The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth

by William Harrison Ainsworth

  “I quite appreciate the kindness of your ladyship’s motives,” said Stanley, “and am quite ready to obey you,”

  “And you, Mildred?” asked her ladyship. “What do you say?”

  “If Stanley owns himself in the wrong I will forgive him, not otherwise,” was the reply.

  Lady Talmash looked entreatingly at the young man.

  “Surely, you won’t hesitate?” she said.

  “No, I was very much in the wrong,” he replied, “and I intended to say so.”

  “That’s enough,” cried Mildred. “Now we are friends again!”

  At this moment, the two elderly gentlemen in front came to a halt.

  “We must now make our way to Tattersall’s,” said the Squire. “We have to inquire about a horse — that’s our business in town. We won’t ask you to accompany us, Sir John.”

  “I can’t, or I would with pleasure,” replied the old baronet.

  “Come with us, and give us an opinion,” said Mildred to Stanley.

  “Unluckily I have an appointment in a different direction and you are just as well without me, for my opinion about a horse is worth nothing.”

  “Well, we shall see you both at the Grosvenor at seven,” said the Squire.

  The parties then separated. Mr. Warburton and the ladies proceeding along Grosvenor-place to Hyde Park corner, and the others making their way by St James’s Palace to Pall Mall.

  “The Squire is as cheery as ever, I find,” said Sir John. “And what a charming girl is his daughter! I don’t wonder you admire her.”

  “I don’t admire her so much as Rose Hylton,” replied Stanley.

  “Humph!” exclaimed Sir John, sceptically.

  “What I mean is this,” said Stanley. “I am of opinion Rose would make the better wife of the two.”

  “There I agree with you,” replied Sir John.

  CHAPTER XVIII.

  TATTERSALL’S.

  WHEN the party approached the famous rendez-vous of racing men and turfites, they perceived a tall, pleasant-looking, fresh complexioned personage, buttoned up tightly across his broad chest, in a dark, grey riding coat, standing near the entrance of the Subscription Room, and conversing with two gentlemen, who had rather a military look.

  The chief person in the group towards whom the Squire’s gaze was directed was Mr. Tattersall himself, who, we may mention, is not only a very good specimen of an Englishman, but a lineal descendant of the famous Captain Tattersall, who conveyed the fugitive Charles the Second, in his brig the Swiftsure, from Shoreham to Fecamp.

  The two gentlemen talking to him were our old acquaintances, Captain Darcy and Colonel Ratcliffe.

  “There’s Tattersall himself,” exclaimed the Squire. “We’re very lucky in finding him here. We shall now be able to transact our business without delay.”

  “I’m very glad of that, papa,” replied Mildred. “I feared we might be detained some time.”

  Mr. Tattersall came to them very quickly. Knowing the Squire, and seeing he wanted to speak to him, he left the others and came to him.

  Having introduced him to the ladies, the Squire stated his business.

  “We are just come up from Cheshire to see you, Mr. Tattersall,” he said. “We understand you have a first-rate hunter to sell.”

  “I have several first-rate hunters to sell, Mr. Warburton,” replied Tattersall, smiling. “But I can guess the horse you allude to. It is thorough bred — without fault of any kind, and would exactly suit a lady. Perhaps it is intended for your daughter, of whose equestrian achievements I have heard much. If so, I should say it would exactly suit her.”

  “You are quite right, Mr. Tattersall,” said Mildred. “I do require a horse — an accident having happened to my best hunter — and have come to you to supply my want. I know you can do so if you will.”

  “I shall be delighted to serve you, Miss Warburton,” replied Tattersall, bowing. “The horse I have so highly commended belongs to the gentleman you see yonder — Captain Darcy. But I must tell you he wants a long price — more than you may like to give.”

  “What’s his price, Tattersall, do you know?” said the Squire.

  “Three hundred,” replied the other.

  “By Jove! that is a long figure,” exclaimed the Squire.

  “If the horse answers Mr. Tattersall’s description, I must have it — cost what it may,” said Mildred.

  “I pledge my word that all I have said is correct,” rejoined Tattersall.

  “That’s enough,” cried the Squire. “By the bye, is this the Captain Darcy who shot Sir Thomas Starkey in a duel at Dieppe the other day?”

  Tattersall replied in the affirmative.

  “It was an unfortunate affair,” he added. “And I particularly regret it, for Sir Thomas was a good friend of mine.”

  While this conversation took place the two officers had been looking at Mildred, and were greatly struck by her beauty.

  “That’s the prettiest girl I’ve seen for some time,” said Darcy. “Who the deuce can she be?”

  “Evidently the daughter of that old fellow,” replied the Colonel. “I think Tattersall said he is Mr. Warburton of Beaucliffe House.”

  “I should like very much to know her,” said Darcy.

  “The stylish-looking woman with them is Lady Talmash,” said the Colonel. “I have a slight acquaintance with her.”

  Just then Tattersall came up, and, addressing Darcy, told him that Mr. Warburton would be glad to speak to him.

  “I think he’ll buy your famous hunter,” he said. “He wants the horse for his daughter, who is the boldest and best lady rider in Cheshire.”

  “I’ve heard of her,” replied Darcy. “Did you tell him my price?”

  “Yes; he makes no objection,” said Tattersall.

  “Come on, then,” said Darcy.

  The two officers were then introduced to the Squire and the ladies.

  “We hear you have a wonderful horse to sell, Captain Darcy,” said the Squire.

  “There isn’t his match in Cheshire, Mr. Warburton, I’ll answer for that,” was the reply.

  “Nor anywhere else,” added the Colonel “May I ask why you are parting with him?” inquired Mildred.

  “Because I’m giving up hunting,” said Darcy. “I grieve to part with him, but shall be reconciled to the loss if I sell him to you.”

  “You are very polite,” replied Mildred. “But you ask a terribly long price.”

  “Not more than I gave,” said Darcy.

  “Well, if he answers to your description, we shan’t quarrel about the price,” said the Squire. “When can we see the horse?”

  “When you please,” replied Darcy. “He’s now in Mr. Tattersall’s stables.”

  “Let us go and look at him at once, dear papa,” cried Mildred, eagerly. “By the way, what’s his name?” she added to Darcy.

  “Lionel — same as my own,” he replied, smiling.

  The whole party then adjourned to a yard at the back of the premises, where no one was allowed to intrude at the time.

  Lionel was brought out by a groom, and elicited general admiration.

  “Upon my soul! I never saw a finer horse!” exclaimed the Squire.

  “I won’t say anything further in his praise,” remarked Tattersall. “You are quite as good a judge of a horse as I am, Squire.”

  “You pay me a high compliment, sir,” said Mr. Warburton, much gratified.

  “Not more than you deserve, sir,” replied Tattersall.

  “What does Miss Warburton think of him?” asked Darcy. “I should very much like to have her opinion.”

  “If I praise him you won’t increase the price?”

  “Can you suppose it possible?” he replied.

  “Well, then, I’m sure he’ll suit me admirably,” she said. “I like him better than any horse I ever saw. You must buy him, dear papa!”

  “Well, if I must — I must, I suppose,” rejoined the Squire.

  “Better try him
first,” counselled Tattersall. “He shall be sent to where you please to-morrow morning. You don’t object, eh, captain?”

  “Not in the least,” replied Darcy. “Miss Warburton can give her own orders.”

  “Then send him to the Grosvenor Hotel at ten o’clock to-morrow morning,” said Mildred.

  “I must also get you to send me a horse,” said the Squire. “And another perhaps for your ladyship, eh?”

  “I certainly cannot be left out,” said Lady Talmash. “I can furnish you with a riding habit,” said Mildred. “Luckily, I have brought a couple with me, and I dare say one of them will fit you.”

  “Not a doubt of it,” replied her ladyship; “we are just about the same size.”

  “May I be allowed to attend the party, Squire?” said Darcy. “And perhaps my friend Colonel Ratcliffe may have permission likewise?”

  “We shall be very glad to have you both with us,” replied the Squire.

  It being now quite understood that if the horse answered all expectations at the proposed trial on the morrow, it was to become Mr. Warburton’s at the price mentioned; the Squire and the two ladies left Hyde Park Corner, and proceeded to the Grosvenor.

  “Are you aware that that charming girl is an only daughter?” remarked the Colonel to Darcy. “She’ll have a large fortune.”

  “A very large fortune,” echoed Tattersall. “She’s a great Cheshire heiress.”

  “And well worth looking after,” said the Colonel. “But you’ll have a great many rivals.”

  The two friends then took their departure, Darcy being well satisfied with his day’s work.

  CHAPTER XIX.

  RICHMOND PARK.

  A VERY good dinner was given at the Grosvenor by the Squire. And it was thoroughly enjoyed, at least by himself and Sir John Lambert Stanley and Mildred sat next to each other, but did not talk much, and there seemed a certain restraint between them, which Lady Talmash did not fail to notice, though she herself kept up a very lively conversation with Mr. Warburton.

  Both Stanley and Sir John were greatly surprised to learn that the Squire had bought a horse for his daughter from Captain Darcy, and hoped the purchase would turn out well.

  Sir John was quite aware that Darcy had a famous hunter, but did not know that he meant to sell it. Stanley made no remark, but he was far from pleased.

  Lady Talmash did her best to bring about a perfect reconciliation between the lovers, but was not entirely successful. The Squire saw there was something amiss, but thought it best not to interfere.

  In the course of the evening, Stanley invited the Squire and the ladies to dine with him next day at the Star and Garter, Richmond, to meet Lady Starkey and her niece, and the invitation was accepted, though rather against Mildred’s wish.

  “This will do very well,” said the Squire. “We can ride through Richmond Park, and give the horses a gallop. We shall then see how he behaves. What time do you dine?”

  “Early — not later than six,” replied Stanley.

  “Can’t you ask Captain Darcy and Colonel Ratcliffe to join the party?” said Mildred to Stanley.

  “Not very well,” he replied. “The recent duel with Sir Thomas Starkey is a difficulty.”

  “Oh! yes, I see,” replied Mildred. “We’ll say no more about it.”

  Before separating, it was arranged that Stanley and Sir John should go down first to Richmond and order dinner at the Star and Garter; while the others could find their way there as they chose.

  The arrangement seemed to please the Squire vastly.

  “Couldn’t be better!” he cried, rubbing his hands. “Couldn’t be better.”

  Next morning, at the appointed hour, the famous hunter was sent to the Grosvenor, together with two other very good-looking horses — one intended for Lady Talmash, and the other for the Squire.

  Both ladies were equipped for the expedition, and the riding-habit, lent to Lady Talmash by Mildred, looked as if made for her.

  Enraptured at the sight of her new horse, Mildred clapped her hands with delight, crying out, “There he is! How well he looks, papa!”

  The Squire was of the same opinion, and so was Lady Talmash.

  Mildred was all eagerness to try him, nor had she long to wait.

  Punctual to the appointment, Darcy and Colonel Radcliffe made their appearance, and, leaving their horses in charge of the grooms, entered the hotel.

  They found the ladies and the Squire in the hall, and after a general expression of satisfaction at the fineness of the day, which everybody said would render the ride most agreeable, they all came forth.

  The Colonel now led Lady Talmash to the horse intended for her, while Darcy, almost ceremoniously, assisted Mildred to mount As the young lady, whip in hand, placed herself lightly and gracefully in the saddle, the eyes of both officers were fixed upon her with admiration, and the grooms thought she looked like a picture.

  In a few minutes more the whole party had mounted, and were taking their way through Knightsbridge to Kensington, headed by Darcy and his fair companion, and followed by the grooms.

  The little cavalcade attracted the greatest attention as it proceeded on its course, and everybody wanted to know the name of the lovely girl riding in front It was quite impossible, indeed, not to be struck by Mildred’s appearance on her new horse.

  Never had she looked so well before — so thought her father, and so thought everybody else. The new hunter, which was very showy-looking, seemed quite proud of his fair burthen, and walked with statelier step than usual.

  Darcy could not help complimenting the young lady on her perfect seat on horseback.

  “You must excuse me, Miss Warburton,” he said, “but I cannot help telling you how well you look. Till now this horse has never been properly ridden.

  You sit Him to perfection, and I am certain he knows you do so.”

  “You flatter me, Captain Darcy,” she rejoined — by no means displeased.

  “No; I am telling you the exact truth,” he said. “A horse always knows when he has got a good rider, and I am certain Lionel feels your power, and longs to show you what he can do.”

  “I’ll put his obedience to the test, as soon as we enter Richmond Park,” she rejoined smiling.

  “I shall be very much surprised — very much disappointed — if you don’t find him everything you could wish,” said Darcy. “What does your ladyship think of him,” he added, appealing to Lady Talmash.

  “I think he justifies all that has been said in his praise,” she replied. “He exactly suits Miss Warburton.”

  “Precisely my opinion,” remarked Colonel Ratcliffe.

  “Yes; I think my daughter is suited at last!” cried the Squire, laughing.

  Reserving any trial they intended to make for Richmond Park, the party proceeded at a leisurely pace across Hammersmith Bridge, and did not even get beyond a walk on Barnes Common.

  Mildred found some difficulty in restraining her impetuous steed, but she would not let him have his own way for the present At length they reached the lodge gate, and entered the Park.

  As we have already intimated there could not have been a more delightful morning for a ride — bright and sunshiny — but not too warm.

  The charming Park was seen to the greatest advantage. The turf was in splendid condition, and seemed to invite a gallop. The trees were in full foliage, and beneath them couched both red and fallow deer — the latter being the most numerous. The sheets of water Looked like lakes, and materially heightened the beauty of the picture. Nothing, in short, was wanting to render the place enjoyable, and though all three gentlemen had often been there before, they thought they had never seen the Park look so enchanting.

  After riding on for a couple of hundred yards, the party came to a halt. It had been decided that the trial should be made partly along the road, and partly over the turf.

  First of all, a short but careful examination of the horse was made by the Squire, who could not find a fault with him.


  These preliminaries gone through, Mildred called out —

  “Now for a gallop! Keep with me if you can, Captain Darcy!”

  At the slightest touch possible of the whip Lionel, whose impatience had been greatly increased by the delay, started off at full speed over the turf.

  Darcy found it impossible to obey the command he had received — nor could any of the others keep near the fair equestrian, who laughed as she left them behind.

  Before she had gone more than half a mile the gallant captain, who did his best, had lost all chance, and the rest were nowhere.

  But Mildred went on — rather increasing than slackening her pace — till she reached the skirts of the terrace, whence such a lovely view is obtained of the valley with the Thames winding through it, and Windsor Castle crowning the heights in the distance.

  Here she drew in the rein, and turned round to look for her friends.

  They were not far behind. Finding it impossible to keep up with her, Darcy had desisted from the attempt Several persons were on the terrace, surveying the charming prospect, and they loudly expressed their admiration of her performance.

  Not caring for so much homage, Mildred rode bade to her friends, and the whole party set off towards another part of the Park.

  As soon as they had got fid of the spectators, the young lady tried a second gallop, with as much success as the first.

  In this instance her course led her to the widest part of the Park, and here she was checked, at length, by furze bushes and ferns.

  “Well, does the horse answer your expectations, Miss Warburton?” asked Darcy, as he came up.

  “Surpasses them,” she replied.

  “I’m truly glad to hear it,” he rejoined. “It will always be a satisfaction to me that I have been able to provide you with a horse worthy of you.”

  “I shall ever feel obliged to you, I’m sure, Captain Darcy,” she replied.