The Silk Vendetta by Victoria Holt

girls,” she announced.
    Lady Sallonger smiled and said how fortunate she was to have her health. If only she herself were stronger. She even had the Countess bringing a cushion for her back, and picking up her fan which she had a habit of dropping at certain moments.
    I was quite amazed and excited by it all.
    I said to Cassie: ‘ ‘In two or three years it will be your turn.”
    Cassie shuddered.
    “I suppose it won’t happen to me,” I went on. “I shall have to find a husband for myself if I want one.”
    “You’re lucky,” said Cassie.
    “It’s a long time yet for you, and you will have learned all about it from Julia when your turn comes,” I told her soothingly.
    There was a great deal of activity in the workroom. Julia was often there for fittings.
    ” Mightn’t the things you make be out of fashion by next year?’ ‘ I asked Grand’mere.
    ”I do not give such great thought to fashion,” replied Grand ‘mere. “I take what suits. Mia needs frills and ribbons … and that is best for her. I shall make for Julia … not for fashion. If only it were you … what a dress I would make!” “It won’t ever be me. I’m only Lenore remember, not Miss.” Then I wished I hadn’t said that because she looked sad and vaguely frightened, so that I felt I wanted to comfort her. I put my arm about her and held her close to me. “It would be wonderful if…” she began. “lf what?” I asked.
    But she would not go on. I knew her well and I guessed that she was worrying because I was not to have a season, and she was wondering how I was going to find a rich and handsome husband.
    It was that summer when Drake Aldringham came to The Silk House. From the moment he came he seemed to change everything. We had heard that Charles was bringing a friend home for part of the vacation. Philip arrived first. He knew of Drake.
    ” It’s a great feather in Charles’s hat that he got Drake to come,” he said. ‘Why? ” we all wanted to know.
    “Why?” cried Philip almost indignantly. “This is Drake Aldringham.”
    “What is so special about him?” asked Julia excitedly, for since this talk of her coming out she was becoming very interested in young men which I supposed was natural as soon she would be on show to try to lure one of them into marrying her.
    “In the first place he’s an Aldringham,” said Philip.
    “What’s that?” asked Julia.
    “Do you mean to say you have never heard of Admiral Aldringham? That’s Drake’s father.”
    “Is he very grand?” I asked.
    “Well… not more than he can help.”
    That seemed noncommittal. It was difficult to get more out of Philip.
    The visit was discussed at tea that afternoon. I poured out tea and Philip carried his mother’s cup to her. “Thank you, dear,” she said. “A little more milk … and I will have a piece of bread and butter. And have they sent honey? Is it clear or thick?” It was thick. “Oh dear, send for the clear … and put the rug round me, will you Lenore. I know the sun is shining outside but it is chilly in here.”
    When the clear honey had been brought and toyed with and I had replenished her cup Lady Sallonger mentioned the coming visit.
    “When did you think Charles and he will be here, Philip?” she asked.
    “I don’t know, Mama. They were going walking in the Lake District. There are several of them but I think very soon Charles will be home with his guest.”
    “I look forward to meeting him. I am sure he is most excellent. The Admiral’s son … Isn’t there an Aldringham in the government?”
    “Oh yes, Mama, that’s Sir James, Drake’s uncle. They are a very notable family.”
    “Drake! What an extraordinary name!”
    “It sounds like a duck,” I said irreverently.
    “It might be other things besides. What about the great Sir Francis Drake? As a matter of fact that is who he is named after.”
    “Fancy being named after a great hero of the past. It would make you feel you had to live up to all that