Sons of an Ancient Glory Read Free Page A

meantime, you must remember that it will all be worthwhile in the end. And,” she added, her tone allowing for no argument, “you must also remember that I don’t mind helping out. Not in the least. To the contrary, I’m actually enjoying it. I’ve never kept house before, you know.”
    At Nora’s startled look, Aunt Winnie went on to explain. “My first husband, George Mountjoy, was outrageously rich—didn’t Evan tell you about him? Goodness, even George’s
servants
had servants!” She put a hand to her cheek. “Dear George. We’d been married only seven years when he passed on.”
    She paused, giving her flawless coiffure a reassuring pat. “My next husband—Neville—wasn’t exactly rich. But he was
Old Family
, you see. His servants were ancient, like the rest of the family, but he had an entire household of them, so I never got to do anything domestic there either. Except,” she added with a deep sigh, “for pouring tea.”
    For the life of her, Nora couldn’t decide whether to laugh or commiserate. Impulsively, she squeezed Aunt Winnie’s hand—a small hand, delicate and exquisitely manicured. “I can’t imagine how you managed. Being widowed twice, I mean. When Owen—my first husband—died, I wanted to die, too.”
    â€œI know,” Evan’s aunt said with another small sigh. “But one does one’s best.” She looked at Nora, her expression brightening. “And at the moment, you are to do your best to stay strong and cheerful. For the baby. And for Evan, too, of course. Just
see
how happy you’ve made him, Nora. You’re very good for Evan, dear, you really are!”
    Nora looked away. “Lately, I feel more burden than blessing to Evan,” she confessed softly. “The man has little to look forward to each day when he comes home. An invalid wife who can do nothing at all but lie here like a great lump.”
    â€œOh, pshaw!” Aunt Winnie retorted. “Such foolish talk! So long as Evan has
you
to come home to, you won’t hear him complaining, I promise you! Goodness, his heart floods his eyes every time he looks at you. Why, if a man looked at me the way my nephew looks at
you
, I’d simply swoon! Really, I would.”
    Nora laughed. “You’d best have a caution about Mr. Farmington, then, I’m thinking.”
    â€œI’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” replied Evan’s aunt, the faintest hint of pink flushing her cheeks.
    Nora lifted one eyebrow, but Aunt Winnie merely smiled prettily, saying, “Lewis is a thoroughly charming man.”
    â€œHe is, indeed,” said Nora.
    â€œWell,” said the other, springing to her feet, “I must get on with the dusting. I’ll start dinner in a few moments, dear, before Lewis and Evan arrive from the yards.”
    â€œPerhaps Mr. Farmington would stay for the meal if you’d ask,” Nora suggested.
    â€œOh, we can’t, dear! Lewis is taking me to see Macready at the Astor Place theater tonight. I’m going to change here before we leave so I won’t have to stop at the flat on the way.”
    She started toward the door, then turned back. “As for
you
, my dear, I want you to do what
I
do when I’m tempted to feel sorry for myself.”
    Unaware until this instant that she
had
been feeling sorry for herself, Nora stared.
    â€œI take pen and paper and make a detailed list of all the things I’m thankful for,” explained Aunt Winnie, smiling. “Then, once I’ve written them all out plain to see, I read each one aloud. By the time I’ve finished reading the list, I’ve forgotten why I was feeling blue.” She stopped. “Would you like me to get you some writing paper, dear?”
    Again Nora burst into laughter. “Yes, please do, Aunt Winnie.”
    Evan’s aunt beamed. “Wonderful! You’ll