Darcy had tact enough to discover this, and though he had met with no opposition from Stanley, he recognised in him a dangerous rival.
On the morning in question, as we have stated, Darcy was received with every mark of favour, and considered his case progressing most satisfactorily, but he was mistaken. He had not arrived more than five minutes, and was chatting most agreeably, when Mildred suddenly arose, and, glancing rather significantly at Lady Talmash, quitted the room.
Fancying she would return immediately, Darcy did not seem to notice her departure, but he was not long left in doubt.
Assuming a different manner, Lady Talmash said to him, “I’m glad you came this morning. I have something to say to you about Miss Warburton.”
“Indeed!” exclaimed Darcy, alarmed at this commencement, though he took care not to manifest his uneasiness.
Lady Talmash paused for a moment to give effect to her words, looking very calm and collected, and then observed —
“I think I am not wrong in assuming that you admire Miss Warburton?”
“Certainly not,” said Darcy, “I admire her exceedingly. She has produced a stronger effect upon me than any one of your sex ever did before. It is my intention to solicit her hand in due form from her father, and I trust he won’t refuse it me.”
“Have you obtained the young lady’s consent to that step?” asked her ladyship.
“Not exactly,” he replied. “But I do not imagine she will refuse permission.”
“Had you not better clearly ascertain that point?” said Lady Talmash. “My own opinion is that the step would not be entirely agreeable to her. In plain terms, however flattered she might be, she would not be disposed to accept the offer.”
Quite astounded, Darcy began to think her ladyship must be employed to give him a refusal. He therefore resolved to change his tactics, and said, “Pray understand me, dear Lady Talmash. I have conceived the strongest passion for your beautiful friend, Mildred Warburton. Her charms have positively bewitched me — and a refusal on her part would drive me to distraction. Have some pity upon me, and help me! You may do so without fear. I will do my best to make your charming friend happy; and I am quite sure I can do so. I will become the most devoted husband—”
“You promise great things,” interrupted Lady Talmash, smiling. “All men do so. But women are excessively foolish who believe them.”
“Does your ladyship doubt what I assert?” he cried, half-angrily.
“No,” she replied. “You mean it now, but you will change hereafter. Mildred has consulted me on this subject, and I have given her my frank opinion. I do not think even she, beautiful and attractive as she is, and she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld — could keep you constant.”
“You are entirely mistaken in me,” cried Darcy. “My future happiness, I feel, is so entirely dependent upon her, that I will do aught to obtain her.”
“Promise everything?”
“Yes, and fulfil all my promises!” he cried. “I see my word is doubted, but I think I could convince her of my sincerity. I hope I am not to be dismissed without a hearing.”
“Nothing would be gained by an interview,” said Lady Talmash.
“I think otherwise,” he replied. “I am sure the opinion she has formed of me — owing to some misrepresentation — would be altered.”
“I cannot recommend an interview. I do not think it would lead to any good,” said her ladyship.
At this moment the door opened, and Mildred entered the room.
Darcy seemed disposed to rush forward, and throw himself at her feet, but her looks checked him.
She seemed perfectly calm and unmoved.
“Lady Talmash, I suppose, has acquainted you with my sentiments?” she said.
“I can scarcely believe they are your sentiments,” he replied. “Do you absolutely reject my suit?”
“I have discovered that I do not like you sufficiently to marry you,” she replied, unhesitatingly.
“Then why give me so much encouragement?” he cried. “It was scarcely fair. I had a right to presume upon it; and no wonder I did so.”
“I tell you frankly I have changed my mind,” she replied, without any alteration of manner. “I do not think I should be happy with you.”
“Give me your reason for this opinion,” he cried. “Is it your own, or another’s?” he added significantly.
“You have no right to ask that question,” interposed Lady Talmash. “It is quite sufficient that Miss Warburton has adopted the opinion.”
“Pardon me, I don’t think so,” responded Darcy “I should like to know whether or not she has been influenced in her feelings towards me,”
“I will answer the question positively myself,” said Mildred. “I certainly did entertain a liking for you, but nothing more — nothing more — mind you. Your present of the horse alarmed me. I knew what would follow. I then consulted my heart, and found I could not accept you.”
“And this is the fact?” asked Darcy, in a tone of bitter disappointment “It is,” she replied.
“I certainly think you have been trifling with me,” he rejoined. “But, never mind! I must bear the rejection as well as I can. If I am rightly informed I am not the first who has suffered. But what is to follow? Are we to remain friends?”
“Friends, of course,” replied Mildred, smiling. “But upon this clear understanding.”
“No more love-making,” said Lady Talmash.
“Very well; I accept,” said Darcy.
As the words were uttered, the Squire entered the room.
Most probably, he knew what was about to occur, and had got out of the way. Be that as it might, he went up to Darcy as if nothing had happened, and shooks hands with him in his usual friendly manner.
“We are going to try our new horse in the Park this afternoon,” he said.
“Ah! I shall never meet with such another,” said Darcy. “I declare positively I would only have sold the horse to Miss Warburton.”
“You appear to repent what you have done,” said Mildred, in a tone of pity. “You shall have him back again, if you will.”
“No, no!” cried Darcy, “I can’t do that.”
And bowing to them, he rather hastily quitted the room.
“Well, that little affair is settled, eh?” said the Squire, with a very droll expression of countenance.
“Quite,” replied Lady Talmash. “And very satisfactorily settled, in my opinion.”
CHAPTER XXV.
LADY STARKEY EXPLAINS HER INTENTIONS IN REGARD TO ROSE.
THE ladies at the house in Berkeley Square have just finished breakfast Rose has quitted the room, but Lady Starkey has detained Mrs. Brereton, because she wishes to have a little private talk with her.
“Now, dear Mrs. Brereton,” said her ladyship, “do, pray, tell me what you think of my niece? I shall be very much surprised — very much disappointed — if you don’t like her.”
“She is a very loveable girl,” replied Mrs. Brereton, emphatically. “As far as I can perceive she hasn’t a fault. Moreover, she is uncommonly pretty.”
“She really deserves the commendation you bestow upon her,” said Lady Starkey, greatly pleased. She is most amiable, and I love her as much as if she were my own daughter. My motive for asking your opinion of the dear girl is this. I fancy a feeling of regard, very likely to become a lasting attachment, has already sprung up between her and Stanley; and I really think she would make him an excellent wife — far better than that fascinating coquette, Mildred Warburton.”
“Such is my own opinion,” replied Mrs. Brereton. “But you needn’t give yourself any concern on that score, No union is ever likely to occur between Stanley and Mildred. She is willing to flirt with him, but nothing more. Even when there did not seem the slightest chance of obtaining her hand, she gave him encouragement. Mildred has always some new admirer. Yesterday I observed Captain Darcy was the favourite, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she dismissed him to-day.�
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“I hope not,” exclaimed Lady Starkey. “In that case Stanley might be lured back again.”
“I don’t think so,” replied Mrs. Brereton. “He appears to have been slighted, and his proud spirit will never brook that. No, I fancy he will now devote himself exclusively to Rose, and with a little assistance on your ladyship’s part, a match may very easily be brought about between them.”
“Such is my earnest desire,” said Lady Starkey, “It is my firm belief they would be extremely happy together, and Sir John Lambert is of the same opinion, or I wouldn’t for the world encourage the scheme.” She paused for a moment and then added, “You quite understand, I believe, dear Mrs. Brereton, that I regard my darling Rose as a daughter.”
“I cannot doubt your ladyship’s intentions towards her,” replied Mrs. Brereton. “And I really think she deserves your kindness.”
“Rose will have all my property,” said Lady Starkey, “I wished to give you that assurance.”
“She deserves her good fortune,” said Mrs. Brereton, scarcely able to conceal her satisfaction. “Your ladyship may calculate on my best aid. I should be truly rejoiced to see my son so well-wedded.”
“Should the marriage take place, I hope and trust it may turn out well,” said Lady Starkey, with a sigh, caused by some painful recollections. “Never did woman love her husband more fondly than I loved Sir Thomas — and yet—”
“Pray don’t think of it, dearest Lady Starkey,” interrupted Mrs. Brereton. “Stanley is very differently constituted from his unfortunate uncle. His nature is extremely affectionate, and I am certain he will make a devoted husband. If I doubted it, I should not desire to see him married — especially to such a charming girl as Rose — for it would kill me, if he made her unhappy. But there is no fear of that.”
“I trust not,” sighed Lady Starkey. “But let us go upstairs.”
Thereupon, they proceeded to the boudoir, where they found Rose, who welcomed them with smiles. She was engaged on some little feminine employment.
“Well, my love,” said Lady Starkey, “I think we must be quiet to-day.”
Rose did not seem at all surprised by the intimation, but simply remarked, “I suppose we shall drive out as usual?”
“Oh, yes! we shall drive in the Park in the afternoon — of course,” said Lady Starkey. “Mrs. Brereton will be amused by seeing the company and equipages. I wonder Stanley has not made his appearance. He said he should be here early.”
And as she spoke, the young man himself entered the room.
“Oh! here you are!” he exclaimed. “I expected to find you at breakfast. I hope you are not all tired to death?”
“We are not in the least tired,” replied Rose.
“How could you suppose it possible, when we passed our time so agreeably?”
“Well, can you stand such another day, do you think?” inquired Stanley, laughing.
“Oh! dear no,” cried both her ladyship and Mrs. Brereton. “We must have some rest. Would you kill us?”
“Not quite,” replied Stanley. “But I thought you might like an excursion to Hampton Court or Windsor.”
“A week hence we might think of it; but not so soon,” replied Lady Starkey.
Rose made no remark, but she didn’t seem to agree with her aunt.
“In less than a week the Warburtons and Lady Talmash will have left town,” said Stanley.
“We can’t sacrifice ourselves to please them, much as we like them,” said Lady Starkey. “Besides, I don’t wish Rose to go out every day on a pleasure party.”
“Very proper,” echoed Mrs. Brereton.
“But this was to be a very small friendly party,” urged Stanley.
“Quite as large as the party yesterday, I daresay,” rejoined Lady Starkey.
“No, there are one or two omissions that would certainly be made,” said Stanley.
“If those omissions are made, Miss Warburton won’t escape,” said Rose.
“Oh! yes, she will,” replied Stanley. “Yesterday Captain Darcy was a great favourite, but he has very likely got his congé to-day.”
“Is it possible she can be so inconstant,” cried Rose.
“Such is her character,” replied Stanley.
The young lady glanced at her aunt, but read no contradiction in her looks.
“She enjoys, and not undeservedly, the reputation of being a great coquette,” said Mrs. Brereton.
“I am very sorry to hear it,” observed Rose. “Sir John Lambert told me she is dreadfully fickle, but I thought he must exaggerate.”
“He did not exaggerate in the slightest degree,” said Mrs. Brereton. “She is always changing her admirers.”
“Dear me, how shocking,” exclaimed Rose.
While they were thus talking, Sir John Lambert came in, and almost immediately burst into a laugh.
“May we hear what amuses you, Sir John?” asked Lady Starkey.
“Undoubtedly,” he replied, still laughing. “I have just met Darcy, and what do you think? You saw what a great favourite he appeared to be yesterday with Mildred Warburton. Well, he persuaded himself, as several others have done, that he had only to propose to be accepted. Accordingly, this morning, he called at the Grosvenor Hotel, with that intention. Suspecting his design, the young lady immediately quitted the room, and left him to Lady Talmash, by whom his hopes were quietly and effectively extinguished. Miss Warburton, he was informed, had never given him a serious thought — never meant to accept him. He remonstrated, and was allowed a hearing; but he gained nothing by the motion. His dismissal was confirmed. This relation must be correct, since I had it from the luckless victim himself, whom I met just now in Pall Mall as I came here.”
Apparently, Sir John had very little commiseration for his friend, for on the close of his recital, he again laughed loudly, and was joined in his merriment by Stanley.
Both Lady Starkey and Mrs. Brereton seemed amused by Darcy’s failure, but Rose was shocked by the treatment he had experienced.
“After the marked encouragement given to Captain Darcy yesterday,” she said, “I think Miss Warburton’s conduct most unfeeling.”
“It serves him quite right,” cried Stanley, laughing. “I can’t pity him in the least. I expected he would make a fool of himself, but I didn’t think he would be in such a hurry to do it.”
“He has made a fool of himself in more ways than one in this affair,” said Sir John. “He ought to have taken the hint given him.”
“Anybody else would have done,” said Stanley.
“Men won’t always take a hint, however plain it may be,” said Lady Starkey.
“Darcy is the last man I should have thought would act so foolishly,” remarked Sir John. “But if I understand him aright he won’t give up the chase.”
“I shouldn’t be surprised at anything he does,” observed Lady Starkey.
As the words were uttered, the unlucky hero of the story just recounted, came in.
He saw at once that all was known, and was vexed at his imprudence in confiding the matter to Sir John.
But his coolness did not desert him. Marching up to Lady Starkey, he said in a voice that all might hear, “I bring some droll news, Would you believe it?
A young lady who smiled upon me very graciously yesterday, has just rejected me! Yes, absolutely rejected me! However, I don’t despair. There may yet be a turn in my favour. If not, I shan’t break my heart.”
Though Stanley enjoyed Darcy’s mortification, he could not help admiring his singular audacity. The two young men saluted each other coldly, and the looks they exchanged were by no means friendly.
For a few moments Lady Starkey did not recover from her surprise at Darcy’s unexpected appearance, and when she addressed him she thought it best not to make any further allusion to his rejection by Mildred, but to let the matter drop.
Altogether the impression produced by the unsuccessful suitor was unfavourable, and everybody thought the young lady had acted judicious
ly in getting rid of him.
So unsatisfactory indeed was his reception, that he did not stay more than five minutes, and when he was gone everybody gave vent to the laughter which they had hitherto restrained.
Let no unsuccessful suitor expect sympathy from his friends.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE RIDE IN ROTTEN ROW.
NOT long after Darcy’s departure, the Squire, with his bewitching daughter and Lady Talmash made their appearance.
Lady Starkey did not give them the slightest hint that the rejected suitor had just left, or that she knew anything about what had recently occurred, and all die rest of the party were equally cautious; but when they regarded the lovely girl, with triumph written in her countenance, they did not wonder at Darcy’s deep disappointment and mortification.
The fascinating coquette, as some of them termed her, was in high spirits, and seemed anxious to have a little talk with Stanley, but he kept out of her influence as long as he could.
When the Squire was able to manage it, he took Sir John Lambert aside, hinting that he had something to tell him; and though they conversed in a low tone, the subject of their discourse was easily surmised.
Presently Lady Starkey interrupted them by inquiring from Mr. Warburton whether he intended to prolong his stay in town?
“I can scarcely tell,” he replied, shrugging his shoulders. “I meant to leave to-day, but here I am. And were I to fix my departure for to-morrow something would be sure to detain me. I wish I had made an arrangement to stop a month.”
“There is no reason, papa, why you should be in a hurry to go back,” said Mildred. “I’m sure our time has passed most agreeably.”
“I should think so,” observed Lady Starkey, smiling. “But I like the country better than town,” said the Squire.
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 799
