In Distant Fields Read Online Free PDF

scenes, for despite the vast log fire burning brightly in the decorative fireplace, the temperature could not have been far above freezing point. Kitty found herself envying the attendant footmen in their heavy uniforms as she trotted after the figure of Partita, which was fast disappearing through two large doors being held open by those same footmen.
    Once through the doors Kitty found herself in an immense room with mahogany ladders reaching far up to the ceiling, propped against innumerable shelves housing what she imagined must be thousands of beautifully bound books.The room was illuminated by a vast selection of yet more candles, set not only into sticks and candelabra on the furniture, but also in the enormous chandelier that hung high above from the domed ceiling, leaving Kitty to wonder how long it took the servants to lower, light and replenish them at what must be all too regular intervals. Set everywhere were vast bowls of fresh flowers, perhaps supplied from hothouses on the estate, while yet another enormous log fire warmed those gathered for tea, most of whom seemed to be only too eager to stand within range of its heat.
    Despite its being only tea-time, the women were beautifully dressed, their fashionable gowns being worn with discreet jewellery, their hair only recently dressed by their maids. Kitty watched them, momentarily fascinated, as they appeared to be listening to each other with interest, while all the time keeping constantly on the move within the area surrounding the fire, some choosing to sit to talk, others forming small groups to laugh quietly together, or to exchange quick asides. Perhaps because when they moved they took only small steps, and spoke in low and carefully modulated tones, their demeanour seemed almost geisha-like, certainly feminine and subtle, and quite obviously determinedly set on fascinating the men present, who, in their dark suits, provided an effective and sombre backdrop to the bright silks.
    Of course Kitty knew none of the guests, theonly person familiar to her being the Duchess. Partita walked her across to her two older sisters.
    â€˜Allegra, Cecilia,’ she announced proudly,’ may I introduce Miss Katherine Rolfe?’
    â€˜How do you do?’ both the older girls murmured vaguely, while their eyes examined Kitty keenly.
    The two older girls were both dark-haired and grey-eyed, in contrast to Partita’s blonde hair and blue eyes. They were both also very pretty, but unlike Partita, they were not beautiful. Kitty realised that this, perhaps more than anything, was why Partita might be her mother’s favourite. Out of all three girls she looked the most like the Duchess, who was now seated behind a magnificent silver tea service that included a gently steaming teapot and a fine samovar. She had obviously put herself in charge of pouring the tea, a custom that had become fashionable some time ago, but which, as Kitty now learned from Partita, still managed to shock the Duke.
    â€˜Papa is so medieval,’ she moaned quietly. ‘He takes absolutely no account of progress – which Mamma, being an American, accounts as absurd. She says we must progress or we will simply die out, and that is most certainly what my elder brother, Almeric, thinks. For instance, as Almeric says, we really have no need for a nightwatchman, but Papa told Almeric that he would be absolutely confounded without a nightwatchman. If he wakes in the night he must know the time. When Al succeeds Papa he will do awaywith poor old Birdie, the nightwatchman, which I do also find a bit sad, because, between you and me, I also enjoy hearing him calling out the hours through the night. But Almeric says it belongs to the age of jousting, which I find a little exaggerative, although I sometimes wish they did still joust. For I would certainly enjoy seeing a knight dying for my favour.’
    At that moment, however, Kitty felt comforted to see the Duchess doing something as