“If we tell him first he will do no good, poor man, only be horribly upset, and there’ll be no end of scenes, and no business done.”
Claire acquiesced with a look.
“Then Jo-si-ah can settle it all with your father and Mr Burnett, and this Mr Gravani, what is to be done in a businesslike way. There, there, let me finish. The weak little thing has got herself into this dreadful tangle, and what we have to do is to get her out the best way we can. It’s of no use to be sentimental and sit down and cry; we must act like women.”
Claire looked at her in admiration, astounded by her friend’s calm, businesslike manner.
“Now, perhaps, my dear, my Jo-si-ah may upset all my plans by proposing something better; but, as far as I see it now, you had better go straight off to your sister May—it will soon be dusk—and bring her here. I’ll be ready and waiting, and I’ll go with you both to the coach. You had better put on veils, and we’ll go right away to London. It’s the best place to hide, as my Jo-si-ah knows with the people who don’t pay him. Yes, that’s best. I’ll go with you.”
“You will go with us, Mrs Barclay?”
“Of course, I shall, my dear, and stay with you till you’re out of your trouble, and Jo-si-ah has finished the business. Did you think I was a fine-weather friend?”
Claire could not speak; her kisses and clinging arms spoke her thanks.
“Yes, that’s as far as I can see it, and we must be quick.”
She rose to go to the bell.