Read Online The Peony Lantern by Frances Watts - Free Book Online Page A

could think of no excuse to linger. I bowed to the trio then slid open the door to the kitchen. As I slid it shut behind me, I heard Isamu ask, ‘Isn’t Kasumi going to eat with us?’
    â€˜Kasumi?’ Misaki echoed, as if puzzled by the suggestion.
    â€˜At the mansion the ladies-in-waiting eat with their mistresses,’ he said, then added apologetically, ‘I understand they may do things differently in Morioka.’
    â€˜Naturally I will follow the customs of Matsuyama,’ Misaki said, a little stiffly I thought.
    â€˜I’m sure Kasumi would enjoy seeing Isamu again,’ Shimizu said. ‘They became good friends on our long walk.’
    â€˜Of course. I didn’t think. Please excuse me.’
    I quickly moved further into the kitchen so she wouldn’t know I’d been listening.
    A few seconds later the screen slid open. ‘Ishi, arrange a tray, quickly. Isamu wishes Kasumi to dine with us.’ It was clear from her tone that she was not in favour of the idea.
    Ishi gave a nod of grim satisfaction as she hastily began to assemble a tray for me.
    When I carried it in, careful to keep my eyes on the floor, Isamu was describing his days.
    â€˜In the mornings I study with my painting teacher. And I have to take my turn at guard duty several nightsa week.’ He paused to pick a piece of sashimi from his tray, dipping it in soy sauce. ‘You know, I’m really getting a taste for raw fish.’ When he’d finished chewing he continued, ‘Sometimes in the afternoons I go to see exhibitions of paintings by local masters and students from other domains. Plus I’ve joined a group that meets once a week to read philosophy. And there’s regular training in the warrior arts.’
    His uncle nodded his approval. ‘The pen and the sword in accord,’ he murmured.
    â€˜And I’ve been exploring the city, of course. I was near here the other day, in fact. Have you been to the shrine in Kanda yet, Kasumi?’ When I shook my head he said, ‘You must go — it’s the shrine for the guardian deities of all the neighbourhoods around here.’
    â€˜You should have called in if you were nearby,’ said Shimizu. ‘I’m sure the ladies would have been glad to give you tea.’
    â€˜Yes, please come anytime, Isamu-san,’ echoed Misaki.
    Isamu bowed his head in acknowledgement, including me in the gesture. ‘Next time I will.’
    I wished he would, but I was sure he was only being polite. His life was so full, what would there be to interest him here?
    â€˜So what have you been reading with your study group?’ Shimizu asked.
    â€˜The works of the Ancient Learning school.’
    â€˜Ah, Confucian teachings.’
    Isamu nodded. ‘We’re studying The Way of the Warrior at the moment.’ He glanced at his uncle sidelong, then asked casually, ‘We’ve heard about the studies of theMito domain. Is it true that Lord Nariaki produced a pamphlet?’
    Shimizu grimaced. ‘“Japan, Reject the Westerners”.’
    â€˜And is it true that you fought with the liaison from Mito?’ Isamu wasn’t looking at his uncle, but seemed to be occupied with his bowl of udon noodles.
    Shimizu drew a sharp breath. ‘I didn’t realise that story had travelled.’ He laid his chopsticks on the lacquered tray and folded his hands in his lap. I was surprised to realise that his attitude was one of shame. ‘It is only thanks to my friend Kuroda Taro, who was with me at the time, that I didn’t draw my sword. The Mito liaison said some things about Lord Kinoyoshi, and the Shogun too, that enraged me. Our two domains refuse to meet now.’
    He picked up his chopsticks as if the subject was closed, then set them down again. ‘You know I revere the Emperor as much as anyone — our family has old ties, Isamu. In fact, I have something to show you. Come, Misaki, you