ROSE took no part in the consultations now going on as to the future management of Beaucliffe. She neither wished to interfere with her aunt nor Lady Talmash, but was quite ready to offer Stanley all the consolation in her power.
It was quite evident that Mildred’s flight had awakened fresh hopes in her breast, and she could now look forward with a pleasant expectation to the future.
Though Stanley continued to reside at Beaucliffe, he spent the greater part of each day at Brereton, and constantly talked over matters with Rose and his mother, either in the library or while walking on the lawn.
He spoke of himself as an injured husband, and complained very bitterly of the manner in which his wife had left him; but his mother told him he might think himself exceedingly fortunate in having got rid of her, and Rose’s looks expressed the same opinion.
“It may not be very flattering to your vanity that Mildred should run away from you,” said Mrs. Brereton. “But it is very well she has gone, for you could never have been happy with her.”
“Perhaps not,” he replied. “And though I may reconcile myself to her loss, I shall never be satisfied till I have called Darcy to account.”
“He is said to be a dead shot,” remarked Rose. “Why give him a chance of killing you?”
“I cannot otherwise avenge my honour,” said Stanley.
“Then leave it unavenged,” rejoined his mother. “This infamous Darcy has already killed my brother. He must not in like manner rob me of my son.”
“In my opinion you will needlessly expose yourself by challenging him,” said Rose. “You are not called upon to meet him.”
“I think differently,” said Stanley.
“Dismiss these silly notions,” rejoined his mother. “Darcy has really rendered you an important service — if you could only view it in the right light — and you ought to feel grateful to him. Leave him alone, I say. My chief anxiety is about poor dear Mr. Warburton, whose recovery seems not yet quite assured.”
“Oh! yes, I think it is,” said Stanley.
“How Mildred could leave such an indulgent father I cannot understand,” continued Mrs. Brereton.
“Nor I,” added Rose. “She can have no real feeling. Should Mr. Warburton die, she will never be free from remorse.”
“A woman without feeling is not likely to be troubled with remorse,” said Mrs. Brereton.
And she left them, and passed through one of the French windows into the library.
Rose would have followed, but Stanley detained her. “Don’t go in just yet,” he observed. “I have something to say to you.”
“What is it?” she asked, looking as if she almost guessed what was coming.
“Do you think you could be happy as my wife?” he said. “It won’t do to make a second mistake.”
“I’m quite sure I could,” she replied. “I should be the happiest person possible were I allowed to indulge my regard for you.”
“Ere long, I trust, the sole obstacle to our union will be removed,” said Stanley.
“Heaven grant it may!” she exclaimed. “With such a prospect, why not tranquilise yourself? Above all, leave Darcy alone. Depend upon it, he will be sufficiently punished by the partner of his flight.”
“I have no doubt of it,” said Stanley.
“The person to be pitied is Mr. Warburton,” said Rose. “To him his daughter is a real loss. What he will do without her I cannot conceive.”
“He will easily find a wife, if he wants one,” replied Stanley. “There are two ladies now at Beaucliffe, either of whom would accept him.”
“I shouldn’t wonder,” replied Rose. “But is he likely to choose one of them?”
“That I can’t say,” replied Stanley. “But now tell me, do you really like this house in all respects?”
“Yes, it exactly suits me. I feel I shall be perfectly happy here. I am very fond of your mother, and I think she likes me.”
“I am sure she does,” replied Stanley. “Under the circumstances, it is very fortunate that you agree so well together, since she must, of necessity, remain here.”
“The house would lose one of its chief attractions if she were to quit it,” said Rose. “To me she is a delightful companion, and I am always happy in her society. I am quite disposed to pay her all possible respect, and will do my best to please her. Nor will it be a difficult task. Already, I know something of her tastes, and can easily accommodate myself to them. She is fond of a quiet life, so am I. I like the country quite as much as she does, and don’t care much for town. I delight in a garden and all connected with it, so does she. Above all, this house suits us both perfectly. I don’t think we shall disagree on a single point.”
“I’m sure you won’t,” replied Stanley. “Hitherto, my experience has been precisely the reverse. My mother has never been interfered with — for that I would not allow — but her tastes have rarely been consulted.”
“Well, you shall have no complaint on that score,” said Rose. “I look on this as a very charming house, but I have a few plans to suggest which I think may turn out improvements.”
“Suggest them to my mother,” said Stanley. “She will feel flattered. Ah, there she is at the library window. She has come back to look after us. I must give her some notion of our intentions respecting her.”
Accordingly, he stepped towards the window, and told her what had just passed between him and Rose.
Mrs. Brereton seemed highly pleased by the information.
“Only perform half your promise,” she said, smiling at Rose; “and I shall be perfectly content.”
“Depend upon it — if ever I have the opportunity — I will perform all,” replied the young lady earnestly.
“Then, indeed, Brereton is sure to be a cheerful house,” said the elderly lady.
Mrs. Brereton’s regard for Rose had already become strong affection. She discovered in her so many suitable qualities that she could not but rejoice that Stanley had chosen so well, and only hoped that their union might not be long delayed.
END OF VOL I.
VOLUME II.
CHAPTER I.
WILL ROSE BE THE FUTURE MISTRESS OF BRERETON?
FOR reasons previously explained, neither Mrs. Brereton nor Rose had seen Mr. Warburton since the commencement of his illness.
But an urgent message was now sent by him through Stanley, begging them to come to Beaucliffe; and they at once responded to the invitation, and found him looking much better than they expected.
He came down to the drawing-room, accompanied by Lady Starkey, and appeared particularly pleased to see Rose. He asked her how she liked Brereton, and when she replied, “Better than any other old house she had ever seen,” he said, “Strange! Mildred could not bear the place. How her dislike to it originated, I cannot imagine, but she never would pass a night there.”
“I think it charming,” rejoined Rose, “and shall be very sorry to leave it.”
“Then why leave it?” said the Squire. “Why not remain now you are there?”
Rather puzzled, Rose only replied by a slight laugh.
“I hope she will stay with us as long as she can,” said Mrs. Brereton.
“When I came to Brereton with my aunt,” said Rose, “I did not expect to remain so long, but great changes have taken place.”
“True,” replied the Squire, “and may be followed by others. I should not be at all surprised if a new mistress were found for the house.”
“She has not yet been announced,” said Mrs. Brereton.
“Well, understand that the young lady, who has already been spoken of, is perfectly agreeable to me,” said the Squire.
“I have heard a rumour,” said Lady Starkey; “and as I am naturally very much interested in the question, I can only hope it is true.”
“Depend upon it, your ladyship shall receive early information,” said Mrs. Brereton. “But at present, as I have just said, the announcement is premature.”
During this talk, Rose blus
hed deeply, but did not utter a word.
“You must not be offended with me, dear Mrs. Brereton,” said Lady Starkey. “But I hope you will satisfy my curiosity on this point. Is my niece to be the future mistress of Brereton?”
“What shall I say?” remarked Mrs. Brereton to Rose.
“Nothing,” replied the young lady; “Whenever he thinks proper, Stanley will make a formal communication on the subject. Till then, silence must be observed.”
“But he has given me a hint,” said Lady Starkey. “And me, too,” added the Squire. “Indeed he has done more. He has consulted me on the subject, and as my opinion was favourable, there was no need of secrecy. I highly approve of the plan, and I think nothing better could be done, under the circumstances. In fact ‘it was to tell you this that I sent for you both. The plan, I repeat, has my entire approval.”
“And mine, too,” said Lady Starkey, emphatically. “I have such a high opinion of my niece, that I am confident Stanley will be happy with her.”
“Oh! thank you, dearest aunt, for what you say,” cried Rose, springing up and kissing her. “It is the greatest satisfaction to be able to speak freely of this affair, but I did not think I should be able to do so.”
“I thought it best to come to a clear understanding,” said Mr. Warburton; “and to convince you that I am really anxious for Stanley’s happiness. You must control your impatience, and wait till matters can be arranged; but rest satisfied there will be no opposition on my part.”
“I never doubted it, sir,” said Mrs. Brereton; “and I only regret that you should have been placed by circumstances in such a painful position.”
Just then, Stanley entered the room, and instantly perceived that a satisfactory explanation had taken place.
“I am infinitely obliged to you, sir,” he said, addressing the Squire. “Few fathers, who have lost a dearly-beloved daughter would act as you have done.”
“I desire to make all allowances,” said Mr. Warburton. “Understand clearly that you will have no needless opposition from me; but that, so far as I can, I will assist you. And now I must bid you adieu, for as you are aware, I am still not very strong. Come over to Beaucliffe whenever you are disposed. I shall always be glad to see you.”
With this he quitted the room, attended by Lady Starkey.
“I must say I am filled with admiration and astonishment by Mr. Warburton’s conduct,” said Mrs. Brereton, as soon as he was gone. “I did not believe he could act thus. He seems to put himself entirely out of the question.”
“He really wishes to act justly,” said Stanley. “What he suffers from the terrible calamity, that has befallen him no one knows but himself. He makes no complaint. But it is certain he will never receive his daughter again.”
“You think so?” said Rose.
“I am quite sure of it. Lady Starkey has extorted a promise from him to that effect, and so has Lady Talmash.”
CHAPTER II.
WHICH IS THE FAVOURITE?
MR. WARBURTON continued to improve, and might now be considered as almost well.
He no longer breakfasted in bed, or in his dressing-room, but downstairs, with Lady Starkey and Lady Talmash, who kept him as cheerful as they could.
Though merely manifested in trifles, a little jealousy had sprung up between the two ladies, both of whom paid the amiable old gentleman the greatest attention, but neither could declare herself the favourite, for if one gained a step the other quickly overtook her.
The truth is the Squire liked them both pretty nearly equally, though perhaps Lady Starkey had most influence with him, and occasionally he sat a quarter of an hour longer with her during breakfast than he did with Lady Talmash.
On such occasions they generally talked about Mildred, and the Squire would then pour forth his griefs into her sympathising bosom.
“Now I have lost my daughter,” he said, “I sometimes think I should be happier if I had a constant female companion.”
“I have no doubt you would, sir,” replied Lady Starkey. “You require someone to cheer you.”
“I daresay your niece, who, it is to be hoped, will eventually become Stanley’s wife, and who is really a most amiable person, would do her best to make me comfortable.”
“But she cannot always be here,” said Lady Starkey. “Stanley is quite resolved to keep up Brereton, when he marries again. I really think you cannot do better than follow his example. Be sure you will be happier and more comfortable as a husband than you have ever been as a father.”
“I really begin to think so,” said the Squire. “But I must not marry too young a wife.”
“No! no! That will never do,” rejoined Lady Starkey. “Such a choice might not lead to a happy result. You want an agreeable and lady-like companion, of middle age.”
“Precisely,” said the Squire. “And such an one I have in my eye at the present moment.”
Lady Starkey looked quite confused.
“How am I to understand you, Mr. Warburton!” she asked.
“I hope I have said nothing to offend your ladyship?” he rejoined.
“Offend me! Oh no!” she replied, in a very bland and encouraging tone. “But perhaps you will give me a little time for consideration?”
“As much as your ladyship pleases,” said the Squire. “I wouldn’t hurry you for the world. A great deal has to be considered — age, temper, tastes, and a variety of other things. But still you know something about me.”
“Quite enough to satisfy me of your worth and goodness of heart,” replied Lady Starkey. “And pray believe, dear Mr. Warburton, if I hesitate, it is because—”
“Don’t say another word,” said the Squire. “It is quite natural you should hesitate. But I will relieve you at once of the difficulty. Don’t think any more of the proposition just made to you.”
Before Lady Starkey could make any reply the door opened and Lady Talmash came in.
“Some other time,” said Lady Starkey, rising and quitting the room.
“Why is she in such a hurry?” inquired Lady Talmash. “I seem to have come rather mal á propos. It almost looks as if you had been making her an offer of your hand, and had been refused — though that’s very unlikely.”
“Unlikely as it seems,” said the Squire; “it’s the fact.”
“Well, I couldn’t have believed it,” cried her ladyship, in amazement. “I wonder she could be insensible to your merits.”
“I’m too old for her, I suppose,” said the Squire, with a sigh. “It’s great presumption, I own, on my part, to propose to such a fine woman.”
“Well, don’t despair,” said Lady Talmash, with a smile. “She’s not the only fine woman to be found. You can’t be violently in love with her?”
“I didn’t pretend to be in love with her at all,” said the Squire. “I only want an amiable and ladylike companion, and she rather led me to believe she would like to be mistress of Beaucliffe.”
“No doubt she would,” rejoined Lady Talmash. “And I’m quite astonished she should have thrown away the chance.”
“Well, now, just tell me how you, yourself, would behave under similar circumstances?” said the Squire.
“I can’t tell,” she replied. “Ask a direct question and I’ll give you a precise answer. You may be jesting all this time. I confess it looks like it. And judging from her otherwise inexplicable conduct, Lady Starkey seems to have entertained the same opinion.”
At this juncture Lady Starkey returned.
She seemed rather put out on finding Lady Talmash still with the Squire, and was by no means pleased by her exulting look.
“I have considered what you said to me just now, before I left the room, sir,” she said.
“Oh! I thought that was all at an end,” exclaimed the Squire.
“How at an end?” cried Lady Starkey, in astonishment “In other words, that the offer was declined,” said the Squire.
“No such thing,” rejoined the lady. “A short time was allowed me for cons
ideration, and I have now returned to say that I accept.”
“Accept!” exclaimed the Squire, in dismay. “But it’s too late. I thought you had declined, and acted accordingly.”
“You don’t mean to say you have made another proposal since I left the room.”
“Undoubtedly I have.”
“And been accepted?”
“Ask Lady Talmash. She can give you the best response.”
“Most certainly,” said the lady appealed to. “I meant to accept him.”
“You have acted most improperly, sir,” said Lady Starkey angrily. “I asked for a little time for consideration, which you most readily granted, and on my returning after a few minutes absence, during which I had determined to accept you, I find you have made a second offer. Is such conduct that of a gentleman?” she added, regarding him fixedly.
“It has been a complete misapprehension on my part,” replied the Squire in an apologetic tone. “I certainly thought you had rejected me.”
“I don’t see how that was possible, sir,” said Lady Starkey. “But even suppose there has been a mistake, which it is difficult to imagine, you must have been in a most desperate hurry.”
“I am bound to say that Mr. Warburton told me at once that he had just been refused,” said Lady Talmash, who could scarcely refrain from laughing.
“I was decidedly under that impression,” said the Squire. “Cannot you arrange the matter between yourselves. I shall be perfectly content with either.”
“Mine is the prior claim,” said Lady Starkey, “and I see no reason whatever for relinquishing it.”
“And most certainly I shan’t give up mine,” said Lady Talmash.
“Then it seems I must have two wives,” groaned the Squire. “Can’t you offer a suggestion?” he said to Lady Starkey.
“If I did so,” replied her ladyship, “I would recommend Lady Talmash to retire.”
“That would be a concession I am not likely to make to your ladyship,” rejoined the other. “I don’t desire to praise myself, but for several months of her married life, while Mildred resided beneath her father’s roof, I have managed matters for her — and, I believe, entirely to Mr. Warburton’s satisfaction.”
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 808
