– Thank you for your concern, Auntie. I will," said Vivian, with another sweet smile, but with anger in her heart. It irritated her to the core that her aunt considered her a sponger and a beggar (which was hard not to notice). She had no intention of begging her aunt for money for new dresses! Vivian had her own means! Did her "good aunt" really think that pride would allow her, Vivian, to come empty-handed?
– You can go shopping with Jane," Lady Cranford told her with satisfaction when she heard Vivian's reply. – Jane is nineteen, like you. She will be your personal maid.
Jane made a hasty curtsy and smiled a broad, sincere smile at Vivian.
– It will be a pleasure to serve you, miss! – she exclaimed quietly, and her face shone like a new cent.
Vivian smiled back at her.
– It's a pleasure to meet you, Jane. I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time together! – Vivian said in a friendly tone to her maid.
The maid could not find words to reply and only curtsied again.
– Jane, show Miss Cowell to her chambers. Anthony, take care of her luggage. Luncheon will be served in an hour on the South Balcony," she ordered in a commanding tone, the mistress of Greenhall (which her eldest son Richard was to inherit on her death). – But be on time, Vivian. I don't tolerate tardiness.
Jane and Vivian went to the latter's chambers, and Anthony was about to go into the house and give orders for his cousin's luggage when his mother's quiet but imperious voice stopped him halfway:
– Don't you dare even think about her, my son.
Anthony turned round to his mother, gave her a sarcastic smile and said:
– Mother, I am well aware of my position.
She grinned contentedly.
Anthony continued his way.
Lady Cranford hurried to her study and locked the door to reread her late sister's last letter once more. She wished she could feel pity for her niece, but, against her will, she felt only dislike for her.
– Here's your room, miss! I washed it to a shine this morning. Alas, the carpet isn't dishevelled… You've come so suddenly, miss… But I'll do it to-morrow! – Jane chirped as she led Vivian to the tall, wide white doors.
– Don't trouble yourself, Jane. I shall only sleep in these chambers. I didn't come all the way from Casterbridge to spend my time in my own rooms," Vivian reassured her: Jane was infinitely friendly, and it seemed to her that they might be friends. Vivian had left all her friends behind her in her native town, and in London she knew only her aunt and her cousin. And she longed for a kind soul to lean on and gossip with!