The Elsingham Portrait - By Elizabeth Chater Page 0,45

perhaps our lady guest would prefer tea. Have we any tea for Mistress Radcliffe, Newton?”

“I suppose I could make some,” said Newton dubiously.” It’s not Latchet’s day, sir.” He went slowly out of the room.

“We only have afternoon tea on the days Mrs. Latchet is with us,” explained the Vicar. “Poor old Newton! He’s got sadly set in his ways. We both have, for that matter.” He smiled at Kathryn. “It will do us good to have you with us, my dear.”

“I should like very much to stay here in your house with my abigail, if it would not be too much of an imposition,” said Kathryn, striking while the iron was hot.

“Imposition? Nonsense! It would be a blessing,” protested the Vicar. “I’m sure there is room. And you offer me the opportunity of conversing with a scholarly mind! What college was it you lectured at?”

“I am a graduate of Radcliffe College and Columbia University,” said Kathryn. “They are both in America. I have not taught, but I have worked as a librarian.”

The Vicar’s eyes opened wide. “But this is most impressive! You’ll want to get to work at once, I’m sure!” He surveyed the cluttered room lovingly. “All my dear friends! Every volume a cherished possession, Mistress Radcliffe. I know I need not warn you, a true bibliophile, to handle them gently. And not—perhaps—lose the places I have marked?” he said a little anxiously. Then, reassured by her smile, “Good! I’ll go help poor Newton with the tea. He’s a good old fellow, but sadly slow and set in his ways.”

Kathryn turned to Richard after he had left. “He is a darling,” she said softly. “I’ll enjoy putting his library in order for him. Thank you for arranging it. It is going to be all right, isn’t it? My staying here with Polly, I mean.”

Richard reassured her. “He’ll love it. You heard what he said—someone to talk to who speaks his language. And Newton won’t care one way or the other. The one you’ve got to win over is Mrs. Latchet. Why don’t I take you to her home when we’re finished tea—if we ever get it,” he concluded, smiling. “What do you wager both those old fellows have completely forgotten us?”

But that was a libel. Newton appeared, tottering under the weight of an enormous tea tray. The Vicar asked Kathryn to pour for them, and enjoyed his tea so much that Kathryn resolved she would serve him some every afternoon. They took their leave soon after tea, Kathryn promising to return the following day to begin her work.

Richard drove directly to the cottage occupied by the Latchets. That good lady was at home, and so impressed by a visit from Mr. Bennet and his guest from the Colonies that she fairly glowed with excitement. She could scarcely be prevented from giving them a second tea. When Kathryn’s new job was explained to her, Mrs. Latchet’s face lighted up.

“You, ma’am, and Polly Bradley, going to stay with Vicar? That’s the best thing I’ve heard since Christmas! Not that you’ll have any comfort! The whole house is a rat’s nest of books and papers, dust-catchers! and there’s no woman born who could bring order out of it! Still, Poll’s a well-trained girl. Her Ma’s a friend of mine, and I’ve heard how kind you’ve been to Polly, ma’am, teachin’ her and all!”

“I’ve been fortunate to have her,” said Kathryn with a seriousness which endeared her to Mrs. Latchet. “She’s a bright, well-mannered child, and an excellent seamstress. She does Mrs. Bradley credit.”

Mrs. Latchet reacted warmly to this praise of her friend’s daughter. “That she does, ma’am. Well, to think of little Poll at the Vicarage! If you’re goin’ to stay there, ma’am, I’d best get over first thing in the morning and clean out a room for you. Do you move in tomorrow?”

“Yes, and I thank you for your offer to help. I don’t know how Polly and I would have managed to settle in without you.”

Beaming broadly, Mrs. Latchet saw them to the door.

As they drove away, Richard glanced at Kathryn. “You’ve a nice way with you, Mistress Radcliffe. Mrs. Latchet will now consider herself your sponsor and ally.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t establish an equally good relationship with Miss Cameron,” said Kathryn soberly.

Richard frowned. “I can’t think what’s gotten into Elspeth. She’s always been dour, but of late she’s as threatening as a thundercloud.”

“She’ll be easier when she’s rid of me and Polly,” said Kathryn lightly. “We’ve been an