Hearing the word ‘adventure’ reminded me of my meeting with the woman in white, and her reference to Mrs Fairlie. I told Miss Halcombe all about my adventure, and she showed an eager interest, especially in the mention of her mother.
‘But you didn’t find out the woman’s name?’ she said.
‘I’m afraid not. Only that she came from Hampshire.’
‘Well, I shall spend the morning,’ said Miss Halcombe,
‘looking through my mother’s letter. I’m sure I will find some clues there to explain this mystery. Lunch is at two o’clock, Mr Hartright, and I shall introduce you to my sister then.’
After breakfast Mr Fairlie’s personal servant, Louis, came to tell me that Mr Fairlie would like to see me. I followed the servant upstairs and was shown into a large room full of art treasures. There, in an armchair, sat a small, pale, delicate-looking man of about fifty. Despite his fine clothes and the valuable rings on his soft white fingers, there was something very unattractive about him.
‘So glad to have you here, Mr Hartright,’ he said in a high, complaining voice. ‘Please sit down, but don’t move the chair. In my state of nerves any movement is painful to me. May I ask if you have found everything satisfactory here at Limmeridge?’
When I began to reply, he as once raised his hand to stop me.
‘Please excuse me. But could not speak more softly? I simply cannot bear loud voices, or indeed, any kind of loud sound.’
The interview did not last long as Mr Fairlie quickly lost interest in it. He informed me that the ladies would make all the arrangement for their drawing lessons.
I suffer so much from my nerves, Mr Hartright,’ he said. ‘Do you mind ringing the bell for Louis? Thank you. Good morning!’
with great relief I left the room, and spent the rest of the morning looking forward to lunchtime, when I would be introduced to Miss Fairlie.