The Black Swan

She threw back her head and laughed. She had very hearty laughter. “Well, why not? Who’s going to help you if you don’t help yourself? Aren’t you thrilled because this afternoon we are going to see the house?”

“Oh yes ... it will be interesting.”

“You don’t sound wildly enthusiastic.”

“Well, Phillida, I’m not sure. We seem to be so far away....”

“Nonsense. Once we are settled you’ll be able to go and stay at Manorleigh... and go to London. Don’t forget Roland has business there, too.”

“Yes, of course.”

“So cheer up. I thought we’d have an early lunch. Then we’ll go and see this wonderful house. Roland should be back soon. Listen ... I think I can hear him.” It was Roland. He looked anxiously at me as soon as he came in.

“Looking forward to seeing the house, Lucie?” he asked almost pleadingly.

“Yes, of course,” I lied.

We set out after lunch and rode in the direction of the big town-through the little village of Bracken which seemed to consist of one long street and an inn and a church. I caught a glimpse of the shop which seemed to sell a variety of goods; it had a sign over it indicating that it was a post office. I remembered what Mrs. Hellman had told me about collecting letters.

There would be none to collect. I had not given anyone the address. I must write to Celeste and Rebecca and to Belinda perhaps. It would be comforting to hear from them and would make me feel less remote.

In due course we found the house. It stood back from the road in pleasant grounds. We rode up the drive and when we arrived at the house a groom came out to take our horses.

A man and woman came out; they were obviously expecting us.

“You are of course Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Fitzgerald,” said the man. “Do come in.

We are delighted that you have come to see the house.”

“It is very charming,” said Phillida. “What lovely gardens! I do like this type of architecture.”

“I always think it is one of the most interesting periods,” said the man. “By the way, I am George Glenning and this is my wife.”

We shook hands and then went up the stone steps to the front door with its spider web fanlight and highly polished brass knocker. Then we were in the hall which was lofty and spacious. There was a staircase at the end of the hall; it curved gracefully upward.

“The main rooms are on the first floor,” said Mrs. Glenning. “There is a rather fine drawing room. In fact, it can make a ballroom, can’t it, George?” He replied, “Well, at times we have put it to that use. But let our visitors decide for themselves. Shall we start on the ground floor?”

We went through several rooms. I was thinking, I can’t live here. I have to get away. Of course, it is a charming house, and of course Roland wants his own home. But I shall have to explain.

We went into the drawing room. It was quite magnificent, but I could not concentrate. Mrs. Glenning was looking at me expectantly. Phillida was so enthusiastic, declaring her delight in the house.

“Mrs. Fitzgerald,” began Mrs. Glenning. “Are you feeling ... ?”

I tried to pull myself together, to feign an interest in the house.

Phillida said in a soothing voice, “My sister-in-law has not been very well lately.”

She was looking at Mrs. Glenning as though trying to convey something to her. Phillida went on. “She is really loving it all, aren’t you, Lucie?” She spoke to me almost chidingly, yet indulgently, as one might speak to a child. “Yes, yes,” I said quickly. “It’s very charming.”

“Do you like this window?” asked Mrs. Glenning. “It’s typical of the period, isn’t it, George? George looked up a few details when we came here. He was very taken with everything.”

“I can imagine most people would be,” said Roland.

Phillida had put her arm round me protectively. “It’s lovely, isn’t it, Lucie?” And so on ... through the house. It certainly was delightful and I thought that if Joel were with me and it was for us how thrilled I should be. We reached the nursery-two light, airy rooms at the top of the house. There were bars across the windows.

“They were put up for the safety of the children,” Mrs. Glenning explained. “But they could easily be removed.”

Phillida said quickly. “Oh no. They might become very useful.”

“You mean when the children come?” said Mrs. Glenning almost archly.

“Well ... I was thinking of that,” said Phillida with a faint air of embarrassment.

When we had seen everything we were invited to take tea in the drawing room.

“How kind!” said Phillida. “Oh, I do like this house. I hope it is going to be ours.” Roland was looking at me anxiously. “I ... I think we shall have to talk it over together,” he said.

The Glennings were looking at me rather curiously.

“But of course,” said Mr. Glenning. “You cannot make a hasty decision. We have some more people coming to see it tomorrow though ... so remember, if you should decide you want it, you should get into touch with us immediately.”

“It’s the sort of house that won’t stay long on the market,” said Phillida. She looked at me almost pleadingly. “You do like it, Lucie?”