"Esther M. Friesner - A Beltaine And Suspenders" - читать интересную книгу автора (Friesner Esther M)

"Do give it up, Father John," said Olivia Drummond in her clear, capable voice.

In heavy walking tweeds and thick brogues, she lounged against another pew as if

she were the squire of some rural seat come to exercise political bonhomie by

mixing with the locals at the pub. "He won't touch a thing that's been on the

floor, even if it is a consecrated one. You know ourTilly and germs."



A weak smile fairly doubled overTelemachus 'meagre -fleshed face. "Just a

precaution," he quavered, scampering back up the scaffolding to the safety of

his scrapers and palette knives. "Mummy says one never knows, especially after

all thoseLondonmites trampling through the house."
Father Herrick stacked his papers smartly. "I don't know why your mother ever

agreed to take in so many city kids during the Blitz, old boy. Not if it was

half the strain you paint it."



A spark of alien fire kindled inTelemachus ' shallow blue eyes, a fugitive Bolt

of gumption striking his book-curved spine abruptly stiff. "Whatever her

personal feelings in the matter, Mummy has never been known to shirk the

performance of her duty."



"Too right." Olivia laughed until her skinny shoulders shook beneath their

burden of woven wool. "Englandexpects, but Lady Battle-Purfittforestalls. Oh,

don't look at me that way,Tilly ! You know I'd die before disdaining your

sainted mummy's devotion to what's expected of her in this world. In fact, I'd

give a good deal to meet her. Admirable woman. She saved those poor little

guttersnipes from the German bombs all the same, whether she did it out of