Bella Poldark Read Online Free PDF Page B

this with Selina?'
    'So far she knows nothing of it.' When Clowance raised her eyebrows, 'Cousin, I have an active mind. And although you say Selina has means, she has two stepdaughters to launch in the world, and her means are not inexhaustible. Anyway I prefer to make my own way in the world.'
    A laudable sentiment which would have carried more conviction if his expression had been less ironical.
    'Very well,' said Clowance. 'Hodge is at sea, but is due in tomorrow. As soon as I see him I will ask him to go and discuss it with Bennett's. Will you want to employ them to finish the boat to their specifications?'
    'I might want some alterations, but they can do the job if we agree what they would charge me.'
    Clowance rose again, and he got up too and went to the door.
    'One thing, Valentine. I do not think Lady Carrington, if you don't mind. Why not Lady Selina?' 'I'll think on it,' said Valentine.

Chapter Three
    The following week an unexpected visitor arrived at Nampara - that is to say, he was unexpected to everyone except Isabella-Rose.
    By this time Isabella-Rose was sixteen - or nearly seventeen, as she preferred to say. In the three years since Waterloo she had grown taller and come more to resemble her father, with a strong nose and high cheekbones. Yet in general looks and in her person she was as feminine as ever and had a slim sturdiness of figure that was particularly becoming. She had lost some of her girlish habits but none of her enthusiasm or relish in life, and, contrary to general expectation, none of her interest in Christopher Havergal. They had seen each other quite rarely since their separation at the end of 1815, but in April of this year she had seen him an additional time when Ross had gone to London on business and taken her with him. Their correspondence had continued almost weekly. As the visitor got down from his horse, careful to disentangle his artificial foot from the stirrup before dismounting, Bella came scuttering out of the house and embraced him. Demelza, looking up from talking to Harry, observed through the window that there was no hesitant formality on either side. Christopher's blond moustache was still much in evidence, but he was wearing his hair shorter than he had in
    the Army. He had found employment in the City with Nathan Rothschild, which suggested he was financially in a comfortable position, but the fact that he was not a Jew would be a likely bar to his promotion. Looking at him, Demelza knew she had to keep her maternal instincts in check. In spite of his dashing looks and his sophistication he always seemed to her to be alone in the world. She knew his mother was dead and that he was estranged from his father; he never spoke of his family and, with the handicap of his artificial foot, one had to be careful not to look on him as the little boy lost. It was a surprisingly quiet supper, and Demelza with her acute perception was aware of an element of tension. The only talkative person was Harry, who was now nearly six and had been allowed specially to stay up because his friend Christopher had arrived. Ross had just returned from an encounter with Valentine, and tended to be absentminded. The two young people looked at each other a lot but were unusually unconversational. Then, towards the end of the meal, Demelza's perceptions were justified. Christopher asked if he might have a serious talk with his hosts - after he had fulfilled his promise to see Henry to bed. Demelza glanced at Ross, who said: 'Of course. Nine o'clock?'
    'Thank you, sir.'
    Soon after nine they were in the parlour. Ross poured a glass of brandy for Christopher and himself, a port for Demelza, an orange juice for Bella, who for the last half year had been taking no spirits. Christopher sipped his drink then took a large gulp, as if, Demelza thought, he was seeking Dutch courage. His glance as he put the glass down met Demelza's and he half smiled.
    'Sir Ross. Lady Poldark. I do not know how to begin, but