Chapter V
Athena met Diana in the corridor, as they were on their way to the dining-room for supper.
'Pardon me, miss Stonegate… for bothering you with my problems, but there's something rather delicate… that I don't know how to handle…'
'How can that be?' – wondered Athena, thinking that Diana seemed most unlikely to have any problems of all the people that had gathered at Deepwell.
'I am aware of… how rude Sophia's words sounded…, but… the truth is that … you have your ways… of addressing men… That's the reason why I'm telling you this – not to my sister, nor to my step-mother.'
'Do your problems involve… men, miss Diana? Don't tell me Mr. Hargrove…'
'Oh, no! My trouble is… with Mr. Longman.'
'Miss Ruby's father?! I could have never imagined that!'
'No, no! I mean Mr. Brandon Longman!'
'Ay… Even so… Upon my word, it's still a bit odd… He doesn't strike me as the kind of man who would…'
'You must have misunderstood me. His attitude is completely different from Mr. Hargrove's! It's just that… he seems to enjoy my company… rather too much. He comes to me, he talks about philosophy a lot… He behaves like an older brother. I can't see anything wrong with that – if only… He has a way of looking at me – not vulgar, but intense – I feel it like a load, like a burden… all the time! Moreover, I must confess – shame on me! – that I find him repulsive and it's hard for me to endure his presence – but I have not the slightest idea how to put a distance between him and me without hurting his feelings!'
'Indeed, he's not very attractive, but he's not ugly, either. His complexion might get better in time – and he's such a good young man! I'd say it would be a pity to avoid him.'
'Well… I can hardly understand what he talks about…'
Athena smiled. 'Ay, I'm afraid philosophy is not exactly the most adequate subjects when one's trying to impress a young lady… Have you thought of turning the conversation onto a subject of your liking?'
'Yes, at first – but he kept going back to his ideas. So I had to give in after a while. And I started thinking of … other matters… while pretending to be listening.'
'I'll advise him to try some new subject of conversation.'
'But I… Excuse me, but I wish he left me alone!'
'He may not be so handsome, but he is good-natured, polite, kind – I think he would be capable of loyalty. He is also honest, faithful… These are qualities you'll need to find in a friend, miss Diana. That's why I'll say this once again: keep him close. Find room in your heart for him and accept him as he is, because one never knows…'
They got interrupted by Sophia, who rushed to embrace Athena, crying and asking for forgiveness. 'I've been mean – unfair… And you are so kind… So kind…' – she kept repeating between sobs.
'Enough, my dear, don't torment yourself like that! All I want you to do is to think twice before saying something! Come on, take miss Diana and go to supper!' – said Athena.
'Aren't you coming?'
'I am, but there's something I must do first.'
She entered the library, where she found her uncle, Mr. Longman, Lord Cornelius, Brandon Longman and Ralph Cornelius.
'May I…? I just wanted to let you know that supper is ready – in case you haven't heard the bell…'
'We have, actually – but we were caught in the middle of a discussion – you'd probably like to join us – it's about Hamlet. We can't agree upon certain aspects' – said Sir Warwick.
'Oh, you know Hamlet is one of my favourite plays… And the main reason why I like it so much is that it can be approached from so many perspectives! Therefore I can't see why you should all agree!'
Her uncle started to laugh. 'You are right! Now tell me what you really came for – there must be something you wouldn't feel comfortable discussing in front of everybody.'
'There is something I'd like to talk to you about, but right now you should lead everyone into the dining-room, because you know they won't start without you… We can discuss it after supper.'
'As you wish, my dear.'
As the whole group left for the dining-room, Athena asked Brandon Longman to stay behind.
'Mr. Longman, there's a private matter I need to talk to you about.'
'Oh, miss Stonegate, I know I'm not the right man to play Demetrius, but I can assure you I'm doing my best!'
'I've noticed that – and everybody appreciates your efforts, so… don't worry! However, that is not the matter I wish to discuss.'
'What else can it be, then?'
'It's not about the play.'