Christmas Carol Read Online Free PDF Page B

coiffure almost identical to the one the young woman
with her was wearing. Carol’s peach-colored dress was also similar
in style to the white one, and a matching pair of pearl earrings
dangled from her own lobes.
    What was most amazing to Carol was the
difference she perceived in her face, for despite the astonishing
similarity of feature, the face in the mirror was not exactly hers.
Except for brief periods after her infrequent walks about London,
when she had some color in her face and looked alive again, Carol
was used to seeing her reflection pale and wan and somewhat
listless. Even without makeup, the cheeks of the woman in the
mirror glowed with good health and her eyes sparkled with
excitement. Or—upon a closer, more thorough inspection— was that
glow a feverish flush? Were those eyes perhaps too bright? And was
it a shadow of fear Carol saw in the gray depths that were so
similar to her own eyes? She did not have long to ponder the
puzzling reflection.
    “Shall I fasten this for you?” The girl in
white held up for Carol’s inspection a necklace of magnificent
pearls with a clasp carved from a large sapphire.
    “I can’t wear that,” Carol gasped. “It must
be worth a fortune.”
    “My dear, Montfort told you himself that this
necklace is part of his family’s jewels. You must wear it. You
cannot insult your fiance on this night of all nights by spurning
his betrothal gift. Besides, you have already told him how much you
like it.”
    “I do like it. That’s just the trouble.” But
Carol obediently bowed her head while the necklace was fastened
about her neck. She lifted her head and, gazing into the cheval
glass again, adjusted the heavy clasp so it lay just at the hollow
of her throat. Three strands of large, perfect pearls glowed
against her skin.
    “Oh, how I envy you, Caroline,” said her
companion with unaffected sweetness. “I sometimes wonder if Lord
Simmons will ever come up to scratch. But he is the only man I will
consider marrying. I don’t care who else asks me.”
    “Lord Simmons?”
    “Good heavens, Caroline, can you do nothing
but repeat everything I say?” The girl laughed at Carol with open
affection in her manner. “However, I am sure that on the night of
my own betrothal party, I will be as slack-witted as you appear to
be, so I ought not to criticize my own dear sister.”
    Thus chastised, Carol refrained from
repeating sister . She was by now in a state of absolute
confusion. She did not have a sister, had never had a sister, and
did not want one.
    “I thought you said this was the Christmas
ball.” It was the only thing Carol could think of to say that would
not sound like the raving of a lunatic. “Now you’re telling me it’s
for my engagement?”
    “You know perfectly well it is both.” The
girl in white laughed again. “The three of us and Montfort together
agreed on the purpose of the ball, and I must say Aunt Augusta has
done well by you. So many flowers and the best musicians! But then,
she likes Montfort .I swear, she would marry him herself if she
were young enough.”
    “Montfort.” Carol bit her lip. This pretty
girl was right; she did seem to be making a habit of repeating
whatever was said to her. Only one name gave her hope that she
could make some sense out of her bewilderment.
    “Aunt Augusta,” Carol said.
    “Yes. She wants to inspect you as soon as you
are dressed. Here.” The girl took a pair of long white gloves off
the bed and handed them to Carol. When they were on, they reached
above Carol’s elbows. Her companion helped Carol to fasten the
buttons. “Now your fan.” This was a confection of peach silk on
ivory sticks, the silk painted with delicate flowers and
leaves.
    “Are you coming with me?” Carol did not know
whether to hope the girl would accompany her, or hope she would
stay behind. If “Aunt Augusta” proved to be the Lady Augusta whom
Carol knew and who was the cause of Carol’s present confusion, then
she wanted to