Read Online The House of Vandekar by Evelyn Anthony - Free Book Online Page A

varied for her because it was full of activity for her mistress. ‘What shall I wear today, Lily?’ was a regular question. ‘Depends where you’re going, madam.’
    The answer could be anything, from a dinner at Kensington Palace to lunch with girlfriends at Claridges. And then there was Mrs Holmes Fry. Lily liked her. She was a gentle soul, not at all a firecracker like Madam. Lily did an alteration once or twice and was so nicely thanked she didn’t mind being asked at the last minute. ‘You can do this for Mother, can’t you, Lily? After all, you’re one of the family now …’ She was such a devil, really, Lily admitted. She knew just how to twist your arm. And then make you feel as if she’d done you a favour. She worked long hours and got told to shut up if she protested about anything, but Lily couldn’t imagine going back to her old humdrum life. She was even excited about going to Ashton. She couldn’t wait to see the sparks flying when her lady got to grips with the workmen.
    And I’m right, Lily insisted, checking the room before she went off duty. She is putting on weight – that dress isn’t as loose as it should be. She stopped halfway through the door. Of course. Of course, that was it. She ought to know, seeing she looked after Alice’s undies and washed everything delicate herself. Alice hadn’t had her last curse. Nearly two months. And hadn’t noticed, like as not, Lily decided. Thinking of nothing but that blessed house. Well. She’d just have to slow down, that’s what. She lived on her nerves as it was, rushing about all day long. She looked tired in the mornings, really poorly sometimes. Lily thought Mr Hugo was nice enough, but he must be a bit of a pig in that way, or her lady wouldn’t look down in the mouth first thing in the morning. Not for long – she soon perked up though. Well, she said to herself again. Never a dull moment around here.
    A week later Alice started feeling sick. Phoebe hurried round. ‘Oh darling, why didn’t you tell me? How long is it?’
    â€˜Mother, I didn’t know,’ Alice said impatiently. ‘I’m not certain till I see Dr Harris, but it seems most likely.’
    Phoebe said gently, ‘Aren’t you pleased? Isn’t Hugo delighted?’
    â€˜He doesn’t know, I’m not saying anything until I’m sure. With any luck it may just be very late.’
    â€˜Alice, you sound as if you don’t want it to be a baby. What’s the matter? You said you were longing for a family.’
    â€˜Not in the middle of trying to move! Mother, for God’s sake, I want to get Ashton ready. How can I do it if I’m pregnant and being sick as a cat?’
    Phoebe didn’t argue. Alice was obviously upset, poor child. Remembering how ill she’d felt herself, Phoebe sympathized. But there was more to it than that. It wasn’t just the house and the upheaval. Alice wasn’t pleased at all. ‘Alice, is there anything the matter?’ Phoebe said.
    The denial was too fierce and too quick. ‘Matter? What are you talking about? Everything’s just wonderful – we’ve got this wonderful house and everything’s going so well. All I want is to get on with it and not be hampered …’
    She lit a cigarette. She wished her mother would go. I can’t tell her. I can’t confide in her because she just wouldn’t understand. She let my father walk all over her and never said a word against him. And I don’t want to make her unhappy. She’d worry and she’d ask me about it every time I saw her. She smiled. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘I didn’t mean to be sharp. I guess I felt sick and it’s all a bit sudden, if it is a baby. Don’t worry, darling. I’ll be fine … I’ve an appointment with Harris tomorrow morning. I’ll call you as soon as I know.