"Vance, Jack - Elder Isles 03 - Madouc" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

УI am confused and baffled,Ф said Lady Desdea. УThat is quite true.Ф

УTell us, then, what has occurred, and we will puzzle it out together.Ф

УI can only impart this matter to you in private.Ф

Queen Sollace made a pettish face. УJust so, if you truly feel that such precautions are necessary.Ф She turned to the Ladies Bortude and Parthenope. УIt seems that for once we must indulge Lady Desdea in her whim. You may attend me later. Ermelgart, I will ring the bell when I am ready for you.Ф

Lady Bortrude and Lady Parthenope, each with nose haughtily high, departed the parlour, along with the maid Ermelgart. Father Umphred paused, but was not urged to remain and so also departed.

Without further delay Lady Desdea told of the events which had caused her so much distress. УIt was time for the Princess MadoucТs diction exercises, which are most necessary; she slurs and lilts like a hoyden of the docks. As I walked across the service yard on my way to the lesson, I was struck on the neck by a piece of rotten fruit, hurled from above with both accuracy and force. I am sorry to say that I instantly suspected the princess, who is sometimes prone to mischief. However, when I looked up, I found His Majesty watching me with a most curious expression. If I were an imaginative woman and the person were other than His Majesty, who of course has the best of reasons for all his deeds, I would describe the expression as a leer of triumph, or, perhaps more accurately, vindictive glee!Ф

УAmazing!Ф said Queen Sollace. УHow can it be? I am as astonished as you; His Majesty is not one to perform silly pranks.Ф

УNaturally not! Still-Ф Lady Desdea looked over her shoulder in annoyance, as into the parlour came Lady Marmone, her face suffused with anger.

Lady Desdea spoke crisply: УNarcissa, if you please, I am consulting with Her Majesty upon a most serious affair. If you will be kind enough to-Ф

Lady Marmone, as stern and doughty as Lady Desdea herself, made a furious gesture. УYour business can wait! What I have to say must be said at this very instant! Not five minutes ago, as I crossed the kitchen yard, I was hit on the forehead by an overripe quince, thrown down from the arcade above.Ф

Queen Sollace gave a throaty cry. УYet again?Ф

У СYetТ or СagainТ, whatever you like! It happened as I have described it! Outrage gave me vigor; I ran at speed up the stairs hoping to waylay the perpetrator, and who should come trotting from the corridor, smiling and gay, but the Princess Madouc!Ф

УMadouc?Ф УMadouc?Ф cried out Queen Sollace and Lady Desdea together, as if in one voice.

УWho else? She confronted me without a qualm and even asked me to move aside so that she might continue on her way.

Nevertheless, I detained her and asked: СWhy did you hurl a quince at me?Т She said, quite soberly: СWith nothing more suitable at hand, I used quince; this was on the strong advice of His Majesty the King.Т I cried out: СAm I to understand that His Majesty advised you to such a deed? Why should he do so?Т And she responded: СPerhaps he feels that you and Lady Desdea are inexcusably tiresome and tedious in your instruction.ТФ

УAstonishing!Ф said Lady Desdea. УI am dumbfounded!Ф

Lady Marmone went on: УI told her: СOut of respect for your rank, I may not properly chastise you as you deserve, but I will immediately report this outrage to Her Majesty the Queen!Т The princess responded with an airy shrug and continued on her way. Is it not remarkable?Ф

УRemarkable but not unique!Ф said Lady Desdea. УI suffered in the same degree, but it was King Casmir himself who hurled the fruit.Ф

Lady Marmone stood silent for a moment, then said: УIn that case, I am confused indeed!Ф

Queen Sollace heaved herself erect. УI must get to the bottom of this! Come! Before the hour is out we shall know what is what and which is which.Ф

The queen and her two ladies, with Father Umphred coming unobtrusively behind, found King Casmir in conference with the High Seneschal Sir Mungo and the royal secretary Pacuin.

Casmir looked around with a frown, then rose heavily to his feet. УMy dear Sollace, what is so urgent as to bring you here during my consultations?Ф

УI must have a word with you in private,Ф said Sollace. УBe good enough to dismiss your counsellors, if only for a few moments.Ф

Casmir, noting Lady Desdea and her set countenance, divined the purpose of the visit. At his signal, Sir Mungo and Pacuin left the room. Casmir jerked his finger at Father Umphred. УYou may also go.Ф

Father Umphred, smiling his kindly smile, departed the chamber.