Read Menfreya in the Morning for Free Online Page B

guessed, was a source of continual anxiety to her.
    “Awakened by the arrival of Harriet,” said Bevil. “It must have been a great shock to her.”
    “It was,” retorted Gwennan defiantly.
    “Such a surprise?” asked Bevil.
    Gwennan scowled at her brother.
    “The last place you would have expected to find her.”
    “You too?” suggested Gwennan. “Otherwise you wouldn’t have decided to go there tonight’*
    Sir Endelion burst into loud laughter; Lady Menfrey looked bewildered. I thought what an exciting household this was, and fervently wished that I belonged to it I could see that all except Lady Menfrey were taking a very lenient view of what I had done, and Lady Menfrey’s opinion did not count for much.
    “Had I known Harriet was there, I should have gone there last night, I do assure you,” retorted Bevil.
    I put my glass on the table.
    “Gwennan,” said Lady Menfrey, “since you are here, perhaps you will take our guest to her room.”
    I said good-night to Bevil, Sir Endelion and Lady Menfrey, and Gwennan and I mounted the staircase together; and even
    34
    Menfreya in the Morning
    at such a time I could not help feeling thrilled to be in Menfreya.
    “Your room’s next to mine,” she said. “I told Pengelly I wanted you to be there. So you didn’t tell .. .”
    “They know. There was nothing to tell.”
    “About me, I mean.”
    I shook my head.
    The room they had given me was large—all the rooms were at Menfreya—with a window seat around a bay window which looked out to the island. On the double bed was a pink-flannel nightdress.
    “One of mine,” pointed out Gwennan. “You’re to get undressed right away.”
    I hesitated. “Go on,” she said. “Don’t be so prudish.”
    I wriggled out of my clothes while she watched me, and when I was in bed she sat at the end bugging her knees, her eyes still on me.
    “I’m not sure that you won’t go to prison,” she said. “After all, the police were brought in, and when that happens you never know.” I could see that while she taunted me her mind was busy with plans for my rescue. “But I don’t suppose that would happen. Your father would bribe them not to. I’m in for it, too. You see, they’ll want to know who took you over there and who robbed the pantry. Mrs. Pengelly missed that leg of chicken I brought you yesterday. And other things. Suspicion points to me … and I shall be in the dock with you. That should be a comfort Mamma and Papa will go into deep conferences, and a decision is about to be made. And, by the way, Bev will be furious with you.”
    “Furious with me, why?”
    “Because you spoilt his little adventure. Since Papa furnished the house, he uses it for his seductions. It’s romantic, and the ladies’ fear of ghosts adds a piquancy to the occasion. He can be bold and protective, and the purpose is achieved in half the time.”
    “You’re making it up. How could you know?”
    “My dear Harriet, all the Menfreys know about each other. It’s a gift we have. AH the men are devastating^ attractive to women, and all the women to men. We can’t help it We have to go along with it.”
    I looked at her and believed it was so; the thought saddened me.
    “I’m tired,” I said. I wanted to be alone, to go over those
    Victoria Holt
    35
    moments when Bevil and I were in the boat together, to remember every word he bad said.
    Tired!” cried Gwennan. “How can you be tired when you think of tomorrow. What a good thing I didn’t send that ransom letter.”
    “There was no question of a ransom letter.** **Wasn’t there? I’ve been drafting it You don’t think I’d let an opportunity like that pass. The Menfreys never miss their opportunities.”
    “I don’t believe it.” I closed my eyes. “All right,” she said huffily and leaped off the bed. “Go to sleep and dream about tomorrow. I shouldn’t like to be hi your place, Harriet Delvaney. You wait till your father comes.”
    . Gwennan and I were watching