Voices in a Haunted Room

Her face was smoother. I thought her beautiful. She reminded me of a lily. They were at my bed-David and my mother. David was marvelling at the child which he believed to be his. My mother’s eyes were on me, proud, full of tenderness. She is David’s child, I thought. She is. She must be. But how could I be sure?My mother said we had the two most beautiful babies in the world. And what was I going to call mine?

The name came suddenly into my head and after that it seemed the only one possible.

Rather fanciful, yet fitting her perfectly: Amaryllis.

During the next few weeks nothing was of any importance to me but my child. I thought of her every moment of the day. David shared in my enthusiasm-and I was happy.

My mother arranged that the two babies should be christened at the same time, and she thought we might choose a day at the end of October.

I agreed that was an excellent idea, and she went ahead making plans.

“We don’t want a grand affair,” she said. “We couldn’t, since Sabrina has been so recently dead. So I decided just the family and a few special friends. What do you think?”

I said that would be ideal.

“Well, we’ll fix the date.”

So we did.

The Pettigrews were invited and we could scarcely not include the Farringdons. But my mother thought they should be the only ones outside the family. “Of course,” she added, “the Pettigrews are family or soon will be, but I could not leave out the Farringdons. It will be very quiet. I expect the Pettigrews had better stay. And shall we ask the Farringdons to stay for a night, too? The nights will be drawing in and it is rather a long ride.”

The babies flourished and there was some question as to which of them should wear the family christening robes.

I said that Jessica should, as she was the elder.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” said my mother.

“Not in the least. I don’t think it’s important.”

“I’ll call in Molly Blackett. She shall make the most beautiful robes for Amaryllis.”

So it was arranged.

It was about two weeks before the christening when I went over to Enderby to call on Sophie. She told me that Alberic had gone to London for a few days. Jeanne had wanted some special material and had sent him up to get it. “He has been up on several occasions and has done well. It is something of an upheaval for us to go, and he is there and back so quickly.”

I sat talking to her for some little time, telling her about the christening; and as I was on my way back, quite near Grasslands, I met Mrs. Trent.

Her face lit up when she saw me.

“Well, if it isn’t Mrs. Frenshaw. How are you? You look well, my dear. Having babies suits you.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“And how is the little angel?”

“Very well, thank you.”

I was about to pass on when she laid a hand on my arm.

“Why don’t you pop in for a little chat and a glass of something.”

“Not now, thank you. I have been visiting Enderby and should go back.”

“Just a little refreshment,” she said. “I did want to have a talk with you.”

My heart missed a beat and I began to form excuses. , “Come on,” she said. “It is rather important. I am sure you will think so when I have told you.”

My legs were trembling and I felt a flush rising to my cheeks.

“Haven’t been overdoing it, have you? Have to take care, you know. Having a baby’s no picnic, I can tell you.”

“I’m perfectly all right, thank you. Only just now...”

“Come along in. I must talk to you. I’m sure when you’ve heard what I have to tell you ...”

She was leering almost. I thought: She knows. What now?

I had to discover the worst. If I did not find out what she was hinting at I could imagine something perhaps even worse ... disastrous.

I allowed myself to be led towards Grasslands.

“Come on in. We’ll be nice and cosy. My girls have just gone out. I reckon they’ve gone up to Enderby. Mademoiselle Sophie has been so kind to my Dolly. She seems to have a feeling for her. Dolly’s very fond of her.”

“Yes ... I have seen her there.”

“Nice for her and nice for Mademoiselle. You can’t have too many friends in this world, I always say. What will you have to drink?”

“Nothing, thank you. I did have something with Mademoiselle d’Aubigne.”

“All right then.” She had taken me into a small parlour near the hall.

She shut the door and when I was seated, she looked at me steadily and said: “It’s about my Evie.”

“Yes?”

“I’m worried about her. She’s such a lovely girl. You see, that Mr. Farringdon was quite fond of her. But nothing comes of it, and for why? Because he never sees her, that’s why. I reckon that there could be a match there before long. He’s a nice sort of young man. Perhaps a bit slow, but sometimes they’re the best sort. But he needs a bit of a push. Will he be coming to this christening party?”

“Oh, it’s not a party, Mrs. Trent. The babies will be christened and then it’s just the family.”

“I reckon those Pettigrews will be there ... seeing as Mr. Jonathan’s engaged to the young lady.”

I thought: She knows everything about us!

“In a way they are family,” I said.

“And the Farringdons?”