The peasants listened to him with open mouths.
– But, your Lordship, would you do us the great honour of staying at least until the end of the mass? – The parson, who wished to speak to him about the rebuilding of the church, asked him politely.
The Count hesitated, but, casting another quick glance at Christine, decided to stay. He nodded silently to the pastor and strode majestically to his pew.
The pastor continued the mass, but he found it difficult to interest the excited peasants, who were already whispering about what they could ask of the lord.
– Are you in your right mind? – his friend whispered unhappily to the landlord.
The prospect of another hour in this medieval atmosphere did not please him at all.
– Wait a moment, Dominic," replied the Count of Draymore.
Dominic, Viscount Wilworth followed his friend's gaze carefully and found out that he was looking at Christine Glowford.
– Have you found a new amusement? – he grinned. – But she is the pastor's daughter, I hope you remember that.
– I have no plans for her. It's just that I've never seen such beauties. To associate with a peasant girl would disgrace my name," Colin Draymore replied.
– I'm glad you realise that" his friend said gravely.
As the service came to an end, the congregation began to leave the church slowly. The noble gentlemen were the last to leave and headed for the beautiful carriage that was waiting for them at the entrance to the church.
But suddenly, as if a bright sun bunny appeared in the grey crowd of poor people, making both lords freeze in admiration.
– Can you tell me, my good man, who is this marvellous flower? – Lord Draymore asked a peasant passing by.
– Cassie Glowford," he replied, bowing respectfully to the Count.
– Another daughter of the parson? – The viscount was surprised to see the pretty girl with a smile.
– Yes, the youngest. But she's not very well," the peasant said quietly, touching his fingers to his forehead.
– Not well? You mean mentally ill? – questioned the Count, who had already set his eyes on the fragile creature.
– No, but she's like a child, she doesn't understand much. She has the brains of a child. That's it," explained the poor man, and sighed sadly. – Such a pity for her, poor thing.
– Well, good man, go," said the Count of Draymore, disappointed in Cassie.
– Poor girl," said Viscount Wilworth, watching her with sincere pity in his heart. – "Think how hard it must be for her father.
– Of course, it's. It is impossible to marry her off, for no one would be tempted to take spoilt goods," said the earl, with a grim sneer, as he saw Pastor Glowford approaching them with displeasure.
Viscount Wilworth looked at Cassie and could not believe that this angel was not quite well. Cassie was still sleepy: she was smiling absent-mindedly after her nap and looked touching and sad. Then Catherine came to the girl, took her under her arm, and led her away.
Young Cassie so struck the viscount that he was deeply interested in her fate, her life and how she saw the world through the prism of her undeveloped mind. The gentleman, imbued with good feelings for the poor girl, decided to ask the parson about her illness and whether he had given his young daughter the necessary treatment.
– Reverend Glowford! You have lovely daughters, especially your youngest," the Count said affably to the parson, shaking hands with him.
