– I promise. Go on, run to your sister," Richard smiled at his son, and he ran out of the dining-room with a loud shriek of joy.
– Mum, can I leave the table too? – Victoria, always obedient and quiet, asked in a pleading tone. – I'm going to Kitty's too.
– Let's go together, my dear," replied Agnes, who was not particularly interested in her husband's conversation with his mother. – And let's get some jam buns for our little one!
As Agnes and Victoria left the dining room, carrying with them delicious freshly baked scones, a jar of raspberry jam and a tall glass of milk, Richard and his mother had plenty of time to discuss Vivian's unwise choice. Gloating, they both agreed that despite Mr. Wington's terrible reputation, he was still incredibly rich, perhaps even richer than the Count of Cranford himself, and it was impossible not to reckon with that.
– But, mother, why do you dislike Miss Cowell so much? – Richard asked with a smile.
– What makes you think so? – Lady Cranford shrugged her shoulders and took a sip of her tea.
– It is obvious: you are so delighted that she has become the wife of a man of bad character that dislike and contempt for her slip into every word you say," Richard smirked.
– You exaggerate, my dear: I have no ill feelings for her… More tea! – The Countess said imperiously, and the maid, dressed in a clean, neat uniform, immediately filled her beautifully patterned porcelain mug with fragrant black tea.
– Would you like some milk, ma'am? – The maid asked.
– No, not this time," Lady Cranford replied, and the maid silently took her place close to the master's table. – No, Richard, I never wished Vivian any harm, but I confess that her character and her means of achieving her ends are not to my liking. I suppose Anthony didn't tell you that he was in love with her and that he had proposed to her?
– What news! No, mother, this is the first I have heard of it! – Richard sprang to life and laughed merrily. – Oh, Anthony! Hiding such a thing from his elder brother! So, he is in love with her, and she must be in love with him! But then why did Miss Cowell marry another man? Admit it, Mother: are these your deeds?
– My deeds? My boy, what do you take me for? – Lady Cranford wrinkled her nose. – Vivian is beautiful, even too beautiful… Though her red hair and green eyes make her look like a medieval witch…