised me sometimes but it had all come about so gradually. That interest which he had always shown in me had become the basis of a friendship which I should not have thought possible.

It was in early March that the news came of Sir Edward's mysterious death and the speculation arose about the Curse of the Pharaohs.