The next morning Jane frowned at the bruises on her friend's body and her swollen, trembling palms, and this time she could not contain her emotion.
– 'What are those spots on you, Miss Vivian? – she asked directly.
– Nothing," she answered quietly. – Nothing, Jane.
– What about your hands? They're so red!
– Forget it.
– But, Miss Vivian," protested the maid, who wished to discuss this delicate but frightening subject.
– We will not discuss it. And keep your tongue behind your teeth," Vivian interrupted her, somewhat rudely.
Jane could tell from her friend's icy voice that she was not in the best mood for questioning and waited patiently for Miss Vivian to tell her what had happened to her. The maid was not silly, however, and realised who had left the marks of his greedy, strong fingers on Miss Vivian's neck and wrists, but she did not insist.
"Couldn't be more perfect! A house near Charlotte! And just within my means!" thought Anthony, when after an early breakfast he was paid a visit by Mr. William Brown, brother of the Cranford butler.
Having spent the entire day at Lillehus, Anthony had to leave it after dinner, for he himself had made an appointment to see Mr. Brown. When the guest, an elderly, smooth-shaven gentleman in an expensive suit, appeared, young Cranford told him of his desire to have his own place, and the maximum amount of rent he could pay. After listening carefully to the new client, Mr. Brown, who earned good money for his services, smiled and said that he would find something for the young aristocrat worthy of his status. But Anthony did not have to wait long: the very next day Mr. Brown brought him the news that at such and such an address there was a small but elegant two-storey mansion, which had previously been rented by one of Viscount Tanlis's sons. Young Tanlis had only moved out because he had recently married and moved into the house, which was part of his wife's dowry.
– The house is surrounded by a small garden with a few statues and comfortable benches," added Mr. William Brown. – If you think of renting the house, you need not worry about buying furniture; Mr. Tanlis left his own there, and I must say it is quite expensive and still in good condition.
– But where shall I keep my horse? – Anthony inquired.
– There is a small stable on the grounds, sir, but I'm afraid it can't hold more than three horses.
– Well, that's just as well!" said the young man cheerfully, thinking that he had only one horse in his personal possession, which he had bought at his own expense.
Anthony had no desire to take with him what did not belong to him. Nothing, not even sheets and blankets. No, he would buy everything himself. He would never again be dependent on his mother and her favours.
– If you wish, sir, I will take charge of procuring the necessary household items, bedding, curtains, and other furnishings. I can also find you a couple of servants," Mr. Brown said, as if he had read his client's mind.
– I would be incredibly grateful for your help. Of course, I'll pay all the expenses. Make this house cosy, but please don't go overboard: my budget is very tight. I think a cook and a maid will be enough… Oh, yes, and a stable boy, but tell him that in addition to looking after my horse he will also have to help in the house," Anthony said firmly, already looking forward to the moment when he would enter his own house, where he would have his own rules, and where breakfast would be served when he woke up. – How many days will it take you to decorate the house?
