Angela wondered when Marcia would be ready.
“We are going to the seaside,” continued Clara. “Of course, we cannot stand this great heat. I want to take one of the Aldworth girls with me; but Marcia—I mean Miss Aldworth, your friend—doesn’t seem to approve of it.”
“They couldn’t leave home very well just now. The one who ought to go is Marcia herself.”
“Indeed, yes. How sweet of you to confide in me. Don’t you think she is looking very pale?”
“She has suffered a good deal. I am most anxious that she should have a fortnight or so at Hurst Castle.”
“What a rapturous idea,” thought Clara. “If only I could bring it about. What wouldn’t I give to spend some days at Hurst Castle! If only that girl would get me to help her.”
“But why won’t she go?” said Clara. “It seems quite easy. Mrs Aldworth has three daughters of her own, and there is the nurse. I think she could.”
“I quite agree with you,” said Angela, and just then Marcia came into the room.
“I am ready,” she said. “I am ever so sorry, Miss Carter, it does seem rude, but we shall miss our train.”
“Marcia, Miss Carter and I have been having quite an interesting conversation about you. We both think you need a change, and Miss Carter thinks with me that your mother could be left with her own girls and the nurse.”