'
'But you will like the ball,' Rose said. 'Why, if it hadn't been for
the ball we might have been in Algiers now.'
'With Caroline ill! I should have sent for you.'
'Shall we start, Henrietta, in a few weeks' time?' She ignored
Henrietta's vague murmur. 'Oh, not until Caroline is quite well,
Sophia. We could go to the south of France, Henrietta. Yes, I think we
had better arrange that.' Rose felt a slightly malicious pleasure in
this proposal which became a serious one as she spoke. 'You must learn
to speak French, and it is a long time since I have been abroad. It
will be a kindness to me. I don't care to go alone. We have no
engagements after the middle of January, so shall we settle to go
then?' There was authority in her tone. 'We shall avoid brigands,
Sophia, but I think we ought to go. It is not fair that Henrietta's
experiences should be confined to Radstowe.'
'Quite right, dear.' Sophia was unwillingly but nobly truthful. 'We
have a duty to her father, but say nothing to Caroline until she is
stronger.'
Henrietta was silent but she had a hot rage in her heart. She felt
herself in a trap and she looked with sudden hatred and suspicion at
her Aunt Rose. It was impossible to defy that calm authority. She
would have to go, in merest gratitude she must consent; she would be
carried off, but she looked round wildly for some means of escape.
The prospect of that exile spoilt a Christmas which otherwise would
not have been a miserable one, for the Malletts made it a charming
festival with inspired ideas for gifts and a delightful party on
Christmas Day, when Caroline was allowed to appear.
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