– Alas, I had to leave London immediately to visit my brother," Anthony sighed.
– Vivian told me. I hope the child will be back on his feet soon.
– I hope so too.
There was silence. A strange, uncomfortable silence for both gentlemen. Fortunately, footsteps were soon heard on the stairs and the butler appeared.
– I gave your card to Miss Salton, sir," Mr. Anderson said to Jeremy as he approached the guests. – She said to ask if you gentlemen would like to quench your thirst?
– No, thank you," Anthony replied politely.
– I think I shall decline too," shrugged Mr. Wington. – But did Miss Salton tell you how long we must wait for the ladies to appear?
– She did, sir. She said she was almost ready, and the ladies would be down in a few minutes. Is there any other favour I can do for you? – The butler asked.
– I don't think so. But please share with us: where did you learn English so well? – Anthony asked with a smile.
– My position requires many skills, sir. – Mr. Anderson's lips trembled slightly in a smile. – 'Besides, as you must know, Mr. Salton is a pure-blooded Englishman, and he prefers everyone in his house to speak his own language. Even the maids. – He gave his guests a polite bow and left.
As the butler had promised, the girls appeared in the hall a few minutes later, interrupting the gentlemen's lively conversation about the defeat of Napoleon and his allies. They seemed to be discussing an entertaining piece of gossip: their ringing laughter suddenly filled the vast hall and echoed quietly from the high, pale but elegant ceiling.
– But we'll continue this conversation later," Jeremy said with a smile to his friend and walked towards Miss Salton, who smiled at him, stopped and bowed. – It's good to see you again, Miss Salton. And glad my husband could visit you today," he said delicately, bowing gracefully.
"What a talented personage this vile man is! He smiles at me, but in his heart he thinks my friendship with Vivian is worthless!" – Charlotte thought involuntarily, watching the gallant behaviour of her friend's husband, who, as she now knew, was a real despot.
– I am glad, too, that Mrs. Wington and Mr. Cranford have so unexpectedly filled my day with warmth and light," Charlotte replied politely. – But you must take care of our dear Vivian: she has been in poor health of late.