The Benevent Treasure Read Online Free PDF Page A

and sniffed.
    ‘Oh, yes.’
    Miss Olivia threw her a reproving glance.
    ‘It will be for us to supply the deficiency — ’ she began, when the door opened and a young man came into the room. He was of medium height with brown eyes, very dark hair, and a most charming smile. He was, in fact, an extraordinarily handsome and vital creature. The Miss Benevents’ faces lighted up at the sight of him, their small pinched features relaxed, and the air of solemnity was gone. Speaking both together, they said,
    ‘Derek!’ Miss Cara adding, ‘My dear boy!’
    He came up to the table and bent to kiss them both. Miss Olivia introduced him.
    ‘This is our secretary and adopted nephew, Derek Burdon. He is compiling a history of the family. He has recently been in Italy and has returned with some very valuable additional material. He has not been able to sort and arrange it yet — these things take time. We thought perhaps it might interest you to help him in his labours.’
    Candida thought, ‘Well it will be something to do.’ She met a sparkling glance of the brown eyes, and the prospect brightened a little. He looked as if the family history would not bulk so largely as to preclude the possibility of a few lighter moments. In fact he was young, and he looked as if he might be fun. She was to learn that he was an adept at getting his own way with the old ladies and at putting off until at least the day after tomorrow whatever he did not incline towards doing today. To the suggestion that he and Candida might get to work on some of the Italian material in the morning he came back with,
    ‘But if you want her to have driving lessons she really ought to start at once. I thought if we went into Retley after breakfast she could begin right away. There’s no time like the present. I spoke to Fox about it this morning.’
    Candida had a bewildered feeling. She looked at Miss Olivia, and received a slight wintry smile.
    ‘I suppose that you do not drive.’
    ‘No, but—’
    She would have liked to say, ‘How on earth do you know?’ but she restrained herself. Only if Candida Benevent and her descendants had been so completely dismissed from the family consciousness, how on earth did her sisters know whether Candida’s grand-daughter could drive or not?
    Miss Olivia answered the unspoken question.
    ‘John Sayle was not a man of any means. His son and daughter were brought up in a very moderate manner. Barbara would certainly not have been in a position to own a car.’
    Miss Cara said, ‘Oh, dear no,’ and Miss Olivia resumed,
    ‘My father would not allow of any communication, but he took steps to inform himself of such events as births and deaths. When he passed away we continued on the same lines. We have thus always been aware of our niece Barbara’s circumstances and whereabouts. Since your parents died young and were in no position to provide for you, your education must have been quite a strain upon her resources. There would have been no money left over for such things as a car.’
    ‘Oh, none at all,’ said Miss Cara.
    Her sister went on as if she had not spoken.
    ‘But we feel that being able to drive may now be considered a most useful accomplishment. We thought that you would perhaps like to have lessons and qualify for a driving-licence during your visit. We had intended to lead up to the subject, but Derek has forestalled us.’
    He laughed ruefully.
    ‘I’ve put my foot in it again!’
    Both ladies beamed at him.
    ‘You are sometimes too impetuous, dear boy.’
    There was a point in Miss Olivia’s speech when there had been a pricking of angry tears behind Candida’s eyes. Never for a single moment had Barbara allowed her to feel herself a burden. They had been happy together — they had been happy. She clenched her hands until the nails ran into the palms.
    Miss Olivia went on talking for long enough to let that pricking anger subside. She had always wanted to learn to drive, and the lessons would