"Freda Warrington - A Taste of Blood Wine" - читать интересную книгу автора (Warrington Freda)

have been about Karl. Elizabeth lit a cigarette in a long holder and
blew a cloud of smoke into the air. "Do you remember the little talk
we had yesterday, about marriage?"
"I remember it, but I didn't understand it."
"Oh dear, haven't you worked it out yet?" Elizabeth looked to be on
the verge of mirth; her father's face was stormy. "I'd had a telephone
call, you see. Someone wants your hand in marriage."
"What?" said Charlotte, going dizzy.
"Your father's upset because your suitor spoke to me before asking
him. To ask if I thought it was a good idea. As if he couldn't make
up his own mind, the fool."
"But who is it?"
"If your eyes open any wider, my dear, they'll fall out. I'm sorry to
disappoint you but it's Henry, of course; how many admirers do you
have? Henry telephoned me and then he asked your father. Very

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A Taste


sweet and old-fashioned of him, I'd say."
"He what?" Charlotte gasped.
"Well, you are a dark horse. I had no idea you and Henry were keen
on each other," Elizabeth added with a touch of malevolence.
Charlotte was horrified. "We're not. I mean, I had no idea—I don't
understand—"
"It's perfectly simple," Neville said gruffly. "Henry wants to marry
you, but the silly ass daredn't say anything to you so he asked us to
ask you on his behalf."
"Good God," Charlotte whispered. Then she looked round wildly.
"He's not here, is he?"
"He's safely in Cambridge, dear," said Elizabeth. Dr Neville was
looking accusingly at his daughter, as if she had been conducting a
clandestine romance behind his back. "I swear, I gave him no
encouragement," she said. "Tell him no! Oh, this is too embarrassing
—I had no idea he had such feelings. How on earth can I go on
working with him after this?"
"Wait a moment, dear." Elizabeth leaned over to pat Charlotte's
hand. Her fingers felt hard as bone and her bracelet scratched
Charlotte's skin. "Your father has you too well-trained. Naturally he
doesn't want you to get married and leave him, but I think he's being
just a little selfish in this instance."
"Nonsense," he growled. "Charlotte doesn't want to get married. She
said as much without any prompting from me."
Charlotte's vision was blurring with the rhythm of her pulse. God,
they've been sitting here arguing over this, over my life!

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A Taste