Read Online Rebecca's Refusal by Amanda Grange - Free Book Online

amazing, or so Mrs Minshull says. And it is not only the river that is amazing, it is what has been done to it. The shopkeepers and hawkers have lost no time in transforming it into a street - Freezewater Street, they call it. They've set up stalls and booths, and are busy selling their wares. But that is not all. There are jugglers and acrobats to entertain people, and all manner of open-air coffee shops -'
    'Coffee shops?' interrupted Rebecca, growing more and more surprised.
    Yes. People have to have something hot inside them to keep out the cold,' Hetty explained.
    But surely the ice isn't strong enough to hold tables and chairs, as well as stalls and booths and people?' asked Rebecca.
    It appears to be. Apparently, it is solid. And not only tables and chairs have been set out on it, but braziers, too. There are all manner of meats and pastries for sale, and roasted chestnuts. In fact, the chestnuts are particularly good, if Mrs Minshull is to be believed.'
    'Mrs Minshull is fond of chestnuts?' asked Rebecca humorously, remembering that lady's impressive girth.
    Hetty's eyes twinkled. 'She is. But it is not just the stalls of food that sound so interesting, it is the host of things to do. There are skates to hire, and all kinds of other entertainments. I thought, if you liked, we could go.'
    1 wouldn't miss it for the world,' said Rebecca, caught by Hetty's enthusiasm.
    Then it is settled. We will go this afternoon.'
    * * * *
    After luncheon, wrapped up well against the cold, Rebecca, Hetty and Charles set out to visit Frost Fair. A few soft white snowflakes drifted out of the sky as they stepped into the carriage, but otherwise the day was fine. Once they were settled the carriage set off at a sedate pace. The roads were very slippery, and Charles had given his coachman instructions to take matters carefully, as he did not want to risk any injury to the horses.
    London looked very different under its thick coating of snow and Rebecca barely recognised the streets. They looked strange compared to the last time she had seen them, in the summer. But it was the river that was the most startling sight. It had been completely transformed.
    It's breathtaking,' gasped Rebecca as she stepped out of the carriage once they reached the Thames. She marvelled at the change the bitterly cold weather had brought about. The river, which usually flowed merrily past, was now frozen solid. Up and down its length boats and ships could be seen, caught fast like flies in amber, trapped until the thaw.
    It is indeed,' came a voice behind her.
    Turning round she saw Joshua.
    She had not been prepared for his presence, as she had not known he intended to visit the fair. As he took her hand her heart missed a beat and her wayward imagination returned to their encounter in the morning-room at Lady Cranston's ball.
    With difficulty she schooled her thoughts, bringing them determinedly back to the present.
    'Joshua,' said Hetty, greeting him warmly. What a nice surprise to find you here. Isn't it a marvellous sight?'
    It is,' he said. But instead of taking in his surroundings, his eyes lingered on Rebecca as he said it.
    ‘I can't believe all these stalls and booths have been set up on the ice,' said Hetty as they began to walk across the frozen river, taking in the varied scene. 1 know Mrs Minshull told me all about it, but still, seeing it all is very different to hearing about it. I have never seen anything quite like it.'
    Rebecca was relieved at the normality of Hetty's conversation. It drew her thoughts back to the present, and away from the disturbing aura generated by Joshua. It was an aura of strength and ruthlessness, and something more. There seemed something particular about it today, and she was pleased she was not alone with him. If she had been, she would have been even less at ease. She had the unnerving feeling there was something he wanted to say to her, and although she had no idea what it could be she guessed, from the way he was