A Poor Relation Read Online Free PDF

resentment over this sugar-coated disparagement. She was proud of herself for her victory over her tongue.
    Unfortunately, to Millicent this silence appeared to be weakness rather than strength of character. She took increasing advantage of her cousin’s compliance. Scarce a fortnight had passed when, after her usual late breakfast, she sought out Rowena in the parlour.
    It was a gloomy day, threatening rain. Rowena was comfortably ensconced in a large armchair with a book she had found in her uncle’s library, a translation of Cato’s De Agricultura. She was no great reader, as she had confessed to Anne, but she was fascinated by the early Romans’ curious ideas on farming.
    “I need some buttons for my new sprig muslin,” Millicent announced without ceremony. “The ones the stupid seamstress put on are hideous.”
    “I doubt the shop in Down Stanton will have any you like better,” Rowena suggested, reluctant to leave her book to accompany her cousin.
    “I heard they received a new selection yesterday. I cannot go as Mr. Ruddle is calling this morning. Mama expects Lady William, too, and I daresay Mr. Desborough will come with her. I am sure you will be able to choose something suitable. Ask Minton to show you the dress before you go.”
    “Oh, no, cousin, I fear I am quite unable to make such a decision for you.” She hoped her voice was calm. “I have been in mourning this age and have quite forgotten how to shop for pretty trifles. I shall be happy to go with you when you have the time.”
    Whether because her determination showed, or because Mr. Ruddle was announced at that moment, Millicent accepted the refusal without a fuss. She cast a disparaging glance at Rowena’s well-worn morning gown and murmured, “Perhaps you are right.”
    Since she did not again attempt to send Rowena to run her errands, it seemed she recognized the limits of her cousin’s patience.
    One hot August day, Millicent decided to go shopping in Broadway. While the barouche was brought round, Rowena asked Lady Grove whether she had any commissions for her.
    “So thoughtful, my dear. Let me see. Yes, Cook was asking just yesterday for some preserved ginger, and the grocer in Broadway usually has a jar or two, if you would not mind popping in there.”
    “Certainly, Aunt. Anne, do you need anything?”
    “The books I ordered ought to be at the bookseller’s by now, the ones I read about in the Quarterly Review. I cannot remember the precise titles but he will know, if it is convenient for you to call there.”
    “I shall do my best,” Rowena promised.
    After she’d spent an hour of wandering from draper to haberdasher to milliner, Rowena’s basket was full of Millicent’s purchases. She left her cousin studying a pattern book at the dressmaker’s and returned to the White Hart to empty her load into the carriage. When she made her way back to the dressmaker’s shop, Millicent was standing outside talking to Mr. Ruddle.
    “Good day, Miss Caxton,” said that gentleman, bending slightly at the waist.
    Rowena knew that his minimal bow was due not to any condescension towards her but to the tightness of his clothes, all green and white today. She had met him several times by now and found him amiable enough, if excessively silly. She returned his greeting with a smile.
    “It is the luckiest thing, Rowena,” gushed Millicent. “Only think, Mr. Ruddle’s phaeton has broke its axle and he was about to hire a vehicle to carry him home, but we shall take him up instead.”
    “I have not yet been to the grocer’s for your mother, nor to fetch Anne’s books,” Rowena reminded her.
    She pouted, but doubtless owing to her beau’s presence she decided not to object. “I daresay Mr. Ruddle will not mind waiting with me at the White Hart for a few minutes while you go. But hurry, cousin, I’ve no wish to sit about all day.”
    Rowena hurried. Nonetheless, when she returned to the inn the carriage was gone. A moment’s