“Quarter past six,” said Tony.
“He's bound to have told her by now.”
There was a little party at Lady Cockpurse's, Veronica and Daisy and Sybil, Souki de Foucauld-Esterhazy, and four or five others, all women.
They were there to consult a new fortune-teller called Mrs. Northcote.
Mrs. Beaver had discovered her and for every five guineas that she earned at her introduction Mrs. Beaver took a commission of two pounds twelve and sixpence.
She told fortunes in a new way, by reading the soles of the feet.
They waited their turn impatiently.
“What a time she is taking over Daisy.”
“She is very thorough,” said Polly, “and it tickles rather.”
Presently Daisy emerged.
“What was she like?” they asked.
“I mustn't tell or it spoils it all,” said Daisy.
They had dealt cards for precedence.
It was Brenda's turn now.
She went next door to Mrs. Northcote, who was sitting at a stool beside an armchair.
She was a dowdy, middle-aged woman with a slightly genteel accent.
Brenda sat down and took off her shoe and stocking.
Mrs. Northcote laid the foot on her knee and gazed at it with great solemnity; then she picked it up and began tracing the small creases of the sole with the point of a silver pencil case.
Brenda wriggled her toes luxuriously and settled down to listen.
Next door they said,
“Where's her Mr. Beaver today?”
“He's flown over to France with his mother to see some new wall papers.
She's been worrying all day thinking he's had an accident.”
“It's all very touching, isn't it?
Though I can't see his point myself …”
“You must never do anything on Thursdays,” said Mrs. Northcote.
“Nothing?”
“Nothing important.
You are intellectual, imaginative, sympathetic, easily led by others, impulsive, affectionate.
You are highly artistic and are not giving full scope to your capabilities.”
“Isn't there anything about love?”
“I am coming to love.
All these lines from the great toe to the instep represent lovers.”
“Yes, go on some more about that …”
Princess Abdul Akbar was announced.
“Where's Brenda?” she said.
“I thought she'd be here.”
“Mrs. Northcote's doing her now.”
“Jock Grant-Menzies wants to see her.
He's downstairs.”
“Darling Jock … Why on earth didn't you bring him up.”
“No, it's something terribly important.
He's got to see Brenda alone.”
“My dear, how mysterious. Well she won't be long now.
We can't disturb them.
It would upset Mrs. Northcote.”
Jenny told them her news.
On the other side of the door, Brenda's leg was beginning to feel slightly chilly.
“Four men dominate your fate,” Mrs, Northcote was saying, “one is loyal and tender but he has not yet disclosed his love, one is passionate and overpowering, you are a little afraid of him.”
“Dear me,” said Brenda. “How very exciting.