CHAPTER VI.
MRS. AYLMER'S STRATEGY.
"Now, this is cosy," said the widow, "quite what I call friendly. I lovethese impromptu little meetings; all the stiffness which generallysurrounds a first introduction must vanish when four human creaturesfind themselves face to face with Nature in her grandest aspects. Lookat those great rolling waves, Mr. Trevor, and tell me if you ever sawanything finer in its way."
"Oh, mother, don't be a goose," said Florence. Try as she would, shecould not help laughing. That laugh settled the matter. Trevor lookedinto her dancing eyes, noticed how white her teeth were, and, moving astep nearer, sat down by her side.
"Do you know this place well?" he asked.
"It has been my home for the greater part of my life," was Florence'sreply.
She felt inclined to be rude to Mr. Trevor. The man who was adopted byAunt Susan, who was doubtless the chosen and confidential friend ofBertha Keys, could surely have no interest for her! But Trevor had agentle and very polite manner. It never occurred to him that thissomewhat showy-looking girl could dislike his company. He wasgood-looking himself, and accustomed to being made much of and petted agood deal by women, and before many minutes had passed, Florence, inspite of herself, was chatting gaily with him.
She forgot that her mother had manoeuvred in the most open and brazenway to secure this introduction; she forgot everything but the pleasureof talking to a fellow-creature, who seemed to understand hersentiments, and also to approve them. When a young man approves of agirl's ideas, when he likes to look into her face and watch the sparkleof her eyes, she must be one in a thousand if she does not find himagreeable, sympathetic, and all the rest.
Presently Trevor suggested that he and Florence should go down on thebeach, cross some low-lying rocks, and find a certain pool, which at lowwater contained the most lovely of sea-anemones to be found anywhereround the coast.
"Oh, come too, mother; come too, Kitty," said Florence, as she jumped toher feet.
"No, my dear, I am much too tired," said Mrs. Aylmer. She clutched atKitty's skirt as the young girl was about to rise, and pulled her back,to her own astonishment.
"Stay by me, Miss Sharston: I have much to say to you," remarked thewidow.
Accordingly Florence and Trevor, Florence well knowing that Kitty hadnot been allowed to come with her, started on their tour ofinvestigation alone. They found the sea-anemones and chatted about them,and Trevor asked Florence if she would like to begin to make acollection, and Florence began by saying "Yes," but finally refused thetempting offer which Trevor made to help her in the matter.
"I am going to London in a few days," she said.
"To London?" he asked; "now, in this broiling weather?"
"Yes; why not? Don't you like London in August?"
"I never care for London at any time--in August it is particularlydetestable," was his reply. "We are going to stay here for a day or two.I think you know Miss Keys; she told me that you were an old friend ofhers."
"She was at the same school with me years ago," said Florence, flushingas she spoke. "Oh, do look at that beauty in the corner: a kind of darkelectric-blue. What a wonderful creature! Oh, and that rose-coloured onenear it! Sea-anemones are like great tropical flowers."
Meanwhile Mrs. Aylmer was consulting with Kitty.
"Shall we or shall we not ask him to supper?" she said. "What do youthink?"
"I am sure I don't know," said Kitty. She looked at her companion withthose innocent, wide-open grey eyes, which were her greatest charm.
"He has quite taken to Florence; don't you see for yourself?"
"Oh, yes; everyone takes to her," replied Kitty, with enthusiasm; "sheis so nice and honest and downright."
Mrs. Aylmer sighed.
"She has had her troubles, poor child; but in the end things may comeround in a most wonderful way. Do you know, I like him very much?"
"Like who?" asked Kitty.
"Really, Miss Sharston, you are a little silly--Mr. Trevor, Mr. MauriceTrevor, the adopted son of my wealthy sister-in-law, Susan Aylmer."
"Oh, yes," said Kitty; "I forgot that you were talking about him."
"I was asking you, my dear, if you thought we might invite him to joinus at supper."
"Why not?" said Kitty.
"Well, Sukey's temper grows worse and worse. We were going to have avery small supper, not what you could put a man down to; but if he werecoming you and I might just whip round to the shrimp-shop and get alobster: lobster with a nice salad is what young men delight in; and wemight get a bottle of claret at the grocer's. If you would carry thelobster, I would bring the claret. It is an enormous expense to go to,but if in the end----"
"Oh, dear," said Kitty, rising. She looked at Mrs. Aylmer, and thecolour rose in a delicate wave all over her pretty face. "Oh, I wouldnot," she said; "I don't think Florence would like it--I am certain shewould not. Oh, you know her: she will be rude; don't do it, please,please don't."
But if there was one person more determined than another to have her ownway, it was the little Mummy. She had only vaguely considered thepossibility of asking Mr. Trevor to partake of their humble meal whenshe first spoke of it; now that Kitty opposed it she made up her mindthat by hook or crook she would convey him to their house. What avictory it would be! Susan Aylmer, her rich sister-in-law, waiting andwondering why her handsome and fascinating young protege did not appear:Bertha Keys finding her meal very dull without him: both these ladiestalking about him, and in their hearts of hearts longing for hissociety: and he all the time in the tiny cottage, partaking of thehumble fare of Mrs. Aylmer the less, with the naughty Florence close tohis side, and the fascinating Kitty not a yard off. Oh, it was worth astruggle!
Mrs. Aylmer rose to her feet. A good stiff wind was beginning to blow,and she staggered for a moment as it caught her stout little person.Then she raised her voice: "Florence!"
"Yes, mother," said Florence, turning. She was a hundred yards away now,and Trevor was talking in a more fascinating way than ever aboutsea-anemones and their beauties.
"If Mr. Trevor would come back to supper with us, we should be muchpleased to see him. I will expect you, dear, to bring him in, when youhave done your little preambulation. So pleased if you will join us, Mr.Trevor."
All these words were shrieked on the sea-breeze. Florence made a replywhich did not quite reach her mother's ears. Mrs. Aylmer shouted oncemore, and then, seizing Kitty's hand, turned in the direction of thelittle town.
"Now for the shrimp-woman and the grocer's shop," she said; "we must beas quick as possible. Sukey will be in a flurry: but never mind: it isworth the effort."
Poor Kitty had never felt more uncomfortable. Really there were timeswhen the little Mummy was almost unendurable. A lobster was chosen,quite a nice expensive one; Kitty was desired to go to the nearestgreengrocer's shop, in order to secure the crispest lettuce and half apound of tomatoes; the bottle of claret was also bought, and, ladenwith these spoils, the girl and the elder lady re-entered the tinycottage.
"Now then, Sukey," called out Mrs. Aylmer, "brisk is the word. I havecaught the most charming young man you ever heard of, and he is comingto supper with us."
Sukey stared at her mistress.
"What folly are you up to now, ma'am?" she asked.
"No folly at all, my dear Sukey. Here's six-pence for you; don't sayanything about it. Make the salad as only you know how, and trim thelobster. I was considerate, Sukey, and I got things that really will notgive you trouble. Kitty, my dear sweet little girl, help me to arrangethe table. It will be supper in a bower--quite romantic. The young manwill enjoy it; I am certain he will. Dear Flo! what it is to have amother like me to look after her and see that she does not waste heropportunities."
"But," said Kitty, changing colour as she spoke, "do you reallymean----"
"I mean that mum's the word at present," was Mrs. Aylmer's mysteriousremark. "Help me, Kitty Sharston, like a good girl, and for goodnesssake don't make yourself look too prett
y to-night. I don't want him toturn his attention to you, I may as well say so frankly."
Kitty earnestly longed for the moment when she should leave Mrs.Aylmer's cottage.
The supper was prepared, however; everything was arranged; and then thetwo ladies stood by the window watching for the return of the truants,as Mrs. Aylmer was now pleased to call Florence and Mr. Trevor.
Presently she saw her daughter coming up the somewhat steep path alone.
"Flo, Flo, child, where is he? is he coming?"
"Oh, no, mother," said Florence.
"Did you give him my invitation?"
"I told him he was not to accept it," said Florence. "Oh, dear me,mother, don't be silly. But, I say, what a nice lobster, and I am sohungry."