"Anthony is only mine. He doesn't know it yet, but I won't let anyone take him away from me. Even when he marries, I will remain his mistress and bear him many children," thought the cunning girl, walking on the marble floor almost noiselessly.

– It was all gone.

Vivian lay on the bed, staring almost unblinkingly at the high white ceiling. Rare but large tears streamed down her cheeks. Tears of deep disappointment and bitterness. But not a single groan, not a single cry, not a single curse escaped the girl's lips: why all this? Wailing could hardly save this evening and get her dresses delivered at least an hour before she left for the ball. And if a miracle did happen, and the dresses were in Greenhall right this minute, would Vivian have time to prepare for such an important event in just one hour? An hour! Sixty minutes! It would be in an hour that Lady Cranford and Anthony would get into their carriage and drive to Lady Marlborough's ball, and she, the inconsolable niece, would be left in her room to weep silently and feel herself the most miserable person in the whole world.

Everything was gone. The dresses were never delivered. The footman sent by Aunt Beatrice to Mrs.Davidson's atelier had still not returned. Vivian would not be going to the long-awaited reception. Her debut was not cancelled, of course, but postponed indefinitely. How long would she have to wait now for another chance? A week? Two? In high society, during the season when unmarried girls are hunting rich suitors, a fortnight is an eternity. An eternity in which all the rich bachelors would be sorted out. And who will she get? Someone's youngest son, like her cousin? No, that was not to be: the beautiful Miss Cowell needed to become the lawful wedded wife of a rich, or better still, a very rich man, and as soon as possible. Time has no patience. Time kills. Time is always trying to take away the dearest, the most precious thing.

– Oh, Miss Vivian… Please don't cry! It pains me so much to see you suffer! – exclaimed faithful Jane.

Vivian's head rested in her friend's lap, and her body was motionless, as if all strength had left it and turned it into one of the statues her aunt loved so much.

– Alas, Jane, it is beyond me. But I am not suffering, no. I am filled with disappointment.

– But what are you so disappointed about?

– The knowledge that everything I need depends on a pretty dress. But that's ridiculous. Isn't it, Jane? Just think of it: I can't go to a ball, my debut, because of some piece of cloth! – Vivian sighed irritably.

– 'Yes, Miss Vivian, it's very sad,' Jane said, stroking her hair gently. – But there is still time! I'm sure your dresses will be here any minute!

– I wish I had your confidence! I am afraid I shall spend the evening in these chambers. Dear Jane, I so appreciate your support! – The red-haired beauty said softly, and, tilting her head slightly, looked at her friend: "You will stay the night with me, won't you?

– Miss, I'd love to, but I have to get up early," she said, embarrassed. But her soul was filled with joy: Miss was asking her to sleep in her chambers! She needs her! How pleasant that would be! And these thoughts made Jane ashamed of her refusal, so she quickly added: – But I will stay with you, let there be no doubt in your mind!

Vivian smiled warmly, rose from the bed and hugged her faithful Jane tightly, and the latter responded enthusiastically.

– Dear Jane! Why can't the Cranfords be as good and kind as you? – whispered Vivian. – I swear to you that as soon as I am married you will come away with me! And my aunt will no longer frighten you with her icy stare!