CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Bad Behaviour

October 9th—It was on the night of the 4th that Annabella was singing and playing, with Arthur, as usual, at her side. I noticed that she soon stopped playing, and was smiling quietly, as Arthur was whispering into her ear. I looked at Lord Lowborough, who saw the two, and looked quite anxious at the sight. I quickly walked over to the piano and offered her a piece of music to play, but as I came near the two, I saw her hand in his. Arthur saw me come near, and quickly kissed her hand and walked away.

I felt ill, and wanted to go to my room, but I could not leave them alone with the other guests. I walked to the fireplace, and sat down in silence.

"Are you unwell?" Mr Hargrave asked me.

"No, thank you," I replied, and turned away.

Later that evening, Arthur came to sit next to me, smiling as he sat.

"Are you very angry, Helen?" he whispered.

"This is not a joke, Arthur, unless you think that losing my love forever is a joke," I said as I stood up to leave.

"No, no, Helen, I was thoughtless, and will never do such things again. Please, don't be angry with me. I drank too much wine this evening, and did not realise how foolish I was being."

"You often drink too much wine. You worry me, Arthur, with your unhealthy habits. But tonight you knew very well what you were doing."

"Well, I'm sorry for it," he said quietly.

"You are sorry that I saw you. If Lord Lowborough had behaved in such a manner, you would be quite upset, would you not?"

"I would kill him! But, Helen, forgive me this one time, and I will never repeat such behaviour."

I did forgive him, and we have been good friends ever since. He has not spoken much to Lady Lowborough since the incident, except to greet her politely, as a good host should.

The next morning, however, Lady Lowborough came to me with a proud smile on her face.

"Your husband was quite happy last night, Helen."

"He will never be again," I said angrily.

"Yes, he looked rather quiet today. You've been crying, Helen. Do you always cry when your husband behaves that way with other women?"

"He will no longer act that way, I promise you," I told her coldly before walking away.

(end of section)