– Hm, we just don't want to go to balls," Jeremy shrugged. – But now I understand that we must make a public appearance, so that ladies and gentlemen may be assured that Mrs. Wington is alive and well, and that her husband is blowing carefully the dust off her.
"So carefully that he leaves bruises on her skin," thought Anthony grudgingly, but remembering his cousin's words that it was the result of her and her husband's bed-play, he decided that the Wingtons were free to do as they pleased in their bedroom.
Putting out their cigars, the hunters gave the remainder of their lunch to the dogs, put on their wet hats and cloaks, walked out of the shelter into the rain, and mounted their horses, which in a moment were tapping their hoofs on the muddy, viscous dark ground. The hunting dogs Aurelius and Mark kept pace and howled with joy as they enjoyed the fast run.
***
Despite the rain, the mistress of Wington Hall was full of life: dear Charlotte made her glow with joy. How long had it been since the friends had spent time together! Yesterday's meeting, which had lasted little more than an hour, did not count, for today they could spend a long day together, just the two of them, without Anthony, without Jeremy.
Vivian was again wearing a long-sleeved dress, and her neck was still adorned with a silk scarf.
– What an interesting style you have chosen for yourself! – Miss Salton admired. – I didn't know that such beautiful light scarves were in fashion in London! I think it is time I had one.
– I don't know whether it is fashionable to wear such a scarf, but I like it," said Vivian, with a smile on her face and bitterness in her heart. – But tell me, my dear, have your parents still not sent you a single letter?
– Oh, yes! How good of you to remind me of that! – Charlotte thought of it. – Just this morning I received a long-awaited letter from Denmark! The parents were so busy trying to keep their holdings in Norway that they had forgotten all about their daughter! – She laughed softly. – But I'm not offended with them, not in the least!
– And what do they write? – Vivian asked. – 'I hope they will soon return to London?
– Exactly! I think they are on their way! – Charlotte glowed. – And they even managed not to lose their Norwegian possessions! They have to pay double tax to Sweden… But it's better than nothing.
– I'm glad to hear that. It must be terrible for them, being so far away from their only daughter… More tea? – smiled the hostess of the house.
The girls were sitting in the huge, cosy drawing room, in front of the late Mr. Wington's favourite fireplace, drinking tea and sweets.
– Yes, I suppose so. Your father must miss you very much too," Charlotte said softly. – But when shall I get to meet him? He must be a very honourable man.
– When is he coming? – Vivian raised an eyebrow and handed her friend a cup full of fresh tea. – Alas, he doesn't know that himself. In every letter he writes only about his print shop. That print shop is his life, you know. It was that damned print shop that ruined us. But now that I'm a rich lady, the Cowell family business will be revived. Fortunately, Jeremy lets me send quite a lot of money to Casterbridge.
– That's truly kind of him… – Miss Salton tasted her tea and then, looked round and said quietly: – Please tell me your husband didn't scold you yesterday. I can't bear the thought of it.
