Cousin Prudence by Sarah Waldock Page B

said Prudence “And you are not permitted, I dare say, to walk out with a footman to a lending library?”
    Diana pulled a face.
    “No; but if Uncle Gervase is to come today I shall ask
    him if I might be taken to his house to read in his library for he has a famous collection.  I think he should marry a
    blue stocking; I am glad he is not to marry cousin Kitty, though she is nice enough but she is not very well read and besides the idea of girls climbing trees makes her run to snea k to someone.  I don’t think you would sneak, Miss Blenkinsop.”
    “Well as it’s not so many years ago I was climbing trees myself I should be a pretty poor hypocrite to do so ,” said Prudence.  “We should however draw your cousin into the conversation; it would be courteous. My Cousin George is an excellent conversationalist but I am neglecting my hostess in not making conversation with her too!”
    Diana giggled.
    “She’s nervous of me because last time we met I had a mouse in my pocket.  It was in the trap in the pantry and I had intended to release it, but had not had time, only it released itself and Kitty had the vapours.  Mama slapped her,” she added, “because she was like to become hysterical.  All over a little mouse” she added in some scorn.
    “Poor little thing; I trust it was quite safe?” asked Prudence.
    Diana regarded her with approval.
    “Yes, I recaptured it and put it outside ,” she said, “but you are right,” and she leaned forward “Cousin Kitty, is Uncle Gervase to be expected?”
    “He should have been here by now, Diana ,” said Kitty, “oh dear!  I wonder what can be keeping him? Do you think he has been hurt in that horrid place he visits to go boxing?”
    “Don’t fret, Kitty ,” said Lady Katherine, looking in approval on Prudence for her handling of Diana, “Gervase is only tardy when it suits him or when he has a good
    reason for it; indeed I hear his tread upon the stair.  Kitty, you may ring for breakfast to be served.”
    Gervase Marquess Alverston came in with the Honourable Arthur Alver.  Mr Alver looked a trifle tousled.
    Lady Katherine raised an eyebrow.
    “Arthur?  What has been going on?”
    “Now no need to fret, Aunt Mouser ,” Alverston spoke quickly, “Arthur was engaged in the rescue of a damsel in distress who had strayed – as green girls are wont to do” here he cast a wicked glance at Prudence “ – into haunts where delicately brought up females ought not to stray.  He got himself into a bit of a mill over it.”
    “And Uncle Gervase rescued me as well as Miss Bullivant ,” said Arthur, half gratitude, half resentment in his tone, “and we saw her back to her lodgings.  She is such a sweet girl, and so innocent!”
    “The girl is the eldest of a hopeful family and is the daughter of the manse somewhere in Buckinghamshire ,” said Alverston, “and quite unsuited to be let out on her own; Arthur was quite correct in defending her, for the girl did not even think to strike the rude fellow who was trying to force an acquaintance,” again his eye met Prudence’s with a laughing twinkle. “It is of course quite commendable that vicars should be of otherworldly demeanour but I fear poor preparation for their offspring that their daughters be quite green and their sons er clunches.”
    Prudence smiled brightly.
    “But perhaps it is a sign of inherent goodness that such a young lady not realise even the existence of such bogey men or even ogres?” she said.
    “Touché ,”  said the Marquess appreciatively.
    Diana was frowning.
    “Uncle Gervase, you are teasing Miss Blenkinsop and in a manner I cannot follow,” she said severely.
    “That, my poppet, is because you were not supposed to follow it,” said Alverston, “it was a private joke.”
    Diana digested this.
    “Uncle Gervase, Mama said I might ask you if I may come and use your library because Hendy has measles,” she returned to the major topic in her mind.
    “Poor Miss