Jessica was rather tall and thin, with a face that might be described as ‘horsey’. But she had such a lively and pleasing demeanor that one immediately saw only her sparkingpersonality.
“Good heavens, you look wonderful,” Susan exclaimed as she took both of Jessica’s hands. “Travel certainly does suityou.”
“It’s all those hours spent on the ship’s deck in the Mediterranean sun. I think I look like a pickle, but I’m glad youapprove.”
Susan laughed and embraced her cousin. “I’m so glad to be here. Has Ronald already left forScotland?”
Jessica took Susan by the arm and led her to a hansomcab.
“He has—much to my relief. There is nothing quite like traveling with one’s husband to appreciate how pleasant it is to beapart.”
Susan laughed. “Jessica, I know you don’t mean that. You’re absolutely devoted to oneanother.”
Jessica raised her chin and looked down her nose. “Yes, but in small doses. And for now, you and I are together and we are going to have an absolutely splendidtime.”
The cab took them to Jessica’s residence in Radcliff Square. As they descended from the cab, Susan said, “I’m dying to hear all about yourtrip.”
“And you shall, but first let’s get you settled in. You must wish to freshen up after yourjourney.”
They entered the stately entryway to the Bradleyhouse.
“Good afternoon, Miss Susan,” the butler greeted Susan as he took herbag.
Jessica said, “Lowell, will take you to your room. Then tea in the library right over there, when you’re ready. I’ll be waiting foryou.”
“I’ll be right down,” Susananswered.
The aspect from the bedroom window was quite charming, overlooking the square with its row of houses on either side of a centralpark.
Susan abandoned her luggage and, as she was leaving the room, Lowell asked, “Shall I have your bag unpacked,Miss?”
Susan was not used to servants caring for her, as they only had one all-purpose domestic at home. And she was taken by surprise at thequestion.
“Oh, yes. If that’s convenient? I didn’t pack verymuch.”
“Whatever you wish,Miss.”
“Yes, that would be nice, thankyou.”
Susan scooted down the stairs and went into the library where Jessica was seated at the teatable.
“Ah, that was quick,” she said, then rang a bell on thetable.
A maidappeared.
“We’ll have tea now,Miller.”
“Thank you,Madam.”
“Come. Sit. Let me look at you.” Susan came over and sat opposite. “I was trying to remember when we last saw each other. Was it at your ‘almost’wedding?”
“Oh, my. Was it that long ago? I suppose it must have been.Goodness.”
“I assume you’ve recovered from that horribleevent?”
Susan laughed. “I don’t know how horrible it was. I see that I was probably spared an even more gruesome marriage. But yes, I’ve thoroughlyrecovered.”
“And now? Is there someone else?” Jessicaasked.
