Read Online The House of Happiness by Barbara Cartland - Free Book Online Page A

Or governess.”
    Great-Aunt Cloris threw up her hands. “A seamstress! A governess!  There has never been such employ in the history of the Dewitt family!”
    Eugenia’s lip trembled.  “Begging your pardon, great-aunt, but I am not a Dewitt. I am a Dovedale.”
    The Marquis noted this display of spirit with interest.
    â€œA Dovedale, ay, more’s the pity!” asserted Great-Aunt Cloris sourly.  “My niece Florence could have married a Dewitt cousin. She would not have found herself in such penury if she had. The Dewitts knew about money.  Earn it, save it . That was their motto and it served them well.”
    The Marquis gave a cough. “If your niece had married her cousin, madam,” he smiled, “the union might not have resulted in such a such a beautiful and devoted young lady as Miss Dovedale.”
    Great-Aunt Cloris shrugged. Then, though she struggled against it, the glare in her eye softened.
    â€œI daresay.  Yes.  Eugenia is a good girl and a pretty girl. A ray of sunshine in my old age.”
    The following moment of delicate silence was punctured only by the arrival of Bridget. She plunged breathlessly through the door without a tray of tea.
    â€œThe doctor – is on his way, ma’am,” she stuttered.
    The doctor was still rolling his sleeves down as he entered the room.
    Great-Aunt Cloris stood and steadied herself on the arm of her chair.
    â€œWell?” she asked.
    Doctor Parfitt tightened the button on his left cuff.
    â€œShe is conscious, madam.”
    â€œThank God! And is she – compos mentis ? She fell headfirst into the roadway, you know!  I had feared a broken skull.”
    â€œThere is no sign of serious head injury.  However, she is in shock and some degree of pain. She has sustained a broken leg and a fractured wrist.”
    Eugenia’s hands flew to her mouth.  “Oh! Poor Mama! Can I see her?”
    The doctor considered and then gave a nod. “I am sure it will hearten her to see you. But I must insist on accompanying you. She is still very weak.”
    â€œI must come too!” insisted Great-Aunt Cloris.
    The doctor turned to stay her – unwilling as he was to see his patient crowded, but Great-Aunt Cloris brushed him imperiously aside.
    â€œMarquis! You should come too,” she called over her shoulder.
    The Marquis drew back. “I hardly think – ” he began, but Great-Aunt Cloris cut him short.
    â€œMrs. Dovedale will be delighted to know that you have taken an interest in her recovery.  She will wish to thank you herself.”
    Thus it was that the Marquis followed Great-Aunt Cloris, the doctor and Eugenia up the stairs to see Mrs. Dovedale.
    Mrs. Dovedale lay propped up on pillows. Eugenia almost wept to see how pale and weak she looked.
    Her eyelids fluttered open. “Is that you, daughter?”
    â€œYes, Mama.  Great-Aunt Cloris is here too. And – and the Marquis.”
    â€œThe Marquis!” Mrs. Dovedale’s other hand flew to her face. “But my hair is loose and – the powder is gone from my cheeks.”
    Great-Aunt Cloris peered round the curtains. “I am glad to see that you are in one piece, Florence. You will be up and about in no time.”
    Mrs. Dovedale’s eyelids fluttered in distress.  “Up and about!” she moaned. “I can barely move. I haven’t an ounce of strength in my bones.”
    â€œDear, dear,” said Great-Aunt Cloris, looking most perturbed. “How long do you expect to remain – prone?”
    The doctor stepped forward. “Mrs. Dovedale is going to need some time to recuperate.”
    â€œTime?” echoed Great-Aunt Cloris weakly.
    â€œOne cannot be exact,” the doctor began, but she cut him short.
    â€œWho is to nurse her?” she wailed. “I cannot pay for a nurse, you know.”
    â€œWhy, I shall nurse my mother,” offered Eugenia