The Brigadier's Daughter by Catherine March Page A

his uncle settled in their seats as their carriage took off, the light and warmth of Roseberry Street a loss they both felt as they plunged into the dark streets.
    â€˜Do stay the night, Reid, no sense in continuing acrossLondon to your mess rooms. Besides, you would only need to come back again in a few hours for lunch.’
    Reid laughed, and nodded his agreement. ‘Very well, Uncle, as you wish.’
    After a few moments’ silence Uncle Percy said, ‘Charming people, the Packards. Did you enjoy yourself?’
    â€˜They are, indeed, and, yes, I enjoyed a very pleasant evening.’
    â€˜Superb meal.’
    Reid nodded, and glanced sideways. ‘Is there something on your mind, Uncle?’
    â€˜Indeed.’ He hesitated for a brief moment. ‘Charming girls, Georgia and Sasha.’
    â€˜They are.’
    â€˜Made up your mind yet which one of ’em you want?’
    Laughing, Reid shook his head. ‘I don’t believe I have.’
    Uncle Percy made a grunting noise. ‘I noticed young Felix Westfaling sniffing around Georgia. I’d pop the question to her fairly soon, before the rascal snaps her up.’
    â€˜He’d have to get past the Brigadier first, and somehow I don’t think Westfaling is up to the job.’
    His uncle made another throaty rumble of disapproval. ‘Well, time is marching on, dear boy, time is marching on.’

Chapter Three
    S asha retired to her bedroom, weary and yet glowing pleasantly after the enjoyable evening. She undressed and put on her nightgown, sitting down on the edge of her bed to brush out her long dark hair when she heard a small sound. Her hand hesitated, as it swept downwards, and then she rose from the bed and crept to the closed door connecting her room and Georgia’s. Placing her ear close to the panels, she listened and heard the soft, muffled sounds of weeping. Quietly, Sasha opened the door and hurried to her sister, who lay prostrate across her bed, crying bitterly. She knelt and laid her hand on Georgia’s shoulder, asking gently, ‘Dearest, whatever is the matter?’
    â€˜Oh, Sasha!’ Turning around, Georgia threw herself into Sasha’s embrace, sobbing against her shoulder, all thoughts of rivalry banished. ‘Papa has forbidden me to see Felix again. Not ever!’
    â€˜Shh,’ Sasha soothed, stroking her sister’s hair. ‘What do you mean, he’s forbidden you? Is that why he asked to speak to you in the library?’
    Georgia nodded, disengaging herself and mopping at her eyes, sniffing loudly. ‘Papa says he is very disappointed with me and this “association” with Felix must cease at once. Apparently Captain Bowen has mentioned our little meeting in the park, and then tonight Papa did not approve of me sitting with Felix in church and he gave me another telling off.’ With a gulp, Georgia began to cry again. ‘Oh, Sasha, how can I bear it? I do love him so!’
    Sasha rose from the floor and sat down on the bed next to her. ‘Of course you do, he is the best of fathers and is always wise about our welfare.’
    â€˜Not Papa!’ wailed Georgia. ‘Felix! I love Felix! I couldn’t bear to live without him!’
    Inwardly Sasha sighed, nonplussed in the face of Georgia’s stubbornness. She had no doubt that their papa was right and that Georgia’s attachment to Felix would have to end, sooner or later. She was fairly certain that Felix did not have any plans for marriage and Georgia would only have her heart broken. Picking up her sister’s hand, she stroked the back of it, her voice soft and gently encouraging. ‘I know it hurts, but with time you will forget all about Felix. Just as you thought Hamish wasn’t any good for me, so Papa is convinced that Felix isn’t any good for you.’ Glancing at Georgia, she could see the doubt and confusion warring on her face, blotchy red from crying but still