Nicola Cornick by The Larkswood Legacy

‘I haveno accomplishments, Miss Hurst—I have no skill with a needle and I draw very ill.’
    Miss Hurst, missing the look of covert amusement Will Weston exchanged with Marcus Kilgaren, looked scandalised. ‘My dear Mrs St Auby! But then I dare say such accomplishments are not regarded in your circle! More commercial pursuits—’ she put just the right hint of doubt into her tone ‘—must be valued higher!’
    ‘Oh, indeed, ma’am!’ Annabella was all sweetness now. ‘My father taught me how to barter at an early age! And I can estimate the value of a cargo of sugar cane—’ She broke off, seeing Sir William’s bright gaze resting upon her thoughtfully.
    ‘Unusual talents are so much more interesting, are they not?’ Marcus Kilgaren came to Annabella’s rescue. ‘Why, Caro is a case in point!’ He smiled across the table at his wife. ‘Her father was a historian who did not hold with the notion that females should be beautiful but witless. Recognising Caroline’s potential and—’
    ‘And realising her brother Charles’s lack of it,’ Mundell put in dryly, to general laughter.
    ‘He taught her himself,’ Marcus finished. ‘Caro now has an encyclopaedic knowledge of medieval architecture which few could match!’
    ‘Have you visited Stogursey Church, Mrs St Auby?’ Caroline Kilgaren asked, leaning forward eagerly. ‘It is a very fine example of—’
    Miss Hurst yawned again. ‘I fear my father never instilled in me anything so fascinating,’ she interrupted, with a wearisome look that robbed the words of any sincerity. ‘He considered that skill in music,needlework and drawing were the true measure of an educated woman!’ She smiled complacently. ‘I am happy to feel that I have not disappointed him!’
    Annabella was startled to discover in herself a strong temptation to empty the contents of the teapot over Miss Hurst’s perfectly coiffed head. She saw Marcus Kilgaren turn away to hide a grin, then Mundell said coolly,
    ‘Surely, Miss Hurst, you would include gracious conversation and an informed mind on your list of prerequisites?’
    ‘Oh, the art of conversation, perhaps!’ Miss Hurst waved one white hand, as if to suggest that she had a natural talent that required no practice. ‘And an informed mind, as long as one did not have to study too hard…such bookishness is not at all attractive! Lud, I do not believe I have picked up a book from one month end to the next!’
    Annabella thought that she heard Caroline Kilgaren snort with disgust. Her gaze moved on to Miss Mundell, whose head was bent over precisely the type of embroidery that would win Miss Hurst’s praise. Where Miss Hurst was surprisingly opinionated for her years, Miss Mundell was silent and in obvious awe of her friend. She had said very little, apart from a subdued greeting and her confused disclaimer over Sir William’s compliment, and appeared to be a fashionable cipher. Annabella guessed that both young women were close to her own age, but seldom had she felt she had less in common with her contemporaries.
    Conversation around the table became general again. Caroline Kilgaren turned back to Annabella.
    ‘Mrs St Auby,’ she said in an undertone, ‘since our conversation last night I have become even more concerned to help you heal the breach with Alicia. I considered writing to her at once, but wondered whether you would prefer to do so yourself? What do you think?’
    Annabella leant forward impulsively. ‘Oh, Lady Kilgaren, I would so like to do so! But I do not know how to explain matters to her—there’s the rub! Would you…could I tell you the story, and ask you to advise me?’
    Caroline smiled. ‘Of course—if you truly wish it!’ She stood up. ‘Have you finished your tea? Then you must come for a stroll in the gardens with me. The rose borders are accounted particularly fine, and should not be missed!’
    Sir William had been watching them with a particularly intent look in those