Aunt Beatrice looked like a formidable ice statue, and the look in her blue eyes burned her niece with coldness. The girl frantically clutched her bouquet and, lowering her gaze to the flowers, realised with horror what she had done: she had plucked her aunt's gladioluses. And not even one, but (what horror!) as many as three.
"But how could I have known they were forbidden? No one had said a word about it! Not even Anthony! And he saw my bouquet and those unfortunate gladioli! Oh, my God, why should I be punished like this? She was so angry about some flowers! Now she'll hate me!" – Vivian thought with horror.
Panic seized the girl. Her heart hammered like a bird in a cramped cage.
– Auntie, I'm so sorry," she said quietly.
– My cousin Vivian got those gladioluses from me," Anthony interrupted her firmly: he had noticed the change in the face of his beautiful cousin and had rushed to her aid. How could he not have noticed those flowers? He must have been too fond of that fire-haired girl.
– But, Anthony, you are well aware of how much I treasure my gladioluses. – Lady Cranford's face softened: how could she be angry with her son?
– I know, Mother. But they suited my cousin's bouquet, so I thought you would make an exception this time and let Vivian decorate her chambers with them. Perhaps I was mistaken? In that case, I apologise. – Anthony bowed slightly to his mother.
– No, no, you were a gentleman," his mother retorted. A guilty smile played on her lips, and she hastened to mitigate the damage Vivian had done by her unfriendly, cold tone. – 'I'm sorry, my dear, I was mistaken. These gladioli are like children to me. May they make you happy with their colours.
– Thank you, Auntie, you are so generous. – Vivian sat down in a low kneeling position, not daring to look up at her aunt.
'Anthony lied to her to protect me! How sweet that is! He's a real hero!" – she thought involuntarily, full of gratitude to her cousin.
– 'A trifle, my dear. But the table is already set, and you both need a change of dress. You will see why I am so fond of the Southern Balcony," said Lady Cranford amiably, and, rustling her long silk dress, continued on her way to the kitchen.
As soon as the lady of the house was out of sight, Vivian sighed loudly and looked at Anthony.