One Rainy Day Read Online Free PDF Page A

they’re wearing the black dresses with the lacy aprons and headdress to match. I heard Rosie saying she felt “proper posh” in uniform.’
    ‘I bet they’ll look very pretty. But I have to go now, Frances, for I’ve heard two cars arriving. Miss Harriet doesn’t like it when I’m not on hand to welcome the guests.’ He patted her arm. ‘You and the staff have my appreciation for the extra work you’re being asked to do. I’m sure Andrew will be coming himself to thank you.’
    Andrew would have liked to relax longer in the bath and once again go over the events of the day. But knowing what a stickler his mother was on etiquette, he didn’t linger. There were four bedrooms on the first floor – one was used for visitors – and each bedroom had its own bathroom and dressing room. When Andrew stepped out on the large square landing, it was to find his father coming out of his bedroom, struggling to fasten his cufflinks.
    ‘Confounded things,’ he growled. ‘They refuse to fasten.’
    ‘Here, let me.’ Andrew had them fastened in a few seconds. ‘They always seem to know when you’re in a hurry, and then they become obstinate. Still, no panic. We should bedown before our guests start arriving and remain in Mother’s good books.’
    ‘Oh, I’ve been down,’ George told him. ‘I paid a visit to the kitchen to have a word with Frances, and lo and behold, your mother cornered me. She spotted I wasn’t wearing her favourite cufflinks and insisted I change them. No one else would have noticed the blasted things, or been in the least interested whether I was wearing cufflinks or not. Anyway, it’s always best to give in right away. Saves any argument and much easier than facing a stern face all night.’
    They skipped side by side down the wide staircase, and reached the bottom just as the young maid, Rosie, opened the door to the Barford family: Robert, his wife Gweneth, and their daughter Annabel. Robert handed his coat and scarf to the young maid, who was overawed by the occasion, and walked towards George with hand outstretched, grinning broadly. ‘Nice to see you, George.’
    Andrew intended to greet Gweneth first, but was forestalled by Annabel who, after handing the maid her coat, ran towards him with outstretched arms. ‘Andrew, darling, happy birthday.’ He managed to catch her arms before they reached his neck, and he kept a tight grip on them. ‘How pretty you look, Annabel! Stand back and let me see you properly.’
    Like a child, Annabel did a twirl, then a curtsy, before saying, ‘I’m glad you like my dress, Andrew. I wanted to look nice for you.’
    Her mother was irritated that her daughter was acting in an unseemly manner. ‘Annabel, do give Andrew and me a chance to say hello.’
    It was George who saved the situation and the Barfords’ embarrassment. ‘When you have made Gweneth welcome,my boy, there are other guests in the drawing room waiting for you.’
    Robert Barford tried to mask his discomfort. ‘We’re not the first, then, George?’
    ‘No, old boy, the Parker-Browns are here, the Hedleys, and the Simpsons. The Braithwaits rang to say they’d be a little late. We’d better make our way to the drawing room. They’ll be wondering what’s keeping Andrew.’
    Gweneth took her daughter’s arm. ‘Come, Annabel, and please behave yourself.’
    The girl looked downcast and Andrew took pity on her. ‘I’ll take Annabel through, Gweneth. She can take my arm.’
    ‘Can I sit next to you, Andrew?’ Annabel’s wide eyes looked up at him appealingly.
    ‘I’m afraid not, my dear. You see, I’ll be sitting between my parents, and Charlotte will be next but one. I’m sure you’ll find someone to talk to, though, you look so pretty.’
    Walking behind them, George mentally gave his son full marks for being straight, and also being kind and not making a fuss, which would embarrass Robert and Gweneth. But really it was time they took their daughter in hand and treated her