Panic seized the girl. Her heart hammered like a bird in a cramped cage.

– Auntie, I'm so sorry," she said quietly.

– My cousin Vivian got those gladioluses from me," Anthony interrupted her firmly: he had noticed the change in the face of his beautiful cousin and had rushed to her aid. How could he not have noticed those flowers? He must have been too fond of that fire-haired girl.

– But, Anthony, you are well aware of how much I treasure my gladioluses. – Lady Cranford's face softened: how could she be angry with her son?

– I know, Mother. But they suited my cousin's bouquet, so I thought you would make an exception this time and let Vivian decorate her chambers with them. Perhaps I was mistaken? In that case, I apologise. – Anthony bowed slightly to his mother.

– No, no, you were a gentleman," his mother retorted. A guilty smile played on her lips, and she hastened to mitigate the damage Vivian had done by her unfriendly, cold tone. – 'I'm sorry, my dear, I was mistaken. These gladioli are like children to me. May they make you happy with their colours.

– Thank you, Auntie, you are so generous. – Vivian sat down in a low kneeling position, not daring to look up at her aunt.

'Anthony lied to her to protect me! How sweet that is! He's a real hero!" – she thought involuntarily, full of gratitude to her cousin.

– 'A trifle, my dear. But the table is already set, and you both need a change of dress. You will see why I am so fond of the Southern Balcony," said Lady Cranford amiably, and, rustling her long silk dress, continued on her way to the kitchen.

As soon as the lady of the house was out of sight, Vivian sighed loudly and looked at Anthony.

– Thank you! You have saved me! – She exclaimed quietly, putting her hand on her breast, her heart still unwilling to slow down.

– Don't mention it," smiled her cousin. – I had forgotten how zealous my mother is about her gladioli. But now go to your chambers: you must freshen up. I'll see you in twenty minutes, at lunch. – He suddenly took the girl's hand in his, touched it with his lips, and then released her and went up the stairs, leaving Vivian, flushed as a poppy, to wonder at his action.

In the meantime Lady Cranford had reached the kitchen and, opening the door, was displeased to find almost all the servants of the house gathered round the table where the servants usually ate.

– What is going on here? – She asked in a calm but imperious tone. – Have you nothing else to do but sit here and gossip?

– I'm sorry, ma'am," she said, and the servants hurried out of the kitchen.

How embarrassing! The landlady was not mistaken: she had caught the servants discussing the new guest!

It was Emily's fault: no, oh no! Mr. Brown had not sent her to find Jane! Emily had decided to find her herself to tell her and others about the new miss, and Jane had been eager to share her impressions and sing Miss Vivian's dithyrambs: she is so beautiful! She is so kind! There is no one in the world better than she!

– She's a beauty like no one the world has ever seen! – Emily put in. – Let that French rat now tremble with terror!

"French rat" Greenhall servants called the first beauty of the high society of London – Mademoiselle Lucie de Croix. How dare this maiden come to England and turn the heads of English aristocrats while her native country and a shameless upstart are at war against the English monarchy!

But Lady Cranford came in and spoilt all the fun, with only the cook and Jane left in the kitchen.

– Buy a couple of pounds of the new brand of chocolates. They're said to have a very good flavour," Lady Cranford said. – And you, Jane, go and see Miss Cowell: she needs your help.