title: London Observed : Stories and Sketches
author: Doris May Lessing
description: Explicit tenderness is a hallmark of many of these tales. Here's art holding up a mirror to life to London, and declaring a vision untarnished, clear and steady.' - New Statesman Society
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dedication
  
  As always, for Michael, who knows why. And for Miriam, who also knows why.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter One
  
  1811
  
  The hack was overly hot and smelled of whatever its last occupants had been
  eating during their travels. The seats were covered with threadbare fabric and
  the cushioning had long ago worn away to leave hard patches. However, all
  these things were not why Lysandra Keates shifted in discomfort.
  
  Rather than her mode of transportation, it was her destination that gave her
  pause and made her quake. And now they were here, in front of a rather
  marvelous London estate that was obviously well tended but these facts gave
  Lysandra no comfort. In fact, she was utterly numb as she stared through the
  dirty carriage window to the house.
  
  “I do not wish to do this,” she whispered to herself, clutching her reticule
  against her chest. It was very light, thanks to its nearly empty state.
  
  And that was why she was here, despite her strong misgivings.
  
  Suddenly the door to t