TO MY CHILDREN
Oerwhelmd with sorrowand sustaining long
The proud mans contumely the oppressors wrong
Languid despondency and vain regret
Must my exhausted spirit struggle yet
Yes robbd myself of all that Fortune gave
Of every hopebut shelter in the grave
Still shall the plaintive lyre essay its powers
And dress the cave of Care with Fancys flowers
Maternal love the fiend Despair withstand
Still animate the heart and guide the hand
May you dear objects of my tender care
Escape the evils I was born to bear
Round my devoted head while tempests roll
Yet therewhere I have treasured up my soul
May the soft rays of dawning hope impart
Reviving patience to my fainting heart
And when its sharp anxieties shall cease
May I be conscious in the realms of peace
That every tear which swells my childrens eyes
From evils past not present sorrows rise
Then with some friend who loves to share your pain
For tis my boast that still such friends remain
By filial grief and fond remembrance prest
Youll seek the spot where all my miseries rest
Recall my hapless days in sad review
The long calamities I bore for you
And with an happier fate resolve to prove
How well ye merited your mothers love
In a remote part of the county of Pembroke is an old building formerly
of great strength and inhabited for centuries by the ancient family of
Mowbray to the sole remaining branch of which it still belonged tho
it was at the time this history commences inhabited only by servants
and the greater part of it was gone to decay A few rooms only had been
occasionally repaired to accommodate the proprietor when he found it
necessary to come thither to receive his rents or to inspect the
condition of the estate which however happened so seldom that during
the twelve years he had been master of it he had only once visited the
castle for a few days The business that related to the property round
it which was very considerable was conducted by a steward grown grey
in the service of the family and by an attorney from London who came
to hold the courts And an old housekeeper a servant who waited on her
the steward and a labourer who was kept to look after his horse and
work in that part of the garden which yet bore the vestige of
cultivation were now all its inhabitants except a little girl of whom
the housekeeper had the care and who was believed to be the natural
daughter of that elder brother by whose death Lord Montreville the
present possessor became entitled to the estate
This nobleman while yet a younger son was by the partiality of his
mother who had been an heiress and that of some other female
relations master of a property nearly equal to what he inherited by the
death of his brother Mr Mowbray
He had been originally designed for the law but in consequence of being
entitled to the large estate which had been his mothers and heir by
will to all her opulent family he had quitted that profession and at
the age of about four and twenty had married Lady Eleonore Delamere by
whom he had a son and two daughters
The illustrious family from which Lady Eleonore descended became
extinct in the male line by the premature death of her two brothers and
her Ladyship becoming sole heiress her husband took the name of
Delamere and obtaining one of the titles of the ladys father was at
his death created Viscount Montreville Mr Mowbray died before he was
thirty in Italy and Lord Montreville on taking possession of Mowbray
Castle found there his infant daughter
Her mother had died soon after her birth and she had been sent from
France where she was born and put under the care of Mrs Carey the
housekeeper who was tenderly attached to her having been the attendant
of Mr Mowbray from his earliest infancy
Lord Montreville suffered her to remain in the situation in which he
found her and to go by the name of Mowbray he allowed for the trifling
charge of her board and necessary cloaths in the stewards account the
examination of which was for some years the only circumstance that
reminded him of the existence of the unfortunate orphan
With no other notice from her fathers family Emmeline had attained her
twelfth year an age at which she would have been left in the most
profound ignorance if her uncommon understanding and unwearied
application had not supplied the deficiency of her instructors and
conquered the disadvantages of her situation
Mrs Carey could indeed read with tolerable fluency and write an hand
hardly legible and Mr Williamson the old steward had been formerly a
good penman and was still a proficient in accounts Both were anxious
to give their little charge all the instruction they could but without
the quickness and attention she shewed to whatever they attempted to
teach such preceptors could have done little
Emmeline had a kind of intuitive knowledge and comprehended every thing
with a facility that soon left her instructors behind her The
precarious and neglected situation in which she lived troubled not the
innocent Emmeline Having never experienced any other she felt no
uneasiness at her present lot and on the future she was not yet old
enough to reflect
Mrs Carey was to her in place of the mother she had never known and
the old steward she was accustomed to call father The death of this
venerable servant was the first sorrow Emmeline ever felt returning
late one evening in the winter from a neighbouring town he attempted
to cross a ford where the waters being extremely out he was carried
down by the rapidity of the current His horse was drowned and tho he
was himself rescued from the flood by some peasants who knew him and
carried to the castle he was so much bruised and had suffered so much
from cold that he was taken up speechless and continued so for the few
hours he survived the accident
Mrs Carey who had lived in the same house with him near forty years
felt the sincerest concern at his death with which it was necessary for
her immediately to acquaint Lord Montreville
His Lordship directed his attorney in London to replace him with
another to whom Mrs Carey with an aching heart delivered the keys of
the stewards room and drawers
Her health which was before declining received a rude shock from the
melancholy death of Mr Williamson and she and her little ward had soon
the mortification of seeing he was forgotten by all but themselves
Frequent and severe attacks of the gout now made daily ravages in the
constitution of Mrs Carey and her illness recurred so often that
Emmeline now almost fourteen began to reflect on what she should do
if Mrs Carey died and these reflections occasionally gave her pain
But she was not yet of an age to consider deeply or to dwell long on
gloomy subjects Her mind however gradually expanded and her judgment
improved for among the deserted rooms of this once noble edifice was a
library which had been well furnished with the books of those ages in
which they had been collected Many of them were in black letter and so
injured by time that the most indefatigable antiquary could have made
nothing of them
From these Emmeline turned in despair to some others of more modern
appearance which tho they also had suffered from the dampness of the
room and in some parts were almost effaced with mould were yet
generally legible Among them were Spencer and Milton two or three
volumes of the Spectator an old edition of Shakespeare and an odd
volume or two of Pope
These together with some tracts of devotion which she knew would be
very acceptable to Mrs Carey she cleaned by degrees from the dust with
which they were covered and removed into the housekeepers room where
the village carpenter accommodated her with a shelf on which with
great pride of heart she placed her new acquisitions
The dismantled windows and broken floor of the library prevented her
continuing there long together but she frequently renewed her search
and with infinite pains examined all the piles of books some of which
lay tumbled in heaps on the floor others promiscuously placed on the
shelves where the swallow the sparrow and the daw had found
habitations for many years for as the present proprietor had determined
to lay out no more than was absolutely necessary to keep one end of the
castle habitable the library which was in the most deserted part of
it was in a ruinous state and had long been entirely forsaken
Emmeline however by her unwearied researches nearly completed several
sets of books in which instruction and amusement were happily blended
From them she acquired a taste for poetry and the more ornamental parts
of literature as well as the grounds of that elegant and useful
knowledge which if it rendered not her life happier enabled her to
support with the dignity of conscious worth those undeserved evils
with which many of her years were embittered
Mrs Carey now far advanced in life found her infirmities daily
increase She was often incapable of leaving her chamber for many weeks
during which Emmeline attended her with the solicitude and affection of
a daughter scorned not to perform the most humble offices that
contributed to her relief and sat by her whole days or watched her
whole nights with the tenderest and most unwearied assiduity
On those evenings in summer when her attendance could for a few hours
be dispensed with she delighted to wander among the rocks that formed
the bold and magnificent boundary of the ocean which spread its immense
expanse of water within half a mile of the castle Simply dressed and
with no other protection than Providence she often rambled several
miles into the country visiting the remote huts of the shepherds among
the wildest mountains
During the life of Mrs Mowbray a small stipend had been annually
allowed for the use of the poor this had not yet been withdrawn and
it now passed thro the hands of Mrs Carey whose enquiries into the
immediate necessities of the cottagers in the neighbourhood of the
castle devolved to Emmeline when she was herself unable to make them
The ignorant rustics who had seen Emmeline grow up among them from her
earliest infancy and who now beheld her with the compassion as well as
the beauty of an angel administering to their necessities and
alleviating their misfortunes looked upon her as a superior being and
throughout the country she was almost adored
Perfectly unconscious of those attractions which now began to charm
every other eye Emmeline had entered her sixteenth year and the
progress of her understanding was equal to the improvement of her
person which tho she was not perfectly handsome could not be beheld
at first without pleasure and which the more it was seen became more
interesting and engaging
Her figure was elegant and graceful somewhat exceeding the middling
height Her eyes were blue and her hair brown Her features not very
regular yet there was a sweetness in her countenance when she smiled
more charming than the effect of the most regular features could have
given Her countenance open and ingenuous expressed every emotion of
her mind it had assumed rather a pensive cast and tho it occasionally
was lighted up by vivacity had been lately frequently overclouded when
the sufferings of her only friend called forth all the generous sympathy
of her nature
And now the first severe misfortune she had known was about to overtake
her Early in the spring of that year which was the sixteenth from her
birth Mrs Carey had felt an attack of the gout which however was
short and her health seemed for some time afterwards more settled than
it had been for many months She was one evening preparing to go down to
the village leaning on the arm of Emmeline when she suddenly
complained of an acute pain in her head and fell back into a chair The
affrighted girl called for assistance and endeavoured by every means in
her power to recover her but it was impossible the gout had seized her
head and casting on Emmeline a look which seemed to express all she
felt at leaving her thus desolate and friendless her venerable friend
after a short struggle breathed her last
What should Emmeline now do In this distress the first she had ever
known how should she act She saw in the lifeless corpse before her
the person on whom she had from her first recollection been accustomed
to rely who had provided for all her wants and prevented every care
for herself And now she was left to perform for this dear friend the
last sad offices and knew not what would hereafter be her own lot
In strong and excellent understandings there is in every period of
life a force which distress enables them to exert and which prevents
their sinking under the pressure of those evils which overwhelm and
subdue minds more feeble and unequal
The spirits of Emmeline were yet unbroken by affliction and her
understanding was of the first rank She possessed this native firmness
in a degree very unusual to her age and sex Instead therefore of giving
way to tears and exclamations she considered how she should best
perform all she now could do for her deceased friend and having seen
every proper care taken of her remains and given orders for every thing
relative to them with the solemn serenity of settled sorrow she
retired to her room where she began to reflect on her irreparable loss
and the melancholy situation in which she was left which she never had
courage to consider closely till it was actually before her
Painful indeed were the thoughts that now crouded on her mind
encreasing the anguish of her spirit for her recent misfortune She
considered herself as a being belonging to nobody as having no right to
claim the protection of any one no power to procure for herself the
necessaries of life On the steward Maloney she had long looked with
disgust from the assured and forward manner in which he thought proper
to treat her The freedom of his behaviour which she could with
difficulty repress while Mrs Carey lived might now she feared
approach to more insulting familiarity to be exposed to which entirely
in his power and without any female companion filled her with the most
alarming apprehensions and the more her mind dwelt on that circumstance
the more she was terrified at the prospect before her insomuch that
she would immediately have quitted the houseBut whither could she go
By abruptly leaving the asylum Lord Montreville had hitherto allowed
her she feared she might forfeit all claim to his future protection
and unknown as she was to the principal inhabitants of the country who
were few and their houses at a great distance she could hardly hope to
be received by any of them
She had therefore no choice left but to remain at the castle till she
heard from Lord Montreville and she determined to acquaint his Lordship
of the death of Mrs Carey and desire to receive his commands as to
herself
Fatigued and oppressed she retired to bed but not to sleep The image
of her expiring protectress was still before her eyes and if exhausted
nature forced her to give way to a momentary forgetfulness she soon
started from her imperfect slumber and fancied she heard the voice of
Mrs Carey calling on her for help and her last groan still vibrated
in her earswhile the stillness of the night interrupted only by the
cries of the owls which haunted the ruins added to the gloomy and
mournful sensations of her mind
At length however the sun arosethe surrounding objects lost the horror
that darkness and silence had lent themand Emmeline fell into a short
but refreshing repose
As soon as Emmeline arose the next morning she addressed the following
letter to Lord Montreville
My Lord
In the utmost affliction I address myself to your
Lordship to acquaint you with the death of Mrs Carey after an
illness of a very few moments by which unhappy event I have lost a
friend who has indeed been a mother to me and am now left at the
castle ignorant of your Lordships pleasure as to my future
residence
You will my Lord I doubt not recollect that it is at my time
of life improper for me to reside here with Mr Maloney and if it
be your Lordships intention for me to continue here I hope you
will have the goodness to send down some proper person to fill the
place of the worthy woman I have lost
On your Lordships humanity and consideration I depend for an
early answer in which hope I have the honor to remain
your Lordships
dutiful and most humble servant
EMMELINE MOWBRAY
_Mowbray Castle
_21st May
The same post carried a letter from Mr Maloney informing Lord
Montreville of the housekeepers death and desiring directions about
_Miss_ as he elegantly termed Emmeline
To these letters no answers were returned for upwards of a fortnight
during which melancholy interval Emmeline followed to the grave the
remains of the friend of her infancy and took a last farewel of the
only person who seemed interested for her welfare Then returning with
streaming eyes to her own room she threw herself on the bed and gave
way to a torrent of tears for her spirits were overcome by the mournful
scene to which she had just been a witness and by the heavy forebodings
of future sorrow which oppressed her heart
The troublesome civilities of the steward Maloney she soon found the
difficulty of evading Fearful of offending him from whom she could not
escape yet unable to keep up an intercourse of civility with a man who
would interpret it into an encouragement of his presumptuous attentions
she was compelled to make use of an artifice and to plead ill health as
an excuse for not dining as usual in the stewards room and indeed her
uneasiness and grief were such as hardly made it a pretence
After many days of anxious expectation the following letter arrived
from the housesteward of Lord Montreville as on such an occasion his
Lordship did not think it necessary to write himself
_BerkeleySquare_ _June_ 17 17
Miss
My Lord orders me to acquaint you that in consequence of yours
of the 21st ult informing his Lordship of the old housekeepers
Mrs Careys decease he has directed Mrs Grant his Lordships
town housekeeper to look out for another and Mrs Grant has agreed
with a gentlewoman accordingly who will be down at the castle
forthwith My Lord is gone to Essex but has directed me to let Mr
Maloney know that he is to furnish you with all things needful same
as before By my Lords command from Miss
your very humble servant
RICHARD MADDOX
While Emmeline waited the expected arrival of the person to whose care
she was now to be consigned the sister of Mrs Carey who was the only
relation she had sent a nephew of her husbands to take possession of
what effects had belonged to her in doing which a will was found in
which she bequeathed fifty pounds as a testimony of her tender affection
to Miss Emmeline Mowbray the daughter of her late dear master
together with all the contents of a small chest of drawers which stood
in her room
The rest of her property which consisted of her cloaths and about two
hundred pounds which she had saved in service became her sisters and
were delivered by Maloney to the young man commissioned to receive them
In the drawers given to her Emmeline found some fine linen and laces
which had belonged to her mother and two little silk boxes covered with
nuns embroidery which seemed not to have been opened for many years
Emmeline saw that they were filled with letters some of them in a hand
which she had been shewn as her fathers But she left them uninspected
and fastened up the caskets her mind being yet too much affected with
her loss to be able to examine any thing which brought to her
recollection the fond solicitude of her departed friend
The cold and mechanical terms in which the stewards letter was written
encreased all her uneasy fears as to her future prospects
Lord Montreville seemed to feel no kindness for her nor to give any
consideration to her forlorn and comfortless situation The officious
freedoms of Maloney encreased so much that she was obliged to confine
herself almost entirely to her own room to avoid him and she
determined that if after the arrival of the companion she expected he
continued to besiege her with so much impertinent familiarity she would
quit the house tho compelled to accept the meanest service for a
subsistence
After a fortnight of expectation notice was received at the castle
that Mrs Garnet the housekeeper was arrived at the market town The
labourer with an horse was dispatched for her and towards evening she
made her entry
To Emmeline who had from her earliest remembrance been accustomed only
to the plainest dress and the most simple and sober manners the figure
and deportment of this woman appeared equally extraordinary
She wore a travelling dress of tawdrycoloured silk trimmed with bright
green ribbands and her head was covered with an immense black silk hat
from which depended many yellow streamers while the plumage with
which it was plentifully adorned hung dripping over her face from the
effects of a thunder shower thro which she had passed Her hair tho
carefully curled and powdered on her leaving London had been also
greatly deranged in her journey and descended in knotty tufts of a
dirty yellow over her cheeks and forehead adding to the vulgar
ferocity of a harsh countenance and a coarse complexion Her figure was
uncommonly tall and boney and her voice so discordant and shrill as to
pierce the ear with the most unpleasant sensation and compleat the
disagreeable idea her person impressed
Emmeline saw her enter handed by the officious Maloney and repressing
her astonishment she arose and attempted to speak to her but the
contrast between the dirty tawdry and disgusting figure before her
and the sober plainness and neat simplicity of her lost friend struck
so forcibly on her imagination that she burst into tears and was
altogether unable to command her emotion
The steward having with great gallantry handed in the newly arrived
lady she thus began
Oh Lord a marcy on meto be shore I be got here at last But indeed
if I had a known whereabout I was a coming to tis not a double the
wagers as should a hired me Lord why what a ramshakel ould place it
isand then such a monstrous long way from London I suppose Sir
to Maloney as you be the steward and you Miss I reckon be the
young Miss as I be to have the care on Why to be sure I didnt much
expect to see a christian face in such an out of the way place I dont
bleve I shall stay howsomdever do let me have some tea and do you
Miss shew me whereabout I be to sleep
Emmeline struggling with her dislike or at least desirous of
concealing it did not venture to trust her voice with an answer for
her heart was too full but stepping to the door she called to the
female servant and ordered her to shew the lady her room She had
herself been used to share that appropriated to Mrs Carey but she now
resolved to remove her bed into an apartment in one of the turrets of
the castle which was the only unoccupied room not wholly exposed to the
weather
This little room had been sashed by Mrs Mowbray on account of the
beautiful prospect it commanded between the hills where suddenly
sinking to the South West they made way through a long narrow valley
fringed with copses for a small but rapid river which hurrying among
immense stones and pieces of rock that seemed to have been torn from
the mountains by its violence rushed into the sea at the distance of a
mile from the castle
This room now for many years neglected was much out of repair but
still habitable and tho it was at a great distance from the rooms yet
occupied Emmeline chose rather to take up her abode in it than partake
of the apartment which was now to belong to Mrs Garnet and she found
reason to applaud herself for this determination when she heard the
exclamation Mrs Garnet made on entering it
Lord why tis but a shabbyish place and here is two beds I see But
that wont suit me I asshore you I chuses to have a room to myself if
it be ever so
Be not in any pain on that account Madam said Emmeline who had now
collected her thoughts it is my intention to remove my bed and I have
directed a person to do it immediately
She then returned into the stewards room where Maloney thus addressed
her
Sarvent again pretty Miss Pray how dye like our new housekeeper A
smartish piece of goods upon my word for Pembrokeshire quite a London
lady eh Miss
It is impossible for me Sir to judge of her yet
Why ay Miss as you justly observes tis full early to know what
people be but I hope we shall find her quite the thing and if so be as
shes but good tempered and agreeable and the like why I warrant we
shall pass this here summer as pleasant as any thing can be And now my
dear Miss perhaps maynt be so shy and distant as she have got
another woman body to keep her company
This eloquent harangue was interrupted by the return of Mrs Garnet
full of anxiety for her tea and in the bustle created by the desire of
the maid and Maloney to accommodate her Emmeline retired to her new
apartment where she was obliged to attend to the removal of her bed and
other things and excusing herself under the pretence of fatigue from
returning to the stewards room she passed some time in melancholy
recollection and more melancholy anticipation and then retired to rest
Some days passed in murmurs on the part of Mrs Garnet and in silence
on that of Emmeline who as soon as she had finished her short repasts
always went to her own room
After a few weeks she discovered that the lady grew every day more
reconciled to her situation and from the pleasures she apparently took
in the gallantries of Maloney and his constant assiduities to her the
innocent Emmeline supposed there was really an attachment forming
between them which would certainly deliver her from the displeasing
attentions of the steward
Occupied almost entirely by her books of which she every day became
more enamoured she never willingly broke in upon a tête à tête which
she fancied was equally agreeable to all parties and she saw with
satisfaction that they regretted not her absence
But the motives of Maloneys attention were misunderstood Insensible as
such a man must be supposed to the charms of the elegant and
selfcultivated mind of Emmeline her personal beauty had made a deep
impression on his heart and he had formed a design of marrying her
before the death of Mrs Carey to whom he had once or twice mentioned
something like a hint of his wishes but she had received all his
discourse on that topic with so much coldness and ever so carefully
avoided any conversation that might again lead to it that he had been
deterred from entirely explaining himself Now however he thought the
time was arrived when he might make a more successful application for
he never doubted but that Mrs Garnet would obtain over the tender and
ingenuous mind of Emmeline an influence as great as had been possessed
by Mrs Carey
Nor did he apprehend that a friendless orphan without fortune or
connections would want much persuasion to marry a young man of handsome
figure as he conceived himself to be who was established in a
profitable place and had some dependance of his own
The distance which Emmeline had always obliged him to observe he
imputed to the timidity of her nature which he hoped would be lessened
by the free and familiar manners of her present companion whose
conversation was very unlike what she had before been accustomed to hear
from Mrs Carey
Impressed with these ideas he paid his court most assiduously to the
housekeeper who put down all his compliments to the account of her own
attractions and was extremely pleased with her conquest which she
exhausted all her eloquence and all her wardrobe to secure
In this situation were the inhabitants of Mowbray Castle when in the
beginning of July orders were received from Lord Montreville to set
workmen immediately about repairing the whole end of the castle which
was yet habitable as his son Mr Delamere intended to come down early
in the Autumn to shoot for some weeks in Wales His Lordship added
that it was possible he might himself be there also for a few weeks and
therefore directed several bedchambers to be repaired for which he
would send down furniture from London
No time was lost in obeying these directions Workmen were immediately
procured and the utmost expedition used to put the place in a situation
to receive its master while Emmeline who foresaw that the arrival of
Lord Montreville would probably occasion some change in regard to
herself and who thought that every change must be for the better
beheld these preparations with pleasure
All had been ready some weeks and the time fixed for Mr Delameres
journey elapsed but he had yet given no notice of his arrival
At length towards the middle of September they were one evening
alarmed by the noise of horses on the ascent to the castle
Emmeline retired to her own room fearful of she knew not what while
Mrs Garnet and Maloney flew eagerly to the door where a French valet
and an English groom with a led horse presented themselves and were
ushered into the old kitchen the dimensions of which blackened as it
was with the smoke of ages and provided with the immense utensils of
ancient hospitality failed not to amaze them both
The Frenchman expressed his wonder and dislike by several grimaces and
then addressing himself to Mrs Garnet exclaimedPeste Milor
croitil quon peut subsister dans cette espece denfer Montré moi les
apartements de Monsieur
Oh your name is Mounseer is it answered sheAye I thought
soWhat would you please to have Mounseer
Diable cried the distressed valet voici une femme aussi sauvage que
le lieu quelle habite Com com you Jean Groom speak littel to dis
voman pour moi
With the help of John who had been some time used to his mode of
explaining himself Mrs Garnet understood that Mounseer desired to be
shewn the apartments destined for his master which he assiduously
assisted in preparing and then seeing the women busied in following his
directions he attempted to return to his companion but by missing a
turning which should have carried him to the kitchen he was bewildered
among the long galleries and obscure passages of the castle and after
several efforts could neither find his way back to the women nor into
the kitchen but continued to blunder about till the encreasing gloom
which approaching night threw over the arched and obscure apartments
through windows dim with painted glass filled him with apprehension and
dismay and he believed he should wander there the whole night in which
fear he began to make a strange noise for assistance to which nobody
attended for indeed nobody for some time heard him His terror
encreasing he continued to traverse one of the passages when a door at
the corner of it opened and Emmeline came out
The man whose imagination was by this time filled with ideas of
spectres flew back at her sudden appearance and added the contortions
of fear to his otherwise grotesque appearance in a travelling jacket of
white cloth laced and his hair in papillotes
Emmeline immediately comprehending that it was one of Mr Delameres
servants enquired what he wanted and the man reassured by her voice
and figure which there was yet light enough to discern approached her
and endeavoured to explain that he had lost himself in a language
which though Emmeline did not understand she knew to be French
She walked with him therefore to the gallery which opened to the great
staircase from whence he could hardly mistake his way where having
pointed it to him she turned back towards her own room
But Millefleur who had now had an opportunity to contemplate the person
of his conductress was not disposed so easily to part with her
By the extreme simplicity of her dress he believed her to be only some
fair villager or an assistant to the housekeeper and therefore without
ceremony he began in broken English to protest his admiration and
seized her hand with an impertinent freedom extremely shocking to
Emmeline
She snatched it from him and flying hastily back through those passages
which all his courage did not suffice to make him attempt exploring
again she regained her turret the door of which she instantly locked
and bolted then breathless with fear and anger she reflected on the
strange and unpleasant scene she had passed through and felt greatly
humbled to find that she was now likely to be exposed to the insolent
familiarity of servants from which she knew not whether the presence of
the master would protect her
While she suffered the anguish these thoughts brought with them
Millefleur travelled back to the kitchen where he began an oration in
his own language on the beauty of the young woman he had met with
Neither Mrs Garnet nor Maloney understood what he was saying but John
who had been in France and knew a good deal of the language told them
that he had seen a very pretty girl in whose praise he was holding
forth
Why Lord exclaimed Mrs Garnet tis our Miss as Mounseer means I
had a quite forgot the child Ill go call her but howsomdever Mounseer
wont be able to get a word out of her if shes a beauty I asshore you
tis a dumb beauty
Maloney by no means pleased with Millefleurs discovery would
willingly have prevented the housekeepers complaisance but not knowing
how to do it he was obliged to let her ascend to Emmeline whose door
she found locked
Miss Miss cried she rapping loudly you must come down
Is my Lord or Mr Delamere arrived enquired Emmeline
No replied Mrs Garnet neither of em bent come yet but heres my
Lords waley de sham and another sarvent and youll come down to tea
to be sure
No said Emmeline you must excuse me Mrs Garnet I am not very
well and if I were should decline appearing to these people with
whom perhaps it may not be my Lords design that I should associate
People exclaimed Mrs Garnet as to people I do suppose that for
all one of them is a Frenchman they be as good as other folks and if I
am agreeable to let them drink tea in my room sure you Miss midnt be
so squeamish But do as you please for my part I shant court
beauties
So saying the angry housekeeper descended to her companions to whom
she complained of the pride and ill manners of Miss while Maloney
rejoiced at a reserve so favourable to the hopes he entertained
Emmeline determined to remain as much as possible in her own room till
Lord Montreville or Mr Delamere came and then to solicit her removal
She therefore continued positively to refuse to appear to the party
below and ordered the maid servant to bring her dinner into her own
room which she never quitted till towards evening to pursue her usual
walks
On the third afternoon subsequent to the arrival of Mr Delameres
avantcouriers Emmeline went down to the sea side and seating herself
on a fragment of rock fixed her eyes insensibly on the restless waves
that broke at her feet The low murmurs of the tide retiring on the
sands the sighing of the wind among the rocks which hung over her head
cloathed with long grass and marine plants the noise of the sea fowl
going to their nests among the cliffs threw her into a profound
reverie
She forgot awhile all her apprehended misfortunes a sort of stupor took
possession of her senses and she no longer remembered how the time had
passed there which already exceeded two hours though the moon yet in
its encrease was arisen and threw a long line of radience on the
water
Thus lost in indistinct reflections she was unconscious of the
surrounding objects when the hasty tread of somebody on the pebbles
behind her made her suddenly recollect herself and though accustomed
to be so much alone she started in some alarm in remembering the late
hour and the solitary place where she was
A man approached her in whom with satisfaction she recollected a young
peasant of the village who was frequently employed in messages from the
castle
Miss Emmy said the lad you are wanted at home for there is my Lord
his own self and the young Lord and more gentlefolks come so Madam
Garnet sent me to look for you all about
Emmeline hurried by this intelligence walked hastily away with the
young villager and soon arrived at the castle
The wind had blown her beautiful hair about her face and the glow of
her cheeks was heightened by exercise and apprehension A more lovely
figure than she now appeared could hardly be imagined She had no time
to reflect on the interview but hastened immediately into the parlour
where Lord Montreville was sitting with his son Mr FitzEdward who
was a young officer his friend distantly related to the family and
Mr Headly a man celebrated for his knowledge of rural improvements
whom Lord Montreville had brought down to have his opinion of the
possibility of rendering Mowbray Castle a residence fit for his family
for a few months in the year
Lord Montreville was about five and forty years old His general
character was respectable He had acquitted himself with honor in the
senate and in private life had shewn great regularity and good conduct
But he had basked perpetually in the sunshine of prosperity and his
feelings not naturally very acute were blunted by having never
suffered in his own person any uneasiness which might have taught him
sensibility for that of others
To this cause it was probably owing that he never reflected on the
impropriety of receiving his niece before strangers and that he ordered
Emmeline to be introduced into the room where they were all sitting
together
Having once seen Emmeline a child of five or six years old he still
formed an idea of her as a child and adverted not to the change that
almost nine years had made in her person and manners it was therefore
with some degree of surprize that instead of the child he expected he
saw a tall elegant young woman whose air though timidity was the most
conspicuous in it had yet much of dignity and grace and in whose face
he saw the features of his brother softened into feminine beauty
The apathy which prosperity had taught him gave way for a moment to his
surprize at the enchanting figure of his niece
He arose and approached her Miss Mowbray how amazingly you are
grown I am glad to see you He took her hand while Emmeline
trembling and blushing endeavoured to recollect herself and said
I thank you my Lord and I am happy in having an opportunity of paying
my respects to your Lordship
He led her to a seat and again repeated his wonder to find her so much
grown
Delamere who had been standing at the fire conversing with FitzEdward
now advanced and desired his father to introduce him which ceremony
being passed he drew a chair close to that in which Emmeline was
placed and fixing his eyes on her face with a look of admiration and
enquiry that extremely abashed her he seemed to be examining the
beauties of that lovely and interesting countenance which had so
immediately dazzled and surprized him
FitzEdward a young soldier related to the family of Lady Montreville
was almost constantly the companion of Delamere and had expectations
that the interest Lord Montreville possessed would be exerted to advance
him in his profession His manner was very insinuating and his person
uncommonly elegant He affected to be a judge as well as an admirer of
beauty and seemed to behold with approbation the fair inhabitant of the
castle who with heightened blushes and averted looks waited in
silence till Lord Montreville should again address her which he at
length did
I was sorry Miss Mowbray to hear of the death of old Carey
The tears started into the eyes of Emmeline
She was an excellent servant and served the family faithfully many
years
Poor Emmeline felt the tears fall on her bosom
But however she was old and had been I suppose long infirm I hope
the person who now fills her place has supplied it to your
satisfaction
Yes yes my lord inarticulately sobbed Emmeline quite overcome by
the mention of her old friend
I dare say she does resumed his Lordship for Grant of whom Lady
Montreville has a very high opinion assured her Ladyship she was well
recommended
Emmeline now found her emotion very painful she therefore rose to go
and curtseying to Lord Montreville tried to wish him good night
A good night to you Miss Mowbray said he rising Delamere started
from his chair and taking her hand desired to have the honor of
conducting her to her room But this was a gallantry his father by no
means approved No Frederic said he taking himself the hand he
held you will give _me_ leave to see Miss Mowbray to the door He led
her thither and then bowing wished her again good night
Emmeline hurried to her room where she endeavoured to recollect her
dissipated spirits and to consider in what way it would be proper for
her to address Lord Montreville the next day to urge her request of a
removal from the castle
Mrs Carey had a sister who resided at Swansea in Glamorganshire where
her husband had a little place in the excise and where she had a small
house part of which she had been accustomed to let to those who
frequented the place for the benefit of seabathing
She was old and without any family of her own and Emmeline to whom
she was the more agreeable as being the sister of Mrs Carey thought
she might reside with her with propriety and comfort if Lord
Montreville would allow her a small annual stipend for her cloaths and
board
While she was considering in what manner to address herself to his
Lordship the next day the gentlemen were talking of the perfections of
the nymph of the castle by which name Delamere toasted her at supper
Lord Montreville who did not seem particularly delighted with the
praise his son so warmly bestowed said
Why surely Frederic you are uncommonly eloquent on behalf of your
Welch cousin
Faith my Lord answered Delamere I like her so well that I think
its a little unlucky I did not come alone My Welch cousin is the very
thing for a tête à tête
Yes said Lord Montreville carelessly she is really grown a good
fine young woman Dont you think so George addressing himself to
FitzEdward
I do indeed my Lord answered he and heres Mr Headly tho an old
married man absolutely petrified with admiration
Upon my soul Headly continued Delamere I already begin to see
great capabilities about this venerable mansion I think I shall take to
it as my father offers it me especially as I suppose Miss Emmeline is
to be included in the inventory
Come come Frederic said Lord Montreville gravely no light
conversation on the subject of Miss Mowbray She is under my care and I
must have her treated with propriety
His Lordship immediately changed the discourse and soon after
complaining of being fatigued retired to his chamber
Lord Montreville whose first object was his son had observed with
some alarm the immediate impression he seemed to have received from the
beauty of Emmeline
The next day he made some farther remarks on his attention to her when
they met at dinner which gave him still more uneasiness and he accused
himself of great indiscretion in having thrown an object whose
loveliness he could not help acknowledging in the way of Delamere
whose ardent and impetuous temper he knew so well This gave his
behaviour to Emmeline an air of coldness and even of displeasure which
prevented her summoning courage to speak to him in the morning of the
day after his arrival and the evening afforded her no opportunity for
Lord Montreville determined to keep her as much as possible out of the
sight of Delamere did not send for her down to supper and had
privately resolved to remove her as soon as possible to some other
residence
Thus his apprehensions lest his son should form an attachment
prejudicial to his ambitious views produced in his Lordships mind a
resolution in regard to placing more properly his orphan niece which no
consideration had it related merely to herself would probably have
effected
At supper Delamere enquired eagerly for his lovely cousin To which
Lord Montreville drily answered that she did not he believed sup
below
But the manner of this enquiry and the anxious looks Delamere directed
towards the door together with his repeated questions increased all
Lord Montrevilles fears
He went to bed out of humour rather with himself than his son and
rising early the next morning enquired for Miss Mowbray
Miss Mowbray was walked out as was her custom very early no one knew
whither
He learned also that Mr Delamere was gone out with his gun without
FitzEdward who not being very fond of field sports had agreed to join
him at a later hour
He immediately fancied that Delamere and Emmeline might meet and the
pain such a suspicion brought with it was by him who had hardly ever
felt an hours uneasiness considered as so great an evil that he
determined to put an end to it as soon as possible
After an hasty breakfast in his own room he summoned Maloney to attend
him and went over the accounts of the estates entrusted to him with
the state of which his Lordship declared himself well contented And not
knowing to whom else he could apply to enquire for a situation for
Emmeline he told Maloney that as Miss Mowbray was now of an age to
require some alteration in her mode of life he was desirous of finding
for her a reputable house in some town in Wales where she might lodge
and board
Maloney encouraged by being thus consulted by his Lord ventured with
many bows blushes and stammering apologies to disclose to Lord
Montreville his partiality to Miss Mowbray
And this communication he so contrived to word that his Lordship had no
doubt of Emmelines having allowed him to make it
Lord Montreville listened therefore in silence and without any marks of
disapprobation to the account Maloney proceeded to give of his
prospects and property
While he was doing so family pride made a faint struggle in his
Lordships breast on behalf of his deserted ward He felt some pain in
determining that a creature boasting a portion of the Mowbray blood
should sink into the wife of a man of such inferior birth as Maloney
But when the advantages of so easily providing for her were recollected
when he considered that Maloney would be happy to take her with a few
hundred pounds and that all apprehensions in regard to his son would by
that means for ever be at an end avarice and ambition two passions
which too much influenced Lord Montreville joined to persuade him of
the propriety of the match and became infinitely too powerful to let
him listen to his regard to the memory of his brother or his pity for
his deserted ward
He thought that as the existence of Emmeline was hardly known beyond
the walls of the castle he should incur no censure from the world if he
consigned her to that obscurity to which the disadvantages of her birth
seemed originally to have condemned her
These reflections arose while Maloney charmed to find himself listened
to was proceeding in his discourse
Lord Montreville tho too much used to the manners of politicians to be
able to give a direct answer at length put an end to it by telling him
he would consider of what he had said and talk to him farther in a few
days
In the mean time his Lordship desired that no part of their conversation
might transpire
Maloney transported at a reception which seemed to prognosticate the
completion of his wishes retired elated with his prospects and Lord
Montreville summoning Mr Headly to attend him mounted his horse to
survey the ground on which he meditated improvements round the castle
The cold and almost stern civility of Lord Montreville for the little
time Emmeline had seen him had created despondence and uneasiness in
her bosom
She fancied he disliked her unoffending as she was and would take the
first opportunity of shaking her off an idea which together with the
awe she could not help feeling in his presence made her determine as
much as possible to avoid it till he should give her a proper
opportunity to speak to him or till she could acquire courage to seek
it
At seven in the morning she arose after an uneasy night and having
taken an early breakfast betook herself to her usual walk carrying
with her a book
The sun was hot and she went to a wood which partly cloathed an high
hill near the boundary of the estate where intent only on her own
sorrows she could not beguile them by attending to the fictitious and
improbable calamities of the heroine of a novel which Mrs Garnet
probably forgetting to restore it to the library of some former
mistress had brought down among her cloaths and which had been seized
by Emmeline as something new at least to her
But her mind overwhelmed with its own anxiety refused its attention
and tired with her walk she sat down on a tree that had been felled
reflecting on what had passed since Lord Montrevilles arrival and
considering how she might most effectually interest him in her behalf
Delamere attended by a servant had gone upon the hills in pursuit of
his game and having had great success for some hours he came down
about eleven oclock into the woods to avoid the excessive heat which
was uncommon for the season
The noise he made in brushing through the underwood with his gun and
rustling among the fading leaves alarmed her
He stepped over the timber and seating himself by her seized her
hands
Oh my charming cousin cried he I think myself one of the most
fortunate fellows on earth thus to meet you
Emmeline would have risen
Oh no continued he indeed you do not go till we have had a
little conversation
I cannot stay indeed Sir said Emmeline I must immediately go
home
By no means I cannot part with youCome come sit down and hear
what I have to say
It was to no purpose to resist The impetuous vehemence of Delamere was
too much for the timid civility of Emmeline and not believing that any
thing more than common conversation or a few unmeaning compliments would
pass she sat down with as much composure as she could command
But Delamere who was really captivated at the first and who now
thought her more beautiful than he had done in their former interviews
hesitated not to pour forth the most extravagant professions of
admiration in a style so unequivocal that Emmeline believing he meant
to insult her burst into a passion of tears and besought him in a
tremulous and broken voice not to be so cruel as to affront her but to
suffer her to return home
Delamere could not see her terror without being affected He protested
that so far from meaning to give her pain he should think himself too
happy if she would allow him to dedicate his whole life to her service
Poor Emmeline however continued to weep and to beseech him to let her
go to which as her distress arose almost to agony he at length
consented and taking her arm within his he said he would walk home
with her himself
To this Emmeline in vain objected To escape was impossible To prevail
on him to leave her equally so She was therefore compelled to follow
him Which she did with reluctance while he still continued to profess
to her the most violent and serious attachment They proceeded in this
manner along the nearest path to the castle which lay principally among
copses that fringed the banks of the river They had just passed through
the last and entered the meadows which lay immediately under the castle
walls when Lord Montreville and Headly on horseback appeared from a
woody lane just before them
At the noise of horses so near them Emmeline looked up and seeing
Lord Montreville again struggled but without success to disengage her
hand
Delamere continued to walk on and his Lordship soon came up to them He
checked his horse and said somewhat sternly So Sir where have you
been
Delamere without the least hesitation answeredShooting my Lord
the early part of the morning and since that making love to my cousin
who was so good as to sit and wait for me under a tree
For mercys sake Mr Delamere cried Emmeline consider what you
say
Waiting for you under a tree cried Lord Montreville in amazement
Do Miss Mowbray be so good as to return homeAnd you Frederic will
I suppose be back by dinner time
Yes answered Delamere when I have conducted my cousin home I shall
go out again perhaps for an hour before dinner
He was then walking on without noticing the stern and displeased looks
of his father or the terror of poor Emmeline who saw too evidently
that Lord Montreville was extremely angry
His Lordship after a moments pause dismounted gave his horse to a
servant and joined them telling Delamere he had some business with
Miss Mowbray and would therefore walk with her towards the castle
himself
Delamere kissed her hand gayly and assuring his father that for the
first time in his life he felt an inclination to take his business off
his hands he beckoned to his servant to follow with his dogs and then
leaping over the hedge that separated the meadow from the hollow lane
he disappeared
Emmeline trembling with apprehension walked with faultering steps by
the side of Lord Montreville who for some time was silent He at length
saidYour having been brought up in retirement Miss Mowbray has
perhaps prevented your being acquainted with the decorums of the world
and the reserve which a young woman should ever strictly maintain You
have done a very improper thing in meeting my son and I must desire
that while you are at the castle no such appointments may take place in
future
Tho she saw from the first moment of his meeting them that he had
conceived this idea and was confirmed in it by Delameres speech yet
she was so much shocked and hurt by the address that as she attempted
to answer her voice failed her
The tears however which streamed from her eyes having a little
relieved her she endeavoured to assure his Lordship that till she met
Mr Delamere in the wood that morning she did not know even of his
having left the castle
And how happened you to be where he found you Miss Mowbray
I went thither my Lord with a book which I was eager to finish
Oh I remember that Maloney told me you was a great reader and from
some other discourse he held relative to you I own I was the more
surprised at your indiscretion in regard to my son
They were by this time arrived at the castle and Lord Montreville
desired Emmeline to follow him into the parlour where they both sat
down
His Lordship renewed the discourse
This morning Maloney has been talking to me about you and from what he
said I concluded you had formed with him engagements which should have
prevented you from listening to the boyish and improper conversation of
Mr Delamere
Engagements with Mr Maloney my Lord Surely he could never assert
that I have ever formed engagements with him
Why not absolutely soI think he did not say that But I understood
that you was by no means averse to his informing me of his attachment
and was willing if my consent was obtained to become his wife Perhaps
he has no very great advantages yet considering your situation which
is you know entirely dependent I really think you do perfectly right
in designing to accept of the establishment he offers you
To become the wife of Maloneyto accept of the establishment _he_
offers me I am humbled I am lost indeed No my Lord unhappy as I am
I can _claim_ nothing it is true but if the support of an unfortunate
orphan thrown by Providence into your care is too troublesome suffer
me to be myself a servant and believe I have a mind which tho it will
not recoil from any situation where I can earn my bread by honest
labour is infinitely superior to any advantages such a man as Maloney
can offer me
She wept too much to be able to proceed and sat overwhelmed with grief
and mortification while Lord Montreville continued to speak
Why distress yourself in this manner Miss Mowbray I cannot see any
thing which ought to offend you if Maloney _has_ misrepresented the
matter and if he has not your extraordinary emotion must look like a
consciousness of having altered your mind
Your motive for doing so cannot be mistaken but let me speak to you
explicitlyTo Mr Delamere _my_ son the heir to a title and estate
which makes him a desirable match for the daughters of the first houses
in the kingdom _you_ can have no pretensions therefore never do
yourself so much prejudice as to let your mind glance that way
Maloney tells me he has some property and still better expectations
He is established here in an excellent place and should he marry you
it shall be still more advantageous You are I am sorry to be obliged
to repeat it without any dependance but on my favour You will
therefore do wisely to embrace a situation in which that favour may be
most effectually exerted on your behalf
As you have undoubtedly encouraged Maloney the aversion you now
pretend towards him is artifice or coquetry Consider before you
decide consider thoroughly what is your situation and what your
expectations and recollect that as my son now means to be very
frequently at Mowbray Castle _you_ cannot remain with propriety but as
the wife of Maloney
Neither as the wife of Maloney nor as Emmeline Mowbray will I stay
my Lord another day answered she assuming more spirit than she had
yet shewn I wished for an interview to entreat your Lordship would
allow me to go to some place less improper for my abode than Mowbray
Castle has long been
And whither would you go Miss Mowbray
On that my Lord I wished to consult you But since it is perhaps a
matter unworthy your attention since it seems to signify little what
becomes of me I must determine to hazard going to Mrs Watkinss who
will probably give me an asylum at least till I can find some one who
will receive me or some means of providing for myself the necessaries
of life
You then positively reject the overtures of Maloney
Positively my Lordand for ever I beg it may not be mentioned to me
again
And who is Mrs Watkins
The sister of Mrs Carey my Lord
Where does she live
At Swansea in Glamorganshire where she is accustomed to take in
boarders She would I believe receive me
After a moments consideration Lord Montreville said that perhaps may
do since you absolutely refuse the other plan I would have you
therefore prepare to go thither but I must insist on no more morning
interviews with Mr Delamere and that whither you are going may be kept
unknown to him But tell me continued he what I am to say to poor
Maloney
That you are astonished at his insolence in daring to lift his eyes to
a person bearing the name of Mowbray and shocked at his falsehood in
presuming to assert that I ever encouraged his impertinent pretensions
This effort of spirit exhausted all the courage Emmeline had been able
to raise She arose and attempted to reach the door but overcome by
the violence of her agitation was obliged to sit down in a chair near
it
She could no longer restrain the tears which were extorted from her by
the mortifying scene she had passed through and her deep sighs which
seemed ready to burst her heart excited the compassion of Lord
Montreville who where his ambition was not in question was not void
of humanity The violent and artless sorrow of a beautiful young woman
whose fate seemed to be in his power affected him
He took her hand with kindness and told her he was sorry to have said
any thing that appeared harsh
His Lordship added that he would have her write to Mrs Watkins that
a servant should be sent with the letter and that on condition of her
concealing her abode from Delamere she should be supplied with an
annual income equal to all her wants
Then hearing Delameres gun which he always discharged before he
entered the house he hastened Emmeline away desiring she would remain
in her own apartment where every thing necessary should be sent to
her
Delamere and FitzEdward soon after entered the parlour where Lord
Montreville remained He received his son with a coldness to which tho
little accustomed to it Delamere paid no attention
Despotic as this beloved son had always been in the family he felt not
the least apprehension that he had really offended his father or
feeling it knew that his displeasure would be so short livd that it
was not worth any concern
Here FitzEdward said hehere is my father angry with me for
making love to my cousin Emmy Faith Sir turning to Lord
Montreville I think I have the most reason to be angry at being
brought into such dangerous company tho your Lordship well knows how
devilishly susceptible I am and that ever since I was ten years old I
have been dying for some nymph or other
I know that you are a strange inconsiderate boy answered Lord
Montreville very gravelybut I must beg Frederic to hear no more
idle raillery on the subject of Miss Mowbray
To this Delamere gave some slight answer and the discourse was led by
his Lordship to some other topic
FitzEdward who was about five years older than Delamere concealed
under the appearance of candour and nonchalance the libertinism of his
character He had entered very young into the army the younger son of
an Irish peer and had contracted his loose morals by being thrown too
early into the world for his heart was not originally bad
With a very handsome person he had the most insinuating manners and an
address so truly that of a man of fashion as immediately prejudiced in
his favour those by whom he wished to be thought well of Where he
desired to please he seldom failed of pleasing extremely and his
conversation was in the general commerce of the world elegant and
attractive
Delamere was very fond of his company and Lord Montreville encouraged
the intimacy for of whatever fashionable vices FitzEdward was guilty
he contrived by a sort of sentimental hypocrisy to prevent their being
known to or at least offensive to those whose good opinion it was his
interest to cultivate
Delamere was of a character very opposite Accustomed from his infancy
to the most boundless indulgences he never formed a wish the
gratification of which he expected to be denied and if such a
disappointment happened he gave way to an impetuosity of disposition
that he had never been taught to restrain and which gave an appearance
of ferocity to a temper not otherwise bad
He was generous candid and humane and possessed many other good
qualities but the defects of his education had obscured them
Lady Montreville who beheld in her only son the last male heir of a
very ancient and illustrious house and who hoped to see all its glories
revive in him could never be prevailed upon to part with him He had
therefore a tutor in the house and his parents themselves accompanied
him abroad And the weakness of Lady Montreville in regard to her son
encreased rather than diminished with his encreasing years
Her fondness was gratified in seeing the perfections of his person
which was a very fine one while to the imperfections of his temper she
was entirely blind
His father was equally fond of him and looked up to the accumulated
titles and united fortunes of his own and his wifes families as the
point where all his ambitious views would attain their consummation
To watch over the conduct of this only son seemed now to be the sole
business of his Lordships life and till now he had no reason to fear
that his solicitude for his final establishment would be attended with
so little effect Except a few youthful indiscretions which were
overlooked or forgiven Delamere had shewn no inclinations that seemed
inimical to his fathers views and Lord Montreville hoped that his
present passion for Emmeline would be forgotten as easily as many other
transient attachments which his youth and warmth of temper had led him
into
At dinner Delamere enquired whether his charming cousin was always to
remain a prisoner in her own room
To which Lord Montreville answered that it had been her custom and as
there was no lady with them it was better she should continue it
He then changed the discourse and contrived to keep Delamere in sight
the whole afternoon and by that means prevented any further enquiries
after Emmeline who now entirely confined to her turret impatiently
awaited the return of the messenger who had been sent to Swansea
Delamere in the mean time had lingered frequently about the
housekeepers room in hopes of seeing Emmeline but she never appeared
He applied to Mrs Garnet for intelligence of her but she had received
orders from Lord Montreville not to satisfy his enquiries He employed
his servants therefore to discover where she was usually to be found
and by their means was at length informed in what part of the castle her
apartment lay and that there was a design actually on foot to send her
away but whither he could not learn
The answer brought from Mrs Watkins by the man who had been sent to
Swansea expressed her readiness to take the boarder offered her
This intelligence Lord Montreville communicated himself to Emmeline who
received it with such artless satisfaction that his Lordship who had
before doubted whether some degree of coquetry was not concealed under
the apparent ingenuous innocence of his niece now believed he had
judged too hastily
It remained to be considered how she could be conveyed from Mowbray
Castle without the knowledge of Delamere She was herself ignorant of
every thing beyond its walls and could therefore be of no use in the
consultation His Lordship had however entrusted FitzEdward with his
uneasiness about Delamere at which the former only laughed and said he
by no means believed that any serious consequences were to be
apprehended that it was mere badinage of which he was sure Delamere
would think no more after they left Mowbray Castle and that it was not
a matter which his Lordship should allow to make him uneasy
Lord Montreville however who thought he could not too soon remedy his
own indiscretion in introducing Emmeline to his son determined to
embrace the opportunity of putting an end to any future correspondence
between them he therefore insisted on a promise of secresy from
FitzEdward and had recourse to Headly who from a frequent residence
among the great was the most accommodating and obsequious of their
servants
As he was about to leave the castle in a few days he offered his
services to convey Miss Mowbray from thence in a chaise of which he was
master This proposal was eagerly accepted by Lord Montreville And
enjoining Mr Headly also to secresy it was fixed that their journey
should begin the next morning save one
Emmeline had notice of this arrangement which she received with the
liveliest joy She immediately set about such preparations as were
necessary for her journey in which she employed that and the remaining
day which had been destined by Lord Montreville to visit another estate
that he possessed at the distance of about twelve miles whither
Delamere and the whole party accompanied him
Delamere had discovered by his servants that to remove Emmeline was in
agitation and he determined to see her again in spite of his fathers
precaution which in fact only served to encrease his desire of
declaring his sentiments but he had no idea that she was to depart so
soon and therefore was content to go with his father at his particular
request
It was late in the evening preceding that on which Emmeline was to leave
the castle before they returned to it and she was still busied in
providing for her journey in doing which she was obliged to open one
of the caskets left her by Mrs Carey It contained miniatures of her
father and her mother which had been drawn at Paris before her birth
and several letters written by Mrs Mowbray her grandmother to her
mother in consequence of the fatal step she had taken in quitting the
protection of that lady who had brought her up to accompany Mr
Mowbray abroad
These Emmeline had never yet seen nor had she now courage entirely to
peruse them The little she read however filled her heart with the
most painful sensations and her eyes with tears
While she was employed in her little arrangements time passed
insensibly away She heard the hollow sound of shutting the great doors
at the other end of the castle as was usual before the servants retired
for the night but attentive only to what was at present her greatest
concern making room for some favourite books in the box she meant to
take with her she heeded not the hour
A total silence had long reigned in the castle and her almost
extinguished candle told her it was time to take some repose when as
she was preparing to do so she thought she heard a rustling and
indistinct footsteps in the passage near her room
She startedlistenedbut all was again profoundly silent and she
supposed it had been only one of those unaccountable noises which she
had been used to hear along the dreary avenues of the castle She began
anew to unpin her hair when a second time the same noise in the passage
alarmed her She listened again and while she continued attentive the
great clock struck two
Amazed to find it so late her terror encreased yet she endeavoured to
reason herself out of it and to believe that it was the effect of
fancy she heard it no more and had almost determined to go out into
the passage to satisfy herself that her fears were groundless when just
as she approached the door the whispers were renewed she saw the lock
move and heard a violent push against it
The door however was locked Which was no sooner perceived by the
assailant than a violent effort with his foot forced the rusty decayed
work to give way and Mr Delamere burst into the room
Emmeline was infinitely too much terrified to speak nor could her
trembling limbs support her She sat downthe colour forsook her
cheeksand she was not sensible that Delamere had thrown himself at
her feet and was pouring forth the most vehement and incoherent
expressions that frantic passion could dictate
Recovering her recollection she beheld Delamere kneeling before her
holding her hands in his and Millefleur standing behind him with a
candle She attempted to speak but the words died away on her lips
while Delamere shocked at the situation into which he had thrown her
protested that he meant her not the smallest offence but that having
learnt by means of his valet that she was to go the next morning and
that his father intended to keep him ignorant of her future destiny he
could not bear to reflect that he might lose her for ever and had
therefore taken the only means in his power to speak to her in hopes of
engaging her pity for which he would hazard every thing
Leave me Sir leave me said Emmeline in a voice scarcely
articulate Leave me instantly or I will alarm the house
That is almost impossible replied Delamere but I will not terrify
you more than I have done already No Emmeline I wish not to alarm
you and will quit you instantly if you will tell me that wheresoever
you are you will permit me to see you and will remember me with pity
and regard My father shall notcannot controul my conduct nor shall
all the power on earth prevent my following you if you will yourself
permit me Tell me Emmelinetell me you will not forget me
As what Sir should I remember you but as my persecutor as one who
has injured me beyond reparation by your wild and cruel conduct and who
has now dared to insult me by a most unparallelled outrageLeave me
Sir I repeat to you that you must instantly quit the room
She arose and walked with tottering steps to the end of it Delamere
followed her She turned and came towards the door which was still
open and then recollected that as she knew the passages of the castle
which she was convinced neither Delamere or his servant did she might
possibly escape and find Lord Montrevilles room which she knew to be
at the end of the East gallery
Delamere was a few steps behind her when she reached the door which
hastily throwing quite open she ran lightly thro the passage which
was very long and dark
He pursued her imploring her to hear him but a moment and the
Frenchman as hastily followed his master with the candle But at the end
of the passage a flight of broken steps led to a brick hall which
opened to other staircases and galleries
A gust of wind blew out the candle and Emmeline gliding down the
steps turned to the right and opening a heavy nailed door which led
by a narrow stairs to the East gallery she let it fall after her
Delamere now in total darkness tried in vain to follow the sound He
listenedbut no longer heard the footsteps of the trembling fugitive
and cursing his fate and the stupidity of Millefleur he endeavoured to
find his way back to Emmelines room where he thought a candle was
still burning But his attempt was vain He walked round the hall only
to puzzle himself for the door by which he had entered it he could not
regain
In the mean time Emmeline breathless with fear had reached the
gallery and feeling her way till she came as she supposed to the door
of the room where Lord Montreville slept she tapped lightly at it
A mans voice asked who it was
It is I my Lord cried Emmeline hardly able to make herself
heardMr Delamere pursues me
Somebody opened the doorBut there was no light and Emmeline retiring
a step from it the person again asked who it was
It is Emmeline replied she who now first recollected that the voice
was not that of Lord MontrevilleShe flew therefore towards the next
door with exclamations of encreased terror but Lord Montreville who
was now awakened appeared at it with a lamp in his hand and Emmeline
in answer to his question of what is the matter endeavoured to say that
she was pursued by Mr Delamere but fear had so entirely overcome her
that she could only sigh out his name and gasping like a dying person
sat down on a bench which was near the door
FitzEdward who was the person she had first spoken to had by this
time dressed himself and came to her with a glass of water out of his
room while Lord Montreville hearing his sons name so inarticulately
pronounced and seeing the speechless affright in which Emmeline sat
before him conceived the most alarming apprehensions and believed that
his son was either dead or dying
With great difficulty he summoned up courage enough again to beg for
heavens sake she would tell him what had occasioned her to leave her
room at such an hour
She again exclaimed it is Mr Delamere my Lord
What of Mr Delamerewhat of my son cried he with infinite
agitation
Save me from him my Lord answered Emmeline a little recovered by the
water she had drank
Where is he then said his Lordship
I know not replied Emmeline but he came to my room with his
servant and I flew hither to implore your protection
FitzEdward intreated Lord Montreville to be more calm and to give Miss
Mowbray time to recollect herself He offered to go in search of
Delamere but his Lordship was in too much anxiety to be satisfied with
any enquiries but his own
He therefore said he would go down himself but Emmeline catching his
hand entreated him not to leave her
At this moment the voices of Delamere and his man were heard echoing
through the whole side of the castle for wearied with their fruitless
attempts to escape they both called for lights in no very gentle tone
Lord Montreville easily distinguished from whence the noise came and
followed by Emmeline whom FitzEdward supported he descended into the
brick hall from whence Emmeline had effected her escape where he found
Delamere trembling with passion and Millefleur with fear
Lord Montreville could not conceal his anger and resentment
How comes it Sir cried he addressing himself to his son that you
dare thus to insult a person who is under my protection What excess of
madness and folly has tempted you to violate the retirement of Miss
Mowbray
I mean not my Lord answered Delamere to attempt a concealment of
my sentiments I love Miss Mowbray passionately love her and scorn to
dissimulate I know you had a design to send her from hence
clandestinely to send her and I determined that she should not go till
I had declared my attachment to her which I found you endeavoured
assiduously to prevent You may certainly remove her from hence but I
protest to you that wherever she is there I will endeavour to see her
in spite of the universe
Lord Montreville now felt all the force of the error he had committed in
that boundless indulgence to which he had accustomed his son In the
first instance of any consequence in which their wishes differed he saw
him ready to throw off the restraint of paternal authority and daring
to avow his resolution to act as he pleased
This mortifying reflection arose in his mind while with a look of
mingled anger and amazement he beheld Delamere who having ordered
Millefleur to light his candle snatched it from him and hastily
retired
Emmeline who had stood trembling the whole time behind Lord
Montreville besought him to ring up the housekeeper and direct her to
stay with her for the rest of the night for she declared she would on
no account remain in her own room alone
His Lordship recommending her to the care of FitzEdward went himself
in search of the housekeeper and Emmeline refusing to seek a more
commodious apartment sat down in one of the windows of the hall to wait
his return
FitzEdward to whom she had yet hardly spoken now entertained her with
a profusion of compliments almost as warm as those she had heard from
Delamere but her spirits quite exhausted by the terror which had so
lately possessed them could no longer support her she was unable to
give an answer of common civility and was very glad to see Lord
Montreville return with Mrs Garnet who extremely discomposed at being
disturbed and obliged to appear in her nightcap followed her
grumbling into her room where as Emmeline refused to go to it
herself she took possession of her bed and soon falling into a
profound sleep left its melancholy owner to her sad reflections
She had not been many minutes indulging them and wishing for the return
of light before somebody was again at the door Emmeline still
apprehending Delamere stepped to it and was astonished to see Lord
Montreville himself
He entered the room and told her that as his son knew of her journey
in the morning he would probably try some means to prevent it or at
least to trace out her abode that it was therefore absolutely necessary
for her to be ready by day break or before for which he had prepared
Mr Headly who was up and getting ready to set out as soon as there
was light enough to make it safe
Emmeline who thought she could not be gone too soon now hastily
finished the remainder of her packing and having dressed herself for
her journey which notwithstanding her sleepless night she rejoiced to
find so near she waited with impatience till Mr Headly summoned her
to go
The sun no sooner appeared above the horizon than her conductor was
ready with his onehorse chair and Emmeline being seated in it and her
little baggage adjusted she left the door of the castle where Maloney
who saw his favourite hopes vanish as he feared for ever stood with a
rueful countenance to behold her departure
However desirous she was of quitting a residence which had long been
uneasy to her and which was now become so extremely improper such is
the force of early habit that she could not bid it adieu without being
greatly affected
There she had passed her earliest infancy and had known in that period
of unconscious happiness many delightful hours which would return no
more
It was endeared to her by the memory of that good friend who had
supplied to her the place of a parent from whom alone she had ever
heard the soothing voice of maternal solicitude And as she passed by
the village church which had been formerly the chapel of the monastery
and joined the castle walls she turned her eyes filled with tears
towards the spot where the remains of Mrs Carey were deposited and
sighed deeply a thousand tender and painful recollections crouding on
her heart
As she left the village several women and children who had heard she
was going that day were already waiting to bid her farewell
considering her as the last of that family by whom they had been
employed when in health and relieved when in sickness they lamented
her departure as their greatest misfortune
The present possessor of the castle bore not the name of Mowbray and
was not at all interested for the peasantry among whom he was a
stranger they therefore in losing Emmeline seemed to lose the last of
the race of their ancient benefactors
Emmeline affected by their simple expressions of regret returned their
good wishes with tears and as soon as the chaise drove out of the
village again fixed her eyes on the habitation she had quitted
Its venerable towers rising above the wood in which it was almost
embosomed made one of the most magnificent features of a landscape
which now appeared in sight
The road lay along the side of what would in England be called a
mountain at its feet rolled the rapid stream that washed the castle
walls foaming over fragments of rock and bounded by a wood of oak and
pine among which the ruins of the monastery once an appendage to the
castle reared its broken arches and marked by grey and mouldering
walls and mounds covered with slight vegetation it was traced to its
connection with the castle itself still frowning in gothic
magnificence and stretching over several acres of ground the citadel
which was totally in ruins and covered with ivy crowning the whole
Farther to the West beyond a bold and rocky shore appeared the sea
and to the East a chain of mountains which seemed to meet the clouds
while on the other side a rich and beautiful vale now variegated with
the mellowed tints of the declining year spread its enclosures till
it was lost again among the blue and barren hills
Headly declaimed eloquently on the charms of the prospect which
gradually unveiled itself as the autumnal mist disappeared But
Emmeline tho ever alive to the beauties of nature was too much
occupied by her own melancholy reflections to attend to the
animadversions of her companion
_She_ saw nothing but the castle of which she believed she was now
taking an eternal adieu and her looks were fixed on it till the road
winding down the hill on the other side concealed it from her sight
Headly imputed her sadness to a very different cause than that of an
early and long attachment to a particular spot He supposed that regret
at being obliged to leave Delamere to whose passion he could not
believe her insensible occasioned the melancholy that overwhelmed her
He spoke to her of him and affected to lament the uneasiness which so
violent and ungovernable a temper in an only son might occasion to his
family He then talked of the two young ladies his sisters whom he
described as the finest young women in the country and as highly
accomplished Emmeline sighed at the comparison between _their_
situation and her own
After some hours travelling through roads which made it very fatigueing
they arrived at a little obscure house of entertainment and after some
refreshment continued their journey unmolested
Delamere arose early and calling for Millefleur enquired at what hour
Miss Mowbray was to go On hearing that she had left the castle more
than an hour his rage and vexation broke through all the respect he
owed his father who being acquainted by his valet of his resolution
immediately to follow the chaise entered the room He remonstrated with
him at first with great warmth but Delamere irritated by
contradiction obstinately adhered to his resolution of immediately
pursuing the travellers
Lord Montreville finding that opposition rather encreased than remedied
the violence of his sons passionate sallies determined to try what
persuasion would do and Delamere whose temper was insensible to the
threats of anger yielded to remonstrance when softened by paternal
affection and consented to forego his intention if Lord Montreville
would tell him where Emmeline was gone
His Lordship who probably thought this one of those instances in which
falsehood is excuseable if not meritorious told him with affected
reluctance that she was gone to board at Bridgenorth with Mrs
Watkins the sister of old Carey
As this account was extremely probable Delamere readily believed it
and having with some difficulty been prevailed upon to pass his word
that he would not immediately take any steps to see her tranquillity
was for the present restored to the castle
Emmeline in the mean time after a long and weary journey arrived at
Swansea Mrs Watkins who expected her received her in a little but
very neat habitation which consisted of a small room by way of
parlour not unlike the cabin of a packet boat and a bedchamber over
it of the same dimensions Of these apartments Emmeline took
possession Her conductor took leave of her and she now wished to be
able to form some opinion of her new hostess whose countenance which
extremely resembled that of Mrs Carey had immediately prejudiced her
in her favour
Being assured by Lord Montreville of every liberal payment for the board
and lodging of Miss Mowbray she received her with a degree of civility
almost oppressive but Emmeline who soon found that she possessed none
of that warmth of heart and lively interest in the happiness of others
which so much endeared to her the memory of her former friend was very
glad when after a few days the good woman returned with her usual
avidity to the regulation of her domestic matters and suffered Emmeline
to enjoy that solitude which she knew so well how to employ
Delamere still lingering at the castle where he seemed to stay for no
other reason than because he had there seen Emmeline was pensive
restless and absent and Lord Montreville saw with great alarm that
this impression was less likely to be effaced by time and absence than
he had supposed
FitzEdward obliged to go to Ireland to his regiment for some time had
taken leave of them and the impatience of Lord Montreville to return to
town was encreased by repeated letters from his wife
Delamere however still evaded it hoping that his father would set out
without him and that he should by that means have an opportunity of
going to Bridgenorth where he determined to solicit Emmeline to consent
to a Scottish expedition and persuaded himself he should not meet a
refusal
At length Lady Montreville yet more alarmed at the delay directed her
eldest daughter to write to his Lordship and to give such an account of
her health as should immediately oblige the father and son to return
Delamere after such a letter could not refuse to depart and
comforting himself that he might be able soon to escape from the
observation of his family and put his project in execution he
consented to begin his journey He determined however to write to Miss
Mowbray and to desire her to direct her answer under cover to a friend
in London
He did so and addressed it to her at Mrs Watkinss at Bridgenorth
but soon after his arrival in town the letter was returned to the place
from which it was dated having been opened at the office in consequence
of no such person as Miss Mowbray or Mrs Watkins being to be found
there
Delamere saw he had been deceived but to complain was fruitless he had
therefore no hope of discovering where Emmeline was but by lying in
wait for some accidental intelligence
The family usually passed the Christmas recess at their seat in Norfolk
whither Delamere who at first tried to avoid being of the party at
length agreed to accompany them on condition of his being allowed to
perform an engagement he had made with Mr Percival for a fortnight
Part of this time he determined to employ in seeing Headly who did not
live above thirty miles from thence hoping from him to obtain
intelligence of Emmelines abode And that no suspicion might remain on
the mind of his father he affected to reassume his usual gaiety and
was to all appearance as volatile and dissipated as ever
While the family were in Norfolk their acquaintance was warmly renewed
with that of Sir Francis Devereux who was lately returned from a
residence on the Continent whither he had been to compleat the
education of his two daughters heiresses to his fortune on the
embellishment of whose persons and manners all the modern elegancies of
education had been lavished
They were rather pretty women and of a family almost as ancient and
illustrious as that of Mr Delamere Their fortunes were to be immense
and either of them would have been a wife for Delamere the choice of
whom would greatly have gratified the families on both sides
Infinite pains were taken to bring the young people frequently together
and both the ladies seemed to allow that Delamere was a conquest worthy
their ambition
As he never refused to entertain them with every appearance of gallantry
and vivacity Lord Montreville flattered himself that at length Emmeline
was forgotten and ventured to propose to his son a marriage with
whichever of the Miss Devereuxs he should prefer
To which Delamere who had long foreseen the proposal answered coldly
that he was not inclined to marry at all or if he did it should not
be one of those overeducated puppets
So far were their acquisitions from having made any impression on his
heart that the frivolous turn of their minds the studied ornaments of
their persons and the affected refinement of their manners made him
only recollect with more passionate admiration that native elegance of
person and mind which he had seen only in the Orphan of Mowbray Castle
There was in the person and manner of Emmeline something so
interesting that those who were little accustomed to attach themselves
to any one were insensibly disposed to love her and to become
solicitous for her welfare
Even the insensibility with which long and uninterrupted prosperity had
encased the heart of Lord Montreville was not entirely proof against
her attractive powers and when he no longer apprehended the effect of
her encreasing charms on his son he suffered himself to feel a degree
of pity and even of affection for her
He therefore heard with pleasure that she was contented in her present
situation and was convinced she had kept her word in not giving any
intelligence of her residence to Delamere To shew his approbation of
her conduct he directed a person in town to send her down a small
collection of books some materials for drawing and other trifles which
he thought would be acceptable
Emmeline charmed with such acquisitions felt the most lively gratitude
for her benefactor and having fitted up her little cabin extremely to
her satisfaction she found in the occupation these presents afforded
her all that she wished to engage her attention and gratify her
taste
Sensible of the defects of her education she applied incessantly to her
books for of every useful and ornamental feminine employment she had
long since made herself mistress without any instruction
She endeavoured to cultivate a genius for drawing which she inherited
from her father but for want of knowing a few general rules what she
produced had more of elegance and neatness than correctness and
knowledge
She knew nothing of the science of music but her voice was soft and
sweet and her ear exquisite The simple songs therefore she had
acquired by it she sung with a pathos which made more impression on her
hearers than those studied graces learned by long application which
excite wonder rather than pleasure
Time thus occupied passed lightly away Spring arrived almost
imperceptibly and brought again weather which enabled Emmeline to
reassume her walks along the shore or among the rocks and to indulge
that contemplative turn of mind which she had acquired in the solitude
of Mowbray Castle
It was on a beautiful morning of the month of April that taking a book
with her as usual she went down to the sea side and sat reading for
some hours when just as she was about to return home she saw a lovely
little boy about five years old wandering towards the place where she
was picking up shells and sea weeds and appearing to be so deeply
engaged in his infantine pursuit that he did not see her till she
spoke to him
Whose sweet little boy are you my love said she
The child looked at her with surprise
I am my mammas boy said he and so is Henry pointing towards
another who now approached and who seemed hardly a year younger
The second running up to his brother caught his hand and they both
walked away together looking behind at the strange lady with some
degree of alarm
Their dress convinced Emmeline that they belonged to a stranger and as
they seemed to have nobody with them she was under some apprehension
for their safety and therefore arose to follow them when on turning
round the point of a rock whose projection had concealed the shore to
the left she saw a lady walking slowly before her whom the two little
boys had now rejoined In her hand she held a little girl who seemed
only learning to walk and she was followed by a nursery maid who held
in her arms another yet an infant at the breast
The stranger near whom Emmeline was obliged to pass curtsyed to her as
she went by And if Emmeline was surprised at the early appearance of
company at a time when she knew it to be so unusual the stranger was
much more so at the uncommon elegance of her form and manner she was
almost tempted to believe the fable of the sea nymphs and to fancy her
one of them
Emmeline on regaining her apartment heard from the hostess whom she
found with another neighbour that the lady she had seen arrived the
evening before and had taken lodgings at the house of the latter with
an intention of staying great part of the summer
The next day Emmeline again met the stranger who accosting the fair
orphan with all that ease which characterises the address of those who
have lived much in good company they soon entered into conversation
and Emmeline almost as soon discovered that her new acquaintance
possessed an understanding as excellent as her person and address were
captivating
She appeared to be not more than five or six and twenty but her person
seemed to have suffered from sorrow that diminution of its charms which
time could not yet have effected Her complexion was faded and wan her
eyes had lost their lustre and a pensive and languid expression sat on
her countenance
After the first conversation the two ladies found they liked each other
so well that they met by agreement every day Emmeline generally went
early to the lodgings of Mrs Stafford and stayed the whole day with
her charmed to have found in her new friend one who could supply to
her all the deficiencies of her former instructors
To a very superior understanding Mrs Stafford added the advantages of
a polished education and all that ease of manner which the commerce of
fashion can supply She had read a great deal and her mind originally
elegant and refined was highly cultivated and embellished with all the
knowledge that could be acquired from the best authors in the modern
languages Her disposition seemed to have been naturally chearful for a
ray of vivacity would frequently light up her countenance and a lively
and agreeable conversation call forth all its animated gaiety But it
seldom lasted long Some settled uneasiness lay lurking in her heart
and when it recurred forcibly to her as it frequently did in the midst
of the most interesting discourse a cloud of sorrow obscured the
brilliancy of her countenance and language and she became pensive
silent and absent
Emmeline observed this with concern but was not yet intimate enough
with her to enquire or discover the cause
Sometimes when she was herself occupied in drawing or some other
pursuit in which Mrs Stafford delighted to instruct her she saw that
her friend believing herself unobserved gave way to all the melancholy
that oppressed her heart and as her children were playing round her
she would gaze mournfully on them till the tears streamed down her
cheeks
By degrees the utmost confidence took place between them on every
subject but one Mrs Stafford never dwelt on the cause whatever it
was which occasioned her to be so frequently uneasy nor did she ever
complain of being so but she listened with the warmest interest to the
little tale Emmeline had to relate and told her in return as much of
her own history as she thought it necessary for her to know
Emmeline found that she was not a widow as she had at first supposed
for she spoke sometimes of her husband and said she expected him at
Swansea She had been married at a very early age and they now
generally resided at an house which Mr Staffords father who was still
living had purchased for them in Dorsetshire
I came hither said she thus early in the year at Mr Staffords
request who is fond of improvements and alterations and who intends
this summer to add considerably to our house which is already too
large I think for our present fortune I was glad to get away from the
confusion of workmen to which I have an aversion and anxious to let
Charles and Henry who had the measles in the Autumn and who have been
frequently ill since have a long course of seabathing I might indeed
have gone to Weymouth or some nearer place but I wish to avoid general
company which I could not have done where I am sure of meeting so many
of my acquaintance I rejoice now at my preference of Swansea since it
has been the means of my knowing you my dear Emmeline
And I Madam returned Emmeline have reason to consider the
concurrence of circumstances that brought you here as the most fortunate
for me Yet I own to you that the charm of such society is accompanied
with great pain in anticipating the hour when I must again return to
that solitude I have till now considered as my greatest enjoyment
Ah my dear girl replied Mrs Stafford check in its first
appearance a propensity which I see you frequently betray to anticipate
displeasing or unfortunate events When you have lived a few years
longer you will I fear learn that every day has evils enough of its
own, and that it is well for us we know nothing of those which are yet
to come I speak from experience for I when not older than you now
are had a perpetual tendency to fancy future calamities and embittered
by that means many of those hours which would otherwise have been really
happy Yet has not my presentiments tho most of them have been
unhappily verified enabled me to avoid one of those thorns with which
my path has been thickly strewn
Emmeline hoped now to hear what hand had strewn them
Mrs Stafford sighing deeply fell into a reverie and continuing long
silent Emmeline could not resolve to renew a conversation so evidently
painful to her
It was now six weeks since she had first seen Mrs Stafford and the
hours had passed in a series of felicity of which she had till then
formed no idea
Mrs Stafford delighted with the lively attachment of her young friend
was charmed to find herself capable of adorning her ingenuous and tender
mind with all that knowledge which books or the world had qualified her
to impart
They read together every day Emmeline under the tuition of her
charming preceptress had made some progress in French and Italian and
she was amazed at her own success in drawing since she had received from
Mrs Stafford rules of which she was before ignorant
As the summer advanced a few stragglers came in and it was no longer
wonderful to see a stranger But Mrs Stafford and Miss Mowbray
perfectly satisfied with each other sought not to enlarge their
society They sometimes held short conversations with the transient
visitants of the place but more usually avoided those walks where it
was likely they should meet them
Early one morning they were returning from the bathing place together
muffled up in their morning dresses They had seen at a distance two
gentlemen whom they did not particularly notice and Emmeline leaning
on the arm of her friend was again anticipating all she should suffer
when the hour came which would separate them and recollecting the
different company and conversation to which she had been condemned from
the death of Mrs Carey to her quitting Mowbray Castle
You have not only taught me my dear Mrs Stafford said she to
dread more than ever being thrown back into such company but you have
also made me fear that I shall never relish the general conversation of
the world As I disliked the manners of an inferior description of
people when I first knew them because they did not resemble those of
the dear good woman who brought me up so I shall undoubtedly be
disappointed and dissatisfied with the generality of those acquaintance
I may meet with for I am afraid there are as few Mrs Staffords in your
rank of life as there were Mrs Careys in hers However there is no
great likelihood I believe at present of my being convinced how
little they resemble you for it is not probable I shall be taken from
hence
Perhaps answered Mrs Stafford you might be permitted to stay some
months next winter with me I shall pass the whole of it in the country
the greatest part of it probably alone and such a companion would
assist in charming away many of those hours which now tho I have more
resources than most people sometimes are heavy and melancholy My
children are not yet old enough to be my companions and I know not how
it is but I have often more pain than pleasure in being with them When
I remember or when I feel how little happiness there is in the world
I tremble for their future destiny and in the excess of affection
regret having introduced them into a scene of so much pain as I have
hitherto found it But tell me Emmeline do you think if I apply to
Lord Montreville he will allow you to pass some time with me
Dear Madam said Emmeline eagerly what happiness do you offer me
Lord Montreville would certainly think me highly honoured by such an
invitation
Shall I answer for Lord Montreville said a voice behind them as his
immediate representative
Emmeline started and turning quickly beheld Mr Delamere and
FitzEdward
Delamere caught her hands in his
Have I then found you my lovely cousin cried heOh happiness
unexpected
He was proceeding with even more than his usual vehemence but
FitzEdward thought it necessary to stop him
You promised Frederic before I consented to come with you that you
would desist from these extravagant flights Come I beg Miss Mowbray
may be permitted to speak to her other acquaintance and that she will
do us both the honour to introduce us to her friend
Emmeline had lost all courage and recollection on the appearance of
Delamere Mrs Stafford saw her distress and assuming a cold and
distant manner she saidMiss Mowbray I apprehend from what this
gentleman has said that he has a message to you from Lord Montreville
Has my Lord Sir said Emmeline to Delamerehas my Lord Montreville
been so good as to honour me with any commands
Cruel girl answered he you know too well that my father is not
acquainted with my being here
Then you certainly ought not to be here said Emmeline coolly and
you must excuse me Sir if I beg the favor of you not to detain me nor
attempt to renew a conversation so very improper indeed so cruelly
injurious to me
Mrs Stafford had Emmelines arm within her own from the commencement
of this conversation and she now walked hastily on with her
Delamere followed them intreating to be heard and FitzEdward
addressing himself on the other side to Mrs Stafford besought her in a
half whisper to allow his friend only a few moments to explain himself
to Miss Mowbray
No Sir I must be excused answered sheIf Miss Mowbray does me the
honour to consult me I shall certainly advise her against committing
such an indiscretion as listening to Mr Delamere
Ah Madam said the colonel throwing into his eyes and manner all
that insinuation of which he was so perfect a master is it possible
that with a countenance where softness and compassion seem to invite the
unhappy to trust you with their sorrows you have a cruel and unfeeling
heart Lay by for a moment your barbarous prudence in favour of my
unfortunate friend upon my honour nothing but the conviction that his
life was at stake would have induced me to accompany him hither and I
pledge myself for the propriety of his conduct He only begs to be
forgiven by Miss Mowbray for his improper treatment of her at Mowbray
Castle to be assured she is in health and safety and to hear that she
does not hate him for all the uneasiness he has given her and having
done so he promises to return to his family Upon my soul continued
he laying his hand upon his breast I know not what would have been
the consequence had I not consented to assist him in deceiving his
family and coming hither but I have reason to think he would have made
some wild attempt to secure to himself more frequent interviews with
Miss Mowbray and that a total disappointment of the project he had
formed for seeing her would have been attended with a violence of
passion arising even to phrenzyMadness or death would perhaps have
been the event
Mrs Stafford turned her eyes on FitzEdward with a look sufficiently
expressive of incredulityDoes a modern man of fashion pretend to talk
of madness and death You certainly imagine Sir that you are speaking
to some romantic inhabitant of a Welch provincial town whose ideas are
drawn from a circulating library and confirmed by the conversation of
the captain in quarters
Ah madam said he I know not to whom I have the honour of
addressing myself though he knew perfectly well but I feel too
certainly that madness and death would be preferable to the misery such
coldness and cruelty as yours would inflict on me was it my misfortune
to love as violently as Delamere and indeed I tremble lest in
endeavouring to assist my friend I have endangered myself
Of this speech Mrs Stafford who believed he did not know her took
very little notice and turning towards Emmeline who had in the mean
time been listening in trembling apprehension to the ardent declarations
of Delamere said it was time to return home
Delamere without attending to her hint renewed his importunities for
her friendship and interest with Miss Mowbray to which as soon as he
would allow her to answer she said very gravelySir as Miss Mowbray
seems so much alarmed at your pursuing her hither and as you must be
yourself sensible of its extreme impropriety I hope you will not
lengthen an interview which can only produce uneasiness for you both
Let us go home for heavens sake whispered Emmeline
They are determined you see to follow us replied her friend we
will however go
By this time they were near the door and Mrs Stafford wishing the two
gentlemen a good morning was hurrying with Emmeline into the house but
FitzEdward took hold of her arm
One word only madam and we will intrude upon you no farther at
present say that you will suffer us to see you again tomorrow
Not if I can help it be assured Sir
Then madam said Delamere you must allow me to finish now what I
have to say to Miss Mowbray
Good heaven Sir exclaimed Emmeline why will you thus persist in
distressing me You are perhaps known to Mrs Watkins your name will be
at least known to her and intelligence of your being here will be
instantly sent to Lord Montreville
Emmeline by no means aware that this speech implied a desire of
concealment the motives of which might appear highly flattering to
Delamere was soon made sensible of its import by his answer
Enough my adorable Emmeline cried he eagerly if I am worthy of a
thought of that sort I am less wretched than I believed myself I will
not now insist on a longer audience but tomorrow I must see you
againYour amiable friend here will intercede for meI must not be
refused and will wish you a good day before you can form so cruel a
resolution
So saying he bowed to Mrs Stafford kissed Emmelines hand and
departed with FitzEdward from the door
The two fair friends no sooner entered the house than Emmeline threw
herself into a chair and burst into tears
Ah my dear madam said she sobbing what will now become of me
Lord Montreville will believe I have corresponded with his son he will
withdraw all favour and confidence from me and I shall be undone
Do not thus distress yourself said Mrs Stafford tenderly taking her
handI hope the rash and cruel conduct of this young man will not have
the consequences you apprehend Lord Montreville from your former
conduct will easily credit your not having encouraged this visit
Ah my dear Mrs Stafford replied Emmeline you do not know Lord
Montreville He hastily formed a notion that I made an appointment with
Mr Delamere at Mowbray Castle when I had not even seen him above once
and though from my eagerness to leave it I believe he afterwards
thought he had been too hasty yet so strong was that first impression
that the slightest circumstance would I know renew it as forcibly as
ever for he has one of those tempers which having once entertained an
idea of a persons conduct or character never really alters it though
they see the most convincing evidence of its fallacy Having once
supposed I favoured the addresses of Mr Delamere as you know he did
at Mowbray Castle the present visit will convince him he was right and
that I am the most artful as well as the most ungrateful of beings
Mrs Stafford hesitated a moment and then said I see all the evil you
apprehend To convince Lord Montreville of your ignorance of Delameres
design and your total rejection of his clandestine addresses suppose I
were to write to him He must be prejudiced and uncandid indeed if
after such information he is not convinced of your innocence
To this proposal Emmeline consented with assurances of the liveliest
gratitude and Mrs Stafford returning to her lodgings wrote the
following letter to Lord Montreville
_Swansea June 20
My Lord
A short abode at this place has given me the pleasure of knowing
Miss Mowbray to whose worth and prudence I am happy to bear
testimony At the request of this amiable young woman I am now to
address your Lordship with information that Mr Delamere came hither
yesterday with Mr FitzEdward and has again renewed those
addresses to Miss Mowbray which she knows to be so disagreeable to
your Lordship and which cannot but be extremely prejudicial to her
Circumstanced as she is at this place she cannot entirely avoid
him but she hopes your Lordship will be convinced how truly she
laments the pain this improper conduct of Mr Delamere will give
you and she loses not a moment in beseeching you to write to him
or otherwise to interfere in prevailing on him to quit Swansea and
to prevent his continuing to distress her by a pursuit so unwelcome
to you and so injurious to her honour and repose
I have the honour to be
my Lord
your Lordships
most obedient servant
C STAFFORD
This letter being extremely approved of by Emmeline was put into the
next days post and the two ladies set out for their walk at a very
early hour flattering themselves they should return before Delamere and
FitzEdward who was lately raised to the rank of lieutenantcolonel
were abroad But in this they deceived themselves They were again
overtaken by their importunate pursuers who had now agreed to vary the
mode of their attack FitzEdward who knew the power of his insidious
eloquence over the female heart undertook to plead for his friend to
Emmeline while Delamere was to try to interest Mrs Stafford and
engage her good offices in his behalf
They no sooner joined the ladies than Delamere said to the
latterAfter the discouraging reception of yesterday nothing but
being persuaded that your heart will refuse to confirm the rigour you
think yourself obliged to adopt could make me venture Madam to
solicit your favour with Miss Mowbray I now warmly implore it and
surely
Can you believe Sir said Mrs Stafford interrupting him that _I_
shall ever influence Miss Mowbray to listen to you knowing as I do
the aversion of your family to your entertaining any honourable views
and having reason to believe you have yourself formed those that are
very different
You have no reason to believe so Madam interrupted Delamere in his
turn and must wilfully mistake me as an excuse for your cold and
unkind manner of treating me By heaven I love Emmeline with a passion
as pure as it is violent and if she would but consent to it will marry
her in opposition to all the world Assist me then dear and amiable
Mrs Stafford assist me to conquer the unreasonable prejudice she has
conceived against a secret marriage
Never Sir will I counsel Miss Mowbray to accept such a proposal
never will I advise her to unite herself with one whose family disdain
to receive her and by clandestinely stealing into it either disturb
its peace or undergo the humiliation of living the wife of a man who
dares not own her
And who Madam has said that I dare not own her Does not the same
blood run in our veins Is she not worthy from her personal merit of a
throne if I had a throne to offer her And do you suppose I mean to
sacrifice the happiness of my whole life to the narrow policy or selfish
ambition of my father
Wait then Sir till time shall produce some alteration in your
favour Emmeline is yet very young too young indeed to marry Perhaps
when Lord and Lady Montreville are convinced that she only can make you
happy they may consent to your union
You little know Madam the hopelessness of such an expectation Were
it possible that any arguments any motives could engage my father to
forego all the projects of aggrandizing his family by splendid and rich
alliances my mother will I know ever be inexorable She will not hear
the name of Emmeline Last winter she incessantly persecuted me with
proposals of marriage and is now bent upon persuading me to engage my
hand to Miss Otley a relation of her own who possesses indeed an
immense fortune and is of rank but who of all women living would make
me the most miserable The fatigueing arguments I have heard about this
match and the fruitless and incessant solicitude of my mother convince
me I cannot for both our sakes too soon put an end to it
Mrs Stafford notwithstanding the vehement plausibility of Delamere
still declined giving to Emmeline such advice as he wished to engage her
to offer and tho aware of all the advantages such a marriage would
procure her friend she would not influence her to a determination her
heart could not approve
While Delamere therefore was pleading vainly to her FitzEdward was
exhausting in his discourse with Emmeline all that rhetoric on behalf
of his friend which had already succeeded so frequently for himself
Tho he had given way to Delameres eagerness and had accompanied him
in pursuit of Miss Mowbray after a few feeble arguments against it he
never intended to encourage him in his resolution of marrying her which
he thought a boyish and romantic plan and one of which he would
probably be weary before it could be executed But as it was a military
maxim that in love and war all stratagems are allowable he failed not
to lay as much stress on the honourable intentions of Delamere as if he
had really meant to assist in carrying them into effect
Emmeline heard him in silence or when an answer of some kind seemed to
be extorted from her she told him that she referred herself entirely to
Mrs Stafford and would not even speak upon the subject but before her
and as she should dictate
In this way several meetings passed between Delamere the colonel and
the two ladies for unless the latter had wholly confined themselves
there was no possible way of avoiding the importunate assiduity of the
gentlemen FitzEdward had a servant who was an adept in such
commissions and who was kept constantly on the watch so that they were
traced and followed in spite of all their endeavours to avoid it
Mrs Stafford however persuaded Emmeline to be less uneasy at it as
she assured her she would never leave her and that there could be no
misrepresentation of her conduct while they were together
Every day they expected some consequence from Mrs Staffords letter to
Lord Montreville but for ten days though they had heard nothing they
satisfied themselves with conjectures
Ten days more insensibly passed by and they began to think it very
extraordinary that his Lordship should give no attention to an affair
which only a few months before seemed to have occasioned him so much
serious alarm
In this interval Delamere saw Emmeline every day and FitzEdward on
behalf of his friends views attached himself to Mrs Stafford with an
attention as marked and as warm as that of Delamere towards Miss
Mowbray
He was well aware of the power a woman of her understanding must have
over an heart like Emmelines so new to the world so ingenuous and so
much inclined to indulge all the delicious enthusiasm of early
friendship
He had had a slight acquaintance with Mrs Stafford when she was first
married and knew enough of her husband to be informed of the source of
that dejection which through all her endeavours to conceal it
frequently appeared and having lived always among those who consider
attachments to married women as allowable gallantries and having had
but too much success among them FitzEdward thought he could take
advantage of Mrs Staffords situation to entangle her in a connection
which would make her more indulgent to the weakness of her friend for
Delamere
But such was the awful yet simple dignity of her manner and so sacred
the purity of unaffected virtue that he dared not hazard offending her
while aware of the tendency of his flattering and incessant assiduity
she was always watchful to prevent any diminution of the respect she had
a right to exact and without affecting to shun his society which was
extremely agreeable she never suffered him to assume in his
conversation with her those freedoms which often made him admired by
others nor allowed him to avow that libertinism of principle which she
lamented that he possessed
FitzEdward who had at first undertaken to entertain her merely with a
view of favouring Delameres conversation with Emmeline almost
imperceptibly found that it had charms on his own account He could not
be insensible of the graces of a mind so highly cultivated and he felt
his admiration mingled with a reverence and esteem of which he had never
before been sensible but his vanity was piqued at the coldness with
which she received his studied and delicate adulation and for the
first time in his life he was obliged to acknowledge to himself that
there might be a woman whose mind was superior to its influence
Not being disposed very tranquilly to submit to this mortifying
conviction he became more anxious to secure that partiality from Mrs
Stafford which since he found it so hard to acquire became necessary
to his happiness and in the hope of obtaining it he would probably
long have persisted had not his attention been soon afterwards diverted
to another object
It wanted only a few days of a month since Mrs Staffords letter was
dispatched to Lord Montreville But the carelessness of the servant who
was left in charge of the house in Berkleysquare was the only reason of
his not noticing it
Immediately after the birthday his Lordship had quitted London on a
visit to a nobleman in Buckinghamshire whither his son had attended
him and where they parted Delamere under pretence of seeing his
friend Percival really went into Berkshire and Lord Montreville
having insisted on Delameres joining him at the house of Lady Mary
Otley beyond Durham where Lady Montreville and her two daughters were
already gone set out himself for that place where they intended to
pass the months of July and August He had many friends to visit on the
road and when his Lordship arrived there he found all his letters had
instead of following him as he had directed been sent immediately
thither and instead of finding his son or an account of his intended
arrival he had the mortification of reading Mrs Staffords
information
Delamere had indeed passed a few days with Mr Percival and had
written to his father from thence but he had also seen Headly from
whom he had extorted the secret of Emmelines residence
FitzEdward to whose sister Mr Percival was lately married had joined
Delamere at the house of his brotherinlaw and Delamere persisting in
his resolution of seeing Emmeline had without much difficulty
prevailed on FitzEdward who had some weeks on his hands before he was
to join his regiment in Ireland and who had no aversion to any plan
that looked like an intrigue to accompany him
They contrived to gain Mr Percival and Delamere by inclosing letters
to him which were forwarded to his father as if he had been still
there imagined that he had prevented all probability of discovery
Could he have persuaded Emmeline to a Scottish marriage which he very
firmly believed he should he intended as soon as they were married to
have taken her to the house of Lady Mary Otley and to have presented
her to his father his mother his sisters and Lady Mary and her
daughter who were also his relations as his wife
Lord Montreville on reading Mrs Staffords letter shut himself up in
his own apartment to consider what was to be done
He knew Delamere too well to believe that writing or the agency of any
other person would have on him the least effect
He was convinced therefore he must go himself yet to return
immediately without giving Lady Montreville some very good reason was
impossible nor could he think of any that would content her but the
truth Though he would very willingly have concealed from her what had
happened he was obliged to send for her and communicate to her the
intelligence received from Mrs Stafford
Her Ladyship whose pride was if possible more than adequate to her
high blood and whose passions were as strong as her reason was feeble
received this information with all those expressions of rage and
contempt which Lord Montreville had foreseen
Though the conduct of Emmeline was such as all her prejudice could not
misunderstand she loaded her with harsh and injurious appellations and
blamed his Lordship for having fostered a little reptile who was now
likely to disgrace and ruin the family to which she pretended to belong
She protested that if Delamere dared to harbour so degrading an idea as
that of marrying her she would blot him for ever from her affection
and if possible from her memory
Lord Montreville was obliged to wait till the violence of her first
emotion had subsided before he ventured to propose going himself to
recall Delamere To this proposal however her Ladyship agreed and
when she became a little cooler consented readily to conceal if
possible from Lady Mary Otley the reason of Lord Montrevilles abrupt
departure which was fixed for the next day for the knowledge of it
could not have any good effect on the sentiments of Lady Mary and her
daughter the former of whom was at present as anxious as Lady
Montreville for an union of their families
After some farther reflection Lord Montreville thought that as Delamere
was extremely fond of his youngest sister her influence might be of
great use in detaching him from his pursuit It was therefore settled
that she should accompany his Lordship making the most plausible story
they could to account for a departure so unexpected and leaving Lady
Montreville and Miss Delamere as pledges of their intended return Lord
Montreville and his daughter Augusta set out post for London in their
way to Swansea
Emmeline had for some days complained of a slight indisposition and
being somewhat better had determined to walk out in the evening but
having rather favoured and indulged her illness as it gave her a
pretext for avoiding Delamere whose long and vehement assiduities began
to give great uneasiness to both the ladies she still answered to their
enquiries that she was too ill to leave her room and in consequence of
this message she and Mrs Stafford who came to sit with her soon
afterwards saw the Colonel and Delamere ride by as if for their evening
airing They kissed their hands as they passed and as soon as the
ladies believed them quite out of sight and had observed the way they
had gone Emmeline who had confined herself three days to her room and
who languished for air proposed a short walk the opposite way to which
Mrs Stafford consented and as soon as the heat was a little abated
they set out and enjoyed a comfortable and quiet walk for near an hour
from which they were returning when they saw Delamere and FitzEdward
riding towards them
They dismounted and giving their horses to their servants joined them
Delamere reproaching Emmeline for the artifice she had used yet
congratulating himself on seeing her again But his eyes eagerly running
over her person betrayed his extreme anxiety and concern at observing
her pale and languid looks and the lassitude of her whole frame
FitzEdward in a whisper made the same remarks on her appearance to
Mrs Stafford who answered that if Mr Delamere persisted in pursuing
her she did not doubt but that it would end in her going into a
decline
Say rather answered FitzEdward artfully that the interesting
languor on the charming countenance of your friend arises from the
sensibility of her heart She cannot surely see Delamere dying for her
as he is without feeling some disposition to answer a passion so ardent
and sincere I know it is impossible she should It is only your Stoic
prudence your cold and unfeeling bosom which can arm itself against
all the enthusiasm of love all the tenderness of friendship Miss
Mowbrays heart is made of softer materials and were it not for the
inhuman reserve you have taught her poor Delamere had long since met a
more suitable return to an attachment of which almost any other woman
would glory in being the object
There was something in this speech particularly displeasing to Mrs
Stafford who answered that he could not pay her a compliment more
gratifying than when he told her she had been the means of saving Miss
Mowbray from indiscretion though she was well convinced that her own
excellent understanding and purity of heart made any monitor
unnecessary
However continued she if you think that _my_ influence has
prevented her entering into all the wild projects of Mr Delamere
continue to believe that while I am with her the same influence will
invariably be exerted to the same purpose
Delamere and Emmeline who were a few paces before them while this
dialogue was passing were now met by Parkinson the colonels servant
who addressing himself to Delamere told him that Lord Montreville and
one of the young ladies were that moment alighted from their carriage at
the inn and had sent to his lodgings to enquire for him
Mrs Stafford advancing heard the intelligence and looked anxiously at
Emmeline who turned paler than death at the thoughts of Lord
Montreville
Delamere was alternately red and pale He hesitated and tried to
flatter himself that Parkinson was mistaken while FitzEdward who
found he should be awkwardly situated between the father and son
silently meditated his defence
Mrs Stafford who saw Emmeline ready to sink with the apprehension of
being seen walking with Delamere intreated the gentlemen to leave them
and go to Lord Montreville which she at length prevailed on them to do
Delamere pressing Emmelines hand to his lips and protesting with a
vehemence of manner particularly his own that no power on earth should
oblige him to relinquish her
Mrs Stafford got the trembling Emmeline home as well as she could
where she endeavoured to strengthen her resolution and restore her
spirits by representing to her the perfect rectitude with which she had
acted
But poor Delamere who had no such consolatory reflections felt very
uneasy and would willingly have avoided the immediate explanation which
he saw must now take place with his father
He determined however to temporize no longer but being absolutely
fixed in his resolution of marrying Emmeline to tell his father so and
to meet all the effects of his anger at once
In this disposition he desired FitzEdward to leave him and he entered
alone the parlour of the inn where Lord Montreville waited for him His
countenance expressed a mixture of anger and confusion while that of
his Lordship betrayed yet sterner symptoms of the state of his mind
Augusta Delamere her eyes red with weeping and her voice faultering
through agitation arose and met her brother halfway
My dear brother said she taking his hand
He kissed her cheek and bowing to his father sat down
I have taken the trouble to come hither Sir said Lord Montreville
in consequence of having received information of the wicked and
unworthy pursuit in which you have engaged I command you upon your
duty instantly to return with me and renounce for ever the scandalous
project of seducing an innocent young woman whom _you_ ought rather to
respect and whom _I_ will protect
I intend ever to do both Sir and when she is my wife you will be
released from the task of protecting her and will only have to love her
as much as her merit deserves Be assured my Lord I have no such
designs against the honour of Miss Mowbray as you impute to me It is my
determined and unalterable intention to marry her Would to God your
Lordship would conquer the unreasonable prejudice which you have
conceived against the only union which will secure the happiness of your
son and endeavour to reconcile my mother to a marriage on which I am
resolved
Having pronounced these words in a resolute tone he arose from his
seat bowed slightly to his father and waving his hand to his sister
as if to prevent her following him he walked indignantly out of the
room
Lord Montreville made no effort to stop him But the recollection of the
fatal indulgence with which he had been brought up recurred forcibly to
his Lordships mind and he felt his anger against his son half subdued
by the reproaches he had to make himself The very sight of this darling
son was so gratifying that he almost forgot his errors when he beheld
him
After a moments pause Lord Montreville said to his daughter You see
Augusta the disposition your brother is in Violent measures will I
fear only make him desperate We must try what can be done by Miss
Mowbray herself who will undoubtedly consent to elude his pursuit and
time may perhaps detach him from it entirely For this purpose I would
have _you_ see Emmeline tomorrow early and having talked to her we
can consider on what to determine To night try to recover your
fatigue
Let me go to night Sir said his daughterIt is not yet more than
eight oclock and I am sensible of no fatigue that should prevent my
seeing the young lady immediately
Lord Montreville assenting Miss Delamere attended by a servant walked
to the house of Mrs Watkins
The door was opened by the good woman herself and on enquiry for Miss
Mowbray she desired the lady to walk in and sit down in her little
room while she went up to let Miss knowFor I cant tell said she
folding up a stocking she was knitting whether she be well enough to
see a strange gentlewoman She have been but poorly for this week and
to night after she came from walking she was in such a taking poor
thing we thought shed a had a fit and so Madam Stafford who is just
gone bid her she should lie down a little and keep quiet
This account added to the disquiet of the fair mediatrix who fancied
the heart of Emmeline could hardly fail of being of Delameres party
and that uneasiness at his fathers arrival occasioned the agitation of
her spirits which Mrs Watkins described
Mrs Watkins returned immediately saying that Miss Emmy would be down
in a moment
Emmeline instantly guessed who it was by the description of the young
Lady and the livery of the servant who attended her and now with a
beating heart and uncertain step she entered the room
Miss Delamere had been prepared to see a very beautiful person but the
fair figure whom she now beheld though less dazlingly handsome than she
expected was yet more interesting and attractive than she would have
appeared in the highest bloom of luxuriant beauty Her late illness had
robbed her cheeks of that tender bloom they usually boasted timidity
and apprehension deprived her of much of the native dignity of her
manner yet there was something in her face and deportment that
instantly prejudiced Miss Delamere in her favour and made her
acknowledge that her brothers passion had at least personal charms for
its excuse
A silent curtsey passed between the two ladiesand both being seated
Miss Delamere began
I believe Miss Mowbray you know that my father Lord Montreville in
consequence of a letter received from Mrs Stafford who is he
understands a friend of yours arrived here this morning
The letter madam was written at my particular request that my Lord
did not notice it sooner has believe me given me great concern
I do sincerely believe it and every body must applaud your conduct in
this affair My father was by accident prevented receiving the letter
for some weeks as soon as it reached him we set out and he has now
sent me to you my dear cousin for be assured I am delighted with the
relationship to consult with you on what we ought to do
Emmeline consoled yet affected by this considerate speech found
herself relieved by tears
Though I am unable madam said she recovering herself to advise
be assured I am ready to do whatever you and Lord Montreville shall
dictate to put an end to the projects your brother so perseveringly
attempts Ah Miss Delamere my situation is singularly distressing It
demands all your pity all your fathers protection
You have you shall have both my dear Emmeline as well as our
admiration for your noble and heroic conduct and I beg you will not by
being thus uneasy injure your health and depress your spirits
This and many other consoling speeches delivered in the persuasive
voice of friendly sympathy almost restored Emmeline to her usual
composure and after being together near an hour Miss Delamere took her
leave charmed with her new acquaintance and convinced that she would
continue to act with the most exact obedience to the wishes of Lord
Montreville
Lord Montreville on hearing from his daughter what had passed between
her and Emmeline was disposed to hope that since she was so willing to
assist in terminating for ever the views of Delamere they should be
able to prevail on him to relinquish them
While Miss Delamere was with Emmeline his Lordship had himself waited
on Mrs Stafford to whom he thought himself obliged
He thanked her for the letter with which she had favoured him and said
that having heard of the great regard with which she honoured Miss
Mowbray he waited on her to beg her advice in the present difficult
circumstance Since Mr Delamere has pursued her hither said his
Lordship she cannot remain here but to find a situation that will be
proper for her and concealed from him I own appears so difficult that
I know not on what to determine
My Lord answered Mrs Stafford I intended to have asked your
Lordships permission to have been favoured with Miss Mowbrays company
for some months and still hope to be indulged with it when I return
home But could I go thither now which I cannot my house not being in
a condition to receive me it would be impossible to prevent Mr
Delameres knowledge of her abode if she was with me But surely Mr
Delamere will leave this place with you and will not oblige Miss
Mowbray to quit her home to avoid him
Ah madam answered Lord Montreville you do not yet know my son The
impetuosity of his temper which has never been restrained it is now
out of my power to check whatever he determines on he will execute and
I have too much reason to fear that opposition only serves to strengthen
his resolution While Emmeline is here it will be impossible to prevail
on him to quit the place and though her behaviour has hitherto been
irreproachable and meritorious how can I flatter myself that so young a
woman will continue steadily to refuse a marriage which would not only
relieve her at once from the difficulties and dependance of her
situation but raise her to an elevated rank and a splendid fortune
To which said Mrs Stafford she would do honour I do not however
presume to offer my opinion to your Lordship You have undoubtedly
very strong reasons for your opposition to Mr Delameres wishes and
his affluent fortune and future rank certainly give him a right to
expect both the one and the other in whoever he shall marry But a more
lovely person a better heart a more pure and elegant mind he will no
where meet with Miss Mowbray will reflect as much credit as she can
borrow on any family to which she may be allied
I acknowledge madam that Miss Mowbray is a very amiable young woman
but she never can be the wife of my son and you I am sure are too
considerate to give any encouragement to so impossible an idea
After some farther conversation Mrs Stafford promised to endeavour to
recollect a proper situation for Miss Mowbray where she might be
secured from the importunities of Delamere and his Lordship took his
leave
By six oclock the next morning Delamere was at Mrs Watkinss door
and nobody being visible but the maid servant he entered the parlour
and told her he wanted to speak with Miss Mowbray but would wait until
she arose
The maid told her mistress who immediately descended and Delamere who
was known to her as a young Lord who was in love with Miss Emmy was
courteously invited to her own parlour and she offered to go up with
any message he should be pleased to send
He begged she would only say to Miss Mowbray that a gentleman desired to
speak to her on business of consequence
But the good woman who thought she could do more justice to her
employer told Emmeline who was dressing herself that the handsome
young Lord as used to walk every night with her and Madam Stafford was
below and wanted to speak to her directly
At this information Emmeline was extremely alarmed She considered
herself as particularly bound by what had passed the evening before
between her and Augusta Delamere to avoid her brother and such an
interview as he now demanded must have an appearance to Lord Montreville
of which she could not bear to think She desired Mrs Watkins
therefore to let the gentleman know that she was not well and could
not see any body
Why Lord Miss exclaimed the officious landlady what can you mean
now by that What go for to refuse seeing such an handsome young man
who is a Lord and the like of that I am sure it is so foolish that I
shant carry no such message
Send Betty with it then answered Emmeline coldly let her inform the
gentleman I cannot be seen
Well said Mrs Watkins as she descended it is strange nonsense to
my fancy but some folks never knows what they would be at
She then returned to the parlour and very reluctantly delivered the
answer to Mr Delamere who asked if Emmeline was really ill
Ill said the complaisant hostess I see nothing that ails her last
night indeed she was in a desperate taking and we had much ado to
hinder her from going into a fit but to day I am sure she looks as if
she was as well as ever
Delamere asked for a pen and ink with which she immediately furnished
him and as she officiously offered to get him some breakfast he
accepted it to gain time While it was preparing he sent up to Emmeline
the following note
I came hither to entreat only one quarter of an hours
conversation which you cruelly deny me You determine then
Emmeline to drive me to despair
You may certainly still refuse to see me but you cannot oblige
me to quit this place or to lose sight of your abode My father
will therefore gain nothing by his illjudged journey hither
But if you will allow me the interview I solicit and after it
still continue to desire my absence I will give you my promise to
go from hence tomorrow
F DELAMERE
The maid was sent up with this billet to Emmeline who after a moments
consideration determined to send it to Miss Delamere and to tell her
in an envelope how she was situated
Having enclosed it therefore and desired the maid to go with it without
saying whither she was going she bid her as she went through the
house deliver to Mr Delamere another note which was as follows
Sir
Your request of an interview I think myself obliged on every
account to refuse I am extremely sorry you determine to persevere
in offering me proposals to which though they do me a very high
and undeserved honour I never ought to listen and excuse me if I
add that I never will
EMMELINE MOWBRAY
Emmeline had not before so positively expressed her rejection of
Delameres addresses The peremptory stile therefore of this billet
added to his extreme vexation at being overtaken by his father and the
little hope that seemed to remain for him any way operated altogether
on his rash and passionate disposition and seemed to affect him with a
temporary phrenzy He stamped about the room dashed his head against
the wainscot and seizing Mrs Watkins by the arm swore with the most
frightful vehemence that he would see Miss Mowbray though death were in
the way
The woman concluding he was mad screamed out to her husband who
descending from his chamber in astonishment put himself between his
wife and the stranger demanding his business
Alackaday cried Mrs Watkins tis the young Lord He is gone mad
to be sure for the love of Miss up stairs
Emmeline who in so small a house could not avoid hearing all that
passed now thought it better to go down for she knew enough of
Delamere to fear that the effects of his fit of passion might be very
serious and was certain that nothing could be more improper than so
much confusion
She therefore descended the stairs with trembling feet and entered
Mrs Watkinss parlour where she saw Delamere his eyes flashing fire
and his hands clenched storming round the room while Watkins followed
him and bowing in his awkward way begged his Honour would only please
to be pacified
There was something so terrifying in the wild looks of the young man
that Emmeline having only half opened the door retreated again from it
and was hastening away But Delamere had seen her and darting out after
her caught her before she could escape out of the passage and she was
compelled to return into the room with him where on condition of his
being more composed she agreed to sit down and listen to him
Watkins and his wife having left the room Delamere again renewed his
solicitations for a Scottish expedition However averse said he my
father and mother may at present be to our marriage I know they will be
immediately reconciled when it is irrevocable But if you continue to
harden your heart against me of what advantage will it be to them
Their ambition will still suffer for I here swear by all that is
sacred that then I never will marry at all and by my dying without
posterity their views will for ever be abortive and their projects
disappointed
To this and every other argument Delamere used Emmeline answered
that having determined never to accept of his hand situated as she at
present was nothing should induce her to break through a determination
which alone could secure her the approbation of her own heart
He then asked her whether if the consent of Lord and Lady Montreville
could be obtained she would continue averse to him
This question she evaded by saying that it was to no purpose to
consider how she should act in an event so unlikely to happen
He then again exerted all the eloquence which love rather than reason
lent him But Emmeline combated his arguments with those of rectitude
and honour by which she was resolutely bent to abide
This steadiness originating from principles he could not controvert or
deny seemed while it shewed him all its hopelessness to give new
force to his passion He became again almost frantic and was anew
acting the part of a madman when Mrs Stafford and Miss Delamere
entered the house and enquiring for Miss Mowbray were shewn into the
room where she was with Delamere who almost exhausted by the violence
of those emotions he had so boundlessly indulged had now thrown himself
into a chair with his head leaning against the wainscot his hair was
dishevelled his eyes swoln and his countenance expressed so much
passionate sorrow that Augusta Delamere extremely shocked feared to
speak to him while Emmeline on the opposite side of the room sat with
her handkerchief to her eyes and as soon as she saw Mrs Stafford she
threw herself into her arms and sobbed aloud
Delamere looked at Mrs Stafford and his sister but spoke to neither
till Augusta approaching him would have taken his hand but he turned
from her
Oh Frederic cried she I beseech you to consider the consequence of
all this
I consider nothing said he starting up and going to the window
His sister followed him
Go go said he turning angrily from herGo leave me leave me
assist Lord Montreville to destroy his only son go and be a party in
the cruel policy that will make you and Fanny heiresses
The poor girl who really loved her brother better than any thing on
earth was quite overwhelmed by this speech and her tears now flowed as
fast as those of Emmeline who continued to weep on the bosom of Mrs
Stafford
Delamere looked at them both with a stern and angry countenance then
suddenly catching his sister by the hand which he eagerly grasped he
said in a low but resolute voiceTears Augusta are of no use Do
not lament me but try to help me I am now going out for the whole day
for I will not see my father only to repeat to him what I have already
said Before I return see what you can do towards persuading him to
consent to my marriage with Miss Mowbray for be assured that if he does
not the next meeting in which I expect his answer will be the last we
shall have
He then snatched up his hat and disengaging himself from his sister
who attempted to detain him he went hastily out of the house leaving
Mrs Stafford Miss Mowbray and his sister under great uneasiness and
alarm
They thought it necessary immediately to inform Lord Montreville of the
whole conversation and Miss Delamere dispatched a note to FitzEdward
desiring him to attend to the motions of his friend
FitzEdward was at breakfast with Lord Montreville who took the first
opportunity of their being alone to reproach him with some severity for
what he had done
The Colonel heard him with great serenity and then began to justify
himself by assuring his Lordship that he had accompanied Delamere only
in hopes of being able to detach him from his pursuit and because he
thought it preferable to his being left wholly to himself He declared
that he meant to have given Lord Montreville information if there had
appeared the least probability of Delameres marriage but that being
perfectly convinced from the character of Emmeline that there was
nothing to apprehend he had every day hoped his friend would have
quitted a project in which there seemed not the least likelihood of
success and would have returned to his family cured of his passion
Though this was not all strictly true FitzEdward possessed a sort of
plausible and insinuating eloquence which hardly ever failed of
removing every impression however strong against him and Lord
Montreville was conversing with him with his usual confidence and
friendship when the note from Miss Delamere was brought in
His Lordship ever anxious for his son gazed eagerly at it while
FitzEdward read it and trembling asked from whom it came
FitzEdward put it into his hand and having ran it over in breathless
terror his Lordship hurried out directing all his servants to go
several ways in search of Delamere while he entreated FitzEdward to
run to whatever place he was likely to be in and went himself to Mrs
Staffords lodging who was by this time returned home
What he heard from her of the scene of the morning contributed to
encrease his alarm The image of his son in all the wildness of
ungovernable passion shook his nerves so much that he seemed ready to
faint yet unable to move to enquire where he was As he could attend to
nothing else Mrs Stafford told him how anxiously she had thought of a
situation for Emmeline and that she believed she had at length found
one that would do if said she your Lordship cannot prevail on him
to quit Swansea which I think you had better attempt though from the
scene of this morning I own I despair of it more than ever
The person with whom I hope to be able to place Miss Mowbray is Mrs
Ashwood the sister of Mr Stafford She has been two years a widow
with three children and resides at a village near London She has a
very good fortune and would be happy to have with her such a companion
as Miss Mowbray till I am so fortunate as to be enabled to take her
myself As her connections and acquaintance lie in a different set of
people and in a remote part of the country from those of Mr Delamere
it is improbable that with the precaution we shall take he will ever
discover her residence
Lord Montreville expressed his sense of Mrs Staffords kindness in the
warmest terms He assured her that he should never forget the friendly
part she had taken and that if ever it was in his power to shew his
gratitude by being so happy as to have the ability to serve her or her
family he should consider it as the most fortunate event of his life
Mrs Stafford heard this as matter of course and would have felt great
compassion for Lord Montreville whose state of mind was truly
deplorable but she reflected that he had really been the author of his
own misery first by bringing up his son in a manner that had given
such boundless scope to his passions and now by refusing to gratify
him in marrying a young woman who was in the eye of unprejudiced
reason so perfectly unexceptionable She advised him to try once more
to prevail on his son to leave Swansea with him and he left her to
enquire whether FitzEdward had yet found Delamere whose absence gave
him the most cruel uneasiness
FitzEdward after a long search had overtaken Delamere on an
unfrequented common about a mile from the town where he was walking
with a quick pace and seeing FitzEdward endeavoured to escape him
But when he found he could not avoid him he turned fiercely towards
himWhy do you follow me Sir Is it not enough that you have broken
through the ties of honour and friendship in betraying me to my father
must you still persecute me with your insidious friendship
FitzEdward heard him with great coolness and without much difficulty
convinced him that Miss Mowbray herself had given the information to
Lord Montreville by means of Mrs Stafford
This conviction while it added to the pain and mortification of
Delamere greatly reconciled him to FitzEdward whom he had before
suspected and after a long conversation which FitzEdward so managed
as to regain some degree of power over the passions of his impetuous
friend he persuaded him to go and dine with Lord Montreville having
first undertaken for his Lordship that nothing should be said on the
subject which occupied the thoughts of the father on which condition
only the son consented to meet him
Notwithstanding the steadiness Emmeline had hitherto shewn in rejecting
the clandestine addresses of Delamere he still hoped they would
succeed A degree of vanity pardonable in a young man possessing so
many advantages of person and fortune made him trust to those
advantages and to his unwearied assiduity to conquer her reluctance
He determined therefore to persevere and did not imagine it was likely
he could again lose sight of her by a stratagem against which he was
now on his guard
As he fancied Lord Montreville and his sister designed to carry her with
them when they went he kept a constant eye on their motions and set
his own servant and FitzEdwards valet to watch the servants of Lord
Montreville
FitzEdward who had been so near losing the confidence of both the
father and son found it expedient to observe a neutrality which it
required all his address to support being constantly appealed to by
them both
Lord Montreville he advised to adhere to moderate measures and gentle
persuasions and to trust to Emmelines own strength of mind and good
conduct while to Delamere he recommended dissimulation and advised him
to quit Swansea at present which would prevent Emmelines being removed
from thence and leave it in his power at any time to see her again
Lord Montreville on cooler reflection was by no means satisfied with
FitzEdward To encourage his sons project and even to accompany him
in it in the vain hope of detaching him from Emmeline before an
irrevocable engagement could be formed seemed to be at least very
blameable and if he had seen the connection likely to take place on a
less honourable footing his conduct was more immoral if not so
impolitic
Either way Lord Montreville felt it so displeasing that he determined
not to trust FitzEdward in what he now meditated which was to remove
Emmeline from Swansea before he and his daughter quitted it and to
place her with the sister of Mr Stafford who being now arrived had
engaged to obtain his sisters concurrence with their plan
A female council therefore was held on the means of Emmelines removal
and it was settled that a postchaise should on the night fixed be in
waiting at the distance of half a mile from the town where Emmeline
should meet it and that a servant of Mr Stafford should accompany her
to London who was from thence to return to his masters house in
Dorsetshire
This arrangement being made three days after the arrival of Lord
Montreville and his faithful old valet being employed to procure the
chaise the hour arrived when poor Emmeline was again to abandon her
little home where she had passed many tranquil and some delightful
days and where she was to bid adieu to her two beloved friends
uncertain when she should see them again
Her friendship for Mrs Stafford was enlivened by the warmest gratitude
To her she owed the acquisition of much useful knowledge as well as
instruction in those elegant accomplishments to which she was naturally
so much attached but which she had no former opportunity of acquiring
The charms of her conversation the purity of her heart and the
softness of her temper made her altogether a character which could not
be known without being beloved and Emmeline whose heart was open to
all the enchanting impressions of early friendship loved her with the
truest affection The little she had seen of Augusta Delamere had given
that young lady the second place in her heart They were of the same
age within a few weeks Augusta Delamere extremely resembled the
Mowbray family and there was in figure and voice a very striking
similitude between her and Emmeline Mowbray
Lady Montreville passionately attached to her son as the heir and
representative of her family and partial to her eldest daughter for her
great resemblance to herself seemed on them to have exhausted all her
maternal tenderness and to have felt for Augusta but a very inferior
share of affection
Of the haughty and supercilious manners which made Lady Montreville
feared and disliked she had communicated no portion to her younger
daughter and if she had acquired something of the family pride her
good sense and the sweetness of her temper had so much corrected it
that it was by no means displeasing
Elegantly formed as she was and with a face which tho less fair than
that of Emmeline was almost as interesting her mother had yet always
expressed a disapprobation of her person and she had therefore herself
conceived an indifferent opinion of it and being taught to consider
herself inferior in every thing to her elder sister she never fancied
she was superior to others nor though highly accomplished and
particularly skilled in music did she ever obtrude her acquisitions on
her friends or anxiously seek opportunities of displaying them
Her heart was benevolent and tender and her affection for her brother
the first of its passions She could never discover that he had a
fault and the error in regard to Emmeline which his father so much
dreaded appeared to his sister a virtue
She was deeply read in novels almost the only reading that young women
of fashion are taught to engage in and having from them acquired many
of her ideas she imagined that Delamere and Emmeline were born for each
other though she dared not appear to encourage hopes so totally
opposite to those of her family she found after she had once seen and
conversed with Emmeline that she never could warmly oppose an union
which she was convinced would make her brother happy
She fancied that Emmeline could not be insensible to Delameres love
she even believed she saw many symptoms of regard for him in her manner
and that she made the most heroic sacrifice of her love to her duty
when she resigned him a sacrifice which heightened almost to
enthusiasm the pity and esteem felt for her by Augusta Delamere and
though they had known each other only a few days a sisterly affection
had taken place between them
But from these two friends so tenderly and justly beloved Emmeline was
now to depart and to be thrown among strangers where it was improbable
she would meet with any who would supply the loss of them Her duty
however demanded this painful effort and she determined to execute it
with courage and resolution
Delamere was so perpetually about his father that it was judged
improper for him to hold any private conference with Emmeline lest
something should be suspected
His Lordship therefore sent her by Mrs Stafford a bank note of fifty
pounds with his thanks for the propriety of her conduct and an
assurance that while she continued to merit his protection he should
consider her as his daughter and take care to supply her with money
and every thing else she might wish for He desired she would not write
lest her hand should be known and her abode traced but said that in a
few weeks he would see her himself and wished her all possible health
and happiness
On the night of her departure instead of retiring to rest at the usual
hour Emmeline dressed herself in a travelling dress and passed some
melancholy hours waiting for the signal of her departure
At half past two in the morning every thing being profoundly quiet she
saw from her window her two friends who had declared they would not
leave her till they saw her in the chaise
She took with her only a small parcel of linen Mrs Stafford having
engaged to forward the rest to an address agreed upon and softly
descending the stairs for fear of alarming Mrs Watkins she opened the
door and each of her friends taking an arm they passed over two
fields into a lane where the chaise was waiting with the servant who
was to go with her
The tears had streamed from her eyes during the little walk and she was
unable to speak The servant now opened the chaise door and let down the
step and Emmeline kissing the hand of Mrs Stafford and then that of
Augusta Delamere went hastily into itGod bless you both said she
in a faint and inarticulate voice The servant shut the door mounted a
post horse and the chaise was in an instant out of sight while the two
ladies who at any other time would have been alarmed at being obliged
to take so late a walk thought not of themselves but full of concern
for poor Emmeline went back in tears and Miss Delamere who had agreed
to remain the rest of that night at the lodgings of Mrs Stafford
retired not to rest but to weep for the departure of her friend and the
distress of her brother
Emmeline thus separated from every body she loved pursued her journey
melancholy and repining
The first hour she wept bitterly and accused her destiny of caprice
and cruelty But tho to the unfortunate passion of Delamere she owed
all the inconvenience she had lately experienced she could not resolve
to hate him but found a degree of pity and regard perpetually mingled
itself with his idea in her heart Yet she was not in love and had
rather the friendship of a sister for him than any wish to be his wife
Had there been no impediments to their union she would have married
him rather to make him happy than because she thought it would make
herself so but she would have seen him married to another and have
rejoiced at it if he had found felicity
An attachment like his which had resisted long absence and was
undiminished by insuperable difficulties could hardly fail of having
its effect on the tender and susceptible mind of Emmeline But whatever
affection she felt it by no means arose to what a romantic girl would
have perhaps fancied it and she was much more unhappy at quitting the
dear Augusta than at the uncertainty she was in whether she should ever
again see Delamere
The parting was extremely embittered by the prohibition she had received
in regard to writing to her But painful as it was she determined to
forbear and steadily to adhere to that line of duty however difficult
to practice that only could secure the peace of her mind by the
acquittal of her conscience which as she had learned from Mrs
Stafford as well as from her own experience short as it was could
alone support her in every trial to which she might be exposed
She reflected on her present situation compared to what it would have
been had she been prevailed upon to become the wife of Delamere against
the consent of his family
Splendid as his fortune was and high as his rank would raise her above
her present lot of life she thought that neither would reconcile her to
the painful circumstance of carrying uneasiness and contention into his
family of being thrown from them with contempt as the disgrace of
their rank and the ruin of their hopes and of living in perpetual
apprehension lest the subsiding fondness of her husband should render
her the object of his repentance and regret
The regard she was sensible of for Delamere did not make her blind to
his faults and she saw with pain that the ungovernable violence of
his temper frequently obscured all his good qualities and gave his
character an appearance of ferocity which offered no very flattering
prospect to whosoever should be his wife
By thus reasoning with herself she soon became more calm and more
reconciled to that destiny which seemed not to design her for Delamere
She met with no remarkable occurrence in her journey and on the evening
of the third day arrived in town where the servant who attended her was
ordered to dismiss the chaise and to procure her an hackney coach in
which she proceeded to the house of Mrs Ashwood
This residence situated in a populous village three miles from London
bore the appearance of wealth and prosperity The iron gate which gave
entrance into a large court was opened by a servant in a laced livery
to whom Emmeline delivered the letter she had brought from Mrs
Stafford and after a moments waiting the lady herself came out to
receive her
Emmeline by the splendour of her dress concluded she had left a large
company but being ushered into a parlour found she had been drinking
tea alone of which or of any other refreshment Miss Mowbray was
desired to partake
Her reception of her visitor was perfectly cordial and Emmeline soon
recovering her easy and composed manner Mrs Ashwood seemed very much
pleased with her guest for there was in her countenance a passport to
all hearts
Mrs Ashwood tho not in the bloom of life and tho she never had been
handsome was so unconscious of her personal disadvantages that she
imagined herself the object of admiration of one sex and of the
imitation of the other With the most perfect reliance on the graces of
a figure which never struck any other person as being at all remarkable
she dressed with an exuberance of expence and kept all the company her
neighbourhood afforded
Where her ruling passions the love of admiration and excessive vanity
did not interfere she was sometimes generous and sometimes friendly
But her ideas of her own perfections both of person and mind far
exceeding the truth she had often the mortification to find that others
by no means thought of them as she did and then her good humour was far
from invincible
Though Emmeline soon found her conversation very inferior to what she
had of late been accustomed to she thought herself fortunate in having
found an asylum the mistress of which seemed desirous of making it
agreeable and to which she was introduced by the kindness of her
beloved Mrs Stafford
But while serenity was returning to the bosom of Emmeline that of poor
Delamere was torn with the cruellest tempest The morning after
Emmelines departure Delamere who expected no such thing arose at his
usual hour and rode out alone as he had frequently done As he passed
her window he looked up to it and seeing it open concluded she was in
her room
On his return his father met him and asked him to breakfast but he
designed to attend the teatable of Mrs Stafford where he thought he
should meet Emmeline and therefore excused himself and Lord
Montreville who wished the discovery to be delayed to as late an hour
of the day as possible let him go thither where he breakfasted and
then proposed a walk to Mrs Stafford which he hoped would include a
visit to Emmeline or at least that Mrs Stafford would not walk without
her She excused herself however on pretence of having letters to
write and Delamere went in search of FitzEdward whom he could not
find
It was now noon and he grew impatient at not having had even a glimpse
of Emmeline the whole morning when he met FitzEdwards man and asked
him hastily where his master was
The man hesitated and looked as if he had a secret which he contained
with some uneasiness Sir said he have you seen Miss Mowbray
today
Nowhy do you ask
Because Sir said the fellow I shrewdly suspect that she went away
from here last night I cant tell your Honour why I thinks so but you
may soon know the truth ont
The ardent imagination of Delamere instantly caught fire He took it for
granted that FitzEdward had carried her off and without staying to
reflect a moment he flew to the inn where his horses were and ordered
them to be saddled then rushing into the room where his father and
sister were sitting together he exclaimedshe is gone SirEmmeline
is gonebut I will soon overtake her and the infamous villain who has
torn her from me
Lord Montreville scorned to dissimulate He answered I know she is
gone and it was by my directions she went You cannot overtake her nor
is it probable you will ever see her again Endeavour therefore to
recollect yourself and do not forget what you owe to your family and
yourself
Delamere attended but little to this remonstrance but still
prepossessed with the idea of FitzEdwards being gone with her he
swore perpetual vengeance against him and that he would pursue him
through the world
With this resolution on his lips and fury in his eyes he quitted his
fathers apartment and at the door met FitzEdward himself coming to
enquire after him
He was somewhat ashamed of the hasty conclusion he had made and was
therefore more disposed to hear what FitzEdward had to say who
presently convinced him that he was entirely ignorant of the flight of
Emmeline
Delamere now insisted that as a proof of his friendship he would
instantly set out with him in pursuit of her
FitzEdward knew not what to do but however seemed to consent and
saying he would order his servant to get his horse left him and went
to Lord Montreville to whom he represented the impracticability of
stopping Delamere
His Lordship almost certain that Emmeline was out of the possibility of
his overtaking her as she had now been gone thirteen hours thought it
better for FitzEdward if he could not prevent his departure to go
with him but he desired him to make as many artificial delays as
possible
Delamere in the mean time had been to Mrs Stafford and tried to
force from her the secret of Emmelines route But she was inexorable
and proof against his phrenzy as well as his persuasion She held him
however as long as she could in discourse But when he found she only
tried to make him lose time he left her in an agony of passion and
mounting his horse while his trembling servants were ordered to follow
him on pain of instant dismission he rode out of the town without
seeing his father leaving a message for FitzEdward that he had taken
the London road and expected he would come after him instantly
Lord Montreville intreated FitzEdward to lose not a moment and bidding
an hasty adieu to his Lordship he ordered his horses to the door of
Mrs Stafford where he took a formal leave of her and her husband
entreating permission to renew his acquaintance hereafter Then getting
on horseback he made as much speed as possible after Delamere whom
with difficulty he overtook some miles forward on the London road
This way Delamere had taken on conjecture only but after proceeding
some time he had met a waggoner whom he questioned The man told him
of a post chaise he had met at four oclock in the morning and
encouraged by that to proceed he soon heard from others enough to make
him believe he was right
The horses however at the end of forty miles were too much fatigued
to keep pace with Delameres impatience He was obliged to wait three
hours before post horses could be found for himself and FitzEdward His
servants were obliged to remain yet longer and the horses which were
at length procured were so lame and inadequate to the journey that it
was six hours before they reached the next stage where the same
difficulty occurred and Delamere between the fatigue of his body and
anxiety of his mind found himself compelled to take some rest
The next day he still traced Emmeline from stage to stage and imagined
himself very near her but the miserable horse on which he rode being
unable to execute his wish as to speed and urged beyond his strength
fell with him in a stage about sixty miles from London by which
accident he received a contusion on his breast and was bruised so much
that FitzEdward insisted on his being blooded and put to bed and then
went to the apothecary of the village near which the accident happened
and procuring a phial of laudanum infused it into the wine and water
which Delamere drank and by that artifice obtained for him the repose
he otherwise would not have been prevailed on to take
After having slept several hours he desired to pursue his journey in a
post chaise but FitzEdward had taken care that none should be
immediately to be had By these delays only it was that Emmeline reached
London some hours before him
However when he renewed his journey he still continued to trace her
from stage to stage till the last postillion who drove her was found
He said that he was ordered to stop at the first stand of coaches into
one of which the lady went and with the servant behind drove away
but the lad neither knew the number of the coach or recollected the
coachman or did he remember whither the coach was ordered to go
Delamere passed two days questioning all the coachmen on the stand and
in consequence of information pretended to be given by some of them he
got into two or three quarrels by going to houses they pointed out to
him And after offering and giving rewards which only seemed to redouble
his difficulties he appeared to be farther than ever from any
probability of finding the fair fugitive he so anxiously sought
Lord Montreville and his daughter staid only two days at Swansea after
his departure They travelled in very indifferent spirits to London
where they found Delamere ill at the lodgings of FitzEdward in
Hillstreet
Lord Montreville found there was nothing alarming in his sons
indisposition but could not persuade him to accompany him to Lady Mary
Otleys
His Lordship and Miss Augusta Delamere set out therefore for that place
leaving Delamere to the care of FitzEdward who promised not to quit
him till he had agreed either to go to the Norfolk estate or to Mr
Percivals
Lord Montreville was tolerably satisfied that he could not discover
Emmeline and Delamere having for above a fortnight attended at all
public places without seeing her and having found every other effort to
meet her fruitless reluctantly agreed to go to his fathers estate in
Norfolk
It was now almost the end of August and FitzEdward after seeing him
part of the way took his leave of him and again went to attend his
duty in the North of Ireland
While Delamere in the deepest despondence which he could neither
conquer or conceal made a vain effort to divert his mind with those
amusements for which he no longer had any relish Emmeline at her new
residence attracted the attention of many of Mrs Ashwoods visitors
A widow in possession of an handsome jointure and her children amply
provided for Mrs Ashwood was believed to entertain no aversion to a
second marriage and her house being so near London was frequented by a
great number of single men many of whom came there because it was a
pleasant jaunt from the city where most of them resided and others
with hopes of amending their fortunes by an alliance with the lady
herself
These latter however were chiefly the younger sons of merchants and
though pleased with their flattery and assiduity Mrs Ashwood who had
an almost equal share of vanity and ambition had yet given no very
decided preference to any for she imagined her personal attractions of
which she had a very high idea added to the advantages of a good
income good expectations and opulent connections entitled her to
marry into an higher line of life than that in which her father had
first engaged her
Her acquaintance however was yet very limited among persons of
fashion and it was not wholly without hopes of encreasing it that she
had consented to receive Miss Mowbray whose relationship to Lord
Montreville would she imagined be the means of introducing her to his
Lordships notice and to that of his family
Her civility and kindness to Emmeline were unbounded for some time And
as she was not easily convinced of her own want of beauty she never
apprehended that she ran some risk of becoming a foil instead of the
first figure as she expected generally to be
The extreme simplicity of Emmelines appearance who notwithstanding the
remonstrances of Mrs Ashwood continued to dress nearly as she did in
Wales and her perfect ignorance of fashionable life and fashionable
accomplishments gave her in the eyes of many of Mrs Ashwoods
visitors the air of a dependant and those who visited with a view to
the fortune of the latter carefully avoided every appearance of
preference to Emmeline and kept her friend in good humour with herself
But there were among those who frequented her house some men of
business who being rather in middle life and immensely rich had no
other views in going thither than to pass a few hours in the country
when their mercantile engagements prevented their leaving London
entirely and who loved pleasure better than any thing but money
With one or two of these Mrs Ashwood and her father had at different
times encouraged overtures of marriage But they knew and enjoyed the
pleasure their fortune and single state afforded them too well to give
those indulgences up for the advantage of increasing their incomes
unless the object had possessed greater attractions than fell to the
share of Mrs Ashwood and her father could not be prevailed upon to
give her at least while he lived a sum of money large enough to tempt
their avarice These overtures therefore had ended in nothing more than
an intercourse of civility
But Emmeline no sooner appeared than one of these gentlemen renewed his
visits with more than his original assiduity
The extreme beauty of her person and the _naivetè_ of her manners gave
her to him the attractive charms of novelty while the mystery there
seemed to be about her piqued his curiosity
It was known that she was related to a noble family but Mrs Ashwood
had been so earnestly entreated to conceal as much as possible her real
history lest Delamere should hear of and discover her that she only
told it to a few friends and it had not yet reached the knowledge of
Mr Rochely who had become the attendant of Mrs Ashwoods tea table
from the first introduction of Emmeline
Mr Rochely was nearer fifty than forty His person heavy and badly
proportioned was not relieved by his countenance which was dull and
illformed His voice monotonous and guttural was fatiguing to the
ear and the singularity of his manners as well as the oddness of his
figure often excited a degree of ridicule which the respect his riches
demanded could not always stifle
With a person so ill calculated to inspire affection he was very
desirous of being a favourite with the ladies and extremely sensible of
their attractions In the inferior ranks of life his money had procured
him many conquests tho he was by no means lavish of it and much of
the early part of his time had been passed in low amours which did not
however impede his progress to the great wealth he possessed He had
always intended to marry but as he required many qualifications in a
wife which are hardly ever united he had hesitated till he had long
been looked upon as an old bachelor
He was determined to chuse beauty but expected also fortune He desired
to marry a woman of family yet feared the expensive turn of those
brought up in high life and had a great veneration for wit and
accomplishments but dreaded lest in marrying a woman who possessed
them he should be liable to be governed by superior abilities or be
despised for the mediocrity of his own understanding
With such ideas his relations saw him perpetually pursuing some
matrimonial project but so easily frightened from his pursuit that
they relied on his succession with the most perfect confidence
When first he beheld Emmeline he was charmed with her person her
conversation at once innocent and lively impressed him with the most
favourable ideas of her heart and understanding and brought up at a
great distance from London she had acquired no taste for expences no
rage for those amusements and dissipations which he so much apprehended
in a wife
When he came to Mrs Ashwoods which was almost every afternoon
Emmeline who was generally at work or drawing in the dressingroom
never discomposed herself but sat quietly to what she was doing
listening with the most patient complaisance to the long and
uninteresting stories with which he endeavoured to entertain her an
attention which greatly contributed to win the heart of Rochely and he
was as much in love as so prudent a man could be before he ventured to
ask himself what he intended or what was the family and what the
fortune of the person who now occupied most of his time and a great
portion of his thoughts
Mrs Ashwood frequently engaged at the neighbouring cardtables from
which Emmeline almost always excused herself often left her and Mr
Rochely to drink tea together and when she was at home would sometimes
make her party in another room where the subject of laughter with her
own admirers was the growing passion of the rich banker for the fair
stranger
Emmeline did not when present escape ridicule on this subject but as
she had not the least idea that a man so much older than herself had any
intention of offering himself as an husband she bore it with great
tranquillity and continued to behave to Mr Rochely with the attentive
civility dictated by natural good breeding while she heard without any
concern but on his account the perpetual mirth and loud bursts of
laughter which followed his compliments and attentions to her
If he was absent a few days the door of Mrs Ashwood was crouded with
servants and porters with game from Mr Rochely And his assiduities
became at every visit more marked
As it was now late in the autumn Mrs Ashwood was desirous of shewing
Miss Mowbray some of those public places she had not yet seen and
Emmeline not apprehending there was any reason to fear meeting Mr
Delamere at a season when she knew field sports kept him altogether in
the country made no difficulty to accompany her
Mr Rochely no sooner heard a party to the play proposed than he
desired to join it and Mrs Ashwood Miss Galton an intimate friend
of hers with Miss Mowbray Mr Hanbury one of Mrs Ashwoods
admirers and Mr Rochely met at DruryLane Theatre where Emmeline
was extremely well entertained
When the play was over the box was filled with several of Mrs
Ashwoods acquaintance who talked to _her_ while their eyes were fixed
on her young friend an observation that did not greatly lighten up her
countenance
The most conspicuous among these was a tall thin but extremely awkward
figure which in a most fashionable undress and with a glass held to
his eye strided into the box and bowing with a strange gesture to Mrs
Ashwood exclaimedOh my dear Mrs Ahere I amreturned from Spa
only last night and already at your feet So here you are and not yet
enchained by that villainous fellow Hymen You are a good soul not to
give yourself away while I was at Spa I was horridly afraid my dear
widow you would not have waited even to have given me a wedding
favour
To this speech as it required no answer Mrs Ashwood gave very little
for besides that she was not pleased with the matter the manner
delighted her still less The speaker had during the whole of it
leaned almost across the person who was next to him to bring his glass
nearly close to Emmelines face
Emmeline extremely discomposed drew back and Mr Rochely who sat
near her putting away the glass softly with his hand said very calmly
to the leaning beauSir is there any occasion to take an account of
this ladys features
Ah my friend Rochely answered he familiarly what are you the
ladys Cicisbeo as we say in Italy Here is indeed beauty enough to
draw you from the contemplation of three per cent consols India bonds
omnium scrip and douceurs But prithee my old friend is this young
lady your ward
My ward no answered Rochely how came you to think she was
Mr Elkerton who fancied he had vastly the advantage in point of wit
as well as of figure over his antagonist now desired to know whether
the lady was his niece though if I had not recollected said he that
you never was married I should have taken her for your grand daughter
This sarcasm had on the features of Rochely all the effect the
travelled man expected But while he was preparing an answer at which
he was never very prompt the coach was announced to be ready and
Emmeline extremely weary of her situation and disgusted even to
impatience with her new acquaintance hastily arose to go
Elkerton offered to take her hand which she drew from him without
attempting to conceal her dislike and accepting the arm of Rochely
followed Mrs Ashwood while Elkerton determined not to lose sight of
her seized the hand of Miss Galton who being neither young handsome
or rich had been left to go out alone they followed the rest of the
party to the coach where Mrs Ashwood and Miss Mowbray were already
seated with Mr Hanbury who as he resided with his mother in the
village where Mrs Ashwood lived was to accompany them home
The coach being full seemed to preclude all possibility of Elkertons
admittance But he was not so easily put off and telling Mrs Ashwood
he intended to go home to sup with her he stepped immediately in and
ordered his servant who waited at the coach door with a flambeau to
direct his visavis to follow
Rochely who meant to have wished them a good night after seeing them to
their carriage was too much hurt by this happy essay of assurance not
to resolve to counteract its consequences Elkerton though not a
very young man was near twenty years younger than Rochely besides the
income of his business for he was in trade he had a large independent
fortune of which he was extremely lavish his equipages were splendid
his house most magnificently furnished and his cloaths the most
expensive that could be bought
Rochely whose ideas of elegance manners or taste were not very
refined had no notion that the absurdity of Elkerton or his
disagreeable person would prevent his being a very formidable rival He
therefore saw him with great pain accompany Emmeline home and though he
had formed no positive designs himself he could not bear to suppose
that another might form them with success
Directing therefore his chariot to follow the coach he was set down at
the door a few minutes after Mrs Ashwood and her party where Emmeline
still more displeased with Elkerton and having been teized by his
impertinent admiration the whole way looked as if she could have burst
into tears
Mrs Ashwood in a very ill humour hardly attended to his flourishing
speeches with common civility he had therefore recourse to Miss Galton
to whom he was giving the history of his travels which seemed to take
up much of his thoughts
Miss Galton who by long dependance and repeated disappointments had
acquired the qualifications necessary for a patient hearer acquiesced
in smiling silence to all his assertions looked amazed in the right
place and heard with great complacency his wonderful success at
cards and the favour he was in with women of the first fashion at Spa
The entrance of Mr Rochely gave no interruption to his discourse He
bowed slightly to him without rising and then went on observing that
he had now seen every part of Europe worth seeing and meant at least
for some years to remain in England the ladies of which country he
preferred to every other and therefore intended taking a wife among
them Fortune was he declared to him no object but he was determined
to marry the handsomest woman he could meet with for whom he was now
looking out
As he said this he turned his eyes towards Emmeline who affecting not
to hear him tho he spoke in so loud a tone as to make it unavoidable
was talking in a low voice to Mr Rochely
Rochely placing himself close to her had thrown his arm over the back
of her chair and leaning forward attended to her with an expression in
his countenance of something between apprehension and hope that gave it
the most grotesque look imaginable
Mrs Ashwood who had been entertained apart by Mr Hanbury now hurried
over the supper during which Elkerton still full of himself engrossed
almost all the conversation gave a detail of the purchases he had made
abroad and the trouble he had to land them interspersed with _bon
mots_ of French Marquises and German Barons and witty remarks of an
English Duke with whom he had crossed the water on his return But
whatever story he told himself was still forwardest in the picture his
project of marrying an handsome wife was again repeated and he told the
party how charming a house he had bought in Kent and how he had
furnished his library
Rochely who lay in wait to revenge himself for all the mortifications
he had suffered from him during the evening took occasion to say in
his grave cold manner to be sure a man of your taste and erudition
Mr Elkerton cannot do without a library but for my part I think you
will find no books can say so much to the purpose as those kept by your
late father in Milkstreet Cheapside
Elkerton turned pale at this sneer but forcing a smile of contempt
answered You bankers have no ideas out of your comptinghouses and
rich as ye are will never be any thing but _des bourgeois les plus
grossieres_ For my part I see no reason whywhy a mans being in
business should prevent his enjoying the _elegancies_ and _agréments_
of life especially if he can _afford_ it as it is well known I
believe even to _you_ Sir _that I can_
Oh Sir replied Rochely I know your late father was _reputed_ to
have died rich and that no body has made a better _figure about town_
than _you_ have ever since
As to figure Sir returned the other it is true I like to have
every thing about me _comme il faut_ And though I dont make fifty per
cent of money as _some_ gentlemen do in _your_ way of business I
assure you Sir I do nothing that I cannot very well afford
Mrs Ashwood who thought it very likely a quarrel might ensue here
endeavoured to put an end to such very unpleasant discourse and
prevented Mr Hanbury who equally hated them both from trying to
irritate them farther to which he maliciously inclined
The hints however of fatigue given by her and Miss Mowbray obliged
Mr Rochely to ring that his chariot might be called which had waited
at the door while Elkerton who had a pair of beautiful pied horses in
his visàvis desired to have them sent for from a neighbouring
innfor _I_ said he rising and strutting round the room never
suffer _my_ people or _my_ horses to wait in the streets
He then leant over Emmelines chair and began in a court tone to renew
his compliments But she suddenly arose and begging Mrs Ashwood would
give her leave to retire wished Mr Rochely and ladies a good night
and slightly curtseying to Elkerton who was putting himself into the
attitude for a speech and a bow she tripped away
Rochely as soon as she was gone hastened to his chariot and Elkerton
whose people were in no haste to leave the alehouse begged to sit down
till they came
Mrs Ashwood had been the whole evening particularly out of humour and
being no longer able to command it answered peevishly that her house
was much at his service but that she was really so much fatigued she
must retirehowever said she Miss Galton you will be so good as to
stay with Mr Elkertongood night to you Sir
He was no sooner alone with Miss Galton than he desired her after a
speech which he endeavoured to season with as much flattery as it would
bear to tell him who Emmeline was
Upon my word Sir answered she it is more than I know Her name is
Mowbray and she is somehow connected with the family of Lord
Montreville but _what_ relation sneeringly answered she I really
cannot pretend even to guess
A relation of Lord Montreville cried Elkerton why I knew his
Lordship intimately when I was abroad three or four years ago He was at
Naples with his son his lady and two daughters and I was
domesticated absolutely domesticated among them But pray what
relation to them can this Miss Mowbray be
Probably said Miss Galton as you know his Lordship you may know
what connections and family he has I suppose she may be his cousinor
his nieceor his
Here she hesitated and smiled and Elkerton whose carriage was now at
the door and who had a clue which he thought would procure him all the
information he wanted took leave of Miss Galton desiring her to tell
Mrs Ashwood that he should wait upon her again in a few days
Delamere continued in Norfolk only a few weeks after his father and the
family came thither During that time he appeared restless and
dissatisfied his former vivacity was quite lost he shunned society
and passed almost all his time in the fields under pretence of hunting
or shooting tho the greatest satisfaction those amusements now
afforded him was the opportunity they gave him of absenting himself from
home He seldom returned thither till six or seven oclock dined alone
in his own apartment and affected to be too much fatigued to be able to
meet the party who assembled to cards in the evening
Lady Mary Otley and her daughter a widow lady of small fortune in the
neighbourhood with Lord and Lady Montreville and their eldest daughter
made up a party without him Augusta Delamere had been left in their way
from the North with a relation of his Lordships who lived near
Scarborough with whom she was to remain two months
The party at AudleyHall was soon encreased by Sir Richard Crofts and
his eldest son who came every autumn on a visit to Lord Montreville
and who was his most intimate friend
Lord Montreville during the short time he studied at the Temple became
acquainted with Sir Richard then clerk to an attorney in the city who
tho there was a great difference in their rank had contrived to gain
the regard and esteem of his Lordship then Mr Frederic Mowbray and
was when he came to his estate entrusted with its management a trust
which he appeared to execute with such diligence and integrity that he
soon obtained the entire confidence of his patron and by possessing
great ductility and great activity he was soon introduced into a higher
line of life and saw himself the companion and friend of those to
whom at his setting out he appeared only an humble retainer
Born in Scotland he boasted of his ancestry tho his immediate
predecessors were known to be indigent and obscure and tho he had
neither eminent talents nor any other education than what he had
acquired at a freeschool in his native town he had by dint of a very
common understanding steadily applied to the pursuit of one point and
assisted by the friendship of Lord Montreville acquired not only a
considerable fortune but a seat in Parliament and a great deal of
political interest together with the title of a Baronet
He had less understanding than cunning less honesty than industry and
tho he knew how to talk warmly and plausibly of honour justice and
integrity he was generally contented only to talk of them seldom so
imprudent as to practice them when he could get place or profit by their
sacrifice
He had that sort of sagacity which enabled him to enter into the
characters of those with whom he conversed he knew how to humour their
prejudices and lay in wait for their foibles to turn them to his own
advantage
To his superiors the cringing parasite to those whom he thought his
inferiors proud supercilious and insulting and his heart hardening
as his prosperity encreased he threw off as much as he could every
connection that reminded him of the transactions of his early life and
affected to live only among the great whose luxuries he could now
reach and whose manners he tried to imitate
He had two sons by an early marriage with a woman of small fortune who
was fortunately dead for had she lived she would probably have been
concealed lest she should disgrace him
To his sons however he had given that sort of education which was
likely to fit them for places under government and he had long secretly
intended the eldest for one of the Miss Delameres
Delamere all warmth and openness himself detested the narrowminded
and selfish father and had shewn so much coolness towards the sons
that Sir Richard foresaw he would be a great impediment to his designs
and had therefore the strongest motive for trying to persuade Lord
Montreville that to send him on another tour to the Continent would be
the best means of curing him of what this deep politician termed a
ridiculous and boyish whim which his Lordship ought at all events to
put an end to before it grew of a more dangerous consequence
Mr Crofts as he was no sportsman passed his mornings in riding out
with Miss Delamere and Miss Otley or attending on the elder ladies in
their airings while Delamere who wished equally to shun Miss Otley
whom he determined never to marry and Crofts whom he despised and
hated lived almost alone notwithstanding the entreaties of his father
and the anger of his mother
Her Ladyship who had never any command over her passions harrassed
him whenever they met with sarcasms and reflections Lady Mary
scorning _to_ talk to a young man who was blind to the merits of her
daughter talked _at_ him whenever she found an opportunity and
exclaimed against the disobedience dissipation and illbreeding of
modern young men while Miss Otley affected a pretty disdain and
flirted violently with Mr Crofts as if to shew him that she was
totally indifferent to his neglect
The temper of Delamere was eager and irritable and he bore the
unpleasantness of this society whenever he was forced to mix in it
with a sort of impatient contempt But as he hourly found it more
irksome and the idea of Emmeline press every day more intensely on his
heart he determined at the end of the third week to go to London
Not chusing to have any altercation with either Lord or Lady
Montreville he one evening ordered his man to have his horses ready at
five oclock the next day saying he was to meet the foxhounds at some
distance from home and having written a letter to his Lordship in
which he told him he was going to London for a fortnight which letter
he left on the table in his dressingroom he mounted his horse and was
soon in town but instead of going to the house of his father in
Berkleysquare he took lodgings in PallMall
Every night he frequented those public places which were yet open in
hopes of finding Emmeline and his servant was constantly employed for
the same purpose but as he had no trace of her all his enquiries were
fruitless
On the night that Emmeline was at the play he had been at Coventgarden
Theatre and meant to have looked into the other house but was detained
by meeting a young foreigner from whom he had received civilities at
Turin till the house was empty So narrowly did he miss finding her he
so anxiously sought
Elkerton in looking about for the happy woman who was worthy the
exalted situation of being his wife had yet seen none whom he thought
so likely to succeed to that honour as Miss Mowbray and if she was on
enquiry found to be as she was represented related to Lord
Montreville it would be so great an additional advantage that he
determined in that case to lay himself and his pied horses his house in
Kent his library and his fortune all at her feet immediately Nor did
he once suffer himself to suspect that there was a woman on earth who
could withstand such a torrent of good fortune
In pursuance therefore of this resolution he determined to make enquiry
of Lord Montreville himself of whom he had just known so much at Naples
as to receive cards of invitation to Lady Montrevilles
_conversationes_
There he mingled with the croud and was slightly noticed as an
Englishman of fortune smiled at for his affectation of company and
manners which seemed foreign to his original line of life and then
forgotten
But Elkerton conceived this to be more than introduction enough and
dressing himself in what he thought _un disabille la plus imposante_
and with his servants in their morning liveries he stopped at the door
of Lord Montreville
Lord Montreville was not at home
When was he expected
It was uncertain his Lordship was at Audleyhall and might be in town
in a fortnight or might not come up till the meeting of Parliament
And are all the family there enquired Elkerton of the porter
No Sir Mr Delamere is in town
And when can I see Mr Delamere
The porter could not tell as he did not live in Berkleysquare
Where then is he
At lodgings in PallMall for Delamere had left his direction with
his fathers servants
Elkerton therefore took the address with a pencil and determined
without farther reflection to drive thither
It was about four oclock and in the middle of November when Delamere
had just returned to his lodgings to dress before he met his foreign
friend and some other young men to dine at a tavern in St
Jamessstreet when a loud rap at the door announced a visitor
Millefleur having no orders to the contrary and being dazzled with the
splendour of Elkertons equipage let him in and he was humming an
Italian air out of tune in Delameres drawingroom when the latter
came out in his dressinggown and slippers to receive him
Delamere on seeing the very odd figure and baboonish face of Elkerton
instead of that of somebody he knew stopped short and made a grave bow
Elkerton advancing towards him bowed also profoundly and said I am
charmed Sir with being permitted the honour of paying you my devoirs
Delamere concluded from his look and bow as well as from a foreign
accent which Elkerton had affected till it was become habitual that
the man was either a dancing master or a quack doctor sent to him by
some of his companions who frequently exercised on each other such
efforts of practical wit He therefore being not without humour bowed
again more profoundly than before and answered that the honour was
entirely his tho he did not know how he had deserved it
I was so fortunate Sir resumed Elkerton so fortunate as tohave
the honourthe happinessof knowing Lord Montreville and Lady
Montreville a few years ago at Naples
Delamere still confirmed in his first idea answered very probably
Sir
And Sir continued Elkerton I now waited upon _you_ as his
Lordship is not in town
Indeed Sir you are too obliging
To ask Sir a question which I hope will not be deemedbe
deemed a word did not immediately occur be
deemedimproperintrusiveimpertinentinquisitivepresuming
I dare say Sir nothing improper intrusive impertinent inquisitive
or presuming is to be apprehended from a gentleman of your appearance
Delamere expected something very ridiculous to follow this ridiculous
introduction and with some difficulty forbore laughing
Elkerton went on
It relates Sir to a Lady
Pray Sir proceed I am really impatient where a lady is concerned
You are acquainted Sir with a lady of the name of Ashwood who lives
at Clapham
No really Sir I am not so happy
I fancy then Sir I have been misinformed and beg pardon for the
trouble I have presumed to give but I understood that the young lady
who lives with her was a relation of Lord Montreville
A ray of fire seemed to flash across the imagination of Delamere and to
inflame all his hopes He blushed deeply and his voice faultering with
anxiety he cried
Whatwho Sira young ladywhat young lady
Miss Mowbray they tell me is her name and I understand Sirbut I
dare say from mistakethat she is of your family
Delamere could hardly breathe He seemed as if he was in a dream and
dared not speak for fear of awaking
Elkerton led on by the questions Delamere at length summoned resolution
to ask proceeded to inform him of all he knew how where and how
often he had seen Emmeline and of his intentions to offer himself a
candidate for her favourfor notwithstanding Sir said he that Mr
Rochely seems to be _fort avant en ses bon graces_ I thinkI hopeI
believe that his fortuneand yet his fortune does not perhaps so much
exceed mine as many supposehis fortune will hardly turn the balance
against _me_ especially if I have the sanction of Lord Montreville to
whom I suppose as you seem to acknowledge some affinity between Miss
Mowbray and his Lordship it will be no harm if I apply
Thro the mind of Delamere a thousand confused ideas rapidly passed He
was divided between his joy at having found Emmeline his vexation at
knowing she was surrounded by rivals and his fear that his father
might by the application of Elkerton to him know that Emmelines abode
was no longer a secret and amidst these various sensations he was able
only to express his dislike of Elkerton whose presumption in thinking
of Emmeline appeared to cancel the casual obligation he owed to him for
discovering her
Sir said he haughtily as soon as he could a little recover his
recollection I am very well assured that Lord Montreville will not
hear any proposals for Miss Mowbray His Lordship has in fact no
authority over her and besides he is at present about to leave his
house in Norfolk and I know not when he will be in town perhaps not
the whole winter he is now going to visit some friends and it will be
impossible you can have any access to him for some months As to myself
you will excuse me I am engaged to dine out
He rang the bell and ordered the servant who entered to enquire for the
gentlemans carriage Then bowing coolly to him he went into his
dressing room and left the mortified Elkerton to regret the little
success of an attempt which he doubted not would have excited in the
hearts of all those related to Miss Mowbray admiration at his
generosity and joy for the good fortune of Emmeline for he concluded
by her being a companion to Mrs Ashwood that she had no fortune or
any dependance but on the bounty of Lord Montreville
Delamere whose ardent inclinations whatever turn they took were never
to be a moment restrained rang for his servants and dispatching one of
them with an excuse to his friends he sent a second for an
hackneycoach Then ordering up a cold dinner which he hardly staid to
eat he got into the coach and directed it to be driven as fast as
possible to Clapham Common where he asked for the house of Mrs
Ashwood and was presently at the door
The servant had that moment opened the iron gate to let out a person
who had been to his mistress upon business Delamere therefore enquiring
if Miss Mowbray was at home entered without ringing and telling the
servant that he had occasion to speak to Miss Mowbray only the man
answered that she was alone in the dressing room Thither therefore
he desired to be shewn and without being announced he entered the
room
Instead of finding her alone he saw her sit at work by a little table
on which were two wax candles and by her side with his arm as usual
over the back of her chair and gazing earnestly on her face sat Mr
Rochely
Emmeline did not look up when he came in supposing it was the servant
with tea Delamere therefore was close to the table when she saw him
The work dropped from her hands she grew pale and trembled but not
being able to rise she only clasped her hands together and said
faintly Oh heavenMr Delamere
Yes Emmeline it is Mr Delamere and what is there so extraordinary
in that I was told you were alone may I beg the favour of a few
minutes conversation
Emmeline knew not what to reply She saw him dart an angry and
disdainful look at poor Rochely who alarmed by the entrance of a
stranger that appeared on such a footing of familiarity and who
possessed the advantages of youth and a handsome person had retreated
slowly towards the fire and now surveyed Delamere with scrutinizing and
displeased looks while Delamere said to Emmelineif you have no
particular business with this gentleman will you go into some other
room that I may speak to you on an affair of consequence
Sit down said Emmeline recovering her surprize sit down and I will
attend you presently Tell me how is your sister Augusta
I know not She is in Yorkshire
And Lord Montreville
Well I believe But what is all this to the purpose can I not speak
to you but in the presence of a third person
Unequivocal as this hint was Rochely seemed determined not to go and
Delamere as resolutely bent to affront him if he did not
Emmeline therefore who knew not what else to do was going to comply
with his request of a private audience when she was luckily relieved by
the entrance of Mrs Ashwood and the tea table
Mrs Ashwood surprized at seeing a stranger and a stranger whose
appearance had more fashion than the generality of her visitors was
introduced to Mr Delamere a ceremony he would willingly have dispensed
with and having made his bow and muttered something about having taken
the liberty to call on his relation he sat down by Emmeline and in a
whisper told her he must and would speak to her alone before he went
Emmeline to whose care the tea table was allotted when Miss Galton
happened not to be at Mrs Ashwoods now excused herself under pretence
of being obliged to make tea and while it was passing Mrs Ashwood
made two or three attempts to introduce general conversation but it
went no farther than a few insignificant sentences between her and Mr
Rochely
Delamere wholly engrossed by the tumultuous delight of having recovered
Emmeline and by contriving how to speak to her alone thought nothing
else worthy his attention and sat looking at her with eyes so
expressive of his love that Rochely who anxiously watched him was
convinced his solicitude was infinitely stronger than his relationship
only would have produced
He had at length learned by constant attention to every hint and every
circumstance that related to Emmeline who she was and had even got
from Mrs Ashwood a confused idea of Delameres attachment to her which
the present scene at once elucidated
Rochely saw in him not only a rival but a rival so dangerous that all
his hopes seemed to vanish at once Unconscious till then how very
indiscreetly he was in love he was amazed at the pain he felt from this
discovery and with a most rueful countenance sat silent and
disconcerted
Mrs Ashwood used to be flattered and attended to was in no good
humour with Mr Delamere who gave her so little of his notice and
never perhaps were a party more uncomfortable till they were enlivened
by the entrance of Miss Galton and Mr Hanbury with another gentleman
They were hardly placed and had their tea sent round before a loud
ring was heard and the servant announced Mr Elkerton
Mr Elkerton came dancing into the room and having spoken to Mrs
Ashwood and Emmeline he slightly surveyed the company and sat down
He was very near sighted and affected to be still more so and Delamere
having drawn his chair out of the circle sat almost behind Emmeline
while the portly citizen who had accompanied Mr Hanbury sat forward
near the table Delamere was therefore hardly seen
Elkerton began to tell them how immoderately he was fatigued I have
been over the whole town said he today In the morning I was
obliged to attend a boring appointment upon business relative to my
estate in Kent and to meet my tenants who disagreed with my steward
and then I went to call upon my old friend Delamere Lord Montrevilles
son in PallMall we passed a very chearful hour discoursing of former
occurrences when we were together at Turin Upon my word he is a good
sensible young man We have renewed our intimacy and he has insisted
upon my going down with him to his fathers house in Norfolk
Emmeline suspended her tea making and looked astonished
Mrs Ashwood seemed surprized
But Delamere who had at first felt inclined to be angry at the folly
and forwardness of Elkerton was now so struck with the ridicule of the
circumstance that he broke into a loud laugh
The eyes of the company were turned towards _him_ and Elkerton with
great indignation took his glass to survey who it was that had thus
violated the rules of good breeding but great was his dismay and
astonishment when he beheld the very Delamere of whom he had spoken
with so much assurance rise up and advancing towards him make a grave
bow
Sir said Delamere very solemnly I cannot sufficiently express my
gratitude for your good opinion of me nor my happiness to hear you
intend to honour me with a visit at Audley Hall Upon my word you are
_too_ obliging and I know not how I shall shew my gratitude
The ironical tone in which this was delivered and the discomposed looks
of the distressed Elkerton explained the matter to the whole company
and the laugh became general
Elkerton tho not easily disconcerted could not stand it After a sort
of apology to Delamere he endeavoured to reassume his consequence But
he had been too severely mortified and in a few minutes arose and
under pretence of being engaged to a rout in town went away nobody
attempting to stop him
Rochely who hated Elkerton could not forbear to triumph in this
discomfiture He spoke very severely of him as a forward impertinent
silly fellow who was dissipating his fortune
The old citizen heartily joined in exclaiming against such apostates
from the frugality of their ancestors Sir said he to Rochely we
all know that _you_ are a prudent man and that cash at your house is
as it were in the Bank Sir you do honour to the city but as to that
there Mr Elkerton one must be cautious but for _my_ part I wonder
how some people go on To my certain knowledge his father didnt die so
rich as was supposednonot by a many thousands Sir I remember
himand I am not ashamed to say it for every body knows _I_ have got
my money honestly and that its all of my own gettingbut Sir I
remember that mans father and not a many years ago neither carrying
out parcels and sweeping the shop for old Jonathan Huggins You knew
old Jonathan Huggins he did not die I think till about the year
fortyone or two You remember him to be sure
Rochely ever tremblingly alive when his age was called in question yet
fearing to deny a fact which he apprehended the other would enter into a
convincing detail to prove answered that he slightly remembered him
when he was quite a boy
But his evasion availed him nothing The old citizen Mr Rugby was now
got upon his own ground and most inhumanly for the feelings of poor
Rochely began to relate in whose mayoralty old Jonathan Huggins was
sheriff and when he was mayor who he married who married his
daughters and how he acquired an immense fortune all by frugality at
setting out and how one of his daughters who had married a Lord
against the old mans will had spent more in _one_ night than his
father did in a twelvemonth
Delamere who sat execrating both Jonathan Huggins and his historian at
length lost all patience and said to Emmeline in an half whisper I
can bear this no longer leave these tedious old fools and let me speak
to you for two minutes only
Emmeline knew not how to refuse without hazarding some extravagance on
the part of Delamere But as she did not like the appearance of leaving
the room abruptly she desired Mrs Ashwood would give her permission to
order candles in the parlour as Mr Delamere wished to speak with her
alone
As soon as the servant informed her they were ready she went down and
Delamere followed her having first wished Mrs Ashwood a good night
who was too much displeased with the little attention he had shewn her
to ask him to supper tho she was very desirous of having a man of his
fashion in the list of her acquaintance
Delamere and Emmeline were no sooner alone than he began to renew with
every argument he thought likely to move her his entreaties for a
private marriage He swore that he neither could or would live without
her and that her refusal would drive him to some act of desperation
Emmeline feared her resolution would give way for the comparison
between the people she had lately been among and Delamere was
infinitely favourable to him Such unabated love in a man who might
chuse among the fairest and most fortunate of women was very seducing
and the advantages of being his wife instead of continuing in the
precarious situation she was now in would have determined at once a
mind more attentive to pecuniary or selfish motives
But Emmeline unshaken by such considerations was liable to err only
from the softness of her heart
Delamere unhappyDelamere wearing out in hopeless solicitude the bloom
of life was the object she found it most difficult to contend with and
feeble would have been her defence had she not considered herself as
engaged in honour to Lord Montreville to refuse his son and still more
engaged to respect the peace of the family of her dear Augusta
Strengthened by these reflections she refused tho in the gentlest
manner to listen to such proposals reproached him tho with more
tenderness in her voice and manner than she had yet shewn for having
left Audley Hall without the concurrence of Lord Montreville and
entreated him to return and try to forget her
Let me perish if I do eagerly answered Delamere No Emmeline if
you determine to push me to extremities to you only will be the misery
imputable when my mistaken parents in vain repentance hang over the
tomb of their only son and see the last of his family in an early
grave It is in your power only to save meYou refusefarewel thenI
wish no future regret may embitter your life and that you may find
consolation in being the wife of some one of those persons who are I
see offering you all that riches can bestow Farewel lovely inhuman
girl be happy if you canafter having sacrificed to a mistaken point
of honour the repose and the life of him who lived only to adore you
So saying he suddenly opened the door and was leaving the room But
Emmeline who shuddered at the picture he had drawn of his despair and
saw such traces of its reality on his countenance caught his arm
Stay Mr Delamere cried she stay yet a moment
For what purpose answered he since you refuse to hear me
He turned back however into the room and Emmeline who fancied she
saw him the victim of his unfortunate love could no longer command her
tears
Delamere threw himself at her feet and embraced her knees
Oh Emmeline cried he weeping also hear me for the last time
Either consent to be mine or let me take an eternal adieu
What would you have me do good God what is it you expect of me
To go with me to Scotland tomorrowto nightdirectly
Oh no noDoes not Lord Montreville depend upon my honourcan I
betray a trust reposed in me
Chimeras all founded in tyranny on his part and weakness on yours
_He_ had no right to exact such a promise _you_ had no right to give
it But however send to him again to say I have seen yousummons him
hither to divide usyou may certainly do so if you please but Lord
Montreville will no longer have a son at least England nor Europe
will contain him no longerI will go where my father shall hear no more
of me
Will it content you if I promise you _not_ to write to Lord
Montreville nor to cause him to be written to and to see you again
When
Tomorrowwhenever you please
Delamere catching at this faint ray of hope promised if she would
allow him to come thither when he would he would endeavour to be calm
He made her solemnly protest that she would neither write to Lord
Montreville or procure another to do it and that she would not leave
Mrs Ashwood without letting him know when and whither she went and if
by any accident his father heard of his having found her that she would
enter into no new engagements to conceal herself from him
Having procured from her these assurances which he knew she would not
violate and having obtained her consent to see him early the next
morning he at her request agreed to take his leave which he did with
less pain than he had ever before felt at quitting her carrying with
him the delightful hope that he had made an impression on her heart and
secure of seeing her the next day he went home comparatively happy
Emmeline who had wept excessively was very unfit to return to the
company but she thought her not appearing again among them would be yet
more singular She therefore composed herself as well as she could and
after staying a few minutes to recollect her scattered spirits she
entered the room where they were at cards
Rochely who was playing at whist with Mrs Ashwood Mr Rugby and Mr
Hanbury looked anxiously at her eyes and presently losing all
attention to what he was about and forgetting his game he played so
extremely ill that he lost the rubber
The old cit who had three half crowns depending and who was a
determined grumbler at cards fell upon him without mercy and said so
many rude things that Rochely could not help retorting and it was with
some difficulty Mrs Ashwood prevented the grossest abuse being lavished
from the enraged Rugby on the enamoured banker who desiring to give his
cards to Miss Galton got up and ordered his carriage
Emmeline sat near the fire with her handkerchief in her hand which was
yet wet with tears
Rochely with a privilege he had been used to and which Emmeline from
a man old enough to be her father thought very inconsequential took
her hand and the handkerchief it held
So Miss Mowbray said he Mr Delamere is your near relation
Yes Sir
And he has brought you I fear some ill news of your family
No Sir sighed Emmeline
No death I hope
No Sir
Whence then these tears
Emmeline drew her hand away
What a strange young man this is to make you cry What has he been
saying to you
Nothing Sir
Ah Miss Mowbray such a lad as that is but an indifferent guardian
pray where does his father live
Miss Mowbray not aware of the purpose of this enquiry and glad of any
thing that looked like common conversation answered at Audley Hall in
Norfolk and in BerkleySquare
Some other questions which seemed of no consequence Rochely asked and
Emmeline answered till hearing his carriage was at the door he went
away
_I_ dont like your Mr Delamere at all Miss Mowbray said Mrs
Ashwood as soon as the game ended I never saw a prouder more
disagreeable young man in my life
Emmeline smiled faintly and said she was sorry he did not please her
No nor me neither said Miss Galton Such haughtiness indeedyet I
was glad he mortified that puppy Elkerton
Emmeline who found the two friends disposed to indulge their good
nature at the expence of the company of the evening complained of being
fatigued and asked for a glass of wine and water which having drank
she retired to bed leaving the lady of the house who had invited Mr
Hanbury and his friend to supper to enjoy more stories of Jonathan
Huggins and the pretty satyrical efforts of Miss Galton who made her
court most effectually by ridiculing and villifying all their
acquaintance whenever it was in her power
When Rochely got home he set about examining the state of his heart
exactly as he would have examined the check book of one of his
customers
He found himself most miserably in love But avarice said Miss Mowbray
had no fortune
By what had passed in his bosom that evening he had discovered that he
should be wretched to see her married to another
But avarice enquired how he could offer to marry a woman without a
shilling
Love represented that her modest reserved and unambitious turn would
perhaps make her in the end a more profitable match than a woman
educated in expence who might dissipate more than she brought
Avarice asked whether he could depend on modesty reserve and a retired
turn in a girl not yet eighteen
After a long discussion Love very unexpectedly put to flight the agent
of Plutus who had with very little interruption reigned despoticly
over all his thoughts and actions for many years and Rochely determined
to write to Lord Montreville to lay his circumstances before him and
make a formal proposal to marry Miss Mowbray
In pursuance of this resolution he composed with great pains for he
was remarkably slow in whatever he undertook the following epistle
My Lord
This serves to inform your Lordship that I have seen Miss
Mowbray and like her well enough to be willing to marry her if
you my Lord have not any other views for her and as to fortune I
will just give your Lordship a memorandum of mine
I have sixty thousand pounds in the stocks viz eighteen in the
three per cent consols twenty in Bank stock ten in East India
stock and twelve in South Sea annuities
I have about forty thousand on different mortgages all good as
I will be ready at any time to shew you I have houses worth about
five more And after the death of my mother who is near eighty I
shall have an estate in Middlesex worth ten more The income of my
business is near three thousand pounds a year and my whole income
near ten thousand
My character my Lord is well known and you will find if we
agree that I shall not limit Miss Mowbrays settlement to the
proportion of what your Lordship may please to give her for I
suppose you will give her something but to what she ought to have
as my widow if it should so happen that she survives me
I have reason to believe Miss Mowbray has no dislike to this
proposal and hope to hear from your Lordship thereon by return of
post
I am my Lord
your Lordships very humble servant
HUMPHREY ROCHELY
_Lombardstreet
Nov 20th 17
This was going to the point at once The letter arrived in due time at
AudleyHall and was received by Lord Montreville with surprise and
satisfaction The hint of Miss Mowbrays approbation made him hope she
was yet concealed from Delamere and as he determined to give the
earliest and strongest encouragement to this overture from a man worth
above an hundred thousand pounds he called a council with Sir Richard
Crofts who knew Rochely and who kept cash with him and it was
determined that Lord Montreville should go to town not only to close at
once with the opulent banker but to get Delamere out of the way while
the marriage was in agitation which it would otherwise be impossible to
conceal from him To persuade him to another continental tour was what
Sir Richard advised and agreed to go to town with his Lordship in
order to assist in this arduous undertaking
Lord Montreville however failed not immediately to answer the letter
he had received from Mr Rochely in these terms
Sir
This days post brought me the honour of your letter
If Miss Mowbray is as sensible as she ought to be of so
flattering a distinction be assured it will be one of the most
satisfactory events of my life to see her form a connection with a
gentleman truly worthy and respectable
To hasten the completion of an event so desirable I fully intend
being in town in a very few days when I will with your permission
wait on you in Lombardstreet
I have the honour to be with great esteem
Sir
your most devoted
and most obedient servant
MONTREVILLE
_AudleyHall Nov 23
The haughty Peer who derived his blood from the most antient of the
British Nobility thus condescended to flatter opulence and to court the
alliance of riches Nor did he think any advances he could make beneath
him when he hoped at once to marry his niece to advantage and what was
yet more material put an invincible bar between her and his son
While this correspondence so inimical to Delameres hopes was passing
between his father and Mr Rochely he was every hour with Emmeline
intoxicated with his passion indulging the most delightful hopes and
forgetting every thing else in the world
He had found it his interest to gain by a little more attention and
some fine speeches about elegance and grace the good opinion of Mrs
Ashwood who now declared she had been mistaken in her first idea of
him and that he was not only quite a man of fashion but possessed an
excellent understanding and very refined sentiments
The sudden death of her father had obliged her to leave home some days
before but as soon as she was gone Emmeline who foresaw that Delamere
would be constantly with her sent for Miss Galton
No remonstrance of hers could prevent his passing every day at the
house from breakfast till a late hour in the evening
On the last of these days he was there as usual and it was past eight
at night when Emmeline who had learned to play on the harp by being
present when Mrs Ashwood received lessons on that instrument was
singing to Delamere a little simple air of which he was particularly
fond and into which she threw so much pathos that lost in fond
admiration he hung over her enamoured when she was interrupted by
the entrance of a servant who said that a Lord but he forgot the name
was below and desired to speak with Miss Mowbray
If Emmeline was alarmed at the sight of Lord Montreville at Swansea
when she had acted with the strictest attention to his wishes she had
now much more reason to be so when she felt herself conscious of having
given encouragement to Delamere and had reason to fear her motives for
doing so would be misbelieved or misunderstood
Tho the servant had forgotten his name Emmeline doubted not but it was
Lord Montreville and she had hardly time to think how she should
receive him before his Lordship who had impatiently followed the
servant up stairs entered the room
Delamere immovable behind Emmelines chair was the first object that
struck him
He had hoped that her residence was yet unknown to his son and
surprise vexation and anger were marked in his countenance and
attitude
Miss Mowbray advancing towards her is it thus you fulfil the
promise you gave me And you Mr Delameredo you still obstinately
persist in this ridiculous this unworthy attachment
I left you my Lord answered Delamere without deceiving you as to
my motives for doing so I came in search of Miss Mowbray By a
fortunate accident I found her I have never dissimulated nor ever mean
it in whatever relates to her Nothing has prevented my making her
irrevocably mine but her too scrupulous adherence to a promise _she_
ought never to have given and which your _Lordship_ ought never to have
extorted
Emmeline gentle as she was had yet that proper spirit which conscious
worth seldom fails of inspiring and knowing that she had already
sacrificed much to the respect she thought Lord Montreville entitled to
she was hurt at finding from his angry and contemptuous tone as well
as words that she was condemned unheard and treated with harshness
where she deserved only kindness and gratitude
The courage of which her first surprise had deprived her was restored
by these sensations and she said with great coolness yet with less
timidity than usual my Lord I have yet done nothing in violation of
the promise I gave you But the moment your Lordship doubts my adherence
to it from that moment I consider it as dissolved
Delamere encouraged by an answer so flattering to his hopes now
addressed himself to his father who was by this time seated and spoke
so forcibly of his invincible attachment and his determined purpose
never to marry any other woman that the resolution of Lord Montreville
was shaken and would perhaps have given way if the violent and
clamorous opposition of his wife on one hand and the ambitious projects
and artful advice of Sir Richard Crofts on the other had not occurred
to him He commanded himself so far as not to irritate Delamere farther
by reflections on the conduct of Emmeline which he found would not be
endured and trying to stifle his feelings under the dissimulation of
the courtier he heard with patience all he had to urge He even
answered him with temper made an apology to Emmeline for any
expressions that might have given her offence and at length threw into
his manner a composure that elated Delamere to a degree of hope hitherto
unfelt He fancied that his father weary of hopeless opposition and
convinced of the merit of Emmeline would consent to his marriage and
his quick spirit seizing with avidity on an idea so flattering
converted into a confirmation of it all Lord Montrevilles discourse
for the remainder of the visit in which by dissimulation on one part
and favourable expectations on the other they both seemed to return to
some degree of good humour
Delamere agreed to go home with his father and Lord Montreville having
determined to return the next day to speak to Emmeline on the proposals
of Rochely they parted his Lordship meditating as he went home how to
prevent Delameres interrupting the conference he wished to have on a
subject which was so near his heart
On his arrival at his own house he found Sir Richard Crofts waiting for
him whom he detained to supper Delamere as soon as it was over went
to his lodgings which Lord Montreville did not oppose as he wished to
be alone with Sir Richard but he desired that after that evening
Delamere would return to his apartments in Berkleysquare which he
partly promised to do
Lord Montreville related to Sir Richard what had passed and the
uneasiness he was under to find that Delamere far from relaxing in his
determination had openly renewed his addresses and that Emmeline
seemed much less disposed to sacrifice his wishes to those of his
family than he had yet found her
Sir Richard himself wholly insensible to the feelings of a father
discouraged in Lord Montreville every tendency to forgive or indulge
this indiscreet passion And equally incapable of the generous
sentiments of a gentleman towards a woman young helpless dependant
and unfortunate he tried to harden the heart of Lord Montreville
against his orphan niece and advised him peremptorily to insist on her
marrying Rochely immediately or as the alternative to declare to her
that from the moment of her refusal she must expect from him neither
support or countenance
This threat on one hand and the affluence offered her by Rochely on the
other must he thought oblige her to embrace his proposals The
greatest difficulty seemed to be to prevent Delameres impetuosity from
snatching her at once out of the power of his father by an elopement
to which if she preferred him to Rochely it was very probable she
might be driven by harsh measures to consent and that Delamere must
have in her heart a decided preference there could be little doubt
Lord Montreville was apprehensive that Delamere who had he found for
many days lived entirely at Mrs Ashwoods would be there before him in
the morning and preclude all possibility of a private conversation with
Emmeline
FitzEdward who could and from the duplicity of his character would
perhaps have made a diversion in his favour was not in town and to
both the Mr Crofts Delamere had an antipathy which he took very little
pains to conceal they therefore could not be employed to engage him
In this difficulty Sir Richard offered to go himself to Miss Mowbray
that Lord Montreville might be at liberty to detain his son pretences
for which could not be wanting
His Lordship closed with this offer with pleasure and felt himself
relieved from a painful task His heart though greatly changed by a
long course of good fortune and by the habit of living among the great
was yet not quite lost to the feelings of nature
His brother than whom he was only a year younger and whom he had loved
thro childhood and youth with singular attachment was not wholly
forgotten and the softened likeness in the countenance of Emmeline to
one whom he had so long been used to look up to with tenderness
frequently said as much for her to his affection as her unprotected and
helpless state did to his honour and his compassion Nor whatever pains
he took to stifle his pity for his son could he entirely reconcile to
his own heart the part he was acting
But of these feelings meritorious as they were he was ashamed and
dared not avow them even to himself while he was intimidated by the
supercilious spirit and unconquerable pride of Lady Montreville and
tempted by the visions of encreasing splendour and accumulated riches
which Sir Richard perpetually presented to his imagination and which
there was indeed but little doubt of realizing
The Mowbray family were known to possess abilities Those of the
deceased Mr Mowbray were remarkably great tho he had thrown away his
time and health in a course of dissipation which had made them useless
The talents of Lord Montreville tho less brilliant were more solid
And now in the meridian of life with powerful connections and extensive
interest he was courted to accept an eminent post in administration
with a promise of a Marquisate being restored to him which had long
lain dormant in his own family and of the revival of which he was
extremely ambitious
To support such a dignity his sons future fortune ample as it must
be would not he thought be adequate and could only be made so by his
marrying Miss Otley or some woman of equal fortune
This therefore was the weight which entirely overbalanced all his
kindness for his niece and confirmed his resolution to tear her from
Delamere at whatever price
It was much earlier than the usual hour for morning visits when Sir
Richard Crofts was at the door of Mrs Ashwood
Miss Mowbray had given no orders to be denied and he was on enquiring
for her shewn into the parlour
As soon as the servant informed her a gentleman was below whom she found
was not Delamere she concluded it was Lord Montreville and with a
fearful and beating heart went down
She saw with some surprise a middleaged man of no very pleasant
countenance and person to whom she was an entire stranger and
concluding his business was with Mrs Ashwood she was about to retreat
when the gentleman advancing towards her told her he waited on her
commissioned by Lord Montreville
Emmeline sat down in silence and Sir Richard began
Miss Mowbray I have the honour to be connected with Lord Montreville
and entirely in his Lordships confidence you will please therefore to
consider what I shall say to you as coming immediately directly and
absolutely from himself and as his Lordships decided and
unalterable and irrevocable intentions
The abruptness of this speech shocked and distressed Emmeline She grew
very pale but bowing slightly to the speaker he went on
My Lord Montreville hopes and supposes and is willing to believe that
you have not in direct violation of your promise solemnly given
encouraged Mr Delamere in the absurd and impossible and impracticable
project of marrying you But however that may have been as it is his
Lordships firm resolution and determination never to suffer such a
connection you have I suppose too much sense not to see the mischief
you must occasion and bring on and cause to yourself by encouraging a
giddy and infatuated and ignorant and rash young man to resist
paternal authority
Emmeline was still silent
Now here is an opportunity of establishing yourself in affluence and
reputation and fortune beyond what your most sanguine hopes could
offer you and I am persuaded you will eagerly and readily and
immediately embrace it Lord Montreville insists upon it the world
expects it and Mr Delameres family demand it of you
Sir said Emmeline astonished at the peremptory tone and strange
purport of these words
It is my custom resumed Sir Richard when I am upon business to
speak plainly and straitly and to the point This then is what I have
to proposeYou are acquainted with Mr Rochely the great banker
Yes Sir
He offers to my Lord Montreville to marry you and to make settlements
on you equal to what you might have claimed had you a right to be
considered as a daughter of the house of Mowbray His real fortune is
very great his annual income superior to that of many of the nobility
and there _can_ be no reason indeed none will be allowed or listened
to or heard of why you should not eagerly and instantly and joyfully
accept a proposal so infinitely superior to what you have any claim or
right or pretence to
This was almost too much for poor Emmeline Anger and disdain which she
found fast rising in her bosom restrained her tears but her eyes
flashed indignantly on the unfeeling politician who thus so indelicately
addressed her
He would not give her time to speak but seemed determined to overwhelm
her imagination at once with the contrast he placed before her
If continued he you will agree to become the wife of Mr Rochely
as soon as settlements can be prepared my Lord Montreville of whose
generosity and greatness of mind and liberality too much cannot be
said offers to consider you as being really his niece as being really
a daughter of the Mowbray family and that being so considered you may
not be taken by any man portionless he will on the day of marriage
present and settle on and give you three thousand pounds
Now Miss Mowbray consider and weigh and reflect on this well and
give me leave in order that you may form a just judgment to tell you
the consequence of your refusal
My Lord Montreville who is not obliged to give you the least
assistance or support or countenance does by me declare that if you
are so weak to call it by no harsher name as to refuse this
astonishing and amazing and singular good fortune he shall consider
you as throwing off all duty and regard and attention to him and as
one with whose fate it will be no longer worth his while to embarrass
perplex and concern himself From that moment therefore you must drop
the name of Mowbray to which in fact you have no right and take that
of your mother whatever it be and you must never expect from my Lord
Montreville or the MowbrayDelamere family either countenance or
support or protection
Now Miss Mowbray your answer The proposition cannot admit of
deliberation or doubt or hesitation and my Lord expects it by me
The presence of mind which a very excellent understanding and a very
innocent heart gave to Emmeline was never more requisite than on this
occasion The rude and peremptory manner of the speaker the dreadful
alternative of Rochely on one side and indigence on the other thus
suddenly and unexpectedly brought before her was altogether so
overcoming that she could not for a moment collect her spirits enough
to speak at all She sighed but her agitation was too great for tears
and at length summoning all her courage she replied
My Lord Montreville Sir would have been kinder had he delivered
himself his wishes and commands Such however as I now receive them
they require no deliberation _I will not_ marry Mr Rochely tho
instead of the fortune you describe he could offer me the worldLord
Montreville _may_ abandon me but he _shall not_ make me wretched Tell
him therefore Sir her spirit rose as she spoke that the daughter
of his brother unhappy as she is yet boasts that nobleness of mind
which her father possessed and disclaims the mercenary views of
becoming from pecuniary motives the wife of a man whom she cannot
either love or esteem Tell him too that if she had not inherited a
strong sense of honour of which at least her birth does not deprive
her she might now have been the wife of Mr Delamere and independant
of his Lordships authority and it is improbable that one who has
sacrificed so much to integrity should now be compelled by threats of
indigence to the basest of all actions that of selling her person and
her happiness for a subsistence I beg that _you Sir_ who seem to have
delivered Lord Montrevilles message with such scrupulous exactness
will take the trouble to be as precise in my answer and that his
Lordship will consider it as final
Having said this with a firmness of voice and manner which resentment
as well as a noble pride supplied she arose curtseyed composedly to
Sir Richard and went out of the room leaving the unsuccessful
ambassador astonished at that strength of mind and dignity of manner
which he did not expect in so young a woman and somewhat mortified
that his masculine eloquence on which he was accustomed to pride
himself and which he thought generally unanswerable had so entirely
fallen short of the effect he expected
Unwilling however to return to Lord Montreville without hopes of
success he thought he might obtain at least some information from Mrs
Ashwood of the likeliest means to move her untractable and high spirited
friend He therefore rang the bell and desired to speak with that lady
But as she was not yet returned from the house of her father where a
family meeting was held to inspect his will Sir Richard failed of
attempting to secure her agency and was obliged however reluctantly
to depart
Emmeline whose command of herself was exerted with too much violence
not to shake her whole frame with its effects no sooner reached her
own chamber than she found all her courage gone and a violent passion
of tears succeeded
Her deep convulsive sighs reached the ears of Miss Galton who entered
the room and began in the common mode of consolation first to enquire
why she wept
Emmeline answered only by weeping the more
Miss Galton enquired if that gentleman was Lord Montreville
Emmeline was unable to reply and Miss Galton finding no gratification
to her curiosity which mingled with envious malignity had long been
her ruling passion was obliged to quit the unhappy Emmeline which was
indeed the only favour she could do her
The whole morning had passed before Miss Mowbray was able to come down
stairs and when she did her languor and dejection were excessive Miss
Galton only dined with her if it might be called dining for she eat
nothing but just as the cloth was removed a coach stopped and Mrs
Ashwood appeared led by her brother Mr Stafford
Emmeline who had not very lately heard from her beloved friend now
eagerly enquired after her and learned that the illness of one of her
children had together with her being far advanced in her pregnancy
prevented her coming to London with Mr Stafford who tho summoned
thither immediately on his fathers death had only arrived the evening
before the messenger that went having missed him at his own house and
having been obliged to follow him into another county
He delivered to Miss Mowbray a letter from Mrs Stafford with which
Emmeline eager to read it retired
Trust me Emmeline no abatement in my tender regard has
occasioned my omitting to write to you but anxiety of mind so
great as to deprive me of all power to attend to any thing but
its immediate objectYour poor little friend Harry who looked
so much recovered and so full of health and spirits when you left
him at Swansea was three weeks ago seized again with one of those
fevers to which he has so repeatedly been liable and for many days
his life appeared to be in the most immediate danger You know how
far we are from a physician and you know my anxiety for this first
darling of my heart judge then my Emmeline of the miserable
hours I have known between hope and fear and the sleepless nights
I have passed at the bed side of my suffering cherub and in my
present state I doubly feel all this anxiety and fatigue and am
very much otherwise than well Of myself however I think not
since Harry is out of danger and Dr Farnaby thinks will soon be
entirely restored but he is still so very weak that I never quit
him even a moment The rest of my children are well and all who
are capable of recollection remember and love you
And now my dear Miss Mowbray as the visitors who have been with
me ever since my return from Swansea are happily departed and no
others expected and as Mr Stafford will be engaged in town almost
all the winter in consequence of his fathers death will you not
come to me _You_ only can alleviate and share a thousand anxieties
that prey on my spirits _you_ only can sweeten the hour of my
confinement which will happen in January and before _you_ only I
can sigh at liberty and be forgiven
Ah Emmelinethe death of Mr Staffords father far from
producing satisfaction as increasing our fortune brings to me only
regret and sorrow He loved me with great affection and I owe him a
thousand obligations The family will have reason to regret his
loss tho the infirmities of the latter part of his life were not
much alleviated by their attendance or attention
Come to me Emmeline if possible come if you can with Mr
Stafford or if he is detained long in town come without him I
will send my postchaise to meet you at Basingstoke Lord
Montreville cannot object to it and Delamere whom you have never
mentioned has I conclude given way to the peremptory commands of
his father and has determined to forget my Emmeline
Is it then probable any one can forget her I know not of what
the volatile and thoughtless Delamere may be capable but I know
that of all things it would be the most impossible to her truly
attached and affectionate
C STAFFORD
_Woodfield Nov 30
This letter gave great relief to the mind of the dejected Emmeline That
her first and dearest friend opened at this painful crisis her
consolatory bosom to receive and pity her and that she should have the
power to share her fatigue and lessen the weight of her anxiety during
the slow recovery of her child seemed to be considerations which
softened all the anguish she had endured during the day
She was however too much disordered to go down to tea and told Mrs
Ashwood who civilly came up to enquire after her that she had a
violent pain in her head and would go to bed
Mrs Ashwood full of her increased fortune and busied in studying to
make her deep mourning as becoming as possible let her do as she would
and thought no more about her
She had therefore time to meditate at leisure on her wayward fate and
some surprise that Delamere had not appeared the whole day mingled
itself with her reflections
Poor Delamere was not to blame Lord Montreville had sent him very early
in the morning to desire to see him for five minutes on business of
consequence
Delamere who from what had passed the evening before had indulged
during the night the fondest dreams of happiness obeyed the summons
not without some hopes that he should hear all his favourable presages
confirmed When he came however his father waving all discourse that
related to Emmeline or himself affected to consult him on a proposal he
had received for his eldest sister which the family were disposed to
promote and after detaining him as long as he could on this and on
other subjects he desired him to send to his lodgings for Millefleur
and to dress as expeditiously as possible in order to accompany him to
dine at Lord Dornocks a Scottish nobleman with whom his Lordship was
deeply engaged in the depending negociation with Ministry and who was
at his seat about nine miles from London
Delamere reluctantly engaged in such a party But however short his
fathers discourse fell of what he hoped he yet determined to get the
better of his repugnance and obey him still flattering himself that
Lord Montreville would lead to the subject nearest his heart or that in
the course of the day he should at least have an opportunity of
introducing it
They therefore set out together on the most amicable terms in Lord
Montrevilles coach But as they had taken up on their way a gentleman
who held a place under Lord Dornock his presence prevented any
conversation but on general subjects during their short journey
The dinner passed as such dinners generally dotoo much in the secret
to touch on politics all such discourse was carefully avoided at the
table of Lord Dornock
In literature they had no resource and therefore the conversation
chiefly turned on the pleasure they were then enjoyingthat of the
luxuries of the table They determined on the merits of the venison of
the past season settled what was the best way of preparing certain
dishes and whose domain produced the most exquisite materials for
others And on these topics a society of cooks could not have more
learnedly descanted
Delamere not yet of an age to be initiated into the noble science of
eating and among whose ideas of happiness the delights of gratifying
his palate had not yet been numbered heard them with impatience and
disgust
He was obliged however to stay while the wines were criticised as
eloquently as the meats had been and to endure a long harangue from the
master of the house on _cote roti_ and _lacryma Christi_ and after the
elder part of the company had adjusted their various merits and
swallowed a sufficient quantity the two noblemen retired to a private
conference and Delamere obliged to move into a circle of insipid
women took refuge in cards which he detested almost as much as the
entertainment he had just quitted
The hours however slowly wore away and his patience was almost
exhausted soon after ten oclock he ventured to send to his father to
know whether he was ready to return to town but he received a message
in reply that he had determined to stay all night where he was
Vexed and angry Delamere began to suspect that his father had some
design in thus detaining him at a distance from Emmeline and fired by
indignation at this idea equally scorning to submit to restraint or to
be detained by finesse he disengaged himself from the card table
fetched his hat and without speaking to any body walked to the next
village where he got into a postchaise and was presently in London
but as it was almost twelve oclock he forbore to visit Emmeline that
night
As soon as there was any probability of Emmelines being visible the
next morning Delamere was at Clapham
The servant of whom he enquired for her told him that Miss Mowbray had
not yet rung her bell and that as it was later than her usual hour she
was afraid it was owing to her being ill
Alarmed at this intelligence Delamere eagerly questioned her further
and learned that the preceding morning a gentleman who had never been
there before had been to see Miss Mowbray and had staid with her about
three quarters of an hour during which he had talked very loud and
that after he was gone she had hastened to her own room crying sadly
and had seemed very much vexed the whole day afterwards That when she
went to bed which was early in the evening she had sighed bitterly
and said she was not well The servants won by the sweetness and
humanity with which Emmeline treated them all seemed to consider her
health and happiness as their own concern and the girl who delivered
this intelligence to Delamere had been very much about her and knowing
her better loved her more than the others
Delamere could not doubt the truth of this account yet he could not
conjecture who the stranger could be in whose power it was thus to
distress Emmeline But dreading lest some scheme was in agitation to
take her from him he sat in insupportable anxiety till she should
summons the maid
Her music book lay open on a _piano forte_ in the breakfast parlour A
song which he had a few days before desired her to learn as being one
which particularly charmed him seemed to have been just copied into it
and he fancied the notes and the writing were executed with more than
her usual elegance Under it was a little _porte feuille_ of red
morocco Delamere took it up It was untied and two or three small
tinted drawings fell out He saw the likeness of Mrs Stafford done
from memory one yet more striking of his sister Augusta and two or
three unfinished resemblances of persons he did not know touched with
less spirit than the other two A piece of silver paper doubled together
enclosed another he opened itit was a drawing of himself done with a
pencil and slightly tinged with a crayon strikingly like but it
seemed unfinished and somewhat effaced
Though among so many other portraits this could not be considered as a
very flattering distinction Delamere on seeing it was not master of
his transports He now believed Emmeline whom he could never induce to
own that her partiality for him exceeded the bounds of friendship yet
cherished in her heart a passion she would not avow
While he was indulging these sanguine and delicious hopes he heard a
bell ring and flew to enquire if it was that of Emmeline
The maid who crossed the hall to attend its summons told him it was
He stepped softly up stairs behind the servant and waited at the door
of the chamber while she went in
To the question from the maid how she did Emmeline answered much
better
Mr Delamere is here Madam and begs to know whether he may see you
Emmeline had expected him all the day before and was not at all
surprised at his coming now But she knew not what she should say to
him To dissimulate was to her almost impossible yet to tell him what
had passed between her and Sir Richard Crofts was to create dissentions
of the most alarming nature between him and his father for she knew
Delamere would immediately and warmly resent the harshness of Lord
Montreville
She could not however determine to avoid seeing Delamere and she
thought his Lordship was not entitled to much consideration after the
indelicate and needless shock he had given her by employing the
peremptory insolent and unfeeling Sir Richard Crofts
After a moments hesitation she told Nanny to let Mr Delamere know
that as soon as she was dressed she would be with him in the parlour
Delamere who heard the message stepped softly down stairs replaced
the drawings and waited the entrance of Emmeline who neither requiring
or accustoming herself to borrow any advantage from art or ornament was
soon dressed in her usual simple undress
But to give some appearance of truth to what she intended to alledge a
cold in excuse for her swollen eyes and languid looks she wrapt a
gauze hood over her head and tied a black ribband round her throat for
tho she could not wholly conceal the truth from Delamere she wished to
prevent his seeing how much it had affected her
When she entered the room Delamere who was at the door to meet her
was astonished at the alteration he saw in her countenance
You are ill Emmeline said he taking her hand
I am not quite wellI have a violent cold coming
A cold eagerly answered Delamere you have been cryingwho was the
person who called on you yesterday
It was now in vain to attempt concealment if she had intended it
He did not tell me his name for our conversation was very short but
his servants told those of Mrs Ashwood that his name is Sir Richard
Crofts
And what business could Sir Richard Crofts possibly have with you
Emmeline related the conversation with great fidelity and without
comment
Delamere had hardly patience to hear her out He protested he would
immediately go to Sir Richard Crofts and not only force him to
apologize for what had passed but promise never again to interfere
between Lord Montreville and his family
From executing this violent measure Emmeline by earnest entreaty
diverted him She had not yet recovered the shock given her by the
unwelcome interview of the preceding day and though she had a very
excellent constitution her sensibility of mind was so great that when
she suffered any poignant uneasiness it immediately affected her frame
In the present state of her spirits she could not hear Delameres
vehement and passionate exclamations without tears and when he saw how
much she was hurt he commanded himself spoke more calmly and by a
rapid transition from rage to tenderness he wept also and bathed her
hands with his tears
He was not without hopes that this last effort of Lord Montreville would
effect a change in his favour and he pleaded again for an elopement
with the warmest eloquence of love
But Emmeline though she felt all the force of his arguments had still
the courage to resist them and all he could obtain from her was a
renewal of her former promise neither to leave Mrs Ashwood unknown to
him or to conceal the place of her residence to consent to see him
wherever she should be and positively to reject Mr Rochelys offer
In return she expected from Delamere some concessions which nothing but
the sight of her uneasiness would have induced him to grant At length
she persuaded him to promise that he would not insult Sir Richard
Crofts or commit any other rashness which might irritate Lord
Montreville
Nothing was a stronger proof of the deep root which his passion had
taken in his heart than the influence Emmeline had obtained over his
ungovernable and violent spirit hitherto unused to controul and
accustomed from his infancy to exert over his own family the most
boundless despotism
Emmeline tranquillized and consoled by his promises then entreated him
to go as the state of Mrs Ashwoods family made visitors improper In
this too he obeyed her And as soon as he was gone Emmeline sat down
to write to Mrs Stafford related briefly what had lately happened and
told her that as soon as Lord Montreville could be induced to settle
some yearly sum for her support which notwithstanding his threats she
still thought he would do on condition of her engaging never without
his consent to marry Delamere she would set out for Woodfield
Lord Montreville absorbed in politics and in a negociation with
ministry had on the evening when he and his son were at Lord
Dornocks forgotten the impatient temper and particular situation of
Delamere His non appearance at supper occasioned an enquiry and it was
found he had left the house It was too late for Lord Montreville to
follow him that night and would indeed have been useless but early
the next morning he was in Berkleysquare where he heard nothing of his
son
He received a letter from Sir Richard Crofts relating the ill success
of his embassy but adding that he would bring Rochely to his Lordship
the next day to consider together what was next to be done A letter
also soon after arrived from Lady Montreville to let his Lordship know
that herself and her daughter with Lady Mary and Miss Otley were
coming to town the next evening
Delamere the tumult of whose spirits was too great immediately to
subside took for the first time in his life some pains to conquer
their violence in consideration of Emmeline
He sent his servants to Berkleysquare to enquire among the domestics
what had passed He thence learned that his father had returned in the
morning from Lord Dornocks in very ill humour and that his mother was
expected in town An interview with either would he was conscious
only be the occasion of that dissention he had promised Emmeline to
avoid His mother he knew came to town determined to keep no terms
with him and that she would incessantly harrass him with reproaches or
teize him with entreaties He therefore determined to avoid entirely all
conversation with both and after a short reflection on the best means
to do so he ordered Millefleur to discharge the lodgings told him and
his other two servants that he was going out of town and should not
take either them or his horses therefore would have them go to
Berkleysquare and wait there his return He bade his valet tell Lord
Montreville that he should be absent ten days or a fortnight Then
ordering an hackney coach he directed it to drive to Westminster
Bridge as if he meant there to take post instead of which he dismissed
it at the end of Bridgestreet and walking over to the Surry side he
presently provided himself with lodgings under the name of Mr Oswald a
gentleman just come from Ireland and all traces of Mr Delamere were
lost
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME
Sir Richard Crofts brought Mr Rochely to Lord Montreville at the time
appointed and in consequence of the conversation then held his
Lordship was confirmed in his resolution of persisting in the plan Sir
Richard had laid down to force Emmeline to accept the good fortune
offered her Lord Montreville had sent as soon as he got to town to
Delameres lodgings whose servants said that he had slept there but
was then gone out His Lordship concluded he was gone to Clapham but as
he could not remedy his uneasiness on that head he was obliged to
endure it About twelve oclock Delamere had arranged matters for his
concealment and about three as Lord Montreville was dressing to go
out Millefleur together with Delameres footman and groom came as
they had been ordered to Berkleysquare This circumstance was no sooner
related to Lord Montreville by his valet de chambre than he ordered
Millefleur to be sent up The Frenchman related to his Lordship that
his master was certainly gone to Mr Percivals but Lord Montreville
concluded he was gone to Scotland and in a tempest of anger and
vexation cursed the hour when he had listened to the advice of Sir
Richard Crofts the harshness of whose proceedings had he imagined
precipitated the event he had so long dreaded He was so entirely
persuaded that this conjecture was the truth that he first gave orders
for a postchaise and four to be ready directly then recollecting that
if he overtook his son he had no power to force him back he thought it
better to take with him some one who could influence Emmeline His
youngest daughter was still in Yorkshire Mrs Stafford he knew not
where to find but he supposed that Mrs Ashwood with whom she had
lived some months might have power to persuade her and not knowing
what else to do indeed hardly knowing what he expected from the visit
he ordered his coachman to be as expeditious as possible in conveying
him to the house of that lady
Mrs Ashwood her brother and four or five other persons related to the
family were at dinner Lord Montreville entered the room spoke to
those he knew with as much civility as he could but not seeing Emmeline
among them his apprehensions were confirmed He desired they would not
disturb themselves and declined sharing their repast but being unable
to conceal his emotion till it was over he said to Mrs AshwoodI am
sorry Madam to trouble you on this unhappy business I did hope you
would have had the goodness at least to inform me of it What can I do
exclaimed he breaking suddenly from his discourse and risingGood
God what can I do
The company were silent and amazed
Mrs Ashwood however said I am sorry that any thing my Lord has
disturbed your Lordship I am sure I should have been happy my Lord
could I have been of any service to your Lordship in whatever it is
Disturbed cried he striking his forehead with his hand I am
distracted When did she go How long has she been gone
Who my Lord
Miss MowbrayEmmelineOh it will be impossible to overtake them
Gone my Lord
Gone with DelamereGone to Scotland
Miss Mowbray was however in the house not an hour ago said Miss
Galton I saw her myself go up the garden just as we sat down to
dinner
Then she went to meet himthen they went togetherexclaimed Lord
Montreville walking round the room
An assertion so positive staggered every one They rose from table in
confusion
Let us go up said Mrs Ashwood I can hardly think it possible my
Lord that Miss Mowbray is gone unless your Lordship absolutely saw
them
Yet Mrs Ashwood remembered that Delamere had been there in the morning
and that Emmeline had dined early alone and had remained by herself all
the rest of the day under pretence of sickness and she began to
believe that all this was done to give her time to elope with Delamere
She went up stairs and Lord Montreville without knowing what he did
followed her The stairs were carpetted any one ascending was hardly
heard and Mrs Ashwood suddenly throwing open the door of her chamber
Lord Montreville saw her with her handkerchief held to her face
hanging over a packet of papers which lay on the table before her
Emmeline did not immediately look upan exclamation from Lord
Montreville made her take her handkerchief from her eyes
She arose tried to conceal the sorrow visible in her countenance yet
wet with tears and assuming as much as she could her native ease and
sweetness she advanced towards his Lordship who still stood at the
door amazed and asked him if he would pardon her for desiring him to
sit down in a bedchamber if not she would wait on him below She then
went back to the table threw the papers into the casket that was on it
and placing a chair between that and the fire again asked him if he
would do her the honour to sit down
Lord Montreville did so but said nothing He was ashamed of his
precipitancy yet as Emmeline did not know it he would not mention it
and was yet too full of the idea to speak of any thing else
Mrs Ashwood had left themEmmeline continued silent
Lord Montreville after a long pause at length said with a stern and
displeased countenance I understand Miss Mowbray that my son was
here this morning
Yes my Lord
Pray do you know where he now is
I do not indeed Is he not at your Lordships house
No I am told by his servants that he is gone to Mr PercivalsBut
_you_continued he laying a strong emphasis on the word _you_
Miss Mowbray are I dare say better informed of his intentions than any
one else
Upon my word my Lord answered Emmeline astonished I do _not_
know He said nothing to me of an intention to go any where on the
contrary he told me he should be here again tomorrow
And is it possible you are ignorant of his having left London this
morning immediately after he returned from visiting you
My Lord I have never yet stooped to the meanness of a falsehood Why
should your Lordship now suppose me guilty of it I repeatand I hope
you will do me the justice to believe meupon my honour I do _not_
know whither Mr Delamere is gonenor do I know that he has left
London
Lord Montreville could not but believe her But while his fears were
relieved as to the elopement they were awakened anew by the uncertainty
of what was become of his son and what his motive could be for this
sudden disappearance
He thought however the present opportunity of speaking to Emmeline of
his resolution was not to be neglected
However ignorant you may be Miss Mowbray said he of the reason of
his having quitted his lodgings you are not to learn that his motive
for estranging himself from his family and becoming a stranger to his
fathers house originates in his inconsiderate attachment to you
Contrary to the assurances you gave me at Swansea you have encouraged
this attachment and as I understand from Sir Richard Crofts you
peremptorily and even rudely refuse the opportunity now offered you of
establishing yourself in rank and affluence which no other young woman
would a moment hesitate to accept Such a refusal cannot be owing to
mere caprice nor could it possibly happen had you not determined in
despite of every objection and of bringing discord into my family to
listen to that infatuated and rash young man
Your Lordship does not treat me with your usual candour I have
promised you voluntarily promised you not to marry Mr Delamere
without your Lordships consent To prevent his coming here was out of
my power but if I really aspired to the honour of which your Lordship
thinks me ambitious _what_ has prevented me from engaging at once with
Mr Delamere who has I own to you pressed me repeatedly to elope My
Lord while I am treated with kindness and confidence I can rely upon
my own resolution to deserve it _but_ when your Lordship on suspicion
or misrepresentation is induced to withdraw that kindness and
confidencewhy should _I_ make a point of honour where _you_ no longer
seem to expect it
The truth of this answer as well as its spirit at once hurt and
irritated Lord Montreville
Determined to separate Emmeline from his son he was mortified to be
forced to acknowledge in his own breast that she merited all his
affection and angry that she should be in the right when he wished to
have found something to blame in her conduct Pride and selflove seemed
to resent that a little weak girl should pretend to a sense of
rectitude and a force of understanding greater than his own
Miss Mowbray said his Lordship sharply I will be very explicit with
youeither consent to marry Mr Rochely whose affection does you so
much honour or expect from me no farther kindness
Your Lordship knows answered Emmeline that I have no friend on whom
I have the least claim but you If you abandon mebut my Lord ought
you to do itI am indeed most friendless
She could no longer command her tearssobs obliged her to cease
speaking
Lord Montreville thought her resolution would give way and trying to
divest himself of all feeling with an effort truly political he
determined to press his point
It is in your power resumed he not only to place yourself above all
fear of such desertion but to engage my affection and that of my whole
family You will be in a situation of life which I should hardly refuse
for one of the Miss Delameres You will possess the most unbounded
affluence and a husband who adores you A man unexceptionable in
character of a mature age and whose immense fortune is every day
encreasing You will be considered by me and by Lady Montreville as a
daughter of the house of Mowbray The blemish of your birth will be
wiped off and forgotten
Emmeline wept more than before
And his Lordship continued If you absurdly refuse an offer so
infinitely above your expectations I shall consider myself as having
more than done my duty in putting it in your way and that your folly
and imprudence dissolve all obligation on my part You must no longer
call yourself Mowbray and you must forget that you ever were allowed to
be numbered among the relations of my family Nor shall I think myself
obliged in any manner to provide for a person who in scorn of
gratitude prudence and reputation throws from her an opportunity of
providing for herself
Emmeline regained some degree of resolution She looked up her eyes
streaming with tears and said Well my Lord to the lowest indigence
I must then submit for to marry Mr Rochely is not in my power
We will suppose for a moment resumed Lord Montreville that you
could realize the visionary hopes you have presumed to indulge of
uniting yourself to Mr Delamere Dear as he is to me and his mother we
are determined from that moment to renounce himnever shall the
rebellious son who has dared to disobey us be again admitted to our
presencenever will we acknowledge as his wife a person forced upon
us and introduced into our family in despite of our commands and in
violation of duty honour and affection _You_ will be the occasion of
his being loaded with the curses of both his parents and of introducing
misery and discord into his family Can you yourself be happy under such
circumstances In point of fortune too you will find yourself
deceivedwhile _we_ live Mr Delamere can have but a very slender
income and of every thing in our power we shall certainly deprive him
both while we live and at our decease Consider well what I have said
and make use of your reason Begin by giving up to me the ridiculous
witnesses of a ridiculous and boyish passion which must be no longer
indulged to keep a picture of Delamere is discreditable and
indelicateyou will not refuse to relinquish it
He reached over the table and took from among two or three loose
papers which yet lay before Emmeline a little blue enamelled case
which he concluded contained a miniature of Delamere of whom several
had been drawn Emmeline absorbed in tears did not oppose it The
spring of the case was defective It opened in his hand and presented
to his view not a portrait of his son but of his brother drawn when
he was about twenty and at a period when he was more than a
brotherwhen he was the dearest friend Lord Montreville had on earth A
likeness so striking which he had not seen for many years had an
immediate effect upon him
His brother seemed to look at him mournfully A melancholy cast about
the eyebrows diminished the vivacity of the countenance and the faded
colour for the picture had been painted seven and twenty years gave it
a look of languor and ill health such perhaps as the original wore
before his death when a ruined constitution threatened him for some
months tho his life terminated by a malignant fever in a few hours
The poor distrest Emmeline was the only memorial left of him and Lord
Montreville felt her tears a reproach for his cruelty in thus
threatening to abandon to her fate the unhappy daughter of this once
loved brother
Sir Richard Crofts and Lady Montreville were not by to intercept these
sentiments of returning humanity He found the tears fill his eyes as he
gazed on the picture
Emmeline insensible of every thing saw it not and not conscious that
he had taken it the purport of his last words she believed to relate to
a sketch she had herself made of Delamere She was therefore surprized
when Lord Montreville arising took her hand and in a voice that
witnessed the emotion of his soul saidCome my dear Emmeline pardon
me for thus distressing you you shall _not_ be compelled to marry Mr
Rochely if you have so great a dislike to him You shall still have an
adequate support and I trust I shall have nothing to fear from your
indiscretion in regard to Delamere
Your Lordship answered Emmeline without taking her handkerchief from
her eyes has never yet found me capable of falsehood I will repeat
if you desire it the promise I gave youI will even take the most
solemn oath you shall dictate never to be the wife of Mr Delamere
unless your Lordship and Lady Montreville consent
I take your promise answered his Lordship and shall rely firmly
upon it But Emmeline you must go from hence for your own sake your
peace and reputation require it Delamere must not frequent the house
where you are you must conceal from him the place of your abode
My Lord I will be ingenuous with you To go from hence is what I
intend and with your Lordships permission I will set out immediately
for Mrs Staffords But to conceal from Mr Delamere where I am is not
in my power for I have given him a solemn promise to see him if he
desires it wherever I shall be and as I hope you depend on my honour
it must be equally sacred whether given to him or you You will
therefore not insist on my breaking this engagement and I promise you
again never to violate the other
With this compromise Lord Montreville was obliged to be content He
entreated Emmeline to see Rochely again and hear his offers But she
absolutely refused assuring Lord Montreville that were his fortune
infinitely greater she would not marry him tho servitude should be
the alternative
His Lordship therefore forbore to press her farther He desired that if
Delamere wrote to her or saw her she would let him know which she
readily agreed to and he told her that so long as she was single and
did nothing to disoblige him he would pay her an hundred guineas a year
in quarterly payments He gave her a bank note of fifty pounds and
recommending it to her to go as soon as possible to Mrs Staffords he
kissed her cheek with an appearance of affection greater than he had yet
shewn and then went home to prepare for the reception of Lady
Montreville whose arrival he did not greatly wish for dreading lest
her violence and illtemper should drive his son into some new
extravagance But as her will was not to be disputed he submitted
without remonstrance to the alteration of the plan he had proposed
which was that his family should pass their Christmas in Norfolk
whither he intended to have returned
The next day Delamere was again at Clapham very early
Emmeline the additional agitation of whose mind had prevented her
sleeping during the night appeared more indisposed than she had done
the day before
Delamere very much alarmed at her altered looks anxiously enquired the
cause And without hesitation she told him simply all that had passed
the promise she had given to his father to which she intended strictly
to adhere and the arrangement she had agreed to on condition of being
persecuted no more on the score of Mr Rochely
It is impossible to describe the grief and indignation of Delamere at
hearing this relation He saw all the hopes frustrated which he had been
so long indulging he saw between him and all he loved a barrier which
time only could remove he dared not hope that Emmeline would ever be
induced to break an engagement which she considered as binding he dared
not flatter himself with the most distant prospect of procuring the
consent of Lord and Lady Montreville and therefore by their deaths only
could he obtain her which if he had been unnatural enough to wish was
yet in all probability very distant as Lord Montreville was not more
than seven and forty and of an excellent constitution and Lady
Montreville three years younger
Passion and resentment for some moments stifled every other sentiment in
the heart of Delamere But the impediments that thus arose to his wishes
were very far from diminishing their violence
The more impossible his union with Emmeline seemed to be the more
ardently he desired it The difficulties that might have checked or
conquered an inferior degree of passion served only to strengthen his
and to render it insurmountable
It was some moments before Emmeline could prevail upon him to listen to
her She then enquired why he had concealed himself from his father and
where he had been
He answered that he had avoided Lord Montreville because had he met
him he found himself incapable of commanding his temper and of
forbearing to resent his sending Sir Richard Crofts to her which he had
promised her not to do That therefore he had taken other lodgings in
another part of the town where he intended to remain
Emmeline exhorted and implored him to return to Berkleysquare He
positively refused He refused also to tell her where he lodged And
complaining loudly of her cruelty and coldness yet tenderly entreating
her to take care of her health he left her having first procured
permission to see her the next day and every day till she set out for
Woodfield
When he was gone Miss Mowbray wrote to Lord Montreville
My Lord
In pursuance of the word I passed to your Lordship I have the
honour to acquaint you that Mr Delamere has just left me I
endeavoured to prevail on him to inform me where he lodges but he
refuses to give me the least information If it be your Lordships
wish to see him you will probably have an opportunity of doing it
here as he proposed being here tomorrow but refused to name the
hour apprehending perhaps that you might meet him as I did not
conceal from him that I should acquaint you with my having seen him
I have the honour to be
my Lord
your Lordships
most obedient servant
EMMELINE MOWBRAY
_Clapham Dec 3
Lord Montreville received this letter in her Ladyships dressingroom
The servant who brought it in said it came from Clapham and Lady
Montreville insisted on seeing its contents She had been before
acquainted with what had passed and bestowed on her son the severest
invectives for his obstinacy and folly Poor Emmeline however who was
the cause of it was the principal object of her resentment and disdain
Even this last instance of her rectitude could not diminish the
prejudice which embittered the mind of Lady Montreville against her She
lamented whenever she deigned to speak of her that the laws of this
country unlike those of better regulated kingdoms did not give people
of fashion power to remove effectually those who interfered with their
happiness or were inimical to their views If this little wretch
said she was in France it would not be difficult to put an end to the
trouble she has dared to give us A _letter de cachet_ would cure the
creature of her presumption and place her where her art and affectation
should not disturb the peace of families of high rank
Lord Montreville heard these invectives without reply but not without
pain
Augusta Delamere who arrived in Berkleysquare the same morning that
Lady Montreville did felt still more hurt by her mothers determined
hatred to Emmeline whom she languished to see and had never ceased to
love
Miss Delamere inheriting all the pride of her mother and adding to it a
sufficient share of vanity and affectation of her own had taken a
dislike to the persecuted Emmeline if possible more inveterate than
that of Lady Montreville Tho she had never seen her she detested her
and exerted all her influence on her mother to prevent her being
received into the family as her fathers relation FitzEdward had
praised her as the most interesting woman he had ever seen Miss
Delamere had no aversion to FitzEdward and tho he had never seemed
sensible of the honour she did him she could not divest herself wholly
of that partiality towards him which made her heartily abhor any woman
he seemed to admire When to this cause of dislike was added what she
called the insolent presumption of the animal in daring to attempt
inveigling _her_ brother into the folly of marrying she thought she
might indulge all the rancour envy and malignity of her heart
When Lady Montreville had read the letter she threw it down on the
table contemptuously
It requires no answer said she to the servant who waited
The man left the room
Well my Lord continued she addressing herself to her husband what
do you intend to do about this unhappy infatuated boy
I really know not answered his Lordship
I will tell you then resumed sheGo to this girl and let her know
that you will abandon her pennyless force her to accept the honour Mr
Rochely offers her and by shewing a little strength of mind and
resolution break these unworthy chains with which your own want of
prudence has fettered your son
It has already been tried Madam without success Consider that if I
am bound by no obligations to support this young person I am also
without any power over her To force her to marry Mr Rochely is
impossible I have however her promise that she will not enter into any
clandestine engagement with Delamere
Her promise exclaimed Lady MontrevilleAnd are you weak enough my
Lord to trust to the promise of an artful designing creature who
seems to me to have already won over your Lordship to her party What
want of common sense is this If you will not again speak to her and
that most decisively I will do it myself Send her to me I will force
her not only to tell me where Delamere has had the meanness to conceal
himself but also oblige her to relinquish the hopes she has the
insolence to indulge
Miss Delamere who wanted to see the wonderful creature that had turned
her brothers head and who was charmed to think she should see her
humbled and mortified promoted this plan as much as possible Augusta
dreading her brothers violence dared not and Lord Montreville would
not oppose it as he believed her Ladyships overwhelming rhetoric to
which he was himself frequently accustomed to give way might produce on
Emmeline the effect he had vainly attempted He therefore asked Lady
Montreville whether she really wished to see Miss Mowbray and when
I am engaged tomorrow answered she all day But however as she is
a sort of person whom it will be improper to admit at any other time
let her be here at ten oclock in the morning She may come up before I
breakfast into my dressingroom
Shall I send one of the carriages for her enquired his Lordship
By no means replied the Lady They will be all wanted Let her
borrow a coach of the people she lives with I suppose all city people
now keep coaches Or if she cannot do that a hack may be had Then
turning to her woman who had just brought her her snuffbox
Brackley said she dont forget to order the porter to admit a
young woman who will be here tomorrow at ten oclock tho she may
perhaps come in a hack
Lord Montreville who grew every hour more uneasy at Delameres absence
now set out in search of him himself He called at FitzEdwards
lodgings but he was not yet come to town tho hourly expected His
Lordship then went to Clapham where he hoped to meet his son but
instead of doing so Emmeline put into his hands the following letter
I intended to have seen you again today but the pain I felt
after our interview yesterday has so much disordered me that it
is better not to repeat it Cruel Emmelineto gratify my father
you throw me from you without remorse without pity I shall be the
victim of his ambition and of your false and mistaken ideas of
honour
Ah Emmeline will the satisfaction that you fancy will arise
from this chimerical honour make you amends for the loss of such an
heart as mine Yet think not I can withdraw it from you cold and
cruel as you are Alas it is no longer in my power But my
passions the violence of which I cannot mitigate prey on my frame
and will conduct to the grave this unhappy son who is to be
sacrificed to the cursed politics of his family
I cannot see you Emmeline without a renewal of all those
sensations which tear me to pieces and which I know affect you
though you try to conceal it For a day or two I will go into the
country _Remember your promise_ not to remove any where but to Mrs
Staffords and to let me know the day and hour when you set out
You plead to me that your promise to my father is _sacred_ I
expect that those you have passed to me shall be at least equally
so Farewel till we meet again You know that seeing you and being
permitted to love you is all that renders supportable the existence
of your unhappy
F D
This letter my Lord said Emmeline was delivered by a porter I
spoke to the man and asked him from whence he brought it He said from
a coffeehouse at Charingcross
Did you answer it
No my Lord said Emmeline blushing I think it required no
answer
He then told her that Lady Montreville expected to see her the next day
and named the hour
Emmeline terrified as she was at the idea of such an interview was
forced to assure him she would be punctual to it and his Lordship took
an hasty leave still hoping he might meet his son He was hardly gone
before another porter brought to Emmeline a second letter it was from
Augusta Delamere
At length my dear Emmeline I am near you and can tell you I
still love you tho even that satisfaction I am forced to snatch
unknown to my mother Oh Emmeline I tremble for your situation
tomorrow The dislike that both my mother and sister have taken to
you is inconceivable and I am afraid that you will have a great
deal of rudeness and unkindness to encounter I write this to
prepare you for it and hope that your conscious innocence and the
generosity with which you have acted will support you I have been
taken to task most severely by my mother for my partiality to you
and my sister in her contemptuous way calls you my sweet
sentimental friend To be sure my brothers absence is a dreadful
thing and great allowances are to be made for my mothers
vexation tho I own I do not see why it should prevent her being
just I will try to be in the room tomorrow tho perhaps I shall
not be permitted Dont say you have heard from me for the world
but be assured I shall always love you as you deserve and be most
truly
your affectionate and faithful
A DELAMERE
_Berkleysquare Dec 5
Emmeline had the convenience of Mrs Ashwoods carriage who agreed to
set her down in Berkleysquare She was herself sitting for her picture
and told Miss Mowbray she would send the chariot back for her when she
got to the house of the painter
Exactly at ten oclock they arrived at the door of Lord Montreville and
Emmeline who had been arguing herself into some degree of resolution as
she went along yet found her courage much less than she thought she
should have occasion for and with faultering steps and trembling nerves
she went up stairs The man who conducted her told her that his Lady
was not yet up and desired her to wait in an antiroom which was
superbly furnished and covered with glasses in which Emmeline had
leisure to contemplate her pale and affrighted countenance
The longer the interview was delayed the more dreadful it appeared She
dared not ask for Miss Augusta yet at every noise she heard hoped
that amiable girl was coming to console and befriend her But no Augusta
appeared A servant came in mended the fire and went down again then
Miss Delameres maid under pretence of fetching something took a
survey of her in order to make a report to her mistress and Emmeline
found that she was an object of curiosity to the domesticks who had
heard from Millefleur and from the other servants who had been at
Swansea that this was the young woman Mr Delamere was dying for
An hour and a half was now elapsed and poor Emmeline whose imagination
had been busied the whole time in representing every form of insult and
contempt with which she expected to be received began to hope that Lady
Montreville had altered her intention of seeing her
At length however Mrs Brackley her Ladyships woman was heard
speaking aloud to a footmanWalter tell that young woman she may be
admitted to see my Lady and shew her up
Walter delivered his message and the trembling Emmeline with some
difficulty followed him
She entered the dressingroom Her Ladyship in a morning dress sat at
a table on which was a salver with coffee Her back was to the door
where stood Mrs Brackley who as Emmeline hesitating seemed ready to
shrink back said with a sort of condescending nod There you may go
in Miss
Emmeline entered but did not advance
Lady Montreville without rising or speaking turned her head and
looked at her with a scowling and disdainful countenance
Humph said she looking at her eldest daughter who sat by the fire
with a newspaper in her handhumph as much as to say I see no such
great beauty in this creature
Miss Delamere whose countenance wore a sort of disdainful sneer
smiled in answer to her mothers humph and said Would you have her
sit down Madam
Aye said Lady Montreville turning again her head towards
EmmelineYou may sit down
There was a sofa near the door Emmeline hardly able to stand went to
it
A silence ensued Lady Montreville sipped her coffee and Miss Delamere
seemed intent upon the newspaper
So cried her Ladyship my son has absented himself Upon my word
Miss Whatdyecallit for Mowbray I dont allow that your name is
you have a great deal to answer for Pray what amends can you ever hope
to make to my Lord and me for the trouble you have been the cause of
I sincerely lament it Madam answered Emmeline forcing herself to
speak and do assure you it has been on my part involuntary
Oh no doubt ont Your wonderful beauty is the fatal cause You have
used no art I dare say no pretty finesse learned from novels to
inveigle a silly boy to his undoing
If I had been disposed Madam to take advantage of Mr Delameres
unhappy partiality for me
Oh dear What you was coy You knew your subject no doubt and now
make a merit of what was merely a piece of art I detest such demure
hypocrites Tell mewhy if you are _not_ disposed to take advantage
of Mr Delameres folly you do not accept the noble offer made you by
this banker or whatever he is that my Lord says is worth above an
hundred thousand pounds The reason is evident A little obscure
creature bred on the Welch mountains and who was born nobody knows
how does not so easily refuse a man of fortune unless she has some
other views You would like a handsome young man with a title Yes you
would like to hide your own obscurity in the brilliant pedigree of one
of the first families in Europe But know presumptuous girl that the
whole house shall perish ere it shall thus be contaminatedknow
She grew inarticulate with passion pride and malignity seemed to choak
her and she stopped as if to recover breath to give vent to her rage
Miss Delamere took the opportunity to speak
Indeed child said she it is hurting yourself extremely and I am
really sorry you should be so deceived _My_ brother can never marry
_you_ and as Lord Montreville has brought you up under the notion of
your belonging to a part of his family we are really interested my
mother and I in your not going into a bad course of life If you do not
marry this rich cityman what do you think is to become of you
My Lord Montreville has been so good as to assure me said
Emmelineher words were so faint that they died away upon her lips
What does she say Fanny asked Lady Montreville
Something of my fathers having assured her Madam
Dont flatter yourself girl resumed her Ladyship dont deceive
yourself If you refuse to marry this man who offers to take you not
one shilling shall you ever receive from this family determine
therefore at once send to the person in question let him come here
and let an agreement for a settlement be directly signed between Lord
Montreville and him Lord Montreville will in that case give you a
fortune I will hear no objection I _will_ have the affair closed this
morning I _will_ have it so
Lady Montreville accustomed to undisputed power in her own family
expected from every body an acquiescence as blind as she found from her
tradesmen and servants who endured her illhumour and gave way to her
caprices But she forgot that Emmeline was equally unaccustomed to her
commands and free from the necessity of obeying them The gentlest and
mildest temper will revolt against insolence and oppression and the
cruelty and unfeminine insults she had received concluded by this
peremptory way of forcing her into a marriage from which her whole soul
recoiled at length restored to her some portion of that proper spirit
and presence of mind which had been frightened from her Conscious that
she deserved none of these ungenerous insults and feeling herself
superior to her who could cruelly and wantonly inflict them she
regained her courage
If your Ladyship has nothing more to say said she rising I shall
have the honour to wish you a good morning for I believe Mrs Ashwood
has been waiting for me some time
Dont tell me of Mrs Ashwoodbut tell me where is my son Where is
Delamere
I know not answered Emmeline I have already told my Lord
Montreville that I am entirely ignorant
Nobody believes it said Miss Delamere
I am sorry for it replied Emmeline coolly If however I did know
it is not such treatment Madam that should compel me to give any
information She then opened the door and walked down stairs A footman
met her whom she desired to enquire for Mrs Ashwoods carriage Before
the man could descend to obey her a violent ringing was heard The
footman said it was his Ladys bell and ran up to answer it while
Emmeline still descending heard somebody softly calling her She looked
up and saw Augusta Delamere leaning over the bannisters she put up her
finger as if to prevent Emmelines speaking threw her a letter and
immediately disappeared
The spirits of Emmeline were again greatly hurried by this transient
view of her friend She put the letter hastily into her pocket and was
got down into the hall where she spoke to another footman to see for
her carriage but the man whom she had met on the stairs now came to
say his Lady must see her again Emmeline answered that she had already
made her friend wait and must beg to be excused returning to her
Ladyship this morning The man however said that he dared not disobey
his Lady nor call up the chariot
Emmeline alarmed at the idea of being detained advanced towards the
door told the porter who had not heard this dialogue to open it and
walked resolutely into the street
The two footmen followed her to the door but contented themselves with
looking after her without attempting to stop her
She is pretty enough however said one to the other to excuse our
young Lord
The devils int if she is not answered the other
Emmeline heard this and between vexation at their impertinence and
fear of their following her she found her whole strength again forsake
her
She walked on however towards Charlesstreet looking round for Mrs
Ashwoods carriage but could not see it She was totally unacquainted
with the streets where she had never been on foot before but
recollected that she might get an hackneycoach which was the more
necessary as snow was falling fast and her muslin cloaths were already
wet almost through
She was picking her way still in some hopes of seeing the carriage
when an hackneycoach passed empty Emmeline looked wishfully towards
it The man stopped and asked if she wanted a coach She answered yes
as eagerly as if she had been afraid of a disappointment and hurrying
into it told the man to drive to Clapham
Just as he was mounting the box another hack passed and a young
officer who was in it looked earnestly into that where Emmeline sat
then calling to his driver to stop he leaped out and Emmeline saw
FitzEdward at the door of her coach
Miss Mowbray said heIs it possible alone and in this equipage in
Berkleysquare Where is Delamere
Before Emmeline had time to answer him he had opened the coach door
It snows too much said he for a comfortable conference unless you
will give me leave to sit by you where are you going to
To Clapham answered Emmeline
Oh take me with you said he I have a thousand things to say to
you
He gave her no time to refuse but flinging half a crown to the man who
had driven him he got into the coach which she was in and ordered the
man to shut the door and go where he had been directed
Emmeline was vexed at this incident as she was too uneasy to wish for
the presence of any one and impatient to open the letter in her pocket
But FitzEdward was not easily discouraged and possessed together with
perfect good breeding a fortunate sort of assurance with which nobody
was ever long displeased
He enquired after Mrs Stafford with a degree of interest for which
Emmeline felt inclined to love him She related all she knew of her and
her eyes reassumed their lustre while she told him how soon she was
likely to see her He then renewed his questions about Delamere
Emmeline could not dissemble and indeed saw in this case no reason why
she should She therefore told him ingenuously all that had happened
since they met at Swansea most of which he already knew from Delamere
He watched her looks however while she was speaking and by her blushes
her manner and the softness of her eyes he thought he saw evidently
enough that Delamere was no longer indifferent to her Her indignation
at the treatment she had just received from his mother and sister dyed
her cheeks with crimson while she related it but when she returned to
speak of Delamere she forgot her anger and seemed to feel only pity
and tenderness
FitzEdward a most perfect judge of female hearts made his
observations on all this with which he knew he should most effectually
gratify his friend and in his insinuating way he said all he could
think of to encrease her compassion for her lover and inflame her
resentment against those who impeded a union which he was pretty sure
Emmeline now wished for as well as Delamere
When they arrived at Clapham Emmeline found Mrs Ashwood was not yet
returned FitzEdward entreated her to sing to him and either was or
pretended to be in raptures at her improvement since they had met in
the summer
About half an hour after four Mrs Ashwood came in and throwing open
the parlour door asked Emmeline in no very sweet accent Why she had
given her the trouble to go in her carriage to Berkleysquare if she
intended going home by any other conveyance
Mrs Ashwood was subject to causeless fits of illhumour to which
Emmeline was a good deal accustomed and concluding she was now seized
with some sudden discomposure of temper mildly answered That she
supposed there had been a mistake for that the chariot did not come for
her at the appointed time
Mistake replied the other lady sharply I dont know as to mistake
but if you had chosen it you might have staid dinner with Lady
Montreville
Emmeline without seeming to attend to the asperity of the address
desired to introduce Colonel FitzEdward
As this short dialogue had passed without Mrs Ashwoods having entered
the room she had not seen the stranger who now advanced towards her
The title of Colonel added to his military air and handsome figure
seemed to gain at once her favourable opinion and her countenance
losing the unpleasing expression of illtemper immediately put on its
best smile and an affectation of softness and complacency with which
she frequently adorned it
She seemed to consider the handsome young soldier as a conquest worthy
all her ambition and finding he was the most intimate friend of
Delamere had no apprehension that his admiration would be diverted by
the youth and attractions of Emmeline
FitzEdward presently understood her character and with admirable
adroitness acted the part of a man afraid of being too much charmed He
cast an arch look at Emmeline then made to the Lady of the house some
compliments so extravagant that only the weakest vanity could prevent
her seeing its ridicule But FitzEdward who found in a moment that
nothing was too gross to be believed fearlessly repeated the dose and
before dinner came in she was in the best humour imaginable and
pressed him so earnestly to partake of it that after an apology for
sitting down in his morning dishabille he consented
The same unlimited flattery was continued during dinner by FitzEdward
and received by the lady with the same avidity and Emmeline tho
halfangry with him for the pleasure he seemed to take in making Mrs
Ashwood absurd could not help being amused with the scene
Before their repast ended she was so much charmed with her new
acquaintance and so much longed to shew him to her female friends and
her other admirers that she could not forbear pressing him to stay to a
card party which she was to have in the evening
He loved the ridiculous and influenced by a vanity as silly as that he
delighted to expose he took pleasure in shewing how extremely absurd he
could make women appear who were not on other occasions void of
understanding Tho he had really business with Lord Montreville who
had left several messages at his lodgings desiring to see him and was
going thither when Emmeline met him yet he accepted Mrs Ashwoods
invitation on condition of being allowed to go home to dress
He was no sooner gone than she flew to her toilet and Emmeline to a
second perusal of the letter she had received from Augusta Delamere
I am forbidden to see you my dearest Emmeline and perhaps may
not have an opportunity of giving you this My heart bleeds for
you my sweet friend I fear my father will be prevailed upon
wholly to abandon you They are all inventing schemes to force you
into a marriage with that oddlooking old Rochely He has been here
once or twice and closetted with my father and part
of the scheme of today is to persuade you to dine here with
him But I am almost sure you will not stay for unless my mother
can command herself more before you than she does when she is
talking about you I think you will be frightened away I am
certain my dear Emmeline from what I have heard tho they say
but little before me that no endeavours will be omitted to drive
you to marry Rochely and that they will persecute you every way
both by persuasions and by distressing you But be assured that
while Augusta Delamere has any thing you shall share it Indeed I
love you not only as if you were my sister but I think better
Ah why are there such unhappy impediments to your being really so
At present I foresee nothing but perplexity and have no dependance
but on you I know you will act as you ought to do and that you
will at last prevail with Delamere to act right too Whoever loves
you cannot long persist in doing ill and surely it is very ill
done and very cruel for Delamere to make us all so unhappy I
need not tell you to arm yourself with fortitude against the
attacks that will be made upon you You have more fortitude and
resolution than I have Situated as you have been I know not what
_I_ should have done but I fear it would not have been so worthy
of praise as the noble and disinterested part you have acted
which tho unaccompanied with the thousand amiable qualities of
heart and understanding you possess would ever command the esteem
and admiration of your faithful and affectionate
AUGUSTA DELAMERE
Do not write to me till you hear from me again as I should incur
great displeasure if known to correspond with you
A D
Charmed as Emmeline was by the tender solicitude and affectionate
simplicity of her beloved friend the pleasure this letter gave her was
very much abated by learning that the domestic infelicity of Lord
Montrevilles family fell particularly heavy on her She now recollected
what Mrs Ashwood had said on her first entrance into the room when she
returned home and concluded from thence that she had seen Lady
Montreville tho her whole attention was so immediately engrossed by
the Colonel that she had no more named it She therefore grew anxious
to hear what had been said and her own toilet being very soon over she
sent to desire admittance to that of Mrs Ashwood on receiving which
she attended her and begged to know whether she had seen Lady
Montreville and what had passed
Mrs Ashwood was in so happy a disposition that she hesitated not to
oblige her and while she finished the important business of
accommodating a pile of black feathers jet and crape upon her head
the mockery of woe which she did not even affect to feel she gave
Emmeline the following account interlarded with directions to her
woman
Why my dear you must know that when I got to Gainsboroughs _more to
the left_ he had unluckily a frightful old judge or a bishop or some
tedious old man with him and I was forced to wait I cannot tell what
possessed me but I entirely forgot that I was to send the chariot back
for you So the chariot _put it a little forwarder_ staid I thought
the tiresome man whoever he was would never have gone however he went
at last _raise the lower curl_ and then I _sot_ You cannot think how
much the likeness is improved So when I had done _give me the scraper
here is some powder on my eyebrow_ I went away thinking to call on
you but as I went by Butlers I remembered that I wanted some
pearlcoloured twist to finish the purse I am doing for Hanbury I was
almost an hour matching it Well then I thought as I was so near
Frivolités door I might as well call and see whether she had put the
trimming on the white bombazeen as you know we agreed would be most the
thing There were a thousand people in the house you know there is
never any possibility of getting out of that creatures room under an
hour Oh heaven thought Emmeline nor is there any end to the
importance you affix to trifles which interest nobody else So
however at last I got to Berkleysquare and stopped at the door The
man at the door said you was gone I thought that very odd and desired
another servant go up and see for I concluded it was some mistake
After a moment or two the footman came down again and said if I was
the Lady Miss Mowbray lived with his Lady desired I would walk up Upon
my word it is a noble house When I got into the room there was Lady
Montreville and her daughters Her Ladyship was extremely polite
indeed and after some discourse Mrs Ashwood said she you know
Miss Mowbrays situation I assure you I sent for her today with no
other view in the world but for her own good and you know _dear me
here is a pimple on my chin that is quite hideous give me a patch
you know that for her to refuse Mr Rochely is being absolutely blind to
her own interest because you must suppose Mrs Ashwood that she is
only deceiving herself when she entertains any thoughts of my son for
that is a thing that never can happen nor ever shall happen and
besides to give my Lord and me all this trouble is a very ungrateful
return to us for having brought her up and many other obligations she
has received at our hands and will be the ruin of herself and the
greatest perverseness in the world You Mrs Ashwood are I hear a
very sensible woman _where is the rouge box and I dare say now you
know how agreeable it would be to me and my Lord to have Miss Emmeline
come to her senses about Mr Rochely you will do your endeavours to
persuade her to act reasonably and then tho she has behaved very
disrespectful and very ill which is only to be forgiven on account of
her knowing no better I shall countenance her and so will my Lord
This was as near as I remember Emmeline what my Lady said to me You
know _the milk of roses is almost out_ you know I could not refuse to
tell her I would certainly talk to you I was surprised to find her
Ladyship so obliging and affable as you had told me she is reckoned so
very proud She ordered her gentleman to give me a ticket for a rout and
a supper her Ladyship gives on Tuesday three weeks and she said that
as she did not doubt but that you would discover your own interest by
that time I should take one for you Look you here it is
I shall be in Dorsetshire I hope long before Tuesday sennight said
Emmeline laying the card coolly on the toilet She found Mrs Ashwood
had nothing more material to say and being apprehensive that she
impeded the last finish which her dress and person required she thanked
her and went back into her own room
The eagerness and resolution with which Lady Montreville opposed her
sons marriage appeared from nothing more evidently than from her thus
endeavouring to solicit the assistance of Mrs Ashwood and humbling
herself to use flattery and insinuation towards a person to whom it is
probable nothing else could have induced her to speak With persons in
trade or their connections or even with gentlemen unless of very
ancient and honourable families she seldom deigned to hold any
communication and if she had occasion to speak to them individually it
was generally under the appellation of Mr or Mrs I forget the name
for to remember the particular distinctions of such inferior beings was
a task too heavy for Right Honourable intellects When she spoke of such
collectively it was under the denomination of the people or the
folks
With that sort of condescension that seems to say I will humble myself
to your level and which is in fact more insolent than the most
offensive haughtiness her Ladyship had behaved to Mrs Ashwood who
took it for extreme politeness and was charmed on any terms to obtain
admission to the house of a woman of such high fashion and who was
known to be so very nice in the choice of her company
In return for so much favour she had been lavish of her assurances that
she would influence Miss Mowbray and came home fully determined to
talk to her sharply believing too that to make her feel the present
dependance and uncertainty of her situation by forcing her to bear a fit
of illhumour might help to determine her to embrace the affluent
fortune that would set her above it This it was that occasioned her
harsh address to Emmeline which would have been followed by acrimonious
reflections and rude remonstrances under the denomination of necessary
truths and friendly advice had not the presence of FitzEdward and
his subsequent enchanting conversation driven all that Lady Montreville
had said out of her mind and left it open only to the delightful
prospect which his compliments and praises afforded her
The company assembled to cards at the usual hour Rochely was among
them who had not seen Emmeline since the rejection of his proposal
with which Sir Richard Crofts was obliged to acquaint him tho he had
softened the peremptory terms in which it had been given He had this
evening adorned himself in a superb suit of cut velvet of many colours
lined with sables which tho not in the very newest mode had been
reckoned very magnificent at several city assemblies and he had put it
on as well in honour of Lord Montreville with whom he had dined as in
hopes of moving the perverse beauty for whom he languished But so far
was this display of clumsy affluence from having any effect on the hard
heart of Emmeline that it rather excited her mirth And when with a
grave and solemn aspect he advanced towards her she felt herself so
much disposed to laugh at his figure that she was forced to avoid him
and took refuge at the table round which the younger part of the
company assembled to play
Mrs Ashwood had fixed FitzEdward to that where she herself presided
and where she sat triumphantly enjoying his highseasoned flattery
while her female competitors hearing he was the son of an Irish Earl
and within three of being a Peer himself contemplated her supposed
conquest with envy and vexation which they could not conceal and which
greatly added to her satisfaction
Several persons were invited to stay supper among whom were FitzEdward
and Rochely About half an hour before the cardtables broke up a
servant brought a note to Emmeline and told her that it required an
answer The hand was Delameres
For two days I have forborne to see you Emmeline and have
endeavoured to argue myself into a calmer state of mind but it
avails nothing hopeless when with you yet wretched without you I
see no end to my sufferings I have been about the door all the
evening but find by the carriages that you are surrounded by
fools and coxcombs Ah Emmeline that time you owe only to me
those smiles to which only I have a right are lavished on them
and I am left to darkness and despair
There is a door from the garden into the stableyard which opens
into the fields As I cannot come to the house where I find there
are people who would inform Lord Montreville that I am still about
London for pitys sake come down to that door and speak to me I
ask only _one_ moment surely you will not deny me so small a
favour and add to the anguish which consumes me I write this from
the neighbouring publichouse and wait your answer
F DELAMERE
Emmeline shuddered at this note It was more incoherent than usual and
seemed to be written with a trembling and uncertain hand She had left
the cardtable to read it and was alone in the antiroom where while
she hesitated over it Rochely whose eyes were ever in search of her
followed her She saw him not but wholly occupied by the purport of the
note he approached close to her unheeded
Are you determined Miss Mowbray said he to give me no other answer
than you sent somewhat hastily to Lord Montreville by my friend Sir
Richard Crofts May I ask are you quite determined
Quite Sir replied she starting without considering and hardly
knowing what she said but feeling he was at that moment more odious to
her than ever she snatched away the hand he attempted to take and flew
out of the room like a lapwing
The dismayed lover shook his head surveyed his cut velvet in the glass
and stroaked his point ruffles while he was trying to recollect his
scattered ideas
Emmeline who had taken refuge in her bedchamber sat there in
breathless uncertainty and unable to determine what to do about
Delamere At length she concluded on desiring FitzEdward to go down to
him but knew not how to speak to the colonel on such a subject before
so many witnesses nor did she like to send for him out of the room She
rung for a candle and wrote on a slip of paper
Delamere is waiting at a door which opens into the fields and insists
upon speaking to me Pray go down to him and endeavour to prevail on
him to return to his father I can think of no other expedient to
prevent his engaging in some rash and improper attempt therefore I
beseech you to go down
When she had written this she knew not how to deliver it and for the
first time in her life had recourse to an expedient which bore the
appearance of art and dissimulation She did not chuse to send it to
FitzEdward by a servant but went down with it herself and approaching
the table where he was settling his winnings
Here colonel said she is the _charade_ you desired me to write out
for you
Oh read it colonel pray read it cried Mrs Ashwood I doat upon a
_charade_ of all things in nature
He answered that he would reserve it for a _bon bouche_ after supper
Then looking significantly at Emmeline to say he understood and would
oblige her he strolled into the antiroom Emmeline saying to him as
he passed her that she would wait his return in the parlour below
FitzEdward disappeared and Emmeline in hopes of escaping observation
joined the party of some young ladies who were playing at a large table
and affected to enter into their conversation But she really knew
nothing that was passing and as soon as they rose on finishing their
game she escaped in the bustle and ran down into the parlour where in
five or six minutes FitzEdward found her
He wore a look of great concern and laid down his hat as he came in
without seeming to know what he did
Have you seen Mr Delamere Sir said Emmeline
Seen him answered he I have seen him but to no manner of purpose
his intellects are certainly deranged he raves like a madman and
absolutely refuses to leave the place till he has spoken to you
Why will he not come in then said Emmeline
Because said FitzEdward Rochely is here who will relate it to
that meddling fellow Sir Richard Crofts and by that means it will get
to his father I said every thing likely to prevail on him to be more
calm but he will hear nothing I know not what to do continued he
rising and walking about the room I am convinced he has something in
his head of fatal consequence to himself He protests he will stay all
night where he is In short he is in an absolute frenzy with the idea
of Rochelys success and his own despair
You frighten me to death said Emmeline Tell me colonel what ought
I to do
Go to him returned FitzEdward speak to him only a moment and I am
persuaded he will be calm I will go with you and then there can be
nothing wrong in it
I _will_ go then said she rising and giving FitzEdward her hand
which trembled extremely
But it is very cold remarked he had not you better take a cloak
There is my long _pelisse_ in the back parlour answered she
FitzEdward fetched it wrapt her in it and led her down stairs and by
a garden door they reached a sort of back stableyard where rubbish
and stablelitter was usually thrown and which opened into a byelane
where the gardenwall formed a sudden angle Delamere received her with
transport which he tried to check and reproached her for refusing to
come down to him
Seizing the opportunity as soon as he would give her leave to speak
she very forcibly represented to him the distress of his family at his
absence and the particular uneasiness it inflicted on his sister
Augusta
I knew not said Delamere that she was come home
Emmeline told him she was and related the purport of her letter and
again besought him to put an end to the uncertainty and anxiety of his
family
Delamere heard her with some impatience and holding her hands in his
vehemently answeredIt is to no purpose that my father either
threatens or persuades me He has long known my resolution and the
unhappiness which you so warmly describe arises solely from his and my
mothers own unreasonable and capricious prejudiceprejudice founded in
pride and avarice I do not think myself accountable for distress to
which they may so easily put an end But as to Augusta who really loves
me I will write to her to make her easy Now Emmeline since I have
listened to you and answered all you have to urge hear my final
determination_If you_ still continue firm in your chimerical and
romantic obstinacy which you call honour _I_ go from hence this
evening never to returnyou condemn me to perpetual exileyou give me
up to despair
He called aloud and a postchaise and four which had been concealed by
the projection of the wall attended by two servants drove round
There continued Delamere there is the vehicle which I have prepared
to carry me from hence You know whether I easily relinquish a
resolution once formed If then you wish to save my father and mother
from the anguish of repentance when there will be no remedyif you
desire to save from the frenzy of desperation the brother of your
Augusta and to snatch from the extremity of wretchedness the man who
lives but to adore you go with mego with me to Scotland
Astonished and terrified at the impetuosity with which he pressed this
unexpected proposal Emmeline would have replied but words were a
moment wanting FitzEdward taking advantage of her silence used every
argument which Delamere had omitted to determine her
No no cried shenever never I have passed my honour to Lord
Montreville It is sacredI cannot I will not forfeit it
The time will come said FitzEdward believe me it will when Lord
Montreville will not only be reconciled to you but
And what shall reconcile me to myself Let me go back to the house Mr
Delamere or from this moment I shall consider you as having taken
advantage of my unprotected state and even of my indiscreet confidence
to offer me the grossest outrage Let me go Sir struggling to get
her hand from FitzEdward Let me go Mr Delamere
What to be driven into the arms of Rochely No never Emmeline
never I _know_ I am _not_ indifferent to you I feel that I cannot live
without you nay by heaven I will not But if I suffer this opportunity
to escape I deserve indeed to lose you
They all this while approached the chaise Delamere had hired servants
whom he had instructed what to do They were ready at the door of the
carriage Emmeline attempted in vain to retreat Delamere threw his arms
around her and assisted by FitzEdward lifted her into it with a sort
of gentle violence He leaped in after her and the chaise was driven
away instantly
FitzEdward to whom this scene was wholly unexpected returned to the
company he had left with Mrs Ashwood He had not any notion of
Delameres design when he went to him but heartily concurred in its
execution and tho he did not believe Delamere intended to marry
Emmeline yet his morals were such that he congratulated himself on the
share he had had in putting her into his power and went back with the
air of a man vastly satisfied with the success of his exploit
Goodness colonel exclaimed Mrs Ashwood supper has been waiting
for you this half hour Upon my word we began to suspect that you and
Miss Mowbray were gone together But pray where is she
Miss Mowbray Madam I really have not been so happy as to be of her
party
Why where in the world can she be continued Mrs Ashwood However
as the colonel is come we will go to supper _The company were standing
round the table I suppose Miss Mowbray will come presently she has a
pretty romantic notion of contemplation by moonlight
Supper however was almost over and Miss Mowbray did not appear Mrs
Ashwood engaged wholly by the gallant colonel thought not of her but
Rochely remarked that her absence was somewhat singular
So it is I declare said Miss Galton do Mrs Ashwood send and
enquire for her again
The chambers the drawingroom dressingroom closets and garden were
again searched Miss Mowbray was not to be found Mrs Ashwood was
alarmedRochely in dismayand the whole company confusedly broke up
each retiring with their several conjectures on the sudden disappearance
of the fair Emmeline
For some moments after Emmeline found herself in the chaise
astonishment and terror deprived her of speech and even of recollection
While Delamere no longer able to command his transports at having at
length as he hoped secured her gave way to the wildest joy and
congratulated himself that he had thus forced her to break a promise
which only injustice he said could have extorted and only timidity and
illgrounded prejudice have induced her to keep
Do you then hope Sir said Emmeline that I shall patiently become
the victim of your rashness Is this the respect you have sworn ever to
observe towards me Is this the protection you have so often told me I
should find from you And is it thus you intend to atone for all the
insults of your family which you have so repeatedly protested you would
never forgive by inflicting a far greater insult by ruining my
character by degrading me in my own eyes and forcing me either to
violate my word solemnly given to your father or be looked upon as a
lost and abandoned creature undone by your inhuman art I must now
indeed seem to _deserve_ your mothers anger and the scorn of your
sister and must be supposed every way wretched and contemptible
A shower of tears fell from her eyes and her heart seemed bursting with
the pain these cruel reflections gave her
Delamere by all the soothing tenderness of persuasion by all the
rhetoric of ardent passion tried to subdue her anger and silence her
scruples but the more her mind dwelt on the circumstances of her
situation the more it recoiled from the necessity of entering under
such compulsion into an indissoluble engagement The rash violence of
the measure which had put her in Delameres power while it convinced
her of his passion yet told her that a man who would hazard every
thing for his own gratification now would hardly hereafter submit to
any restraint and that the bonds in which he was so eager to engage
would with equal violence be broken when any new face should make a
new impression or when time had diminished the influence of those
attractions that now enchanted him
Formed of the softer elements and with a mind calculated for select
friendship and domestic felicity rather than for the tumult of
fashionable life and the parade of titled magnificence Emmeline coveted
not his rank nor valued his riches No woman perhaps can help having
some regard for a man who she knows ardently and sincerely loves her
and Emmeline had felt all that sort of weakness for Delamere who in the
bloom of life with fortune title person and talents that might have
commanded the loveliest and most affluent daughter of prosperity had
forsaken every thing for her and even secluded himself from the
companions of his former pleasures and the indulgences his fortune and
rank afforded him to pass his youth in unsuccessful endeavours to
obtain her
The partiality this consideration gave her towards him and the
favourable comparison she was perpetually making between him and the men
she had seen since her residence near London had created in her bosom a
sentiment warmer perhaps than friendship yet it was not that violent
love which carrying every thing before it leaves the mind no longer at
liberty to see any fault in the beloved object or any impropriety in
whatever can secure its success and which scorning future
consequences risks every thing for its present indulgence
Still artless and ingenuous as when she first left the remote castle
where she had been brought up Emmeline had not been able to conceal
this affection from Delamere Her eyes her manner the circumstance of
the picture and a thousand nameless inadvertences had told it him
repeatedly but now when he seemed to have taken an ungenerous
advantage of that regard it lost much of its force and resentment and
disdain succeeded
Delamere tried to appease her by protestations of inviolable respect of
eternal esteem and unalterable love But there was something of triumph
even in his humblest entreaties that served but to encrease the anger
Emmeline felt and she told him that the only way to convince her he had
for her those sentiments he pretended was to carry her back immediately
to Mrs Ashwoods or rather to Lord Montreville there to acknowledge
the attempt he had made and that its failure had been solely owing to
her determined adherence to her word
Delamere presuming on his ascendancy over her attempted to interest
her passions rather than tranquillize her reason He represented to her
how great would be her triumph when he presented her as his wife to the
imperious Lady Montreville who had treated her with so much unmerited
scorn and set her above the haughty Fanny Delamere who had insulted
her with fancied superiority
But Emmeline had in her breast none of those passions that find their
gratification in humbling an enemy Too generous for revenge too gentle
for premeditated resentment she saw these circumstances in a very
different light and felt that she should be rather mortified than
elated by being forced into a family who wished to reject her
Sir Richard Crofts the object of Delameres hatred and detestation was
the subject of those acrimonious reflections that his respect for his
father and mother prevented his throwing on them The influence of this
man had he said made Lord Montreville deaf to the voice of nature and
forgetful of his own honour while he was plunged into the dark and
discreditable labyrinth of political intrigue and acquired an habit of
subterfuge and duplicity unworthy a nobleman a gentleman or a man
Emmeline cared nothing about Sir Richard Crofts and could not enter
into the bitterness of his resentment towards him Nothing he had yet
been able to urge had shaken her resolution not to become his wife even
tho he should oblige her to go with him into Scotland
The ruder passions of anger and resentment had no influence over her
mind While he argued with warmth or ran into reproaches Emmeline
found she had nothing to fear But tho he could not rouse her pride or
awaken her dislike against his family but rather found them recoil on
himself he hoped in that sensibility of temper and that softness of
heart to which he owed all the attention she had ever shewn him he
should find a sure resource In her pity an advocate for his faultin
her love an inducement not only to forgive but to reward him
And when he pleaded for compassion and forgiveness the heart of
Emmeline felt itself no longer invulnerable But against this dangerous
attack she endeavoured to fortify that sensible heart by considering
the probable event of her yielding to it
If I marry Delamere contrary to the consent of his family who shall
assure me that his violent and haughty spirit will bear without anguish
and regret that inferior and confined fortune to which his fathers
displeasure will condemn him His love too ardent perhaps to last will
decline while the inconveniences of a narrow fortune will encrease and
I who shall be the cause of these inconveniences shall also be the
victim He will lament the infatuation which has estranged him from his
family and thrown him for some years at least out of the rank in
which he has been used to appear and recovered from the delirium of
love will behold with coldness perhaps with hatred her to whom he
will impute his distresses To whom can I then appeal Not to my _own_
heart for it will condemn me for suffering myself to be precipitated
into a measure against my judgment nor to _his_ family who may answer
thy folly be upon thine own head and _I_ have _no_ father _no_
brother to console and receive me if he should drive me from him as
impetuously as now he would force me to be his I shall be deprived even
of the melancholy consolation of knowing I have not _deserved_ the
neglect which I fear I shall never be able to _bear_ But if my steady
refusal now induces him to return it is possible that Lord
Montreville convinced at once of my adherence to the promise given him
and of the improbability of Delameres desisting may consent to receive
me into his family or if the inveterate prejudice of his wife still
prevents his doing so I shall surely regain his confidence and esteem
He will not refuse to consider me as his brothers daughter and as
such he will enable me to pass my days in easy competence with Mrs
Stafford a prospect infinitely preferable in my eyes to the splendid
visions offered me by Delamere if they cannot be realized but at the
expence of truth and integrity
Confirmed in her determination by reflections like these Emmeline was
able to hear without betraying any symptoms of the emotion she felt
the animated and passionate protestations of her lover She assumed all
the coldness and reserve which his headlong and inconsiderate attempt
deserved She told him that his want of respect and consideration had
forfeited all the claim he might otherwise have had to her regard and
esteem that she certainly would quit him the moment she was able and
that tho she might not be fortunate enough to do so before they reached
Scotland yet it would not be in his power to compel her to be his wife
Delamere for some time imputed this language to sudden resentment and
again by the humblest submissions sought to obtain her forgiveness and
to excite her pity But having nearly exhausted her spirits by what she
had already said she gave very little reply to his entreaties Her
silence was however more expressive than her words She took from him
her hand as often as he attempted to hold it and would not suffer him
to wipe away the tears that fell from her eyes while to his arguments
and persuasions she coldly answered when she answered at all _that
she was determined_ and they arrived at Barnet before he had obtained
the smallest concession in his favour
Delamere had undertaken this enterprize rather in despair than from any
hope of its success since he did not believe Emmeline would come out
to him when he requested it and had she been either alone or only with
Mrs Ashwood she certainly had not done it Chance had befriended him
in collecting a room full of company and still more in sending Rochely
among them His abrupt approach while she read Delameres note had
hurried her out of her usual presence of mind and FitzEdward whom
mere accident had brought to Mrs Ashwoods house and whom she had
taken with her in hopes of his influencing Delamere to return to his
father had contributed to her involuntary error
Delamere had taken no precaution to secure horses on the road and it
was not till after waiting some hours that he procured four from Barnet
When they arrived there it was past one oclock and Emmeline who had
gone thro a very fatigueing day and was now overcome with the terror
and alarm of being thus hastily snatched away could hardly sit up She
was without an hat and having no change of cloaths urged the
inconvenience she must endure by being forced to go a long journey so
situated She wished to have stopped at the first stage but Delamere
thought that in her present temper to hesitate was to lose her He
consented however to go for a moment into the house where while he
gave a servant orders to go on to Hatfield to bespeak four horses she
drank a glass of water and then Delamere intreating her to return to
the chaise she complied for there was nobody visible at the inn but
the maid and ostler and she saw no likelihood of any assistance had
she applied for it
They hastened with great expedition to Stevenage but before they
reached that place Emmeline who had ceased either to remonstrate or
complain was so entirely overwhelmed and exhausted that she could no
longer support herself
His fears for her health now exceeded his fears for losing her and he
determined to stop for some hours but when she made an effort to leave
the chaise she was unable and he was obliged to lift her out of it He
then ordered the female servants to be called up recommended her to
their care and entreated her to go to bed for some hours
Long darkness and excessive weeping had almost deprived her of sight
her whole frame was sinking under the fatigue she had undergone both of
body and mind and unable to struggle longer against it she lay down in
her cloaths desiring one of the maids to sit by her
Delamere came to the door of the room to enquire how she did The woman
told him what she had requested and desiring they would obey her in
every thing and keep her as quiet as possible he went not to repose
himself but to write to FitzEdward
Dear George
While my angelic Emmeline sleeps I who am too happy to sleep
myself write to desire you will go to Berkleysquare and keep the
good folks there from exposing themselves or making a great bustle
about what has happened which they will soon know As my Lord has
long been prepossessed with the idea of a Scottish jaunt it is very
likely he may attempt to pursue us Say what you will to put such
plans out of his head I shall be in London again in a very short
time Farewell dear George
Yours ever
F D
Emmeline in the mean time fell into a sleep but it was broken and
interrupted Her spirits had been so thoroughly discomposed that rest
was driven from her She dozed a moment then suddenly started up
forgot where she was and looked wildly round the room An halfformed
recollection of the events of the preceding day then seemed to recur
and she besought the maid who sat by her to go to Mr Delamere and tell
him she must be directly carried to Mrs Staffords and having said
this and sighed deeply she sunk again into short insensibility
Thus past the remainder of the night and before seven in the morning
Delamere was at the door impatient to know how she had rested
The maid admitted him and told him in a low voice that the Lady was
in a quieter sleep than she had been the whole night He softly
approached the bed and started in terror when he saw how ill she
looked Her cheek robbed of its bloom rested on her arm which
appeared more bloodless than her cheek her hair which had been dressed
without powder had escaped from the form in which it had been adjusted
and half concealed her face in disordered luxuriance her lips were
pale and her respiration short and laborious He stood gazing on her a
moment and then shocked at these symptoms of indisposition his rapid
imagination immediately magnified them all He concluded she was dying
and in an agony of fear which deprived him of every other idea he took
up in breathless apprehension her other hand which lay on the quilt It
was hot and dry and her pulse seemed rather to flutter than to beat
against his pressure
His moving her hand awakened her She opened her eyes but they had lost
their lustre and were turned mournfully towards him
Delamere said she in a low and tremulous voice Delamere why is
all this I believe you have destroyed me my head is so extremely
painful Oh Delamerethis is cruelvery cruel
Let me go for advice cried he eagerly Wretch that I am what will
now become of me
He ran down stairs and Emmeline making an effort to recover her
recollection tried to sit up but her head was so giddy and confused
that it was not till after several attempts she left the bed even with
the assistance of the servant She then drank a glass of water and
desiring to have more air would have gone to the window but could only
reach a chair near it where she sat down and throwing her arm on a
table rested her head upon it
In a few moments Delamere returned up stairs His wild looks and quick
halfformed questions explained what passed in his mind
She told him faintly she was better
Shall I bring up a gentleman to see you who I am assured is able in his
profession I fear you are very ill
She answered no
Pray suffer him to come he will give you something to relieve your
head
No
Do not Emmelinedo not I conjure you refuse me this favour
He took her hand but when he found how feverish she was he started
away cryingOh let him let him come
He ran down stairs to fetch him and returned instantly with the
apothecary a sensible wellbehaved man of fifty whose appearance
indicated feeling and judgement He approached Emmeline who still sat
with her head reclined on the table and felt her pulse
Here is too much fever indeed Sir said he the young lady has been
greatly hurried
But whatwhat is to be done Sir said Delamere eagerly interrupting
him
Quiet seems absolutely necessary Pardon me Sir but unless I know
your situation in regard to her I cannot possibly advise
Sir said Emmeline who had been silent rather from inability to
contend than from unconsciousness of what was passing round herif you
could prevail with Mr Delamere to restore me to my friends
Come with me Sir cried Delamere let me speak to you in another
room
When they were alone he conjured Mr Lawson to tell him what he thought
of the lady
Upon my word Sir she is in a very high fever and it seems to be
occasioned by extreme perturbation of spirits and great fatigue
Forgive Sir if I ask what particular circumstance has been the cause
of the uneasiness under which she appears to labour If it is any little
love quarrel you cannot too soon adjust it
Delamere stopped his conjectures by telling him who he was and gave
him in a few words the history of their expedition
Mr Lawson protested to him that if she was hurried on in her present
state it would be surprising if she survived the journey
She shall stay here then replied Delamere till she recovers her
fatigue
But Sir enquired Mr Lawson after what you have told me of your
father have you no apprehension of a pursuit
His terror at Emmelines immediate danger had obliterated for a moment
every other fear It now recurred with redoubled violence He remembered
that Rochely was at Mrs Ashwoods on the evening of Emmelines
departure and he knew that from him Sir Richard Crofts and
consequently Lord Montreville would have immediate intelligence
He struck his hands together exclaiming She will be every way
lostlost irretrievably If my father overtakes us she will return
with him and I shall see her no more
He now gave way to such unbounded passion walking about the room and
striking his forehead that Lawson began to believe his intellects were
as much deranged as the frame of the fair sufferer he had left For some
moments he attended to nothing but Mr Lawson accustomed to make
allowances for the diseases of the mind as well as those of the body
did not lose his patience and at length persuaded him to be calmer by
representing that he wasted in fruitless exclamation the time which
might be employed in providing against the apprehended evil
Good God Sir cried he at length what would you have me do
What I would earnestly recommend Sir is that you quiet the young
ladys mind by telling her you will carry her whither she desires to go
and at present desist from this journey which I really believe you
cannot prosecute but at the hazard of her life at present farther
agitation may and probably will be fatal
And so you advise me to let her stay till my father comes to tear her
from me for ever or carry her back by the same road where it is
probable he will meet me Impossible impossiblebut is she really so
very ill
Upon my life she is at this moment in a high fever Why should I
deceive you Trust me it would in my opinion be the height of
inhumanity to carry her into Scotland in such a situation _if_ you love
her
_If_ I love her Sir cried Delamere half frantictalk not of _if_
I love her Merciful heavenyou have no idea Mr Lawson of what I
suffer at this moment
I have a perfect idea of your distress Sir and wish I knew how to
relieve it Give me a moments time to consider if indeed the young
lady could
What Sir speakthink of something
Why I was thinking that if she is better in a few hours it might be
possible for you to take her to Hertford where she may remain a day or
two till she is able to go farther There you would be no longer in
danger of pursuit and if she should grow worse which when her mind is
easier I hope will not happen you will have excellent advice Perhaps
when the hurry of her spirits subsides she may since this _has_
happened consent to pursue the journey to the North or if not you can
from thence carry her to the friends she is so desirous of being with
and avoid the risk of meeting on the road those you are so anxious to
shun
Tho Delamere could not think without extreme reluctance of
relinquishing a scheme in which he had thought himself secure of
success yet as there was no alternative but what would be so hazardous
to the health of Emmeline he was compelled to accede to any which had a
probability of restoring it without putting her into the hands of his
father
Mr Lawson told him it was only fifteen miles from Stevenage to
HertfordBut how said he will you Sir prevent your fathers
following you thither if he should learn at this place that you are
gone there
Delamere was wholly at a loss But Mr Lawson who seemed to be sent by
his good genius saidWe must get you from hence immediately if Miss
Mowbray is able to go You shall pass here as my visitors You shall
directly go to my house and there be supplied with horses from another
inn This will at least make it more difficult to trace your route and
if any enquiry should be made of me I shall know what to say
Delamere catching at any thing that promised to secure Emmeline from
the pursuit of Lord Montreville went to her to enquire whether she was
well enough to walk to Mr Lawsons house
He found her trying to adjust her hair but her hands trembled so much
it was with difficulty she could do it He desired her to dismiss the
maid who was in the room then throwing himself on his knees before her
and taking her burning hands in his he saidArbitress of my
destinymy Emmeline thou for whom only I exist be tranquilI beseech
you be tranquil Since you determine to abide by your cruel resolution
I will not I dare not persist in asking you to break it No Emmeline
I come only to entreat that you would quiet your too delicate mind and
dispose of _me_ as you please Since you cannot resolve to be mine now
I will learn to submitI will try to bear any thing but the seeing you
unhappy or losing you entirely Tell me only that you pardon what is
past and you shall go to Mrs Staffords or whithersoever you will
Emmeline beheld and heard him with astonishment But at length
comprehending that he repented of his wild attempt and would go back
she said hastily as she arose from her chairLet us go then
Delamere let us instantly go Thank God your heart is changed but
every hour I continue with you is an additional wound to my character
and my peace
She attempted to reach her cloak but could not her strength forsook
her her head became more giddy she staggered and would have fallen
had not Delamere caught her in his arms and supported her to the chair
she had left
Hurry not yourself thus my Emmeline cried he in mercy to me try to
compose yourself and spare me the sight of all this terror for which
believe me you have no reason
He sat down by her and drawing her gently towards him her languid head
reposed on his shoulder and he contemplated in silent anguish the
ravage which only a few hours severe anxiety had made on that beauteous
and expressive countenance
He called to the maid who waited in the next room and desired her to
send up Mr Lawson before whose entrance a shower of tears the first
she had shed for some hours a little relieved the full heart of
Emmeline
Mr Lawson desired Delamere would not check her tears and in a friendly
and consolatory manner told her what Delamere proposed to do Emmeline
after this explanation was still more anxious to depart but Mr Lawson
greatly doubted whether she was able
I can walk indeed I can said she if you will each lend me an arm
Mr Lawson then gave her a few drops in a glass of water which seemed
to revive her and Delamere wrapping her carefully in her cloak they
led her between them to a neat brick house in the town where Mrs
Lawson a matronlike and wellbehaved woman and her daughter a
genteel girl of twenty who had been apprized of Emmelines situation
received her with great kindness and respect
Breakfast was prepared for her but she could eat nothing The heaviness
of her eyes her pallid countenance and the tenseness across her
temples seemed to threaten the most alarming consequences Mrs Lawson
endeavoured to persuade her to go to bed but her eagerness to be gone
from thence was so great that she evidently encreased the difficulty by
endeavouring to surmount it She had indeed considered that if Lord
Montreville overtook them which was not only possible but probable all
the merit of her conduct would be lostShe would appear to be carried
back not by her strict adherence to her promise but by the authority
of his Lordship and instead of the pride and credit of a laudable and
virtuous action would be liable to bear all the imputation of
intentional guilt This reflection added to the sense she could not
fail to have of her improper situation in being so long alone with
Delamere under the appearance of having voluntarily gone off with him
made her so impatient to be gone that she declined any repose however
necessary and Mr Lawson thought there was less to be feared from
indulging than from opposing her
Lawson therefore went himself to hasten the horses and while he was
absent Emmeline who remained with his wife expressed so much fear
that Delamere might alter his intentions of returning and so much
uneasiness at the thoughts of being seen at another inn in the
disordered dress she now wore with a young man of Delameres
appearance that Mrs Lawson was truly concerned for her and
communicated to Delamere the source of the extreme anxiety she appeared
to suffer
He came to her and she gently reproached him for all the inconvenience
and uneasiness he had brought upon her Her soft complaints and the
distress pictured on her speaking face he felt with a degree of anguish
and selfreproach that made him happy to agree to a plan proposed by
Mrs Lawson which was that she should be accommodated with cloaths of
Miss Lawsons and that Miss Lawson herself should accompany her to
Hertford
This latter offer Emmeline eagerly accepted and Delamere who saw how
much it soothed and relieved her did not object to it She was
therefore immediately equipped with a morning dress and her agitation
of mind seemed to subside but changing her cloaths trifling as the
exertion was fatigued her so much that Mr Lawson on his return looked
very grave and Delamere who watched his looks as if his existence
depended upon his opinion was wild with apprehension The chaises for
Delamere had ordered one for himself that the ladies might suffer no
inconvenience by being crouded were ready and Lawson recollecting that
Emmeline would require a more quiet situation than an inn could afford
told her that he had a sister at Hertford who would receive her with
pleasure and accommodate her at her house as long as she would
stayAnd remember added he that Lissy is to continue with you till
you leave Hertford
Emmeline extremely sensible of all she owed to this excellent man
could only sigh her thanks and to shorten them Mr Lawson put her and
his daughter into the travelling chaise which Delamere had bought for
this expedition Delamere followed in another and between one and two
oclock they arrived at Hertford and were set down at the door of an
elegant house where Mrs Champness the wife of a man of fortune
received her niece with great affection and having heard in another
room the history of the young lady she had with her immediately gave
orders to have a bedchamber prepared and shewed the utmost solicitude
for her accommodation
Delamere seeing her so well situated for the night and happy to find
she bore her short journey with less increase of fatigue than he
apprehended consented at her request to leave her and went to the inn
where he dined and soon afterwards returned to enquire after her
Miss Lawson came down to him and told him Miss Mowbray was in bed and
had taken a medicine Mr Lawson had sent to compose her but that it was
yet impossible to say much of her situation She told him he must by no
means attempt to see her for the remaining part of the day and begged
he would himself try to take some repose to which salutary advice
Delamere at length consented his haggard looks and exhausted spirits
sufficiently testifying how much he wanted it
The evening on which Emmeline had been so suddenly missing from the
house of Mrs Ashwood Rochely had left it in as much anguish as his
nature was capable of feeling
He had not for many years so seriously thought of matrimony as since he
had seen Miss Mowbray Her beauty first attracted him the natural
civility of her manner was by him who had frequently met only contempt
and derision from the young and beautiful construed into encouragement
and though his hopes had been greatly damped by his knowledge of
Delameres attachment to her yet they were almost as quickly revived by
the great encouragement to persevere which he had received from Lord
Montreville He fancied that the barriers between her and Delamere being
insurmountable she could not fail of being dazzled by so splendid a
fortune as he could himself offer her That evening she looked more
than usually lovely and he determined with new ardour to pursue her
But her disappearance put an end to all his brilliant visions and
convinced him that his wealth on which he had so long been accustomed
to value himself had failed of procuring him the favour of the only
woman with whom he was disposed to share it He was too well convinced
that Delamere had carried her off and though deprived of all hope for
himself he was too angry at the good fortune of his rival to forbear an
attempt to disturb him in its possession He drove therefore from
Clapham to the house of Sir Richard Crofts where he had the
mortification of hearing that Sir Richard was gone with Lord Montreville
to the country house of Lord Dornock and was not expected to return
till the next day
Rochely aware that the only possible chance of preventing Delameres
marriage was by an immediate pursuit was greatly chagrined at this
unavoidable delay He sat down however and with his usual laboured
precision wrote to Sir Richard Crofts informing him of what had
happened This was the operation of near an hour and he then sent off a
man on horseback with it who arriving at Lord Dornocks about three in
the morning roused the family with some difficulty and delivered to
Sir Richard the intelligence which was immediately conveyed to Lord
Montreville who having read Mr Rochelys letter could not flatter
himself with any hope that this alarm might be as groundless as one he
had before had on the same subject
The disobedience of his son the broken faith of Emmeline and the rage
complaints and reproaches of Lady Montreville all arose together in
his imagination and anger vexation and regret took possession of his
heart
He had recourse in this as in all other emergences to Sir Richard
Crofts who advised him immediately to pursue them
As soon therefore as the sleeping servants could be collected and the
carriage prepared his Lordship and Sir Richard set out for London
togetherLord Montreville determining to follow the fugitives as
expeditiously as possible though he hoped but little success from the
pursuit
Such was his apprehension of the clamours and passions of his wife that
he could not determine to see her till he had at least done all that
was possible to recover her son He therefore wrote to her a short
letter stating briefly what had happened and giving her hopes that he
should be able to overtake the parties before they were married This he
ordered to be delivered to her in the morning and directed his servant
to hasten to him with his travelling chaise and four post horses
The man however who had the care of the carriages believing his Lord
would stay out all night had gone out also and taken with him the
keys
By this delay and the blunders of the affrighted servants who in their
haste only impeded each other it was near nine oclock before his
Lordship and Sir Richard left London At Barnet they heard of the
fugitives and easily traced them from thence to Hatfield after which
believing all farther enquiries useless they passed through Stevenage
having sent on before for horses without asking any questions which
might have led them to discover that Delamere and Emmeline had gone from
thence towards Hertford only an hour and an half before their arrival
This was fortunate for the pursued for an enquiry would probably have
led to questions which Mr Lawson would have found it very difficult to
evade
Lord Montreville however and Sir Richard hurried on to Buckden where
being obliged to get out for some refreshment for themselves and their
servants his Lordship renewed the questionAt what time did a young
gentleman and lady describing Delamere and Emmeline pass by
The people told him they remembered no such persons about the time he
named
Lord Montreville then applied at the other houses and made several
other enquiries but received only a general assertion that no such
persons had been that way within the last four and twenty hours or even
within a week
Sir Richard Crofts who piqued himself upon his sagacity told his
Lordship that stupidity the love of falsehood or Delameres bribes
might occasion this failure of intelligence but there could be no doubt
of their being gratified with better information when they got to
Stilton To Stilton therefore they went but heard exactly the same
answers as they had done at the last stage
Sir Richard was now again to seek for some plausible conjecture that
might quiet the apprehensive anxiety of Lord Montreville who guessed
and dreaded he knew not what
He now said that as there could be no doubt of the young peoples
having gone _towards_ Scotland from the information they had obtained
at Barnet and Hatfield it was most likely that in the apprehension of a
pursuit they had afterwards quitted the high road and were advancing to
the borders of Scotland across the country which must considerably
lengthen and impede their journey therefore if they themselves
proceeded directly to the town where these marriages are usually
celebrated the probability was that they should arrive before Delamere
and Miss Mowbray and by such a circumstance the connection would be as
effectually prevented as it could be by their overtaking them on the
road
Lord Montreville despairing of being able by any means to obstruct a
marriage on which his son seemed to be so determined and harrassed in
mind as much as he was fatigued in body suffered himself to be carried
forward merely through inability to determine what he could do better
and though quite hopeless of its success pursued his journey
The innocent cause of all this trouble and anxiety remained in the mean
time at the hospitable house of Mrs Champness where Miss Lawson
attended her with all possible kindness and solicitude It was indeed
impossible to be with her without loving her unless to an heart
insensible like that of Mrs Ashwood to all but her own ideal
perfections or steeled by pride like that of Lady Montreville
A night passed in quiet sleep had greatly restored her and her fever
though not gone was considerably abated Every noise however trifling
still made her start her nerves were by no means restored to their
tone and her spirits continued to be greatly affected The idea which
seemed to press most painfully on her mind was the blemish which the
purity of her character must sustain by her being so long absent with
Delamerea blemish which she knew could hardly ever be removed but by
her returning as his wife
But to break her promise to Lord Montreville a promise so solemnly
given and to be compelled into a marriage which however advantageous
and fortunate it would appear under other circumstances would now bring
with it a severe alloy of mortification in the displeasure of his
family was a measure which she could not determine to pursue
Her resentment towards Delamere for what was passed was not yet enough
subdued by his reluctant repentance to reconcile her to the thoughts of
putting herself again into his power Yet she could not suppose he would
suffer her to return to London alone if she had courage to attempt it
or was she sure that when there Mrs Ashwood would receive her
These reflections made her so restless and uneasy that she could not
conceal their source from Miss Lawson who tho possessed of a very
good understanding was too young and too little acquainted with the
world to be able to advise her
The handsome person and high rank of Delamere and his violent love and
concern for Emmeline made her suppose it impossible that she could help
returning it or be long able to resist his importunity She concluded
therefore that finally it would be a match and was impressed with a
sentiment that amounted almost to veneration for Miss Mowbray whom she
considered as a prodigy of female virtue and resolution
Delamere had been several times to speak to Miss Lawson and he had
pleaded the violence of his passion with so much effect that the
softhearted girl became his warm advocate with Emmeline and
represented his tenderness and his contrition till she consented as
she was now able to sit up to admit him
On his entrance he said something he hardly knew what to Emmeline
She held out her hand to him in token of forgiveness He seized it
eagerly and pressed it to his heart while he gazed on her face as if
to enquire there what passed in hers
Remember Delamere said she remember I am content to forgive your
late rash and absurd attempt only on condition of your giving me the
most positive assurance that you will carry me directly to Mrs
Staffords and there leave me
Hard as these terms appeared after the hopes he had entertained on
undertaking the journey he was forced to submit but it was evidently
with reluctance
I do promise then said he to take you to Mrs Staffords but
But what asked Emmeline
Do you not mean when you are there to exclude me for everMrs
Stafford is no friend of mine
I have already told you Mr Delamere that I will see you wherever I
am under certain restrictions and tho your late conduct might and
indeed ought to induce me to withdraw that promise yet I now repeat it
But do not believe that I will therefore be persecuted as I have been
recollect that I have already been driven from Mowbray Castle from
Swansea and from Mrs Ashwoods wholly on your account
Your remedy my Emmeline is to consent to inhabit a house of your
own and suffer me to be the first of your servants
The varying colour of her complexion to which the emotions of her mind
restored for a moment the faint tints of returning health made Delamere
hope that her resolution was shaken and seizing with his usual
vehemence on an idea so flattering he was instantly on his knees before
her imploring her consent to prosecute their journey and intreating
Miss Lawsons assistance to move her inexorable friend
Emmeline was too weak to bear an address of this sort The feebleness of
her frame ill seconded the resolution of her mind which
notwithstanding the struggles of pity and regard for Delamere which she
could not entirely silence was immoveably determined Rallying
therefore her spirits and summoning her fortitude to answer him she
saidHow _can_ you Sir solicit a woman whom you wish to make your
wife to break a promise so solemn as that I have given to your father
Could you hereafter have any dependance on one who holds her integrity
so lightly and should you not with great reason suspect that with her
falsehood and deception might become habitual
Not at all answered Delamere Your promise to my father is nugatory
for it ought never to have been given He took an unfair advantage of
your candour and your timidity and all that you said ought not to bind
_you_ since it was extorted from you by _him_ who had no right to make
such conditions
What has a father no right to decide to whom he will entrust the
happiness of his son and the honour of his posterity Alas Delamere
you argue against yourself you only convince me that I ought not to put
the whole happiness of my life into the hands of a man who will so
readily break thro his first duties The same impatient pardon me if
I say the same selfish spirit which now urges you to set paternal
authority at defiance will perhaps hereafter impel you with as little
difficulty to quit a wife of whom you may be weary for any other
person whom caprice or novelty may dress in the perfections you now
fancy I possess Ah Delamere shall I have a right to expect tenderness
and faith from a man whom I have assisted in making his parents unhappy
and who has by my means embittered the evening of their lives to whom he
owes his own Do you think that a rebellious and unfeeling son is likely
to make a good husband a good father
Death and madness cried Delamere relapsing into all the violence of
his naturewhat do you mean by all this Selfish rebellious
unfeelingam I then _so_ worthless _so_ detestable in your eyes
His extravagant expressions of passion always terrified Emmeline but
the paroxysm to which he now yielded alarmed her less than it did Miss
Lawson who never having seen such frantic behaviour before thought him
really mad She tremblingly besought him to sit down and be calm while
the pale countenance of Emmeline which she shewed him convinced him he
must subdue the violence of his transports or hazard seeing her relapse
into that alarming state which had forced him to relinquish his project
This observation restored his senses for a momentHe besought her
pardon with tears then again cursed his own folly and seemed on the
point of renouncing the contrition he had just assured her he felt The
scene lasted till Emmeline quite overcome with it grew so faint that
she said she must go to bed and then Delamere again terrified at an
idea which he had forgot but the moment before consented to retire if
she would again repeat her forgiveness
She gave him her hand languidly and in silence He kissed it and half
in resentment half in sorrow left her and returned to the inn in a
humour which equally unfitted him for society or solitude Obliged
however to remain in the latter he brooded gloomily over his
disappointment and believing Emmelines life no longer in danger he
fancied that his fears had magnified her illness He again deprecated
his folly for having consented to relinquish the prosecution of his
journey and for having agreed to carry her where he feared access to
her would be rendered rare and difficult by the inflexible prudence and
watchful friendship of Mrs Stafford Sometimes he formed vague projects
to deceive her and carry her again towards Scotland then relinquished
them and formed others He passed the night however nearly without
sleep and the morning found him still irresolute
At eight oclock he went to the house of Mrs Champness and Miss
Lawson came down to him but with a countenance in which uneasiness was
so visible that Delamere was almost afraid of asking how Miss Mowbray
did
She told him that she had passed a restless and uncomfortable night and
that the conversation he had held the evening before had been the cause
of an access of fever quite as high as the first attack and that tho
she tried to conquer her weakness and affected ability to prosecute a
journey for which she hourly grew more eager it was easy to see that
she was as unfit for it as ever Miss Lawson added that if in a few
hours she was not better she should send to Mr Lawson to come from
Stevenage to see her This account renewed with extreme violence all the
former terrors of Delamere which a few hours before he had been trying
to persuade himself were groundless
He now reproached himself for his thoughtless cruelty and Miss Lawson
seized this opportunity to exhort him to be more cautious for the
future which he readily and warmly protested he would be He promised
never again to give way to such extravagant transports and pressed to
be admitted to see Emmeline but Miss Lawson would by no means suffer
him to see her till she was more recovered from the effects of his
frenzy
In the afternoon he was allowed to drink tea in Emmelines room and
expressed his sincere concern for his indiscretion of the evening
before He tried by shewing a disposition to comply with all her
wishes to obliterate the memory of his former indiscretion Emmeline
was willing to forget the offence and pardon the offender on his
renewing his promise to take her the next day towards London on her
route into Dorsetshire if she should be well enough to undertake the
journey
The spirit and fortitude of Emmeline fatal as they were to his hopes
commanded the respect esteem and almost the adoration of Delamere
while her gentleness and kindness oppressed his heart with fondness so
extreme that he was equally undone by the one and the other and felt
that it every hour became more and more impossible for him to live
without her
It was agreed that as it would be impossible to reach Woodfield from
Hertford without stopping one night on the road they would proceed
thro London to Staines the first day and from thence go on early the
next to the house of Mrs Stafford
After lingering with her as long as he could Delamere took his leave
for the evening determined to observe the promises he had made her and
never again to attempt to obtain her but by her own consent When he
made these resolves he really intended to adhere to them and was
confirmed in his good resolutions when he the next morning found her
ready to trust herself with him calm chearful full of confidence in
his promises and of gentleness and kindness towards him
Emmeline took an affectionate leave of her amiable acquaintance Miss
Lawson whose uncommon kindness on so short a knowledge of her filled
her heart with gratitude She promised to write to her as soon as she
got to Woodfield and to return the cloaths she had borrowed to which
she secretly purposed adding some present to testify her sense of the
civilities she had received
Delamere enclosed in a letter which he sent by Miss Lawson to her
father a bank note as an acknowledgment of his extraordinary kindness
They quickly arrived in London and as Emmeline still remained in the
resolution of avoiding a return to Mrs Ashwood they changed horses in
Piccadilly to go on
Tho by going to her former residence she might have escaped a longer
continuation and farther journey with Delamere of the impropriety of
which she was very sensible yet she declined it because she knew that
as her adventure might be explained several ways Mrs Ashwood and Miss
Galton were very likely to put on it the construction least in her
favour and she was very unwilling to be exposed to their questions and
comments till she could in concert with Mrs Stafford and with her
advice give such an account of the affair as would put it out of their
power to indulge that malignity of remark at her expence of which she
knew they were capable
She therefore dispatched a servant to Mrs Ashwood with a note for her
cloaths whom Delamere directed to rejoin them at Staines
At that place they arrived early in the evening and Emmeline to whom
Delamere had behaved with the utmost tenderness and respect bore her
journey without suffering any other inconvenience than some remaining
languor which was now more visible in her looks than in her spirits
Charmed with the thoughts of so soon seeing Mrs Stafford and feeling
all that delight which a consciousness of rectitude inspires she was
more than usually chearful and conversed with Delamere with all that
enchanting frankness and sweetness which made her general conversation
so desireable
As they had an hour or two on their hands which Emmeline wished to
employ in something that might prevent Delamere from entertaining her on
the only subject he was ever willing to talk of when they were together
she desired him to enquire for a book He went out and returned with
some volumes of novels which he had borrowed of the landlords
daughter of which Emmeline read in some a page and in others a
chapter but found nothing in any that tempted her to go regularly
through the whole
While she was reading Delamere equally unable to occupy himself with
any other object whether she was absent or present sat looking at her
over the table which was between them After some time passed in this
manner their supper was brought in and common conversation took place
while it was passing When it was removed Emmeline returned again to
the books and took up one she had not before openedIt was the
second volume of the Sorrows of Werter She laid it down again with a
smile sayingThat will not do for me tonight
What is it cried Delamere taking it from herO I have read
itand if _you_ have Emmeline you might have learned the danger of
trifling with violent and incurable passions Tell mecould you ever be
reconciled to yourself if you should be the cause of a catastrophe
equally fatal
Still meaning to turn the conversation she answered gailyO I fancy
there is very little danger of thatyou know the value of your
existence too well to throw it inconsiderately away
Do not be too certain of that Emmeline Without you my life is no
longer valuableif indeed it be supportable and should I ever be in
the situation this melancholy tale describes how do I know that my
reason would be strong enough to preserve me from equal rashness
Beware Miss Mowbraybeware of the consequence of finding an Albert at
Woodfield
It is very unlikely I should find any lover there I assure you I
desire none nor have I any other wish than to pass the remainder of the
winter tranquilly with my friend
If then you really never wish to encourage another and if you have any
sensibility for the pain I feel from uncertainty why will you not
solemnly engage yourself to me by a promise which cannot be broken but
by mutual consent
Because we are both too young to form such an engagementYou are not
yet quite one and twenty a time of life in which it is impossible you
can be a competent judge of what will make you really happy I am more
than two years younger but short as has been my knowledge of the world
I have already seen two or three instances of marriages made in
consequence of early engagements which have proved so little fortunate
that they have determined me never to try the experiment Should you
bind yourself by this promise which you now think would make you easy
and should you hereafter repent it which I know to be far from
improbable pride obstinacy the shame of retracting your opinion
would perhaps concur to prevent your withdrawing it and I should
receive your hand while your heart might be attached to another The
chains which you had yourself put on in opposition to the wishes of
your family you would rather than own your error rivet tho your
inclination prompted you to break them and we should then be both
miserableNo Delamerelet us remain at liberty and perhaps
It is impossible Madam cried Delamere suddenly and vehemently
interrupting herIt is absolutely impossible you could argue thus
calmly if you had any regard for meColdcruelinsensibleunfeeling
girl Oh fool fool that I am to persist in loving a woman without an
heart and to be unable to tear from my soul a passion that serves only
to make me perpetually wretched Cursed be the hour I first indulged it
and cursed the weakness of mind that cannot conquer it
This new instance of ungovernable temper so contrary to the promises he
had given her at Hertford extremely provoked Emmeline who answered
very gravely
If you desire Sir to divest yourself of this unfortunate passion the
task is already half accomplished Resolve then to conquer it wholly
restore me to that tranquillity you have destroyedvindicate my injured
reputation which your headlong ardour has blemishedgive me back to
the kindness and protection of your fatherand determine to see me no
more
This spirited and severe answer immediately convinced Delamere he had
gone too far He had never before seen Emmeline so much piqued and he
hastened to appease her
Pardon meforgive me Emmeline I am not master of myself when I
think of losing you But you who feel not any portion of the flame that
devours me can coolly argue while my heart is torn in pieces and
deign not even to make any allowance for the unguarded sallies of
unconquerable passionthe phrenzy of almost hopeless love Sometimes
when I think your coldness arises from determined and insurmountable
indifferenceperhaps from dislikedespair and fury possess me Would
you but say that you will live only for mewould you only promise that
no future Rochely none of the people you have seen or may see shall
influence you to forget meI should I think be easier
You have a better opinion of yourself Mr Delamere answered
Emmeline calmly than to believe it probable But be that as it may I
have told you that I will neither make or receive any promises of the
nature you require I have already suffered too much from your
extravagant passion to put it farther in your power to distress me But
I shall be better able to reassume this conversation tomorrowtonight
I am fatigued and it is time for us to separate
And will you leave me then Emmelineleave me too in anger
I am not angry Mr Delamerehere is my hand
This hand exclaimed he eagerly grasping it which ought to have
been mineNow even now that you are about to tear yourself from me
it should have been mine for ever But I have relinquished my prize at
the moment I might have secured it and if I lose it entirely my own
folly only will be the cause
These violent transports may terrify me but shall not alter my
determination Quit my hand Mr Delamere continued she struggling to
disengage itI will not be detained
She rang the bell and the waiter almost instantly entering she took a
candle and went to the apartment prepared for her while Delamere vexed
to have commanded himself so little and to be so unable to adhere to
the good resolutions he had made dared not attempt to prevent her
He had now again to make his peace but would not venture to take any
steps towards it that night and he retired to his own room considering
how he might remain near her after she got into Dorsetshire and
dreading the hour of even a temporary separation
The next morning Emmeline impatient to be gone dressed herself early
and just as she was about to go down to hasten their breakfast and
departure she saw from a window that looked into the yard of the inn
a phaeton and four enter it remarkable for the profusion of expensive
and illfancied ornaments with which both the carriage and harness were
covered In it were two gentlemen wrapped in great coats as the weather
was very severe on whom Emmeline casting a transient glance discovered
that one of them was Elkerton
She was a good deal alarmed at his arrival for she had reason to fear
that this man to whom she had a decided aversion would see her and
know that she was travelling alone with Delamere She saw him get out
and give directions for putting up his horses telling the people who
came out to attend him that he should breakfast and stay there some
hours
Since his unfortunate _rencontre_ with Delamere at Mrs Ashwoods he
had almost entirely relinquished the pursuit of Emmeline He had never
been able to shake off the ridicule his vanity had brought upon him and
therefore had forborne to enter the circle where it had happened He
had however seen Miss Mowbray once or twice in public and she had
been too generally admired not to interest his pride in keeping up the
acquaintance tho she treated him always with coldness and found it
difficult to be barely civil She knew that he was severely mortified by
her indifference and that in matters of scandal and gossiping no old
woman could be a greater adept When therefore personal pique was added
to his natural love of anecdote Emmeline apprehended so much from him
that she determined if possible to escape his sight
To do this however was very difficult She saw him and his companion
take possession of a room that had windows looking into the yard through
which she must of necessity pass and where when the postchaise drew
up they must see whoever got into it She wrapped herself up in her
cloak pulled her hat over her eyes and holding up her handkerchief as
if to guard her face from the cold she passed unobserved to the room
where Delamere was waiting breakfast
The remembrance of his last nights behaviour was in some measure
obliterated by the alarm she had felt at the sight of Elkerton Delamere
looked melancholy and dejected Emmeline speaking to him with her usual
sweetness seemed to have forgotten the offence he had given her and
tried to restore his good humour as if she had been the aggressor but
he continued gloomy and pensive
They began their breakfast and conversed on different subjects
Did you observe said Emmeline the phaeton which drove in just now
Nowhat was there remarkable about it
Nothing but that one of the persons it contained was Elkerton the
poor man you made so absurd at Mrs Ashwoods when he boasted of
knowing you I hope I shall get away without his seeing meI should
extremely dislike meeting him
Stupid dogwhy should you care whether you meet him or no
Because he must think it so strange that I am here with you
Let himOf what consequence is it to us what such a puppy thinks I
cannot possibly care about it
But _I_ do Mr Delamere said Emmeline somewhat gravelyYou will
recollect that I may be very much injured by the scandal such a man may
circulate
Well well my dear Emmelinewe will set out directly and you will
not meet himI will order the chaise
He went out for that purpose as soon as their breakfast ended but a few
paces from the door was accosted by Elkerton who feeling himself in
point of figure equal to speak to any man addressed him with all the
confident familiarity of an old acquaintance
Sir your most obedient humble servant
Your servant Sir replied Delamere brushing by him
Sir I hope you and my Lord and Lady Montreville have been well since
I had last the honour of seeing you
Since you oblige me Sir to acknowledge the acquaintance I must
remind you that our last meeting was attended with some circumstances
which should make you not very desirous of recollecting it
Oh dear very far from not wishing to remember it I am always pleased
with such agreeable badinage from my friends and some how or other
contrive to be even with them Prithee dear boy whither are you
goingperhaps we are travelling the same road
I hope not said Delamere turning from him and advancing towards the
bar
Elkerton unabashed followed him
If we are continued he I think you shall take me into your
postchaise I am going to pass a month with a friend in Hampshire and
Jackman who loves driving tho he knows nothing of the matter
persuaded me to use an open carriage but it is so cold that I believe
I shall let him enjoy it alone the rest of the way Suppose we go
together if your destination is the Winchester road
Delamere was so provoked at this forwardness that he found he should be
unable to give a moderate answerHe therefore turned away without
giving any
Pray Sir said the bar maid to Elkerton who is that young
gentleman
Lord Montrevilles son replied he and one of the strangest fellows
in the worldSometimes we are as intimate as brothers and now you see
hell hardly speak to me
Perhaps Mr Elkerton said the woman smiling the young gentleman
may have very good reasons for not taking another companion in his
postchaise
Elkerton pressed her to explain herself
Why you must know said she that theres a young lady with him one
of the prettiest young women I ever see Last night after they comed
here his walet was pretty near tipsey so he come and sot down here
and told me how his master had hired him to go along with em to
Scotland but that before they got near half way somehow or other twas
settled for em to come back again But dont say as I told you Mr
Elkerton for that would be as much as my place is worth
This intelligence awakened all the curiosity of Elkerton together with
some hopes of being able to revenge himself on Delamere for his contempt
and rudeness
Egad cried he Ill have a peep at this beauty however
So saying he strutted across the yard and placed himself under a
little piazza which made a covered communication between the rooms of
the inn which were built round the yard and along which they were
obliged to pass to get into the chaise
The room door openedDelamere and Emmeline appeared at it
Draw up postillions as close as you can cried the waiter
Delamere holding Emmelines hand advanced but on seeing Elkerton she
stepped back into the room
Come come said Delamerenever concern yourself about that
impertinent fellow
Elkerton tho he did not distinctly hear this speech had caught a view
of the person to whom it was addressed and tho her face was concealed
her height and air convinced him it was Miss Mowbray
How do you Madam exclaimed he bowing and advancingMiss Mowbray
I hope I have the happiness of seeing you well
We are in haste Sir said Delamere leading Emmeline towards the
chaise
Nay my good friend returned Elkerton allow me I beg to pay my
respects to this lady with whom I have the honour of being
acquaintedMiss Mowbray permit me
He would have taken the hand which was disengaged but Emmeline shrunk
from him and stepped quickly into the chaise
Elkerton still advanced and leaning almost into it he saidYour long
journey I hope has not too much fatigued you
By heaven exclaimed Delamere this is too much Sir you are the
most troublesome insolent fool I ever met with
So saying he seized Elkerton by the collar and twisting him suddenly
round threw him with great violence against one of the pillars of the
piazza
He then got into the chaise and taking out of his pocket two or three
cards on which his address was written he tossed them out of the
window saying with a voice that struck terror into the overthrown
knight on the groundYou know where to hear of me if you have any
thing to say
The chaise now drove quickly away while Delamere tried to reassure
Emmeline who was so much terrified by the suddenness of this scuffle
that she had hardly breath to reproach him for his impetuosity He
answered that he had kept his temper too long with the meddling ideot
and that to have overlooked such impertinence without resentment was not
in his nature He tried to laugh off her apprehensions and flattered by
the anxiety she felt for his safety all his gaiety and good humour
seemed to return
But Emmeline extremely hurt to find that Elkerton was informed of the
journey she had taken and vexed that Delamere had engaged in a quarrel
the event of which if not personally dangerous to him could not fail
of being prejudicial to her continued very low and uneasy the rest of
their journey reflecting on nothing with pleasure but on her
approaching interview with Mrs Stafford
But this hopedfor happiness was soon converted into the most poignant
uneasiness On their arrival at Woodfield Emmeline had the pain of
hearing that Mrs Stafford who had two days before been delivered of a
daughter had continued dangerously ill ever since The physicians who
attended her had that day given them hopes that her illness might end
favourably but she was still in a situation so precarious that her
attendants were in great alarm
As she had anxiously expected Emmeline and expressed much astonishment
at not having heard from her the week before which was that on which
she had purposed to be with her and as she still continued earnestly to
enquire for news of Miss Mowbray Mr Stafford insisted on informing her
she was arrived and this intelligence seemed to give her pleasure She
desired Emmeline might come to her bedside but she was so weak that
she could only in a faint voice express her pleasure at the sight of
her and pressing her hand begged she would not leave her
It was impossible Emmeline could speak to her on the subject of
Delamere as the least emotion might have been of the most fatal
consequence and tho she earnestly wished he might not have been
invited to stay she was obliged to let it take its course She left
her friends room no more that evening and gave her whole thoughts and
attention to keeping her quiet and administering her medicines which
Mrs Stafford seemed pleased to receive from her hands
Mr Stafford was one of those unfortunate characters who having neither
perseverance and regularity to fit them for business or taste and
genius for more refined pursuits seek in every casual occurrence or
childish amusement relief against the tedium of life Tho married very
early and tho father of a numerous family he had thrown away the time
and money which should have provided for them in collecting baubles
which he had repeatedly possessed and discarded till having exhausted
every source that that species of idle folly offered he had been
driven by the same inability to pursue proper objects into vices yet
more fatal to the repose of his wife and schemes yet more destructive
to the fortune of his family Married to a woman who was the delight of
her friends and the admiration of her acquaintance surrounded by a
lovely and encreasing family and possessed of every reasonable means of
happiness he dissipated that property which ought to have secured its
continuance in vague and absurd projects which he neither loved or
understood and his temper growing more irritable in proportion as his
difficulties encreased he sometimes treated his wife with great
harshness and did not seem to think it necessary even by apparent
kindness and attention to excuse or soften to her his general ill
conduct or his battening on the moor of low and degrading debauchery
Mrs Stafford who had been married to him at fifteen had long been
unconscious of his weakness and when time and her own excellent
understanding pressed the fatal conviction too forcibly upon her she
still but fruitlessly attempted to hide from others what she saw too
evidently herself
Fear for the future fate of her children and regret to find that she
had no influence over her husband together with the knowledge of
connections to which she had till a few months before been a stranger
had given to Mrs Stafford whose temper was naturally extremely
chearful that air of despondence and melancholy cast of mind which
Emmeline had remarked with so much concern on their first acquaintance
To such a man as Mr Stafford the arrival of Delamere afforded novelty
and consequently some degree of satisfaction He took it into his head
to be extremely civil to him and pressed him to continue some time at
his house but Delamere well knew that Emmeline would be made unhappy by
his remaining more than one night as Mr Stafford entered however so
warmly into his interest he begged of him to recollect whether there
was not any house to be let within a few miles of Woodfield
Mr Stafford instantly named a hunting seat of Sir Philip Carnabys
which he said would exactly suit him Its possessor whom some
disarrangement in his affairs had obliged to go abroad for a few years
had ordered it to be let ready furnished from year to year
Delamere went the next morning to the attorney who let it and making an
agreement for it ordered in all the requisites for his immediate
residence and till it was ready accepted Mr Staffords invitation to
remain at Woodfield
Emmeline who confined herself wholly to her friends apartment knew
nothing of this arrangement till it was concluded and when she heard
it remonstrance and objection were vain
The illness of Mrs Stafford tho it did not gain ground was still
very alarming and called forth to a painful excess that lively
sympathy which Emmeline felt for those she loved She continued to
attend her with the tenderest assiduity and after five days painful
suspence had the happiness to find her out of danger and well enough
to hear the relation Emmeline had to make of the involuntary elopement
Mrs Stafford advised her immediately to write to Lord Montreville
which her extreme anxiety only had occasioned her so long to delay
Lord Montreville and Sir Richard Crofts after exhausting every mode of
enquiry at the end of their journey without having discovered any
traces of the fugitives returned to London The uncertainty of what was
become of his son and concern for the fate of Emmeline made his
Lordship more unhappy than he had yet been and the reception he met
with on his return home did not contribute to relieve him he found that
no intelligence had been received of Delamere and Lady Montreville
beset him with complaints and reproaches The violence of her passions
had for some months subjected her to fits and the evasion of her son
and her total ignorance of what was become of him had kept her in
perpetual agony during Lord Montrevilles absence His return after so
successless a journey encreased her sufferings and she was of a temper
not to suffer alone but to inflict on others some part of the pain she
felt herself
Lord Montreville attempted in vain to appease and console her Nothing
but some satisfactory account of Delamere had the least chance of
succeeding and his Lordship who now supposed that Delamere and
Emmeline were concealed in the neighbourhood of London determined to
persevere in every means of discovering them
For this purpose he had again recourse to the Crofts and Sir Richard
and both his sons readily undertook to assist him in his search and
particularly the elder undertook it with the warmest zeal
This young man inherited all the cunning of his father together with a
coolness of temper which supplied the place of solid understanding and
quick parts since it always gave him time to see where his interest
lay and steadiness to pursue it By incessant assiduity he had acquired
the confidence of Lady Montreville to whom his attention and attendance
were become almost necessary
Her Ladyship never dreamed that a man of his rank could lift his eyes to
either of her daughters and therefore encouraged his constant
attendance on them both while Crofts was too sensible of the value of
such an alliance not to take advantage of the opportunities that were
incessantly afforded him
Lady Montreville had repeatedly declared that if Delamere married
Emmeline all that part of the fortune which she had a right to give away
should be the property of her eldest daughter This was upwards of six
thousand pounds a year and whether this ever happened or not Crofts
knew that what was settled on younger children which must at all events
be divided between the two young ladies would make either of them a
fortune worth all attempts independent of the connection he would form
by it with Lord Montreville who now began to make a very considerable
figure in the political world
With these views Crofts had for near two years incessantly applied
himself to conciliate the good opinion of the whole family with so much
art that nobody suspected his designs The slight and contemptuous
treatment he had always received from Delamere he had affected to pass
by with the calm magnanimity of a veteran statesman and emulating the
decided conduct and steady indifference of age rather than yielding to
the warmth of temper natural to five and twenty he was considered as a
very rising and promising young man by the grave politicians with whom
he associated and by those of his own age a supercilious and solemn
coxcomb
He had studied the characters of the two Miss Delameres and found that
of the eldest the fittest for his purpose tho the person of the
youngest and the pride which encased the heart of the other would have
made a less able politician decide for Augusta But he saw that the very
pride which seemed an impediment to his hopes might under proper
management contribute to their success He saw that she really loved
nobody but herself that her personal vanity was greater than the pride
of her rank and that her heart was certainly on that side assailable
He therefore by distant hints and sighs affected concealment and
artful speeches gave her to understand that all his prudence had not
been able to defend him from the indiscretion of a hopeless passion
While he was contented to call it hopeless Miss Delamere tho long
partial to FitzEdward could not refuse herself the indulgence of
hearing it and at length grew so accustomed to allow him to talk to her
of his unbounded and despairing love that she found it very
disagreeable to be without him
He saw that unless a title and great estate crossed his path his
success tho it might be slow was almost certain But he was obliged
to proceed with caution notwithstanding he would have been very glad
to have secured his prize before the return of Delamere to his family
threw an obstacle in his way which was the most formidable he had to
contend with
He affected however the utmost anxiety to discover him and recited to
Lord Montreville an exhortation he intended to pronounce to him if he
should be fortunate enough to do so
Nothing could be a greater proof of his Lordships opinion of Crofts
than his entrusting him with a commission which if successful could
hardly fail of irritating the fiery and ungovernable temper of Delamere
and driving him into excesses which it would require all the philosophic
steadiness of Crofts to support without resentment
While Sir Richard and his two sons therefore set about the difficult
task of finding Delamere Lord Montreville went himself to FitzEdward
but heard that for many days he had not been at his apartments that he
had taken no servants with him and that they knew not whither he was
gone or when he would return
Lord Montreville who had depended more on the information of
FitzEdward than any other he hoped to obtain left a note at his
lodgings desiring to see him as soon as he came to town and went back
in encreased uneasiness to his own house But among the numberless
letters which lay on his library table the directions of which he
hastily read in a faint hope of news of Delamere he saw one directed by
the hand of Emmeline He tore it eagerly openit contained an account
of all that had happened written with such clearness and simplicity as
immediately impressed its truth and it is difficult to say whether
Lord Montrevilles pleasure at finding his son still unmarried or his
admiration at the greatness of his nieces mind were the predominant
emotion
When the former sentiment a little subsided and he had time to reflect
on all the heroism of her conduct he was almost ashamed of the long
opposition he had given to his sons passion and would if he had not
known his wifes prejudices invincible have acknowledged that neither
the possession of birth or fortune could make any amends to him who saw
and knew how to value the beauty of such a mind as that of Emmeline The
inveterate aversion and insurmountable pride of Lady Montreville he had
no hope of conquering and she had too much in her power to suffer his
Lordship to think of Delameres losing such a large portion of his
inheritance by disobeying her For these reasons he checked the
inclination he felt rising in his own heart to reward and receive his
niece and thought only of taking advantage of her integrity to separate
his son from her for ever
He went with the letter in his hand to Lady Montrevilles apartment
where he found Mr Crofts and the two young ladies
He read it to them and when he had finished it expressed in the
warmest terms his approbation of Miss Mowbrays conduct Lady
Montreville testified nothing but satisfaction at what she called the
foolish boys escape from ruin without having the generosity to
applaud _her_ whose integrity was so much the object of admiration
Possessing neither candour nor generosity herself she was incapable of
loving those qualities in another and in answer to Lord Montrevilles
praises of Emmeline which she heard with reluctance she was not
ashamed to say that perhaps were the whole truth known his Lordship
would find but little reason to set up his relations character higher
than that of his own childrento which her eldest daughter addedWhy
to be sure Madam there is as my father says something very
extraordinary in Miss Mowbrays refusing _such a match_that is _if_
she has no other attachment
Augusta Delamere heard all that her father said in commendation of her
beloved Emmeline with eyes suffused with tears which drew on her the
anger of her mother and the malignant sneers of her sister
The two young ladies however were sent away while a council was held
between Lord and Lady Montreville and Crofts on what steps it was
immediately necessary to take
Several ideas were started but none which his Lordship approved He
determined therefore to write to his son with whose residence at
Tylehurst the house of Sir Philip Carnaby Emmelines letter acquainted
him and wait his answer before he proceeded farther
With this resolution Lady Montreville was extremely discontented and
proposed as the only plan on which they could depend that his
Lordship under pretence of placing her properly should send Emmeline
to France and there confine her till Delamere hopeless of regaining
her should consent to marry Miss Otley
Her Ladyship urgedThat it could not possibly do the girl any harm
and that very worthy people had not scrupled to commit much more
violent actions where their motive was right tho less strong than
that which would in this case actuate Lord Montreville which was she
said to save the sole remaining heir of a noble house from a degrading
and beggarly alliance
Hold Madam cried Lord Montreville who was extremely displeased at
the proposal and with the speech with which it closedRemember I beg
of you that when you speak of the Mowbray family you speak of one very
little if at all inferior to your own nor should you Lady Montreville
forget in the heat of your resentment that you are a womana woman
too whose birth should at least give you a liberal mind and put you
above thinking of an action as unfeminine as inhuman Surely as a
mother who have daughters of your own you should have some feeling for
this young woman not at all their inferior but in being born under
circumstances for which she is not to blame and which mark with
sufficient unhappiness a life that might otherwise have done as much
honour to my family as I hope your daughters will do to yours
The slightest contradiction was what Lady Montreville had never been
accustomed to bear patiently The asperity therefore of this speech and
the total rejection of her project threw her into an agony of passion
which ended in an hysteric fit
Lord Montreville less moved than usual committed her to the care of
her daughters and women and continued to talk coolly to Crofts on the
subject they were before discussing
After considering it in every point of view he determined to leave
Delamere at present to his own reflections only writing to him a calm
and expostulatory letter such as together with Emmelines steadiness
on which he now relied with the utmost confidence might he thought
effect more than violent measures His Lordship wrote also to Emmeline
strongly expressing his admiration and regard and his confidence and
esteem encreased her desire to deserve them
Mrs Stafford was now nearly recovered and Delamere settled at his new
house where he always returned at night tho he passed almost every
day at Woodfield
His mornings were often occupied in those amusements of which he had
been so fond before his passion for Emmeline became the only business of
his life and secure of seeing her continually and of telling how he
loved her he became more reasonable than he had hitherto been
The letters however which now arrived from Lord Montreville a little
disturbed his felicity They gave Emmeline an opportunity to exhort him
to return to Londonto make his peace with his father and quiet the
uneasiness of Lady Montreville which his Lordship represented as
excessive and as fatal to _her_ health as to the peace of the whole
family
Emmeline urged him by every tie of duty and affection to relieve the
anxiety of his family and particularly to attend to the effect his
absence and disobedience had on the constitution of his mother which
had long been extremely shaken But to all her remonstrances he
answeredThat he would not return till Lady Montreville would promise
never to renew those reflections and reproaches which had driven him
from AudleyHall and to which he apprehended he should now be more than
ever exposed
As Emmeline could not pretend to procure such an engagement from her
Ladyship all she could do was to inform Lord Montreville of his
objection and to leave it to him to make terms between Delamere and his
mother
Near a month had now elapsed since Emmelines arrival at Woodfield and
the returning serenity of her mind had restored to her countenance all
its bloom and brilliancy She had indeed no other uneasiness than what
arose from her anxiety to procure quiet to her Uncles family and from
her observations on the encreasing melancholy of Mrs Stafford for
which she knew too well how to account
Even this however often appeared alleviated by her presence and
forgotten in her conversation and she rejoiced in the power of
affording a temporary relief to the sorrows of one whom she so truly
loved
This calm was interrupted by Elkerton by whom the affront he had
received at Staines from Delamere had not been forgotten tho he by
no means relished the thoughts of resenting it in the way his friend
Jackman and all who heard of it proposed
To risk his life and all his finery seemed a most cruel condition but
Jackman protested there was no other by which he could retrieve his
honour And his friend at whose house he was on the borders of
Hampshire who had been an officer in the military service of the East
India Company and had acquired a princely fortune felt himself
inspired with all the punctilios of a soldier and declared to Elkerton
that if he put up with this affront no man of honour could hereafter
speak to him
Poor Elkerton who in the article of fighting as well as many others
extremely resembled _le Bourgeois Gentilhomme_ made all the evasions
in his power while his _soi disant_ friends who enjoyed his distress
persisted in pushing him on to demand satisfaction of Delamere but
after long debates he determined first to ask him for an apology There
was he thought some hope of obtaining it if not he could only in the
last extremity have recourse to the desperate expedient of a challenge
He wrote therefore a letter to Delamere requesting in the civilest and
mildest terms an apology for his behaviour at Staines and sent it by a
servant as it was not more than twenty miles from the house where he
was to that Mr Delamere had taken
Delamere returned a contemptuous refusal but neither mentioned the
letter to Emmeline nor thought again about its writer
The unfortunate Elkerton who reproached incessantly his evil stars for
having thrown this hotheaded boy in his way could not conceal from his
friends the unaccommodating answer he had received to his pacific
overture and it was agreed that Elkerton must either determine to fight
him or be excluded from good company for ever The challenge
therefore penned by the Asiatic hero was copied with a trembling hand
by Elkerton and Jackman who had offered to be his second set out with
him for the town near Tylehurst
On their arrival Jackman took a postchaise to carry the billet to
Delamere leaving the terrified Elkerton to settle all his affairs both
temporal and spiritual against the next morning when Delamere was
appointed to meet him on a heath near the town at seven oclock
Jackman found Delamere with FitzEdward who had arrived there that day
He delivered his letter and Delamere immediately answered it by saying
he would not fail to attend the appointment with his friend Colonel
FitzEdward
During Jackmans absence Elkerton tried to argue himself into a state
of mind fit for the undertaking of the next day But he found no
arguments gave him any sort of satisfaction save two one was that as
most disputes ended with firing a brace of pistols in the air the
probability was that he should be as fortunate as othersthe second
that if the worst should happen he should at least make a paragraph
worth some hazard and that whether he killed Delamere or fell himself
an affair of honour with a young man of his rank would extremely
contribute to his fame
Neither of these reflections however had force enough to prevent his
heartily wishing there was no necessity to employ them and he contrived
to make such a bustle with his servant about his pistols and sent forth
so many enquiries for an able surgeon that it was known immediately at
the inn where he was that the gentleman was come to fight young Squire
Delamere
In a country town such intelligence soon gained ground and before
Jackmans return every shop in it had settled the place and manner of
the combat
One of Mr Staffords servants was at the inn which was also the post
house where the landlady failed not to tell him what a bloodyminded
man was in the next room The servant who like all people of his
station delighted in the wonderful and the terrible collected all the
particulars which he retailed on his arrival at home with every
exaggeration his invention would lend him
The maid who waited on Emmeline had no sooner heard these particulars
than conceiving her to be more interested in the fate of Delamere than
any other person she ran up to tell her of it and tho she had not
retained the name of Elkerton perfectly Emmeline who instantly
recollected the adventure at Staines saw the truth at once and was
terrified at the impending event to a degree that made her for a moment
incapable of reflection
To be however remotely or however innocently the cause of any mans
hazarding his life was shocking to all her feelings But to suppose
that Lord Montreville might be made by her means the most wretched of
human beings by the loss of an only and beloved son was an idea which
froze her blood
Her regard for Delamere which was the affection of a sister somewhat
heightened perhaps by his persevering preference of herself her
friendship for Augusta and her anxiety for the peace of his whole
family added to her general tenderness of heart all cooperated to
distress her on this occasion As soon as she could recollect what was
best to be done she sought Mr Stafford to whom she related what she
had heard which the servant who had brought the intelligence repeated
before him
Mr Stafford at Emmelines earnest request set out for the house of
Delamere who had not that day been at Woodfield because he expected
FitzEdward Mr Stafford delivered to him a pressing entreaty from
Emmeline that he would forbear to meet Elkerton or at least delay it
till she could speak to him but Delamere shewing Stafford the letter
he had received desired him to go back and make Emmeline easy as well
as he could since to comply with her request was entirely out of his
power To the necessity of his meeting Elkerton Stafford assented and
returned home to relate the little success of his embassy while the
terror and alarm of Emmeline were only encreased by his visit
Such was her anxiety that she would have gone herself to Tylehurst if
Mrs Stafford had not represented to her that it would be certainly
improper and probably ineffectual
She passed a sleepless night tormenting herself with a thousand
imaginary modes of misery which might arise from the meeting of the next
day But while she continued to form and reject projects for preventing
it seven oclock passed and the _rencontre_ ended without bloodshed
the cautious valour of Elkerton having been so loud that a magistrate
who lived in the town and who was well known to Lord Montreville had
heard of it and with a party of constables had followed Elkerton at
some distance They concealed themselves by the justices order in a
gravelpit near the place of combat and there saw the ground already
possessed by Delamere and FitzEdward
The trembling challenger with a face as pale as if Delameres pistol
had already done its worst followed by Jackman on whose undaunted
countenance he cast a rueful and imploring look then rode slowly up
punctual to the time
The usual ceremonies passed Elkertons blood seemed to be all gone to
his heart to encourage it to be stout and his knees which trembled
most piteously appeared to resent the desertion He cast round the
heath a hopeless lookno succour approached The ground was measured
each took their post and his trembling encreased so violently that
Delamere apprehended very little from a pistol in so unsteady a hand
But had he apprehended more he was of a temper to receive it
unshrinkingly The moment to fire now arrived and Elkerton while
cocking his pistol saw the _possé_ rise out of the gravelpit but he
was too far gone to be sensible of the seasonable relief therefore
without knowing what he was about he fired his pistol before they could
seize his arm and then stood like a statue nearly insensible of the
happiness of his deliverance
The justice advancing himself on horseback now put both the gentlemen
under arrest and Elkerton seeing himself at length safe for the
present thought he might venture to insist on standing Mr Delameres
fire The more the worthy justice opposed it the more vehement he grew
but Delamere who despised him too much to be really angry with him
went off the field telling Elkerton that any other time when there
were fewer witnesses he would give him what further satisfaction he
might require He gave his honour to the justice that he would trouble
himself no farther about the affair and Elkerton having given Jackmans
bail for his present pacific intentions was suffered to go also
He returned to the house of his East Indian friend exulting secretly in
his escape and openly in his valour to which latter Jackman did not
bear testimony so warmly as he thought friendship required Determined
however to lose no part of the glory which he thought he had dearly
purchased by being frightened out of his wits he wrote in the form of
a letter a most tremendous account of the duel to the daily papers in
which he described all its imaginary horrors and ended with asserting
very roundly that Mr Elkerton had the misfortune dangerously to wound
the Hon Frederic Delamere and when this account came away there were
no hopes of his recovery
Having secured himself a fame at least for two or three days he set
out for London to enjoy it never reflecting on any other consequences
than those most flattering to his ridiculous vanity He knew he should
be talked of and by representing what had _not_ happened have a fair
opportunity of telling what _had_ in his own way
When Emmeline who had never ceased walking about and listening saw
Delamere and FitzEdward riding quietly across the lawn which led to the
house she ran eagerly down to meet them but the idea that Elkerton
might possibly be killed checked her joy and when they came up to her
breathless agitation prevented her asking what she wanted to know
Delamere who saw her so pale and terrified threw himself instantly
off his horse and caught her in his arms
Has no harm happened Mr Delamere
None in the world my Emmeline Nobody is hurt so much as you are tho
poor Elkerton was almost as much frightened Come pray compose
yourselfyou have not yet the glory to boast of having a life lost
about you
Heaven forbid that I ever should answered sheI am grateful that
there has been no mischiefOh if I could describe what I have
suffered surely you would never terrify me so again
She could not restrain her tears Delamere led her into the house
where while Mrs Stafford gave her hartshorn and water Delamere at
her request related exactly what had happened and having given
Emmeline his honour that he would think no more of the affair if
Elkerton did not the tranquillity of the house seemed to be restored
and Delamere and FitzEdward were invited to dinner where great
alteration in the looks of the latter was remarked by both the ladies
Nor was it in looks only that FitzEdward was extremely changedHis
chearfulness was quite gone he appeared to be ineffectually struggling
with some unconquerable uneasiness and tho his soft and insinuating
manners were the same he no longer sought by a thousand agreeable
sallies and lively anecdotes to entertain or whatever attempt he made
was so evidently forced that it lost its success Remarkable for his
temperance at table for which he had often endured the ridicule of his
companions he now seemed to fly to the bottle against his inclination
as if in hopes to procure himself a temporary supply of spirits
Every day after that on which Emmeline and Mrs Stafford made this
remark its justice was more evident
While Delamere was in the fields FitzEdward would sit whole mornings
with Mrs Stafford and Emmeline leaning on their worktable or looking
over Emmeline busied with her pencil Had his marked attention to Mrs
Stafford continued she would have seen his behaviour with great alarm
but he no longer paid her those oblique yet expressive compliments of
which he used to be so lavish It seemed as if occupied by some other
object he still admired and revered her and wished to make her the
confidant of the sorrow that oppressed him If they were accidentally
alone he appeared on the point of telling her then suddenly checking
himself he changed the discourse or abruptly left her and as he was a
man whom it was impossible to know without receiving some impressions in
his favour she felt as well as Emmeline a pity for him which they
wished to be justified in feeling by hearing that whatever was the
cause of his unhappiness he had not brought it on himself by any crime
that would make their regard for him blameableFor Emmeline tho she
knew that it was with no good design he had contributed to Delameres
getting her off yet could not persuade herself to hate him for it when
he not only humbly solicited her forgiveness but protested that he was
truly rejoiced as well as astonished at her steadiness and good
conduct and would be so far from encouraging any such attempt for the
future that he would be the first to call Delamere to an account could
he suppose he harboured intentions which he now considered as ungenerous
and criminal
These declarations had made his peace both with Emmeline and her friend
and his languid and sentimental conversation tho it made him less
entertaining did not make him less interesting to either of them
Mr Stafford ever in pursuit of some wild scheme was now gone for a
few days into another county to make himself acquainted with the
process of manuring land with old wigsa mode of agriculture on which
Mr Headly had lately written a treatise so convincing that Mr
Stafford was determined to adopt it on his own farm as soon as a
sufficient number of wigs could be procured for the purpose
During this absence and on the fourth day after Elkertons exploit a
stormy morning had driven Delamere from the fields who went into Mrs
Staffords dressingroom where he found FitzEdward reading Cecilia to
Mrs Stafford and Miss Mowbray while they sat at work
Mrs Stafford had her two little boys at her feet and when Delamere
appeared she desired him to take a chair quietly and not disturb so
sober a party But he had not been seated five minutes before the
children who were extremely fond of him crept to him and he began to
play with them and to make such a noise that Mrs Stafford laughingly
threatened to send all the riotous boys into the nursery togetherwhen
at that moment Millefleur who had some time before come down to attend
his master entered the room with a letter which he said came express
from Berkleysquare
Delamere saw that his fathers hand had almost illegibly directed it He
opened it in fearful haste and read these words
Before this meets you your mother will probably be no more A
paragraph in the newspaper in which you are said to have been
killed in a duel threw her into convulsions I satisfied myself of
your safety by seeing the man with whom you fought but your mother
is incapable of hearing it Unhappy boy if you would see her
alive come away instantly
MONTREVILLE
_Berkleysquare Feb 29
It is impossible to say whether the consternation of Emmeline or that of
Delamere was the greatest By the dreadful idea of having occasioned his
mothers death every other was for a moment absorbed He flew without
speaking down stairs and into the stable where he had left his horse
but the groom had carried the horse to his own stables supposing his
master would stay till night Without recollecting that he might take
one of Mr Staffords he ran back into the room where Emmeline was
weeping in the arms of her friend and clasping her wildly to his bosom
he exclaimedFarewell Emmeline Farewell perhaps for ever If I
lose my mother I shall never forgive _myself_ and shall be a wretch
unworthy of _you_ Dearest Mrs Stafford take care I beseech you of
her whatever becomes of me
Having said this he ran away again without his hat and darted across
the lawn towards his own house meaning to go thither on foot but
FitzEdward with more presence of mind was directing two of Mr
Staffords horses to be saddled with which he soon overtook Delamere
and proceeding together to the town they got into a postchaise and
went as expeditiously as four horses could take them towards London
Equally impetuous in all his feelings his grief at the supposed
misfortune was as violent as it could have been had he been sure that
the worst had already happened He now remembered with infinite
selfreproach how much uneasiness and distress he had occasioned to
Lady Montreville since he left her in November at AudleyHall without
taking leaveand recollecting all her tenderness and affection for him
from the earliest dawn of his memory her solicitude in his sickness
when she had attended him herself and given up her rest and health to
contribute to his her partial fondness which saw merit even in his
errors her perpetual and ardent anxiety for what she believed would
secure his happinesshe set in opposition to it his own neglect
impatience and disobedience and called himself an unnatural and
ungrateful monster
FitzEdward could hardly restrain his extravagant ravings during the
journey which having performed as expeditiously as possible they
arrived in Berkleysquare where when the porter opened the door to
them Delamere had not courage to ask how his mother did but on
FitzEdwards enquiry the porter told them she was alive and not
worse
Relieved by this account Delamere sent to his father to know if he
might wait upon him
His Lordship answeredThat he would only see Colonel FitzEdward but
that Delamere might come in to wait till his mothers physicians
arrived
Lord Montreville was indeed so irritated against Delamere by all the
trouble and anxiety he had suffered on his account that he determined
to shew his resentment and in this resolution he was encouraged by Sir
Richard Crofts who represented to him that his mothers danger and his
fathers displeasure might together work upon his mind and induce him
to renounce an attachment which occasioned to them both so much
unhappiness
It was in this hope that his Lordship refused to see his son and while
FitzEdward went to him Delamere was shewn into another room where his
youngest sister immediately came to him
She received him with rapture mingled with tears and related to him the
nature of his mothers illness which had seized her two days before on
her unfortunately taking up a newspaper from the breakfasttable where
it was very confidently said that he was mortally wounded in a duel with
a person named Elkerton of PortlandPlace That Lord Montreville had
luckily had a letter from FitzEdward the day before whom he had
forgiven the part he took in regard to Emmeline on no other condition
than that he should go down to him and give his Lordship an account of
his conduct and that therefore he was less alarmed tho very much
hurried by the paragraph
He had however gone to Elkertons house where he found him very
composedly receiving the enquiries of his friends and where he insisted
on hearing exactly what had happened
His Lordship immediately returned to his wife but the convulsions had
arisen to so alarming an height that she was no longer capable of
hearing him and she had ever since continued to have at very short
intervals such dreadful fits as had entirely contracted her left side
and left very little hope of her recovery
Delamere was extremely shocked at this account and after waiting some
time FitzEdward came to him and told him that his father was
extremely angry and absolutely refused to see him or hear his apology
unless he would first give his honour that if Lady Montreville should
survive the illness his indiscreet rashness had brought upon her he
would as soon as she was out of danger go abroad and remain there
till he should obtain forgiveness for his past errors and leave to
return
The heart of Delamere was accessible only by the avenues of affection
and kindness compulsion and threats only made him more resolutely
persist in any favourite project Sir Richard Crofts therefore who had
advised this measure shewed but little knowledge of his temper and
never was more mistaken in his politics
Delamere no sooner heard the message than he knew with whom it
originated and full of indignation at finding his father governed by a
man for whom he felt only aversion and contempt he answered with great
asperityThat he came thither not to solicit any favour but to see
his mother That he would not be dictated to by the Crofts but would
remain in town till he knew whether his mother desired to see him and
be ready to wait on his father when he would vouchsafe to treat him as
his son
He then shook hands with FitzEdward kissed his sister and walked out
of the house in spite of their united endeavours to detain him All
they could obtain of him was his consent to go to FitzEdwards
lodgings as he had none of his own ready from whence he sent
constantly every hour to enquire after Lady Montreville
Emmeline in the mean time remained in great uneasiness at Woodfield
Delamere on his first arrival in town wrote a short and confused note
by which she only learned that Lady Montreville was alive After some
days she received the following letter from Augusta Delamere
I will now try my dearest Emmeline to give you an account of
what has passed here since my brothers arrival
My mother is happily better knows every body and speaks more
distinctly her fits return less frequently and upon the whole the
physicians give us hopes of her recovery but very little that she
will ever be restored to the use of the arm which is contracted
On Friday in an interval of her fits Sir Hugh Cathcart and Dr
Gardner her physicians proposed that she should see my brother of
whose being living nothing we could any of us say could convince
her She repeated to Dr Gardner who staid with her after the other
went that she was deceived
He assured her that she was deceived in nothing but in her sudden
and unhappy prepossession for that Mr Delamere had never been in
the least danger and was actually in perfect health
He is alive cried my mother mournfullyI thank God he is
alive but he knows my illness and I do not see himAh it is too
certain I have lost my son
You have not been able to see him my dear madam but he came up
as soon as he heard of your situation and now waits your commands
at Colonel FitzEdwards lodgingsDo you wish to see him
I do I do wish to see him Oh let him come
The agitation of her mind however brought on almost instantly a
return of the disorder and before my brothers arrival she was
insensible
Her distorted features her hands contracted her eyes glazed and
fixed her livid complexion and the agonizing expression of her
countenance were at their height when Delamere was desired to go
into the room my father believed that the sight of his mother in
such a situation could not but affect the feelings of her son
It did indeed affect him He stood a moment looking at her in
silent terror then as if suddenly recollecting that he had been
the cause of this dreadful alteration he turned away clasped his
hands together and burst into tears
My mother neither saw him or heard his loud sobs My sister
looked at him reproachfully and apparently to escape from her he
came to me and taking my hand kissed it and asked how long this
melancholy scene would last
The physician who heard the question said the fit was going
off It did so in a few minutes She sighed deeply and seeing the
doctor still sitting by her she asked if he would still perform his
promise and let her see her son
At these words Delamere stepped forward and threw himself on
his knees by the bed side He wept aloud and eagerly kissed his
mothers hands which he bathed in tears
She looked at him with an expression to which no description can
do justice but unable to speak she seemed struggling to explain
herself and the physician fearful of such agitation saidThere
madam is Mr Delamere not only alive but willing I am persuaded
to give you in regard to his future conduct any assurances that
you require to tranquillise your mind
No said she sighingthat Delamere is living I thank
heavenbut for the restI have no hopes
For the rest resumed the doctor he will promise any thing if
you will only make yourself easy
At this moment my Lord enteredYou see Sir said he sternly
to Delamere whom he had not seen since his arrival in Londonyou
see to what extremity your madness has reduced your mother
Delamere still on his knees looked sorrowfully up as if to
enquire what reparation he could make
My father appearing to understand the question saidIf you
would not be indeed a parricide shew Lady Montreville that you have
a sense of your errors and will give her no farther uneasiness
Do Frederic cried my sister
In what way Sir said my brother very mournfully
Tell her you will consent to fulfil all her wishes
Sir said Delamere firmly if to sacrifice my own life would
restore my mothers I would not hesitate but if what your Lordship
means relates to Miss Otley it is absolutely out of my power
He is already married I doubt not sighed my mother
Upon my soul I am not
Come come cried Dr Gardner this is going a great deal too
far your Ladyship is but just convinced your son is living and my
Lord here is already talking of other matters Tell me madamwhat
do you wish Mr Delamere to say
That he will not marry eagerly interrupted my father but
with his mothers consent and mine
I will not my Lord said Delamere sighing
That as soon as Lady Montreville is well enough to allow you to
leave her you will go abroad for a twelvemonth or longer if I shall
judge it expedient
I will promise _that_ if your Lordship makes a point of itif
my mother insists upon it But my Lord if at the end of that time
Emmeline Mowbray is still singlemy Lord you do not expect
unconditional submissionI shall then in my turn hope that you and
my mother will make no farther opposition to my wishes
My father who expected no concession from Delamere had at first
asked of him more than he intended to insist on and now appeared
eager to close with the first terms he could obtain Accepting
therefore a delay instead of a renunciation he saidWell
Delamere if at the end of a twelvemonth you still insist on
marrying Miss Mowbray I will not oppose it Lady Montreville you
hear what your son engages for do you agree to the terms
My mother said very faintlyYes
The promise was repeated on both sides before the physician and
FitzEdward who came in at the latter part of this scene My mother
seemed reluctantly to accede complained of extreme faintness and
the scene beginning to grow fatiguing to her my brother offered to
retire She gave him her hand which he kissed and at her desire
consented to return to the apartments here which he used to occupy
My mother had that evening another attack tho it was much less
severe But as the contraction does not give way to any remedies yet
used the physicians propose sending her to Bath as soon as she is
able to bear the journey
Thus my dearest Emmeline I have punctually related all you
appear so anxious to know on which I leave you to reflect My
mother now sees my brother every day but he has desired that
nothing may be said of the past and their conversations are short
and melancholy FitzEdward has left London and Frederic told
me last night that as soon as the physicians pronounce my mother
entirely out of danger he shall go down to you Ah my lovely
friend what a trial will his be But I know _you_ will encourage
and support him in the task however painful of fulfilling the
promise he has given and my father who praises you incessantly
says he is _sure_ of it
Adieu my dear Miss Mowbray
your affectionate and attached
AUGUSTA DELAMERE
_Berkleysquare March 3
A few days after the receipt of this letter Delamere went down to
Tylehurst Dejection was visibly marked in his air and countenance and
all that Emmeline could say to strengthen his resolution served only to
make him feel greater reluctance To quit her for twelve months to
leave her exposed to the solicitation of rivals who would not fail to
surround her and to hazard losing her for ever seemed so terrible to
his imagination that the nearer the period of his promised departure
grew the more impossible he thought it to depart
His ardent imagination seemed to be employed only in figuring the
variety of circumstances which might in that interval arise to separate
them for ever and he magnified these possibilities till he persuaded
himself that nothing but a private marriage could secure her As he saw
how anxious she was that he should strictly adhere to the promises he
had given his father he thought that he might induce her to consent to
this expedient as the only one by which he could reconcile his duty and
his love He therefore took an opportunity when he had by the
bitterness of his complaints softened her into tears to entreat to
implore her to consent to marry him before he went He urged that as
Lord and Lady Montreville had both consented to their union at the end
of the year if he remained in the same mind it made in fact no
difference to _them_ because he was very sure that his inclinations
would not change and no doubt _could_ arise but from herself If
therefore she determined then to be his she might as well consent to
become so immediately as to hazard the difficulties which might arise to
their marriage hereafter
Emmeline tho extremely affected by his sorrow had still resolution
enough to treat this argument as feeble sophistry unworthy of him and
of herself and positively to refuse her consent to an engagement which
militated against all her assurances to Lord Montreville
This decisive rejection of a plan to which from the tender pity she
testified he believed he should persuade her to assent threw him into
one of those transports of agonizing passion which he could neither
conceal or contend with He wept he raved like a madman He swore he
would return to his father and revoke his promise and the endeavours of
Mrs Stafford and Emmeline to calm his mind seemed only to encrease the
emotions with which it was torn
After having exhausted every mode of persuasion in vain he was obliged
to relinquish the hope of a secret marriage and to attempt to obtain
another concession in which he at length succeeded He told Emmeline
that if she had no wish to quit him entirely but really meant to reward
his long and ardent affection she could not object to bind herself to
become his wife immediately on his return to England
Emmeline made every objection she could to this request But she only
objected for she saw him so hurt that she had not the resolution to
wound him anew by a positive refusal Mrs Stafford too moved by his
grief and despair no longer supported her in her reserve and as
_their_ steadiness seemed to give way _his_ eagerness and importunity
encreased till they allowed him to draw up a promise in these
wordsAt the end of the term prescribed by Lord Montreville Emmeline
Mowbray hereby promises to become the wife of Frederic Delamere
This Emmeline signed with a reluctant and trembling hand for tho she
had an habitual friendship and affection for Delamere and preferred him
to all the men she had yet seen she thought this not strictly right
and felt a pain and repugnance to its performance which made her more
unhappy the longer she reflected on it
On Delamere however it had a contrary effect Tho he still continued
greatly depressed at the thoughts of their approaching separation he
yet assumed some degree of courage to bear it and when the day arrived
he bid her adieu without relapsing into those agonies he had suffered
before at the mere idea of it
He carried with him a miniature picture of her and entreated her to
answer his letters which on the footing they now were she could not
refuse to promise He then tore himself from her and went to take leave
of his mother who still continued ill at Bath and from thence to
London to bid farewel to his father after which FitzEdward
accompanied him as far as Harwich where he embarked for Holland
As he had before been the usual tour of France and Italy he purposed
passing the summer in visiting Germany and the winter at Vienna and
early in the spring to set out thro France on his way home where he
purposed being on the 20th of March when the year which he had promised
his father to pass abroad would expire
Lord Montreville by obtaining this delay thought there was every
probability that his attachment to Emmeline would be conquered And his
Lordship as well as Lady Montreville determined to try in the interval
to procure for Emmeline some unexceptionable marriage which it would not
be possible for her to refuse They imagined therefore that their
uneasiness on this head was over and Lady Montreville whose mind was
greatly relieved by the persuasion was long since out of all danger
from the fits which had so severely attacked her but the contraction of
her joints which they had occasioned was still so painful and
obstinate that the physicians seemed to apprehend it might be necessary
to send her Ladyship to the waters of Barege
In the mean time Lord Montreville had obtained a post in administration
which encreased his income and his power Sir Richard Crofts possessed a
lucrative employment in the same department and his eldest son was
become extremely necessary from his assiduity and attention to
business and more than ever a favourite with all Lord Montrevilles
family with whom he almost entirely lived
A lurking _penchant_ for FitzEdward which had grown up from her
earliest recollection almost insensibly in the bosom of Miss Delamere
had been long chilled by his evident neglect and indifference she now
fancied she hated him and really preferred Crofts every way inferior
as he was
While the want of high birth and a title which she had been taught to
consider as absolutely requisite to happiness made her repress every
tendency to a serious engagement she was extremely gratified by his
flattery and when among other young women from whom he affected not to
be able to stifle his unhappy passion she was frequently told how
much he was in love with her she was accustomed to answerAh poor
fellow so he is and I heartily pity him
But while Lord and Lady Montreville thought Croftss attendance on their
daughters quite without consequence he and his father insinuated an
intended connection between him and one of them with so much art that
tho it never reached the ears of the family it was universally believed
in the world
A young nobleman who had passed the greater part of his life in the
army where he had lately signalized himself by his bravery and conduct
now returned to England on being promoted to a regiment and having some
business to transact with Lord Montreville in his official capacity he
was invited to the house and greatly admired both the Miss Delameres
whose parties he now joined at Bath
Crofts soon afterwards obtaining a short respite from his political
engagement went thither also and tho Miss Delamere really thought
Lord Westhaven quite unexceptionable she had been so habituated to
behave particularly to Crofts that she could not now alter it or
perhaps was not conscious of the familiar footing on which she allowed
him to be with her
Lord Westhaven who had at first hesitated between the sprightly dignity
of the elder sister and the soft and more bewitching graces of the
younger no sooner saw the conduct of Miss Delamere towards Crofts than
his doubts were at an end Her faults of temper had been hitherto
concealed from him and he believed her heart as good as her sisters
indeed according to the sentimental turn her discourse frequently took
he might have supposed it more refined and sublime But when he observed
her behaviour to Crofts he thought that she must either be secretly
engaged to him or be a decided coquet Turning therefore all his
attention to Augusta he soon found that her temper was as truly good as
her person was interesting and that the too great timidity of her
manner was solely owing to her being continually checked by her mothers
partiality to her sister
A very short study of her character convinced him she was exactly the
woman calculated to make him happy He told her so and found her by no
means averse to his making the same declaration to her father and
mother
Lord Montreville received it with pleasure and preliminaries were soon
settled In about six weeks Lord Westhaven and Miss Augusta Delamere
were married at Bath to the infinite satisfaction of all parties except
Miss Delamere who could not be very well pleased with the preference
shewn her younger sister by a man whose morals person and fortune
were all superior to what even her own high spirit had taught her to
expect in a husband
Crofts tho he saw all apprehensions of having Lord Westhaven for a
rival were at an end could not help fearing that so advantageous a
match for the younger might make the elder more unwilling to accept a
simple commoner with a fortune greatly inferior
The removal however of Lady Westhaven gave him more frequent
opportunities to urge his passion Lady Montreville was now going to
Barege Bath having been found less serviceable than was at first hoped
for and Delamere was written to to meet her Ladyship and her eldest
daughter at Paris in order to accompany them thither
Peace having been in the interim established Lord Westhaven found he
should return no more to his regiment and purposed with his wife to
attend Lady Montreville part of the way and then to go into
Switzerland where his mothers family resided who had been of that
country
Lady Westhaven was extremely gratified by this scheme not only because
she was delighted to wait on her mother but because she hoped it would
help to dissipate a lurking uneasiness which hung over the spirits of
her Lord and which he told her was owing to the uncertain and
distressing situation of a beloved sister But whenever the subject was
mentioned he expressed so much unhappiness that his wife had not yet
had resolution to enquire into the nature of her misfortunes and only
knew in general that she was unfortunately married
Emmeline had now lost her lover at least for some time and one of her
friends too was gone where she could seldom hear of her These
deprivations attached her more closely than ever to Mrs Stafford Mr
Stafford was gone to town and except now and then a short and
melancholy visit from FitzEdward to whom Delamere had lent his house
at Tylehurst they saw nobody for all the neighbouring families were in
London They found not only society but happiness together enough to
compensate for almost every other and passed their time in a way
particularly adapted to the taste of both
Adjoining to the estate where Mrs Stafford resided a tract of forest
land formerly a chase and now the property of a collegiate body deeply
indents the arable ground beyond it and fringes the feet of the green
downs which rise above it This part of the country is called Woodbury
Forest and the deep shade of the beech trees with which it is covered
is broken by wild and uncultured glens where among the broom hawthorn
and birch of the waste a few scattered cottages have been built upon
sufferance by the poor for the convenience of fewel so amply afforded
by the surrounding woods These humble and obscure cabbins are known
only to the sportsman and the woodcutter for no road whatever leads
through the forest and only such romantic wanderers as Mrs Stafford
and Emmeline were conscious of the beautiful walks which might be found
among these natural shrubberies and solitary shades The two friends
were enjoying the softness of a beautiful April morning in these woods
when in passing near one of the cottages they saw at a low casement
half obscured by the pendant trees a person sitting whose dress and
air seemed very unlike those of the usual inhabitants of such a place
She was intent on a paper over which she leaned in a melancholy
posture but on seeing the two ladies approach she started up and
immediately disappeared
Tho the distance at which they saw her and the obscurity of the
window prevented their distinguishing the features of the stranger
they saw that she was young and they fancied she was beautiful The
same idea instantly occurred to Mrs Stafford and Emmeline that it was
some unfortunate young woman whom Mr Stafford had met with and had
concealed there Something of the same sort had happened once before
and Mrs Staffords anxiety and curiosity were both awakened by this
incident Tho the latter was a passion she never indulged where its
object was the business of others she could not repress it where it was
excited by suspicion of a circumstance which so nearly concerned
herself
Nor could she conceal from Emmeline her fears on this occasion and
Emmeline tho unwilling to encrease them yet knew enough of her
husbands conduct to believe they were too well founded
Mrs Stafford had been accustomed to buy poultry of the woman who lived
at this cottage and therefore went in in hopes of finding some vestige
of the person they had seen which might lead to an enquiry But they
found nothing but the usual humble furniture and few conveniences of
such an house and Mrs Stafford forbore to enquire lest the person she
had seen might be alarmed and take more effectual means of concealment
But unable to rest and growing every moment more desirous to know the
truth and to know it before her husband whom she expected in a few
days returned she arose very early the next morning and accompanied
by Emmeline went to the cottage in the forest
The man who inhabited it was already gone out to his work and the woman
to a neighbouring town to buy necessaries for her family The door was
open and the ladies received this intelligence from three little
children who were playing before it
They entered the low smoky room usually inhabited by the family And
Mrs Stafford with a beating heart determining to be satisfied opened
a door which led from it into that at the window of which she knew the
stranger had appeared and which the people of the house dignified with
the appellation of their parlour
In this room on the brick floor and surrounded by bare walls stood a
bed which seemed to have been brought thither for the accommodation of
some person who had not been accustomed to such an apartment
Mrs Stafford saw sleeping in it a very young woman pale but
extremely beautiful and her hand of uncommon delicacy lay on the
white quiltA sight which gave her pain for herself and pity for the
unfortunate person before her affected her so much that having stood a
moment in astonishment she stepped back to the place where Emmeline
sat and burst into tears
The noise however trifling brought from above stairs a person
evidently a ladys maid of very creditable appearance who came down
hastily into the room where Mrs Stafford and Emmeline were saying as
she descended the stairsI am coming immediately my Lady But at the
sight of two strangers she stopped in great confusion and at the same
moment her mistress called to her
She hastened without speaking to attend the summons and shut the door
after her After remaining a few moments she came out again and asked
Mrs Stafford if she wanted the woman of the house
To which Mrs Stafford determined whatever it cost her to know the
truth saidNomy business is with your lady
The woman now appeared more confused than before and said
hesitatinglyIImy ladyI fancy you are mistaken madam
Go in however and let your mistress know that Mrs Stafford desires
to speak to her
The maid reluctantly and hesitatingly went in and after staying some
time came back
My mistress Madam says she has not the pleasure of knowing you and
being ill and in bed she hopes you will excuse her if she desires you
will acquaint her with your business by me
No replied Mrs Stafford I must see her myself Tell her my
business is of consequence to us both and that I will wait till it is
convenient to her to speak to me
With this message the maid went back with looks of great consternation
to her mistress They fancied they heard somebody sigh and weep
extremely The maid came out once or twice and carried back water and
hartshorn
At length after waiting near half an hour the door opened and the
stranger appeared leaning on the arm of her woman She wore a long
white muslin morning gown and a large muslin cap almost concealed her
face her dark hair seemed to escape from under it to form a decided
contrast to the extreme whiteness of her skin and her long eye lashes
hid her eyes which were cast down and which bore the marks of recent
tears If it were possible to personify languor and dejection it could
not be done more expressively than by representing her form her air
her complexion and the mournful cast of her very beautiful countenance
She slowly approached Mrs Stafford lifted up her melancholy eyes to
Emmeline and attempted to speak
I am at a loss to know ladies said she what can be yourBut
unable to finish the sentence she sat down and seemed ready to faint
The maid held her smelling bottle to her
I waited on you Madam said Mrs Stafford supposing you were
acquaintedtoo well acquaintedwith my name and business
No upon my honour said the young person I cannot even guess
You are very young said Mrs Stafford and I fear very
unfortunate Be assured I wish not either to reproach or insult you but
only to try if you cannot be prevailed upon to quit a manner of life
which surely to a person of your appearance must be dreadful
It is indeed dreadful sighed the young womannor is it the least
dreadful part of it that I am exposed to this
She now fell into an agony of tears which affected both Mrs Stafford
and Emmeline so much that forgetting their fears and suspicions they
both endeavoured tenderly to console her Having in some measure
succeeded and Mrs Stafford having summoned resolution to tell her what
were her apprehensions the stranger saw that to give her a simple
detail of her real situation was the only method she had to satisfy her
doubts and to secure her compassion and secresy for which reason she
determined to do it and Mrs Stafford whose countenance was all
ingenuousness as well as her heart assured her she should never repent
her confidence while Emmeline whose looks and voice were equally
soothing and engaging to the unhappy expressed the tenderest interest
in the fate of a young creature who seemed but little older than
herself and to have been thrown from a very different sphere into her
present obscure and uncomfortable manner of life
The stranger would have attempted to relate her history to them
immediately but her maid a steady woman of three or four and thirty
told her that she was certainly unable then and begged the ladies not
to insist upon it till the evening or the next day addingMy Lady
has been very poorly indeed all this week and is continually fainting
away and you see ladies how much she has been frightened this
morning and I am sure she will not be able to go through it
To the probability of this observation the two friends assented and
the young lady naming the next morning to gratify their curiosity they
left her Mrs Stafford first offering her any thing her house afforded
To which she replied that at present she was tolerably well supplied
and only conjured them to observe the strictest secresy without which
she said she was undone
At the appointed time they returned equally eager to hear and if
possible to relieve the sorrows of this young person for whom they
could not help being interested tho they yet knew not how far she
deserved their pity
She had prepared her own little room as well as it would admit of to
receive them and sat waiting their arrival with some degree of
composure They contemplated with concern the ruins of eminent beauty
even in early youth and saw an expression of helpless sorrow and
incurable unhappiness which had greatly injured the original lustre and
beauty of her eyes and countenance A heavy languor hung on her whole
frame She tried to smile but it was a smile of anguish and their
looks seemed to distress and pain her Mrs Stafford and Emmeline to
relieve her took out their work and when they were seated at it she
hesitatedthen sighed and hesitated againand at length seemed to
enter on her story with desperate and painful resolution as if to get
quickly and at once thro a task which however necessary was extremely
distressing She began in a low and plaintive voice and frequently
stopped to summon courage to continue while she wiped away the tears
that slowly fell from her eyes
I cannot believe I shall ever repent the confidence I am about to place
in you My heart assures me I shall not Perhaps I may find that pity I
dare no longer solicit from my own family perhapsbut I must hasten to
tell you my melancholy story before its recollection again overwhelms
me Yet my fate has nothing in it very singular numbers have been
victims of the same calamity but some have been more easily forgiven
than I shall beSome are better able to bear infamy and be reconciled
to disgrace
My father the late Earl of Westhaven during the life of my
grandfather married while he was making the tour of Europe a very
beautiful and amiable woman the daughter of a man of rank in
Switzerland who having lost his life in the French service had left a
family without any provision except for the eldest son My grandfather
extremely disobliged by this marriage made a will by which he gave to
his only daughter every part of his extensive property except what was
entailed and which went with the title with this reserve that his
grandson should claim and inherit the whole whenever he became Lord
Westhaven By this will he disinherited my father for his life and
tho he survived my fathers marriage five years and knew he had three
children the two younger of whom must be inevitably impoverished by
such a disposition he obstinately refused to alter the will he made
under the first impulse of resentment and died before his son could
prevail upon him by means of their general friends to withdraw the
maledictions with which he had loaded him
His death not only hurt my father in his feelings but irreparably in
his fortune His sister who was married to a Scottish nobleman took
possession of estates to the amount of fifteen thousand a year and all
that remained to my father to support his rank and his encreasing
family was little more than three thousand and even that income he had
considerably diminished by taking up money which he was obliged to do
while my grandfather lived for the actual maintenance of his family
These unhappy circumstances while they injured the health and spirits
of my father diminished not his tenderness for his wife whom he loved
with unabated passion
To retrench as much as possible he retired with her and his three
children to an estate which being attached to the title belonged to
him in Cumberland in hopes of being able to live on the income he had
left and to clear off the burden with which he had been compelled to
load his paternal estates But a slow fever the effect of sorrow had
seized on my mother then far advanced in her pregnancy with me my
father solicitous to save her in whom all his happiness was centered
sent to London for the best advice to attend her But their assistance
was vain the fever encreased upon her and she died three weeks after
my birth leaving my father deprived of every thing that could make life
valuable in his estimation He gave himself up to a despair equal to the
violence of his love and would probably have fallen a victim to it had
not the servants sent to Mr Thirston who had been his tutor and for
whom he had the greatest friendship and respect This excellent man
represented to him that it was his duty to live for the children of his
deplored Adelina and he consented to try to live
It was long before he could bear to see any of us particularly me
whom he beheld with a mixture of tenderness and regret The gloomy
solitude in which he lived where every object reminded him of her whose
smiles had rendered it a paradise was ill calculated to meliorate his
affliction but he could not be persuaded for some months to leave it
or could he be diverted from going every evening to visit the spot where
lay the relicts of his Adelina
At length Mr Thirston prevailed on him to go abroad But he could not
determine to leave my elder brother then about five years old of whom
he was passionately fond They embarked for Naples and he remained
abroad five years while my sister my brother William and myself were
left at Kensington under the care of a female relation and received
such instruction as our ages admitted
My father returned to England only to place his eldest son at Eton
Finding no relief from the sorrow which perpetually preyed on him but
in continual change of place he soon afterwards went again abroad and
wandered over Europe for almost seven years longer returning once or
twice to England in that interval to satisfy himself of our health and
the progress of our education
When he last returned my elder brother then near eighteen desired to
be allowed to go into the army My father reluctantly consented and the
regiment into which he purchased was soon after ordered abroad The
grief the departure of his son gave him was somewhat relieved by seeing
his elder daughter advantageously disposed of in marriage to the eldest
son of an Irish peer The beauty of Lady Camilla was so conspicuous and
her manners so charming that though entirely without fortune the
family of her husband could not object to the marriage She went to
Ireland with her Lord and it was long before I saw her again
My brother William who had always been designed for the navy left me
also for a three years station in the Mediterranean and I was now
always alone with my governess and my old relation whose temper soured
by disappointment and not naturally chearful made her a very unpleasant
companion for a girl of fourteen I learned from masters who attended
me from London all the usual accomplishments but of the world I knew
nothing and impatiently waited for the time when I should be sixteen
for then the Dutchess of B who had kindly undertaken to introduce
my sister into company had promised that she would afford me also her
countenance I remember she smiled and told me that as I was not less
pretty than Lady Camilla I might probably have as good fortune if I
was but as accomplished To be accomplished therefore I endeavoured
with all my power but the time seemed insupportably long before this
essay was to be made It was relieved tho mournfully by frequent
visits from my father who was accustomed to sit whole hours looking at
me while his tears bore witness to the great resemblance I had to my
mother My voice too particularly when we conversed in French
frequently made him start as if he again heard that which he had never
ceased to remember and to regret He would then fondly press me to his
heart and call me his poor orphan girl the image of his lost Adelina
Tho my mother had been now dead above fifteen years his passion for
her memory seemed not at all abated He had by a long residence abroad
paid off the debts with which he had incumbered his income but could do
no more and the expences necessary for young men of my brothers rank
pressed hardly upon him Ever since his return to England his friends
had entreated him to attempt by marrying a woman of fortune to repair
the deficiency of his own representing to him that to provide for the
children of his Adelina would be a better proof of his affection to her
memory than indulging a vain and useless regret
He had however long escaped from their importunity by objecting on
some pretence or other to all the great fortunes which were pointed out
to himhis heart rejected with abhorrence every idea of a second
marriage But my brothers every day required a larger supply of money to
support them as their birth demanded and to their interest my father at
length determined to sacrifice the remainder of a life which had on his
own account no longer any value The heiress of a rich grocer in the
city was soon discovered by his assiduous friends who was reputed to be
possessed of two hundred thousand pounds On closer enquiry the sum was
found to be very little if at all exaggerated by fame Miss Jobson with
a tall meagre person a countenance bordering on the horrible and
armed with two round black eyes which she fancied beautiful had seen
her fortieth year pass while she attended on her papa in
Leadenhallstreet or was dragged by two sleek coach horses to and from
Hornsey Rich as her father was he would not part with any thing while
he lived and by the assistance of two maiden sisters had so guarded
his daughter from the dangerous attacks of Irishmen and younger
brothers that she had reached that mature period without hearing the
soothing voice of flattery to which she was extremely disposed to
listen My father yet in middle age and with a person remarkably fine
would have been greatly to her taste if he could have gratified with a
better grace her love of admiration But his friends undertook to
court her for him and his title still more successfully pleaded in his
favour She made some objection to his having a family but as I alone
remained at home she at length agreed to undertake to be at once a
motherinlaw and a Countess While this treaty was going on and
settlements and jewels preparing I was taken several times to wait on
Miss Jobson but it was easy to see I had not the good fortune to please
her
I was but just turned of fifteen was full of gaiety and vivacity and
possessed those personal advantages which if _she_ ever had any share
of them were long since faded She seemed conscious that the splendour
of her first appearance would be eclipsed by the unadorned simplicity of
mine and she hated me because it was not in my power to be old and
ugly Giddy as I then was nothing but respect for my father prevented
my repaying with ridicule the supercilious style in which she usually
treated me Her vulgar manners and awkward attempts to imitate those of
people of fashion excited my perpetual mirth and as her dislike of me
daily encreased I am afraid I did not always conceal the contempt I
felt in return Miss Jobson chose to pass some time at Tunbridge
previous to her marriage Thither my father followed her and I went
with him eager to make my first appearance in public and to see
whether the prophecies of the Duchess would be fulfilled
This experiment was made in a party from Tunbridge to Lewes Races
where I had the delight of dancing for the first time in public and of
seeing the high and old fashioned little head of Miss Jobson who
affected to do something which she thought was dancing also almost at
the end of the set while I as an Earls daughter was nearly at the
top Had I been ever accustomed to appear in public these distinctions
would have been too familiar to have given me any pleasure but now they
were enchanting and added to the universal admiration I excited
intoxicated me with vanity My partner who had been introduced to me by
a man of high rank the moment I entered the room was a gentleman from
the West of England who was just of age and entered into the
possession of a fortune of eight thousand a year
Mr Trelawny for that was his name followed us to Tunbridge and
frequently danced with me afterwards Educated in obscurity and without
any prospect of the fortune to which he succeeded by a series of
improbable events this young man had suddenly emerged into life He
was tolerably handsome but had a heavy unmeaning countenance and was
quite unformed Several men of fashion however were kind enough to
undertake to initiate him into a good style of living and for every
thing that bore the name of fashion and ton he seemed to have a violent
attachment To that I owed his unfortunate prepossession in my
favourI was admired and followed by men whom he had been taught to
consider as the arbiters of elegance and supreme judges of beauty and
fashion but they could only admirethey could not afford to marry an
indigent woman of quality and they told Trelawny that they envied him
the power of pleasing himselfSo Trelawny was talked to about me till
he believed he was in love In this persuasion he procured a statement
of his fortune to be shewn to my father by one of his friends and made
an offer to lay it at my feet an offer which tho my father would have
been extremely glad to have me accept he answered by referring Mr
Trelawny to me
I suspected no such thing but with the thoughtless inattention of
sixteen remembered little of the fine things which were said to me by
Trelawny at the last ball While I was busied in inventing a new
_chapeau_ for the next at which I intended to do more than usual
execution my father introduced Mr Trelawny and left the room I
concluded he was come to engage me for the evening and felt disposed to
refuse him out of pure coquetry when with an infinite number of
blushes and after several efforts he made me in due form an offer of
his heart and fortune I had never thought of any thing so serious as
matrimony and indeed was but just out of the nursery where I had never
been told it was necessary to think at all I did not very well know
what to say to my admirer and after the first speech which I believe
he had learned by heart he knew almost as little what to say to me and
he was not sorry when I in a great fright referred him to my father
merely because I knew not myself what answer to give him Our
conversation ended and he went to find my father while I for the
first time in my life began to reflect on my prospects and to consider
whether I preferred marrying Mr Trelawny to living with Miss Jobson To
Miss Jobson I had a decided aversion for Mr Trelawny I felt neither
love or hatred My mind was not made up on the subject when my father
came to me he had seen Trelawny and expressed himself greatly pleased
with the prudence and propriety of my answer
My Adelina knows continued he that the happiness of my children is
the only wish I have on earth and I may tell her too that my
solicitude for her exceeds all my other caressolicitude which will be
at an end if I can see her in the protection of a man of honour and
fortune If therefore my love you really do not disapprove this young
man whose fortune is splendid and of whose character I have received
the most favourable accounts I shall have a weight removed from my
mind and enjoy all the tranquillity I can hope for on this side the
grave
You know how soon I am to marry Miss Jobson A motherinlaw is seldom
beloved I may die and leave you unprovided for for you know Adelina
the circumstances into which your grandfathers will has thrown me Our
dear Charles whenever he inherits my title will repossess the fortune
of my ancestors and will I am sure act generously by you and William
but such a dependance if not precarious is painful and by accepting
the proposal of Mr Trelawny all my apprehensions will be at an end
and my Adelina secure of that affluence to which her merit as well as
her birth entitles her But powerful as these considerations are let
them not influence you if you feel any reluctance to the match Were
they infinitely stronger I will never again name them if in doing so I
hazard persuading my daughter to a step which may render her for every
unhappy
Tho I was very far from feeling for Mr Trelawny that decided
preference which would in other circumstances have induced me to accept
his hand yet I found my father so desirous of my being settled that as
I had no aversion to the man I could not resolve to disappoint him
Perhaps the prospect of escaping from the power of my motherinlaw and
of being mistress of an affluent fortune instead of living in mortifying
dependance on her might have too much influence on my heart My father
however obtained without any difficulty my consent to close with Mr
Trelawnys proposals We all went to London where Lord Westhaven
married Miss Jobson and the settlements were preparing by which Mr
Trelawny secured to me a jointure as great as I could have expected if
my fortune had been equal to my rank
As the new Lady Westhaven was so soon to be relieved from the presence
of a daughter she did not love she behaved to me with tolerable
civility Occupied with her rank she seemed to have infinite delight in
displaying it to her city acquaintance Her Ladyship thought a coronet
so delightful an ornament that the meanest utensils in her house were
adorned with it and she wore it woven or worked on all her cloaths in
the vain hope perhaps of counteracting the repelling effect of an
hideous countenance a discordant voice and a manner more vulgar than
either I saw with concern that my father was not consoled by the
possession of her great fortune for the mortification of having given
the name and place of his adored Adelina to a woman so unlike her in
mind and person He was seldom well seldomer at home and seemed to
have no other delight than in hearing from his two sons and from his
eldest daughter and when we were alone he told me that to see me
married would also give him pleasure but he appeared I thought less
anxious for the match than when it was first proposed The preparations
however went on and in six weeks were compleated
In that interval I had seen Trelawny almost every day He always
seemed very good humoured and was certainly very thoughtless He loved
me or fancied he loved me extremely but I sometimes suspected that it
was rather in compliance with the taste of others than his own and that
a favourite hunter or a famous pointer were very likely to rival me My
father sometimes laughed at his boyish fondness for such things and the
importance he annexed to them and sometimes I thought he looked grave
and hurt at observing it
For my own part I saw his follies but none that I did not equally
perceive in the conduct of other young men Tho I had no absolute
partiality to him I was totally indifferent to every other man I
married him therefore and gave away my person before I knew I had an
heart
We went immediately into Cornwall to an old fashioned but magnificent
family seat where I was received by Mr Trelawnys sister a woman some
years older than he was and who had brought him up The coarse
conversation of this woman which consisted entirely in details of
family oeconomy and the stupidity of her husband and a booby son of
fourteen were but ill calculated to render my retirement pleasing
Having laughed and wondered once at the uncouth figures and obsolete
notions of Mr Trelawnys Cornish cousins who hastened in their best
cloaths to congratulate him from places whose barbarous names I could
not pronounceand having twice entertained the voters of two boroughs
which belonged to the family I had exhausted all the delights of
Cornwall and prevailed on him to return to a country where I could see
a few beings like myself
When I came back into the world I was surrounded by a croud of idle
people whose admiration flattered the vanity of Trelawny more than it
did mine for I became accustomed to adulation and it lost its charms
with its novelty Trelawny was continually with young men of fashion
who called themselves his friends and who besides doing him the
kindness to advise and instruct him in the disposal of his fortune
would have relieved him from the affections of his wife if he had ever
possessed them They made love to _me_ with as little scruple as they
borrowed money of _him_ and told me that neglect on the part of my
husband well deserved to be repaid with infidelity on mine but I felt
for these shallow libertines only disgust and contempt and received
their professions with so much coldness that they left me in search of
some other giddy creature who might not by illtimed prudery belie
the promise of early coquetry It was yet however very much the fashion
to admire me and my husband seemed still to take some delight in
hearing and reading in the daily papers that Lady Adelina Trelawny was
the most elegant figure at Court or that every beauty at the Opera was
eclipsed on _her_ entrance The eagerness and avidity with which I had
entered from the confinement of the nursery to a life of continual
dissipation was now considerably abated I continued it from habit and
because I knew not how to employ my time otherwise but I felt a dreary
vacuity in my heart and amid splendor and admiration was unhappy
The return of my elder brother from his first campaign in America was
the only real pleasure I had long felt He is perhaps one of the most
elegant and accomplished young men of his time but to be elegant and
accomplished is his least praiseHis solid understanding and his
excellent heart are an honour to his country and to human nature That
quick sense of honour and that strictness of principle which now make
my greatest terror give a peculiar lustre and dignity to his character
My father received him with that delight a father only can feel and saw
and gloried with all a fathers pride in a successor worthy of his
ancestors
My brother who had always loved me extremely tho we had been very
little together took up his abode at my house while he staid in
England Trelawny seemed to feel a sort of awe before him which made
him endeavour to hide his vices if not his weakness while he remained
with us He was more attentive to me than he had long been My brother
hoped I was happy and tho Trelawny was a man whose conversation
afforded him no pleasure he behaved to him with every appearance of
friendship and regard He was soon however to return to his regiment
and my father who had been in a declining state of health ever since
his second marriage appeared to grow worse as the period of separation
approached He seemed to have waited only for this beloved son to close
his eyes for a few days before he was again to take leave my father
found his end very rapidly approaching
Perfectly conscious of it he settled all his affairs and made a
provision for me and my brother William out of the money of the present
Lady Westhaven which the marriage articles gave him a right to dispose
of after her Ladyships death if he left no children by her and
recommended us both to his eldest son
You will act nobly by our dear William said he I have no doubt of
it but above all remember my poor Adelina Camilla is happily married
Tell her I die blessing her and her children But Adelinamy
unfortunate Adelina is herself but a child and her husband is very
young and thoughtless Watch over her honour and her repose for the
sake of your father and that dear woman she so much resembles your
sainted mother
I was in the room in an agony of sorrow He called me to him My
daughter said he in a feeble voice remember that the honour of your
familyof your brothersis in your handsand remember it is
sacredEndeavour to deserve the happiness of being sister to such
brothers and daughter to such a mother as yours was
I was unable to answer I could only kiss his convulsed hands which I
eagerly did as if to tell him that I promised all he expected of me My
own heart which then made the vow now perpetually reproaches me with
having kept it so ill
A few hours afterwards my father died My brother unable to announce
to me the melancholy tidings took my hand in silence and led me out of
the house which was now Lady Westhavens He had only a few days to
stay in England which he employed in paying the last mournful duties to
his father and then embarked again for America leaving his affairs to
be settled by my sisters husband Lord Clancarryl to whom he wrote to
come over from Ireland for my brother William was now stationed in the
West Indies where he obtained the command of a man of war and my
brother Westhaven knew that to leave any material business to Trelawny
was to leave it to ignorance and imbecility
In my husband I had neither a friend or a companionI had not even a
protector for except when he was under the restraint of my brothers
presence he was hardly ever at home Sometimes he was gone on tours to
distant counties to attend races or hunts to which he belonged and
sometimes to France where he was embarked in gaming associations with
Englishmen who lived only to disgrace their name Left to pass my life
as the wife of such a man as Trelawny I felt my brothers departure as
the deprivation of all I loved But the arrival of my sister and her
husband relieved me I had not seen them for some years and was
delighted to meet my sister happy with a man so worthy and respectable
as Lord Clancarryl
He took possession on behalf of my brother of the estate my aunt was
now obliged to resign and as my sister was impatient to return to
Ireland where she had left her children they pressed me extremely to
go thither with them Trelawny was gone out on one of his rambles but I
wrote to him and obtained his consentindeed he long since ceased to
trouble himself about me
I attended my sister therefore to Lough Carryl on the beautiful banks
of which her Lord had built an house which possessing as much
magnificence as was proper to their rank was yet contrived with an
attention to all the comforts of domestic retirement Here Lady
Clancarryl chose to reside the whole year and my Lord never left it but
to attend the business of Parliament at Dublin
His tender attention to his wife his ardent yet regulated fondness
for his children the peace and order which reigned in his house the
delightful and easy society he sometimes collected in it and the
chearful confidence we enjoyed in quiet family parties when without
company made me feel with bitterness and regret the difference between
my sisters lot and mine _Her_ husband made it the whole business of
his life to fulfill every duty of his rank _mine_ seemed only
solicitous to degrade himself below his One was improving his fortune
by well regulated oeconomy the other dissipating his among gamesters
and pickpockets The conversation of Lord Clancarryl was sensible
refined and improving Trelawnys consisted either in tiresome details
of adventures among jockies pedigrees of horses or scandalous and
silly anecdotes about persons of whom nobody wished to hear or he sunk
into sullen silence yawned and shewed how very little relish he had
for any other discourse
When I married him I knew not to what I had condemned myself As his
character gradually discovered itself my reason also encreased and
now when I had an opportunity of comparing him to such a man as Lord
Clancarryl I felt all the horrors of my destiny and beheld with a
dread from which my feeble heart recoiled a long long prospect of life
before mewithout attachment without friendship without love
I remained two months in Ireland and heard nothing of Trelawny till
a match having been made on the Curragh of Kildare on which he had a
large bet depending he came over to be present at it and I heard with
regret that I was to return with him While he remained in Ireland his
disgusting manners and continual intoxication extremely displeased
Lord Clancarryl and I lived in perpetual uneasiness A few days before
we were to embark for England George FitzEdward his Lordships
younger brother came from the north of Ireland where he had been with
his regiment to Lough Carryl but it was only a passing visit to his
familyhe was going to England and we were to sail in the same
pacquet
At the mention of George FitzEdward Lady Adelina grew more distressed
than she had yet been in the course of her narrative Mrs Stafford and
Emmeline testified signs of surprize She observed it and asked if they
knew him Mrs Stafford answered they had some acquaintance with him
and Emmeline remarked that she either never heard or had forgotten that
his fathers second title was Clancarryl
His very name seemed to affect Lady Adelina so much and she appeared so
exhausted by having spoken so long that tho she told them she had but
little to add to her mournful story they insisted upon her permitting
them to release her till the evening when they would attend her again
They found Lady Adelina in better spirits in the evening than they had
hoped forShe seemed to have been arguing herself into the composure
necessary to go on with her story
As you have some acquaintance with George FitzEdward I need not
describe his person or his manner nor how decided a contrast they must
form with those of such a man as him to whom I was unhappily united
This contrast in spite of all my endeavours was perpetually before my
eyesI thought FitzEdward who was agreeable as his brother had a
heart as good and _my_ heart involuntarily made the comparison between
what I was and what I might have been if my fate had reserved me for
FitzEdward
We embarkedIt was about the autumnal equinox and before we had
sailed two leagues the wind suddenly changing blew from the opposite
quarter and then from every quarter by turns As I was always subject
to sickness in the cabin I had lain down on the deck on a piece of
sailcloth and wrapped in my _pelisse_ and FitzEdward sat by me But
when the wind grew so violent that it was necessary every moment to
shift the sails I who was totally insensible was in the way of the
sailors FitzEdward carried me down in his arms and having often heard
me express an abhorrence to the close beds in the cabin by the help of
my own maid he accommodated me with one on the floor where he continued
to watch over me without attending to his own danger tho he heard the
master of the pacquet express his apprehensions that we should be driven
back on the bar and beat to pieces
Trelawny in whom selfpreservation was generally alive whatever
became of his other feelings had passed so jovial an evening before he
departed that he was perfectly unconscious of his own danger After
struggling some hours to return into the bay it was with difficulty
accomplished about five in the morning FitzEdward with the tenderest
solicitude saw me safe on shore whither Trelawny was also brought But
far from being rejoiced at our narrow escape he cursed his ill luck
which he said had raised this confounded storm only to prevent his
returning in time to see Clytemnestra got into proper order for the
October meeting
I was so ill the next day thro the fear and fatigue I had undergone
that I was absolutely unable to go on board But nothing that related to
me could detain Trelawny who embarked again as soon as the pacquet was
refitted and after some grumbling at my being too ill to go left me to
follow him by the next conveyance and recommended me with great
coolness to the care of FitzEdward
We staid only two days after him FitzEdward as well during the
passage as on our journey to London behaved to me with the tenderness
of a brother and I fancied my partiality concealed from him because I
tried to conceal it If he saw it he shewed no disposition to take
advantage of it and I therefore thought I might fearlessly indulge it
When I arrived at my house in town I found that Trelawny was absent
and had left a letter for me desiring me to go down to a house he had
not long before purchased in Hampshire as a hunting seat Without
enquiring his reasons I obeyed him I took a melancholy leave of
FitzEdward and went into Hampshire where as Trelawny was not there
I betook myself to my books and I fear to thinking too much of
FitzEdward
After I had been there about a fortnight I was surprized by a visit
from the object of my indiscreet contemplations He looked distressed
and unhappy and his first conversation seemed to be preparing me for
some ill news I was dreadfully alarmed and enquired eagerly for my
sisterher husbandher children
I hope and believe they are well answered he I have letters of a
very late date from my brother
Oh God cried I in an agony for his countenance still assured me
something very bad had happened Lord Westhavenmy brother my dear
brother
Is well too I hopeat least I assure you I know nothing to the
contrary
Is it news from Jamaica then Has there been an engagement There has
I know and my brother William is killed
No upon my honour replied FitzEdward had Godolphin been killed
I who love him better than any man breathing could not have brought
the intelligenceBut my dear Lady Adelina are there then no other
misfortunes but those which arise from the death of friends
None answered I but what I could very well bear Tell me
therefore I conjure you tell me and keep me no longer in suspenceI
can hear any thing since I have nothing to apprehend for the lives of
those I love
Well then answered he I will tell youI fear things are very bad
with Mr Trelawny It is said that all the estate not entailed is
already gone and that he has even sold his life interest in the rest
All his effects at the town house are seized and I am afraid the same
thing will in a few hours happen here I came therefore lovely Lady
Adelina to intreat you to put yourself under my protection and to quit
this house where it will soon be so improper for you to remain
I enquired after the unhappy Trelawny He told me he had left him
intoxicated at a gaming house in St Jamess street that he had told
him he was coming down to me to which he had consented tho
FitzEdward said he much doubted whether he knew what he was saying
FitzEdward then advised me to pack up every thing I wished to
preserve and immediately to depart for he feared that persons were
already on the road to seize the furniture and effects in execution
Gracious heaven cried I what can I doWhither can I go
Trust yourself with me cried FitzEdwarddear injured Lady
Adelina
Let me rather answered I go down to Trelawny Park
Alas said he the same ruin will there overtake you Be assured Mr
Trelawnys creditors will equally attach his property there You know
too that by the sale of his boroughs he has lost his seat in
parliament and that therefore his person will not be safe He must
himself go abroad
Doubting and uncertain what I ought to do I could determine on
nothing FitzEdward proposed my going to Mr Percivals who had
married one of his sisters They are at Bath said he but the house and
servants are at my disposal and it is only five and twenty miles from
hence Hardly knowing what I did I consented to this proposal and
taking my jewels and some valuable plate with me I set out in a post
chaise with FitzEdward leaving my maid to follow me the next day and
give me an account whether our fears were verified
They were but too well founded Four hours after I had left the house
the sheriffs officers entered itInformation which encreased my
uneasiness for the fate of the unfortunate Trelawny in hopes of
alleviating whose miseries I would myself have gone to London but
FitzEdward would not suffer me He said it was more than probable that
my husband was already in France that if he was yet in England he had
no house in which to receive me and would feel more embarrassed than
relieved by my presence But as I continued to express great uneasiness
to know what was become of him he offered to go to London and bring me
some certain intelligence
At the end of a week which appeared insupportably long he returned
and told me that with some difficulty he had discovered my unhappy
husband at the house of one of his friends where he was concealed and
where he had lost at picquet more than half the ready money he could
command That with some difficulty he had convinced him of the danger as
well as folly of remaining in such a place and had accompanied him to
Dover whence he had seen him sail for France
I told FitzEdward that I would instantly give up as much of my
settlement as would enable Trelawny to live in affluence till his
affairs could be arranged but he protested that he would not suffer me
to take any measure of that sort till I had the advice of _his_
brother or till one of my own returned to England
Do you know said he at the end of this conversationDo you know
Lady Adelina that I envy Trelawny his misfortunes since they excite
such generous pityGood God of what tenderness of what affection
would not such a heart be capable if
FitzEdward had seldom hazarded an observation of this sort tho his
eyes had told me a thousand times that he internally made them He could
convey into half a sentence more than others could express by the most
elaborate speeches Alas I listened to him with too much pleasure for
my treacherous heart had already said more than his insidious eloquence
I wrote to Lord Clancarryl entreating him to come over He assured me
he would do so the moment he could leave my sister who was very near
her time but that in the interim his brother George would obey all my
commands and render me every service he could himself do if present
Thrown therefore wholly into the power of FitzEdward loving him but
too well and seeing him every hour busied in serving meI will not
accuse him of art I had myself too little to hide from him the fatal
secret of my heart I could not summon resolution to fly from him till
my error was irretrievabletill I found myself made compleatly
miserable by the consciousness of guilt
After remaining there about a fortnight I left the house of Mr
Percival and took a small lodging in the neighbourhood of
Cavendishsquare FitzEdward saw me every dayI met him indeed with
tears and confusion but if any accident prevented his coming or if he
even absented himself at my own request the anguish I felt till I again
saw him convinced me that it was no longer in my power to live without
him
Trelawny had given me no directions for my conduct nor had he even
written to me till he had occasion for money He then desired me to
send him five hundred guineasa sum I had no immediate means of
raising but by selling some of my jewels This I would immediately have
done but FitzEdward who would not hear of it brought me the money in
a few hours and undertook to remit it together with a letter from me
to the unfortunate man for whom it was designed
He tried tooah how vainlyto persuade me that in acting thus I
had done more than my duty to such an husband His sophistry aided by
my own wishes to believe him could not quiet the incessant reproaches
with which my conscience pursued meI remembered my fathers dying
injunctions I remembered the inflexible notions of honour inherited by
both my brothers and I trembled at the severe account to which I might
be called I could now no longer flatter myself that my error would be
concealed since of its consequences I could not doubt and while I
suffered all the terrors of remorse and apprehension Lord Clancarryl
came over
In order to take measures towards settling Trelawnys affairs it was
necessary to send for his sister who had a bond for five thousand
pounds which claim was prior to every other This woman whom it was
extremely disagreeable to me to meet lamented with vulgar clamour her
brothers misfortunes which she said could never have happened if he
had not been so unlucky as to get quality notions into his head I know
not what at first raised her suspicions but I saw that she very
narrowly observed FitzEdward and sneeringly said that it was _very
lucky_ indeed for me to have such a friend and _quite kind_ in the
colonel to take so much trouble She made herself thoroughly acquainted
with all that related to her brother from the time of our parting in
Ireland and I found that she had attempted to bribe my servant to give
her an account of my conduct in which tho she had failed of success
she had found that FitzEdward had been constantly with me His
attendance was indeed less remarkable when Lord Clancarryl his brother
was also present but Mrs Bancraft determined to believe ill of me
suffered not this circumstance to have any weight and hinted her
suspicions of our attachment in terms so little guarded that it was
with the utmost difficulty I could prevail on FitzEdward not to resent
her impertinence
Lord Clancarryl despised this vulgar and disgusting woman too much to
attend to the inuendos he heard and far from suspecting my unhappy
weakness he continued to lay me under new obligations to FitzEdward by
employing him almost incessantly in the arrangement of Trelawnys
affairs
On looking over the will of that relation who had bequeathed to Mr
Trelawny the great fortune he had possessed I discovered the reason of
Mrs Bancrafts attentive curiosity in regard to meif he died without
heirs above six thousand a year was to descend to her son who was to
take the name He had been now married above two years and his bloated
and unhealthy appearance the effect of excessive drinking indicated
short life and had made her for some time look forward to the
succession of the entailed estate as an event almost certain for her
son This sufficiently explained her conduct and encreased all my
apprehensions for I found that avarice would stimulate malice into that
continued watchfulness which I could not now undergo without the loss of
my fame and my peace
All things being settled by Lord Clancarryl in the best manner he could
dispose them for Mr Trelawny his Lordship pressed me to go with him to
Ireland but conscious that I should carry only disgrace and sorrow into
the happy and respectable family of my sister I refused under pretence
of waiting to hear again from Trelawny before I took any resolution as
to my future residence
His Lordship therefore left me having obtained my promise to go over
to Lough Carryl in the spring FitzEdward continued to see me almost
every day attempting by the tenderest assiduity to soothe and
tranquillize my mind But time which alleviates all other evils only
encreased mine and they were now become almost insupportable After
long deliberation I saw no way to escape the disgrace which was about
to overwhelm me but hiding myself from my own family and from all the
world I determined to keep my retreat secret even from FitzEdward
himself and to punish myself for my fatal attachment by tearing myself
for ever from its object Could I have supported the contempt of the
world to which it was evidently the interest of Mrs Bancraft to expose
me I could not bear the most distant idea of the danger to which the
life of FitzEdward would be liable from the resentment of my brothers
That he might perish by the hand of Lord Westhaven or Captain Godolphin
or that one of those dear brothers might fall by his was a suggestion
so horrid and yet so probable that it was for ever before me and I
hastened to fly into obscurity in the hope that if my error is
concealed till I am myself in the grave my brothers may forgive me and
not attempt to wash out the offence in the blood of the surviving
offender
To remain and to die here unknown is all I now dare to wish for My
servant having formerly known the woman who inhabits this cottage
contrived to have a few necessaries sent hither without observation I
have made it worth the while of the people to be secret and as they
know not my name I had little apprehension of being discovered
I took no leave of FitzEdward nor have I written to him since I
lament the pain my sudden absence must give him but am determined to
see him no more Should my child live
Lady Adelina was now altogether unable to proceed and fell into an
agony of distress which greatly affected her auditors Mrs Stafford and
Emmeline said every thing they could think of to console her and soften
the horror she seemed to feel for her unhappy indiscretion But she
listened in listless despondence to their discourse and answered that
to be reconciled to guilt and habituated to disgrace was to be sunk in
the last abyss of infamy
They left her not however till they saw her rather more tranquil and
till Mrs Stafford had prevailed upon her to accept of some books which
she hoped might amuse her mind and detach it awhile from the sad
subject of its mournful contemplations These she promised to convey to
the cottage in a way that could create no suspicion And relieved of her
own apprehensions yet full of concern for the fair unhappy mourner to
whom neither she or Emmeline had given the least intimation of
FitzEdwards frequent residence in that country they returned to
Woodfield impressed with the most earnest solicitude to soften the
calamities they had just heard related tho to cure them was
impossible
END OF THE SECOND VOLUME
VOLUME III
Whenever Mrs Stafford and Emmeline were afterwards alone they could
think and speak of nothing but Lady Adelina The misfortunes in which an
unhappy marriage had involved her her friendless youth her lovely
figure the settled sorrow and deep regret that she seemed to feel for
the error into which her too great sensibility of heart had betrayed
her engaged their tenderest pity and made them both anxious to give
her all the consolation and assistance she was now capable of receiving
When they considered the uncertainty of her remaining long concealed
where she was and the probability that FitzEdward himself might
discover her they saw the necessity of her removal from Woodbury
Forest But it was a proposal they could not yet makenor had they yet
recollected any place where she might be more secure
Emmeline who felt herself particularly interested by her misfortunes
and who was more pleased with her conversation the oftener she conversed
with her seldom failed of seeing her every day but Mrs Stafford more
apprehensive of observation could not so frequently visit her and the
precaution of both redoubled when Mrs Ashwood Miss Galton and the
two Miss Ashwoods arrived at Woodfield where they declared an
intention of staying the months of June and July
Thither also soon after came the younger Mr Crofts who had made an
acquaintance with Mr Stafford in London with the hope of obtaining an
invitation which he eagerly accepted
Sir Richard Crofts in the ambition of making a family had determined
to give every advantage to his eldest son which might authorise him to
look up to those alliances that would he hoped make his own obscurity
forgotten From the first dawn of his fortune he had considered Mr
Crofts as its general heir and had very plainly told his younger son
that a place under government which he had procured for him of about
three hundred a year must be his only dependance till he should
possess two thousand pounds all the provision he intended making for
him at his deathas he meant not to diminish by a more equal division
the patrimony of his brother He recommended to him therefore to remedy
this deficiency of fortune by looking out for an affluent wife
Nature had not eminently qualified him for success in such a project
for his person was short thick and ill made and his face composed of
large broad features two dim grey eyes and a complexion of a dull
sallow white A vain attempt to look like a gentleman served only to
render the meanness of his figure more remarkable and the qualities of
his heart and understanding were but little calculated to make his
personal imperfections forgotten His heart was selfish narrow
unfeeling and at once mean and proud his understanding beneath
mediocrity and his conversation consisted of quaint scraps of something
that he supposed was wit or at least very like it And even such
attempts to be entertaining poor as they were he retailed from the
office where he passed the greatest part of his time and for a
subaltern employment in which his education had been barely such as
fitted him But ignorant as he was and devoid of every estimable
accomplishment he had an infinite deal of that inferior kind of policy
called cunning and being accustomed to consider his establishment as
depending wholly on himself he had acquired a habit of sacrificing
every sentiment and every passion to that one purpose and would adopt
the opinions and submit to the caprices of others whenever he thought
they could promote it He had learned the obsequious attention the
indefatigable industry the humble adulation which is necessary for the
under departments of political business and while such acquisitions
gave him hopes of rising in that line they failed not to contribute to
his success in another He would walk from the extremity of Westminster
to Wapping to smuggle a set of china or of quadrille boxes for the
mother or aunt of an heiress and would with great temper suffer the
old ladies to take advantage of him at cards while he ogled the young
ones Which together with his being always ready to perform for them
petty services and to flatter them without scruple had obtained for
him the character of one of the best creatures breathing But
whatever favour these various recommendations obtained for him for a
time from the elderly ladies he lost his ground when his views were
discovered and tho he had received what he fancied encouragement from
two or three young women of fortune on their first emerging from the
nursery yet they had no sooner acquired an handsomer or richer lover
than the best creature breathing was discarded
He was not however discouraged and meeting with Mrs Ashwood at a rout
at Lady Montrevilles he was told by Miss Delamere who was extremely
diverted with her airs of elegance that she was a rich widow who wanted
a husband He enquired into the circumstances of her fortune and being
assured she possessed such an income as would make him easy he thought
some little advantage she had over him in point of age no diminution of
her attractions and found it convenient to fall immediately in love
She listened to him with complaisance and soon discovered that he was
not so plain as at first he appeared to besoon afterwards that he
was rather handsome and vastly sensible and agreeable After which he
made a rapid progress in her heart and it was concerted between them
that he should follow her to Woodfield
Emmeline and Mrs Stafford were wearied to death with the party But the
former forbore to complain and the latter was forced to submit and to
smile while anguish was frequently at her heart
Mrs Ashwood talked of nothing but fashionable parties and fashionable
people to whom her acquaintance with Lord Montrevilles family had
introduced her and she now seldom deigned to name an untitled
acquaintancewhile Crofts hung on her long narratives with affected
admiration and the two elder of her three daughters who were all in
training to be beauties aped their mother in vanity and impertinence
The eldest Miss Ashwood now about fourteen was an insupportable
torment to Emmeline as she had taken it into her head to form with
her a sentimental friendship She had learned all the cant of sentiment
from novels and her mamas lovers had extremely edified her in teaching
her to express it She talked perpetually of delicate embarrassments and
exquisite sensibilities and had probably a lover as she extremely
wanted a confidant a post which Emmeline with some difficulty
declinedOf the sweet novels she had read she just understood as
much as made her long to become the heroine of such an history herself
and she wanted somebody to listen to her hopes of being so But Emmeline
shrunk from her advances and repaid her fondness with general and cool
civility tho Mrs Ashwood who loved rather to listen to Crofts than
to attend to her daughters continually promoted the intimacy in hopes
that she would take them off her own hands and allow them to be the
companions of her walks
This Emmeline was obliged studiously to evade as such companions would
entirely have prevented her seeing Lady Adelina and by repeated excuses
she not only irritated the curiosity of Mrs Ashwood and Miss Galton
but gave the former an additional cause of dislike to that which she had
already conceived inasmuch as she was younger handsomer and more
admired than herself
Emmeline received frequent letters from Delamere as warm and passionate
as his personal professions He told her that as his mothers health
was greatly amended he intended soon to visit those parts of France
with which he was yet unacquainted and should pass some time in the
Northern Provinces from whence he entreated her to allow him to come
only for a few days to England to see heran indulgence which he said
would enable him to bear with more tranquillity the remaining months of
his exile
Tho now accustomed to consider him as her husband Emmeline resolutely
refused to consent to this breach of his engagement to his father She
had lately seen in her friends Mrs Stafford and Lady Adelina two
melancholy instances of the frequent unhappiness of very early
marriages and she had no inclination to hazard her own happiness in
hopes of proving an exception She wished therefore rather to delay
her union with Delamere two or three years but to him she never dared
hint at such a delay A clandestine interview it was however in her
power to decline and she answered his request by entreating him not to
think of such a journey and represented to him that he could not expect
Lord Montreville would finally adhere to _his_ promises if he himself
was careless of fulfilling the conditions on which his Lordship had
insisted Having thus as she supposed prevented Delamere from
offending his father and without any immediate uneasiness on her own
account she gave up her mind to the solicitude she could not help
feeling for Lady Adelina This occupied almost all her time when she
was alone and gave her when in company an air of absence and reserve
Tho Mrs Ashwood so much encouraged the attention of James Crofts she
had not forgotten FitzEdward whom she had vainly sought at Lady
Montrevilles in hopes of renewing an acquaintance which had in its
commencement offered her so much satisfaction FitzEdward had been
amused with her absurdity at the moment but had never thought of her
afterwards nor would he then have bestowed so much time on a woman to
him entirely indifferent had not he been thrown in her way by his
desire to befriend Delamere with Emmeline on one of those days when
Lady Adelina insisted on his leaving her to avoid the appearance of his
passing with her all his time Happy in successful love his gaiety then
knew no bounds and his agreeable flattery his lively conversation his
fashionable manners and his handsome person had not since been absent
from the memory of Mrs Ashwood His being sometimes at the house he had
borrowed of Delamere near Woodfield was one of the principal
inducements to her to go thither She indulged sanguine hopes of
securing such a conquest and evaded giving to Crofts a positive answer
till she had made another essay on the heart of the Colonel
He came however so seldom to Woodfield that Mrs Stafford had seen
him there only once since her meeting Lady Adelina and then he appeared
to be under encreased dejection for which she knew now how to account
Emmeline had given Mrs Stafford so indifferent an account of Lady
Adelina one evening that she determined the next morning to see her
She therefore went immediately after breakfast on pretence of visiting
a poor family who had applied to her for assistance when as Mrs
Ashwood Miss Galton and Emmeline were sitting together Colonel
FitzEdward was announced
He came down to Tylehurst only the evening before and not knowing there
was company at Woodfield rode over to pass an hour with the two
friends to whom he had frequently been tempted to communicate the
source of his melancholy
Whether it was owing to the consciousness of Lady Adelinas mournful
story that arose in the mind of Emmeline or whether seeing FitzEdward
again in company with Mrs Ashwood renewed the memory of what had
befallen her when they last met she blushed deeply the moment she
beheld him and arose from her chair in confusion then sat down and
took out her work which she had hastily put up and trying to recover
herself grew still more confused and trembled and blushed again
Mrs Ashwood was in the mean time overwhelming FitzEdward with
compliments and kind looks which he answered with the distant civility
of a slight acquaintance and taking a chair close to Emmeline enquired
if she was not well
She answered that she was perfectly well and attempted to introduce
general conversation But FitzEdward was attentive only to her and
Mrs Ashwood extremely piqued at his distant manner meditated an
excuse to get Emmeline out of the room in hopes of obtaining more
notice
FitzEdward however having talked apart with Miss Mowbray a short
time arose and took leave having by his manner convinced Mrs Ashwood
of what she reluctantly believed that some later attachment had
obliterated the impression she had made at their first interview
I never saw such a figure in my life cried she as Mr FitzEdward
Mercy on mehe is grown _so_ thin and _so_ sallow
And _so_ stupidinterrupted Miss Galton He is in love I fancy
Emmeline blushed again and Mrs Ashwood casting a malicious look at
her saidOh yeshe doubtless is in love To men of his gay turn you
know it makes no difference whether a person be actually married or
_engaged_
Emmeline uncertain of the meaning of this sarcasm and unwilling to be
provoked to make a tart reply which she felt herself ready to do put
up her work and left the room
While she went in search of Mrs Stafford to enquire after Lady
Adelina and to relate the conversation that had passed between her and
FitzEdward Mrs Ashwood and Miss Galton were indulging their natural
malignity Tho well apprized of Emmelines engagement to Delamere yet
they hesitated not to impute her confusion and FitzEdwards behaviour
to a passion between them They believed that while her elopement with
Delamere had beyond retreat entangled her with him and while his
fortune and future title tempted her to marry him her heart was in
possession of FitzEdward and that Delamere was the dupe of his
mistress and his friend
This idea which could not have occurred to a woman who was not herself
capable of all the perfidy it implied grew immediately familiar with
the imagination of Mrs Ashwood and embittered the sense of her own
disappointment
Miss Galton who hated Emmeline more if possible than Mrs Ashwood
irritated her suspicions by remarks of her own She observed that it
was very extraordinary Miss Mowbray should walk out so early in a
morning and so studiously avoid taking any body with herand that
unless she had appointments to which she desired no witness it was very
singular she should chuse to ramble about by herself
From these observations and her evident confusion on seeing him they
concluded that she had daily assignations with FitzEdward They agreed
that it would be no more than common justice to inform Mr Delamere of
their discovery and this they determined to do as soon as they had
certain proofs to produce with which they concluded a very little
trouble and attention would furnish them
James Crofts whose success was now indisputable since of the handsome
Colonel there were no hopes was let into the secret of their
suspicions and readily undertook to assist in detecting the intrigue
for which he assured them he had particular talents While therefore
Mrs Ashwood Miss Galton and James Crofts were preparing to undermine
the peace and character of the innocent ingenuous Emmeline she and
Mrs Stafford were meditating how to be useful to the unhappy Lady
Adelina They became every day more interested and more apprehensive for
the fate of that devoted young woman whose health seemed to be such as
made it very improbable she should survive the birth of her child Her
spirits too were so depressed that they could not prevail on her to
think of her own safety or to allow them to make any overtures to her
family but in calm and hopeless languor she seemed resigned to the
horrors of her destiny and determined to die unlamented and unknown
Her elder brother Lord Westhaven had returned from abroad almost
immediately after her concealment His enquiries on his first arrival in
England had only informed him of the embarrassment of Trelawnys
affairs and the inconvenience to which his sister had consequently been
exposed and that after staying some time in England to settle things
as well as she could she had disappeared and every body believed was
gone to her husband His Lordships acquaintance and marriage with
Augusta Delamere almost immediately succeeded but while it was
depending he was astonished to hear from Lord and Lady Clancarryl that
Lady Adelina had never written to them before her departure He went in
search of FitzEdward but could never meet him at home or obtain from
his servants any direction where to find him FitzEdward indeed
purposely avoided him and had left no address at his lodgings in town
or at Tylehurst
Lord Westhaven then wrote to Trelawny but obtained no answer and
growing daily more alarmed at the uncertainty he was in about Lady
Adelina he determined to go as soon as he was married to Switzerland
being persuaded that tho some accident had prevented his receiving her
letters she had found an asylum there amongst his mothers relations
FitzEdward with anxiety even more poignant had sought her with as
little success After the morning when she discharged her lodgings and
left them in an hackney coach with her maid he could never with all
his unwearied researches discover any traces of her
He knew she was not gone to Trelawny and dreading every thing from her
determined sorrow he passed his whole time between painful and
fruitless conjectures and the tormenting apprehension of hearing of
some fatal event Incessantly reproaching himself for being the betrayer
of his trust and the ruin of a lovely and amiable woman he gave
himself up to regret and despondence The gay FitzEdward so lately the
envy and admiration of the fashionable world was lost to society his
friends and himself
He passed much of his time at Tylehurst because he could there indulge
without interruption his melancholy reflections and only saw Mrs
Stafford and Emmeline in whose soft and sensible conversation he found
a transient alleviation of his sorrowsorrow which now grew too severe
to be longer concealed and which he resolved to take the earliest
opportunity of acknowledging in hopes of engaging the pity of his fair
friendsperhaps their assistance in discovering the unhappy fugitive
who caused it
From Lady Adelina they had most carefully concealed that his residence
was so near the obscure abode she had chosen Fatal as he had been to
her peace and conscientiously as she had abstained from naming him
after their first conversation they knew that she still fondly loved
him and that her fears for his safety had assisted her sense of
rectitude when she determined to tear herself from him But were she
again to meet him they feared she would either relapse into her former
fatal affection or conquer it by an effort which in her precarious
state of health might prove immediately fatal
The request which FitzEdward had made to Emmeline that he might be
allowed to see her and Mrs Stafford together without any other person
being present they both wished to evade dreading least they should by
their countenances betray the knowledge they had of his unhappy story
and the interest they took in its catastrophe
They hoped therefore to escape hearing his confession till Lady
Adelina should be removedand to remove her became indispensibly
necessary as Emmeline was convinced she was watched in her visits to
the cottage
Twice she had met James Crofts within half a quarter of a mile of the
cottage and at another time discovered just as she was about to enter
it that the Miss Ashwoods had followed her almost to the door which
she therefore forbore to enter These circumstances made both her and
Mrs Stafford solicitous to have Lady Adelina placed in greater
security and added to Emmelines uneasiness for her was the
unpleasant situation in which she found herself
Observed with malicious vigilance by Mrs Ashwood James Crofts Miss
Galton and the two Misses she felt as awkward as if she really had
some secret of her own to hide and with all the purity and even heroism
of virtue learned the uneasy sensation which ever attends mystery and
concealment The hours which used to pass tranquilly and rationally with
Mrs Stafford were now dedicated to people whose conversation made her
no amends and if she retired to her own room it failed not to excite
sneers and suspicions She saw Mrs Stafford struggling with dejection
which she had no power to dissipate or relieve and obliged to enter
into frequent parties of what is called pleasure tho to her it gave
only fatigue and disgust to gratify Mrs Ashwood who hated all society
but a crowd James Crofts indeed helped to keep her in good humour by
his excessive adulation and chiefly by assuring her that by any man of
the least taste the baby face of Emmeline could be considered only as a
foil to her more mature charms and that her fine dark eyes eclipsed all
the eyes in the world He protested too against Emmeline for affecting
knowledgeIt is said he a maxim of my fathersand my father is
no bad judgethat for a woman to affect literature is the most horrid
of all absurdities and for a woman to know any thing of business is
detestable
Mrs Ashwood laid by her dictionary determined for the future to spell
her own way without it
Besides the powerful intervention of flattery James Crofts had another
not less successful method of winning the ladys favour He told her
that his brother who had long cherished a passion in which he was at
length likely to be disappointed was in that case determined never to
marry that he was in an ill state of health and if he died without
posterity the estate and title of his father would descend to himself
The elder Crofts very desirous of seeing a brother established who
might otherwise be burthensome or inconvenient to him suggested this
finesse and secured its belief by writing frequent and melancholy
accounts of his own ill healthan artifice by which he promoted at once
his brothers views and his own He affected the valetudinarian so
happily and complained so much of the ill effect that constant
application to business had on his constitution that nobody doubted of
the reality of his sickness He took care that Miss Delamere should
receive an account of it which he knew she would consider as the
consequence of his despairing love and when he had interested her
vanity and of course her compassion he contrived to obtain leave of
absence for three months from the duties of his office in order to go
abroad for the recovery of his health He hastened to Barege and soon
found means to reestablish himself in the favour of Miss Delamere from
which absence and large draughts of flattery dispensed with French
adroitness had a little displaced him This stratagem put his brother
James on so fair a footing with the widow that he thought her fortune
would be secured before she could discover it to be only a stratagem
and that her lover was still likely to continue a younger brother
James Crofts seeing the necessity of dispatch became so importunate
that Mrs Ashwood despairing of FitzEdward and believing she might
not again meet with a man so near a title for which she had a violent
inclination was prevailed on to promise she would make him happy as
soon as she returned to her own house
It was now the end of June and Lady Adelina whose situation grew very
critical had at length yielded to the entreaties of her two friends
and agreed to go wherever they thought she could obtain assistance and
concealment in the approaching hour
Mrs Stafford and Emmeline after long and frequent reflections and
consultations on the subject concluded that no situation would be so
proper as Bath In a place resorted to by all sorts of people less
enquiry is excited than in a provincial town where strangers are
objects of curiosity to its idle inhabitants To Bath therefore it
was determined Lady Adelina should go But when the time of her journey
and her arrangements there came to be discussed she expressed so much
terror least she should be known so much anguish at leaving those to
whose tender pity she was so greatly indebted and such melancholy
conviction that she should not survive that the sensible heart of
Emmeline could not behold without sharing her agonies nor was Mrs
Stafford less affected When they returned home after this interview
Emmeline was pursued by the image of the poor unhappy Adelina But to
give to the wretched only barren sympathy was not in her nature
where more effectual relief was in her power She thought that if by
her presence she could alleviate the anguish and soothe the sorrows of
the fair mourner perhaps save her character and her life and be the
means of restoring her to her family she should perform an action
gratifying to her own heart and acceptable to heaven The more she
reflected on it the more anxious she became to execute itand she at
length named it to Mrs Stafford
Mrs Stafford tho aware of the numberless objections which might have
been made to such a plan could not resolve strenuously to oppose it
She felt infinite compassion for Lady Adelina but could herself do
little to assist her as her time was not her own and her absence must
have been accounted for but Emmeline was liable to no restraint and
would not only be meritoriously employed in befriending the unhappy but
would escape from the society at Woodfield which became every day more
disagreeable to her These considerations particularly the benevolent
one of saving an unhappy young woman overbalanced in the mind of Mrs
Stafford the objection that might be made to her accompanying a person
under the unfortunate and discreditable circumstances of Lady Adelina
and her heart too expansive to be closed by the cold hand of prudery
against the sighs of weakness or misfortune assured her that she was
right She knew that Emmeline was of a character to pity but not to
imitate the erroneous conduct of her friend and she believed that the
reputation of Lady Adelina Trelawny might be rescued from reproach
without communicating any part of its blemish to the spotless purity of
Emmeline Mowbray
As soon as Emmeline had persuaded herself of the propriety of this plan
and obtained Mrs Staffords concurrence she hinted her intentions to
Lady Adelina who received the intimation with such transports of
gratitude and delight that Emmeline confirmed in her resolution no
longer suffered a doubt of its propriety to arise and with the
participation of Mrs Stafford only prepared for her journey which was
to take place in ten days
Mrs Stafford also employed a person on whom she could rely to receive
the money due to Lady Adelina from her husbands estate But of this her
Ladyship demanded only half leaving the rest for Trelawny The attorney
in whose hands Trelawnys affairs were placed by Lord Westhaven was
extremely anxious to discover from the person employed by Mrs
Stafford from whence he obtained the order signed by Lady Adelina and
obliged him to attend several days before he would pay it in hopes by
persuasions or artful questions to draw the secret from him He met at
the attorneys chambers an officer who had made of him the same
enquiry and had followed him home and since frequently importuned
himintelligence which convinced Mrs Stafford that Lady Adelina must
soon be discovered as they concluded the officer was FitzEdward and
made both her and Emmeline hasten the day of her departure
About a quarter of a mile from Woodfield and at the extremity of the
lawn which surrounded it was a copse in which the accumulated waters of
a trout stream formed a beautiful tho not extensive piece of water
shaded on every side by a natural wood Mrs Stafford who had
particular pleasure in the place had planted flowering shrubs and
caused walks to be cut through it and on the edge of the water built a
seat of reeds and thatch which was furnished with a table and a few
garden chairs Thither Emmeline repaired whenever she could disengage
herself from company Solitude was to her always a luxury and
particularly desirable now when her anxiety for Lady Adelina and
preparations for their approaching departure made her wish to avoid the
malicious observations of Mrs Ashwood the forward intrusion of her
daughters and the inquisitive civilities of James Crofts She had now
only one day to remain at Woodfield before that fixed for their setting
out and being altogether unwilling to encounter the fatigue of such an
engagement so immediately previous to her journey she declined being of
the party to dine at the house of a neighbouring gentleman who on the
occasion of his sons coming of age was to give a ball and _fête
champêtre_ to a very large company
Mrs Ashwood seeing Emmeline averse took it into her head to press her
extremely to go with them and finding she still refused saidit was
monstrous rude and that she was sure no young person would decline
partaking such an entertainment if she had not some _very particular_
reason
Emmeline teized and provoked out of her usual calmness answeredThat
whatever might be her reasons she was fortunately accountable to nobody
for them
Mrs Ashwood provoked in her turn made some very rude replies which
Emmeline not to irritate her farther left the room without answering
and as soon as the carriages drove from the door she dined alone and
then desiring one of the servants to carry her harp into the
summerhouse in the copse she walked thither with her music books and
soon lost the little chagrin which Mrs Ashwoods illbreeding had given
her
FitzEdward who arrived in the country the preceding evening after
another fruitless search for Lady Adelina walked over to Woodfield in
hopes as it was early in the afternoon that he might obtain in the
course of it some conversation with Mrs Stafford and Emmeline On
arriving he met the servant who had attended Emmeline to the copse and
was by him directed thither As he approached the seat he heard her
singing a plaintive air which seemed in unison with his heart She
started at the sight of himMrs Ashwoods suspicions immediately
occurred to her and at the same moment the real motive which had made
him seek this interview She blushed and looked uneasy but the
innocence and integrity of her heart presently restored her composure
and when FitzEdward asked if she would allow him half an hour of her
time she answeredcertainly
He sat down by her dejectedly and in silence She was about to put
aside her harp but he desired her to repeat the air she was singing
It is sweetly soothing said he and reminds me of happier days when
I first heard it while you sing it I may perhaps acquire resolution to
tell you what may oblige you to discard me from your acquaintance It
does indeed require resolution to hazard such a misfortune
Emmeline not knowing how to answer immediately began the air The
thoughts which agitated her bosom while she sung made her voice yet
more tender and pathetic She saw the eyes of FitzEdward fill with
tears and as soon as she ceased he said
Tell me Miss Mowbraywhat does the man deserve who being entrusted
with the confidence of a young and beautiful womanbeautiful even as
Emmeline herself and as highly accomplishedhas betrayed the sacred
trust and has been the occasionoh Godof what misery may I not have
been the occasion
Pardon me continued heI am afraid my despair frightens youI will
endeavour to command myself
Emmeline found she could not escape hearing the story and endeavoured
not to betray by her countenance that she already knew it
FitzEdward went on
When first I knew you I was a decided libertine Yourself and Mrs
Stafford lovely as I thought you both would have been equally the
object of my designs if Delameres passion for you and the reserved
conduct of Mrs Stafford had not made me doubt succeeding with either
But for your charming friend my heart long retained its partiality nor
would it ever have felt for her that pure and disinterested friendship
which is now in regard to her its only sentiment had not the object of
my present regret and anguish been thrown in my way
To you Miss Mowbray I scruple not to speak of this beloved and
lamented woman tho her name is sacred with me and has never yet been
mentioned united with dishonour
The connection between our families first introduced me to her
acquaintance In her person she was exquisitely lovely and her manners
were as enchanting as her form The sprightly gaiety of unsuspecting
inexperience was I thought sometimes checked by an involuntary
sentiment of regret at the sacrifice she had made by marrying a man
every way unworthy of her except by that fortune to which she was
indifferent and of which he was hastening to divest himself
I had never seen Mr Trelawny and knew him for some time only from
report But when he came to Lough Carryl my pity for her encreased in
proportion to the envy and indignation with which I beheld the
insensible and intemperate husbandincapable of feeling for her any
other sentiment than what she might equally have inspired in the lowest
of mankind
Her unaffected simplicity her gentle confidence in my protection
during a voyage in which her illassorted mate left her entirely to my
care made me rather consider her as my sister than as an object of
seduction I resolved to be the guardian rather than the betrayer of her
honourand I long kept my resolution
FitzEdward then proceeded to relate the circumstances that attended the
ruin of Trelawnys fortune and that Lady Adelina was left to struggle
with innumerable difficulties unassisted but by himself to whom Lord
Clancarryl had delegated the task of treating with Trelawnys sister and
creditors
Her gratitude continued he for the little assistance I was able to
give her was boundless and as pity had already taught me to love her
with more ardour than her beauty only captivating as it is would have
inspired gratitude led her too easily into tender sentiments for me I
am not a presuming coxcomb but she was infinitely too artless to
conceal her partiality and neither her misfortunes or her being the
sister of my friend Godolphin protected her against the libertinism of
my principles
He went on to relate the deep melancholy that seized Lady Adelina and
his own terror and remorse when he found her one morning gone from her
lodgings where she had left no direction and from her proceeding it
was evident she designed to conceal herself from his enquiries
God knows pursued he what is now become of herperhaps when most
in need of tenderness and attention she is thrown destitute and
friendless among strangers and will perish in indigence and obscurity
Unused to encounter the slightest hardship her delicate frame and
still more sensible mind will sink under those to which her situation
will expose herperhaps I shall be doubly a murderer
He stopped from inability to proceedEmmeline in tears continued
silent
Struggling to conquer his emotion and recover his voice FitzEdward at
length continued
While I was suffering all the misery which my apprehension for her fate
inflicted her younger brother William Godolphin returned from the
West Indies where he has been three years stationed I was the first
person he visited in town but I was not at my lodgings there Before I
returned from Tylehurst he had informed himself of all the
circumstances of Trelawnys embarrassments and his sisters absence He
found letters from Lord Westhaven and from my brother Lord Clancarryl
who knowing he would about that time return to England conjured him to
assist in the attempt of discovering Lady Adelina of whose motives for
concealing herself from her family they were entirely ignorant while it
filled them with uneasiness and astonishment As soon as I went back to
London Godolphin of whose arrival I was ignorant came to me He
embraced me and thanked me for my friendship and attention to his
unfortunate AdelinaI think if he had held his sword to my heart it
would have hurt me less
He implored me to help his search after his lost sister and again said
how greatly he was obliged to mewhile I conscious how little I
deserved his gratitude felt like a coward and an assassin and shrunk
from the manly confidence of my friend
Since our first meeting I have seen him several times and ever with
new anguish I have loved Godolphin from my earliest remembrance and
have known him from a boy to have the best heart and the noblest spirit
under heaven Equally incapable of deserving or bearing dishonour
Godolphin will behold me with contempt which tho I deserve I cannot
endure He must call me to an account and the hope of perishing by his
hand is the only one I now cherish Yet unable to shock him by divulging
the fatal secret I have hitherto concealed it and my concealment he
must impute to motives base infamous and pusillanimous I can bear
such reflections no longerI will go to town tomorrow explain his
sisters situation to him and let him take the only reparation I can
now make him
Emmeline shuddering at this resolution could not conceal how greatly
it affected her
Generous and lovely Miss Mowbray pardon me for having thus moved your
gentle nature and allow me since I see you pity me to request of you
and Mrs Stafford a favour which will probably be the last trouble the
unhappy FitzEdward will give you
It may happen that Lady Adelina may hereafter be discoveredtho I
know not how to hope it But if your generous pity should interest you
in the fate of that unhappy forlorn young woman yours and Mrs
Staffords protection might yet perhaps save her and such interposition
would be worthy of hearts like yours As the event of a meeting between
me and Godolphin is uncertain shall I entreat you my lovely friend to
take charge of this paper It contains a will by which the child of
Lady Adelina will be entitled to all I die possessed of It is enough
if the unfortunate infant survives to place it above indigence Lord
Clancarryl will not dispute the disposition of my fortune and to your
care and that of Mrs Stafford I have left it in trust and I have
entreated you to befriend the poor little one who will probably be an
orphanbut desolate and abandoned it will not be if its innocence and
unhappiness interest you to grant my request Delamere will not object
to your goodness being so exerted and you will not teach it generous
gentle as you are to hold in abhorrence the memory of its father This
is all I can now do Farewell dearest Miss MowbrayHeaven give you
happiness _ma douce amie Farewell
These last words in which FitzEdward repeated the name by which he was
accustomed to address Emmeline quite overcame her He was hastening
away while hardly able to speak she yet made an effort to stop him
The interview he was about to seek was what Lady Adelina so greatly
dreaded Yet Emmeline dared not urge to him how fatal it would be to
her she knew not what to say least he should discover the secret with
which she was entrusted but in breathless agitation caught his hand as
he turned to leave her crying
Hear me FitzEdward One moment hear me Do not go to meet Captain
Godolphin I conjure I implore you do not
She found it impossible to proceed Her eyes were still eagerly fixed on
his face she still held his hand while he supposing her extreme
emotion arose from the compassionate tenderness of her nature found the
steadiness of his despair softened by the soothing voice of pity and
throwing himself on his knees he laid his head on one of the chairs
and wept like a woman
Emmeline who now hoped to persuade him not to execute the resolution he
had formed saidI will take the paper you have given me FitzEdward
and will most religiously fulfil all your request in it to the utmost
extent of my power But in return for my giving you this promise I must
insist
At this moment James Crofts stood before them
Emmeline shocked and amazed at his appearance roused FitzEdward by a
sudden exclamation
He started up and said fiercely to CroftsWell Sirhave you any
commands here
Commands Sir answered Crofts somewhat alarmed by the tone in which
this question was putI have no commands to be sure Sirbut but I
came Sir just to enquire after Miss Mowbray I did not mean to
intrude
Then Sir returned the Colonel I beg you will leave us
Oh certainly Sir cried Crofts trying to regain his courage and
assume an air of raillerycertainlyI would not for the world
interrupt you My business indeed is not at all materialonly a
compliment to Miss Mowbrayyours added he sneeringly is I see of
more consequence
Look ye Mr Crofts sharply answered FitzEdwardYou are to make no
impertinent comments Miss Mowbray is mistress of her actions She is in
my particular protection on behalf of my friend Delamere and I shall
consider the slightest failure of respect to her as an insult to me
Sir if you have nothing more to say you will be so good as to leave
us
There was something so hostile in the manner in which FitzEdward
delivered this speech that James Crofts more at home in the cabinet
than the field thought he might as well avoid another injunction to
depart and quietly submit to the present rather than provoke farther
resentment from the formidable soldier He therefore looking most
cadaverously made one of his jerking bows and said with something he
intended for a smile
Well well good folks Ill leave you to your _tête a tête_ and
hasten back to my engagement Every body regrets Miss Mowbrays absence
from the ball and the partner that was provided for her is ready to
hang himself
An impatient look darted from FitzEdward stopped farther effusion of
impertinence and he only addedServant servant and walked away
FitzEdward then turning towards Emmeline saw her pale and faint
Why my dear Miss Mowbray do you suffer this mans folly to affect
you Your looks really terrify me
Oh he was sent on purpose cried EmmelineMrs Ashwood has lately
often hinted to me that whatever are my engagements to Delamere I was
much more partial to you She has watched me for some time and now on
my refusing to accompany them to the ball concluded I had an
appointment and sent Crofts back to see
If I thought so sternly answered FitzEdward I would instantly
overtake him and I believe I could oblige him to secresy
No for heavens sake dont said Emmelinefor heavens sake do not
think of it I care not what they conjectureleave them to their
maliceCrofts is not worth your anger But FitzEdward let us return
to what we were talking of Will you promise me to delay going to
Londonto delay seeing Mr Godolphin untilin short will you give me
your honour to remain at Tylehurst a week without taking any measures
to inform Godolphin of what you have told me I will at the end of that
time either release you from your promise or give you unanswerable
reasons why you should relinquish the design of meeting him at all
FitzEdward however amazed at the earnestness she expressed to obtain
this promise gave it He had no suspicion of Emmelines having any
knowledge of Lady Adelina and accounted for the deep interest she
seemed to take in preventing an interview by recollecting the universal
tenderness and humanity of her character He assured her he would not
leave Tylehurst till the expiration of the time she had named He
conjured her not to suffer any impertinence from Crofts on the subject
of their being seen together but to awe him into silence by resentment
Emmeline now desired him to leave her But she still seemed under such
an hurry of spirits that he insisted on being allowed to attend her to
the door of the house where renewing his thanks for the compassionate
attention she had afforded him and entreating her to compose herself
he left her
Emmeline intending to go to her own room went first into the drawing
room to deposit her music book She had hardly done so when she heard a
mans step and turning beheld Crofts open the door which he
immediately shut after him
I thought Sir said Emmeline you had been gone back to your
company
No not yet my fair Emmeline I wanted first to beg your pardon for
having disturbed so snug a party Ah sly little prudewho would think
that you who always seem so cold and so cruel made an excuse only to
stay at home to meet FitzEdward But it is not fair little dear that
all your kindness should be for him while you will scarce give any
other body a civil look Now I have met with you I swear Ill have a
kiss too
Emmeline terrified to death at his approaching her with this speech
flew to the bell which she rang with so much violence that the rope
broke from the crank
Now cried Crofts if nobody hears you are more than ever in my
power
Heaven forbid shrieked Emmeline in an agony of fear Let me go Mr
Crofts this moment
She would have rushed towards the door but he stood with his arms
extended before it
You did not run thusyou did not scream thus when FitzEdward the
fortunate FitzEdward was on his knees before you Then you could weep
and sigh too and look so sweetly on him But comeyou see I know so
much that it will be your interest little dear to make me your
friend
Rather let me apply to fiends and furies for friendship hateful
detestable wretch by what right do you insult and detain me
Oh these theatricals are really very sublime cried he seizing both
her hands which he violently grasped
She shrieked aloud and fruitlessly struggled to break from him when
the footsteps of somebody near the door obliged him to let her go She
darted instantly away and in the hall met one of the maids
Lord Miss cried the servant did you ring Ive been all over the
house to see what bell it was
Emmeline without answering flew to her own room The maid followed
her but desirous of being left alone she assured the girl that nothing
was the matter that she was merely tired by a long walk and desiring
a glass of water tried to compose and recollect herself while Crofts
unobserved returned to the house where the _fête_ was given time enough
to dress and dance with Mrs Ashwood
It was at her desire that immediately after dinner Crofts had left the
company under pretence of executing a commission with which she easily
furnished him but his real orders were to discover the motives of
Emmelines refusal to be of the party This he executed beyond his
expectation It was no longer to be doubted that very good intelligence
subsisted between Emmeline and FitzEdward since he had been found on
his knees before her while she earnestly yet kindly speaking hung
over him with tears in her eyes Knowing that Emmeline was absolutely
engaged to Delamere he was persuaded that FitzEdward was master of her
heart and that the tears and emotion to which he had been witness were
occasioned by the impossibility of her giving him her hand He knew
FitzEdwards character too well to suppose he could be insensible of
the ladys kindness and possessing himself a mind gross and depraved
he did not hesitate to believe all the ill his own base and illiberal
spirit suggested
Tho interested hypocrite as he was he made every other passion
subservient to the gratification of his avarice Crofts had not coldly
beheld the youth and beauty of Emmeline he had however carefully
forborne to shew that he admired her and would probably never have
betrayed what must ruin him for ever with Mrs Ashwood had not the
conviction of her partiality to FitzEdward inspired him with the
infamous hope of frightening her into some kindness for himself by
threatening to betray her stolen interview with her supposed lover
The scorn and horror with which Emmeline repulsed him served only to
mortify his self love and provoke his hatred towards her and the man
whom he believed she favoured and with the inveterate and cowardly
malignity of which his heart was particularly susceptible he determined
to do all in his power to ruin them both
Such was the horror and detestation which Emmeline felt for Crofts that
she could not bear the thoughts of seeing him again But as she feared
Mrs Stafford might resent his behaviour and by that means embroil
herself with the vain and insolent Mrs Ashwood with whom she knew
Stafford was obliged to keep on a fair footing she determined to say as
little as she could of his impertinence to Mrs Stafford but to
withdraw from the house without again exposing herself to meet him As
soon as she saw her the next morning she related all that had passed
between FitzEdward and herself and after a long consultation they
agreed that to prevent his seeing Godolphin was absolutely necessary
and that no other means of doing so offered but Mrs Staffords
relating to him the real circumstances and situation of Lady Adelina as
soon as she could be removed from her present abode and precautions
taken to prevent his discovering her This Mrs Stafford undertook to
do immediately after their departure It was to take place on the next
day and Emmeline with the concurrence of her friend determined that
she would take no leave of the party at Woodfield for tho the
appearance of mystery was extremely disagreeable and distressing to
Emmeline she knew that notice of her intentions would excite enquiries
and awaken curiosity very difficult to satisfy and that it was
extremely probable James Crofts might be employed to watch her and by
that means render abortive all her endeavours to preserve the unhappy
Lady Adelina
Relying therefore on the generosity and innocence of her intentions she
chose rather to leave her own actions open to censure which they did not
deserve than to risk an investigation which might be fatal to the
interest of her poor friend She took nothing with her Mrs Stafford
undertaking every necessary arrangement about her cloathsand having at
night taken a tender leave of this beloved and valuable woman and
promised to write to her constantly and to return as soon as the destiny
of Lady Adelina should be decided they parted
And Emmeline arising before the dawn of the following morning set out
alone to Woodbury Foresta precaution absolutely necessary to evade
the inquisitive watchfulness of James Crofts She stole softly down
stairs before even the servants were stirring and opening the door
cautiously felt some degree of terror at being obliged to undertake so
long a walk alone at such an hour But innocence gave her courage and
friendly zeal lent her strength As she walked on her fears subsided
She saw the sun rise above the horizon and her apprehensions were at an
end
As no carriage could approach within three quarters of a mile of the
house where Lady Adelina was concealed they were obliged to walk to the
road where Mrs Stafford had directed a post chaise to wait for them
which she had hired at a distant town where it was unlikely any enquiry
would be made
Long disuse as she had hardly ever left the cottage from the moment of
her entering it and the extreme weakness to which she was reduced made
Emmeline greatly fear that Lady Adelina would never be able to reach the
place With her assistance and that of her Ladyships woman slowly and
faintly she walked thither and Emmeline saw her happily placed in the
chaise Every thing had been before settled as to the conveyance of the
servant and baggage and to engage the secresy of the woman with whom
she had dwelt by making her silence sufficiently advantageous and as
they hoped that no traces were left by which they might be followed the
spirits of the fair travellers seemed somewhat to improve as they
proceeded on their journeyEmmeline felt her heart elated with the
consciousness of doing good and from the tender affection and
assistance of such a friend which could be considered only as the
benevolence of heaven itself Lady Adelina drew a favourable omen and
dared entertain a faint hope that her penitence had been accepted
They arrived without any accident at Bath the following day and
Emmeline leaving Lady Adelina at the inn went out immediately to
secure lodgings in a retired part of the town As soon as it was dark
Lady Adelina removed thither in a chair and was announced by Emmeline
to be the wife of a Swiss officer to be herself of Switzerland and to
bear the name of Mrs St Laurewhile she herself as she was very
little known continued to pass by her own name in the few transactions
which in their very private way of living required her name to be
repeated
When Mrs Ashwood found that Emmeline had left Woodfield clandestinely
and alone and that Mrs Stafford evaded giving any account whither she
was gone by saying coldly that she was gone to visit a friend in
Surrey whom she formerly knew in Wales all the suspicions she had
herself harboured and Miss Galton encouraged seemed confirmed James
Crofts had related not without exaggerations what he had been witness
to in the copse and it was no longer doubted but that she was gone with
FitzEdward which at once accounted for her departure and the sudden
and mysterious manner in which it was accomplished James Crofts had
suspicions that his behaviour had hastened it but he failed not to
confirm Mrs Ashwood in her prepossession that her entanglement with
FitzEdward was now at a period when it could be no longer
concealedintelligence which was to be conveyed to Delamere
The elder Crofts who had been some time with Lady Montreville and her
daughter had named Delamere from time to time in his letters to his
brother The last mentioned that he was now with his mother and sister
who were at Nice and who purposed returning to England in about three
months Crofts represented Delamere as still devoted to Emmeline and as
existing only in the hope of being no longer opposed in his intention of
marrying her in March when the year which he had promised his father to
wait expired but that Lady Montreville as time wore away grew more
averse to the match and more desirous of some event which might break
it off Crofts gave his brother a very favourable account of his
progress with Miss Delamere and hinted that if he could be fortunate
enough to put an end to Delameres intended connection it would so
greatly conciliate the favour of Lady Montreville that he dared hope
she would no longer oppose his union with her daughter and when once
they were married and the prejudices of the mother to an inferior
alliance conquered he had very little doubt of Lord Montrevilles
forgiveness and of soon regaining his countenance and friendship
This account from his brother added another motive to those which
already influenced the malignant and illiberal mind of James Crofts to
injure the lovely orphan and he determined to give all his assistance
to Mrs Ashwood in the cruel project of depriving her at once of her
character and her lover In a consultation which he held on this subject
with his promised bride and Miss Galton the ladies agreed that it was
perfectly shocking that such a fine young man as Mr Delamere should be
attached to a woman so little sensible of his value as Emmeline that it
had long been evident she was to him indifferent and it was now too
clear that she was partial to another and that therefore it would be a
meritorious action to acquaint him of her intimacy with FitzEdward and
it could not be doubted but his knowledge of it would high spirited as
he was cure him effectually of his illplaced passion and restore the
tranquillity of his respectable family Hiding thus the inveterate envy
and malice of their hearts under this hypocritical pretence they next
considered how to give the information which was so meritorious
Anonymous letters were expedients to which Miss Galton had before had
recourse and to an anonymous letter they determined to commit the
secret of Emmelines infidelitywhile James Crofts in his letters to
his brother was to corroborate the intelligence it contained by
relating as mere matter of news what had actually and evidently
happened Emmelines sudden departure from Woodfield
Delamere when he saw his mother out of danger at Barege had returned
to the neighbourhood of Paris where he had lingered some time in hopes
that Emmeline would accede to his request of being allowed to cross the
channel for a few days but her answer in which she strongly urged the
hazard he would incur of giving his father a pretence to withdraw _his_
promise by violating his own had obliged him tho with infinite
reluctance to give up the scheme and being quite indifferent where he
was if he was still at a distance from her he had yielded to the
solicitations of Lady Montreville and rejoined her at Nice There he
now remained while every thing in England seemed to contribute to
assist the designs of those who wished to disengage him from his passion
for Emmeline
The day after Emmelines departure with Lady Adelina FitzEdward went
to Woodfield and hearing that Miss Mowbray had suddenly left it was
thrown into the utmost astonishmentastonishment which Mrs Ashwood and
Miss Galton observed to each other was the finest piece of acting they
had ever seen
The whole party were together when he was introduceda circumstance
Mrs Stafford would willingly have avoided as it was absolutely
necessary for her to speak to him alone and determined to do so
whatever construction the malignity of her sisterinlaw might put upon
it she said
I have long promised you Colonel a sight of the two pieces of drawing
which Miss Mowbray and I have finished as companions They are now
framed and if you will come with me into my dressingroom you shall see
them
As the rest of the company had frequently seen these drawings there was
no pretence for their following Mrs Stafford who accompanied by the
Colonel went to her dressing room
A conference thus evidently sought by Mrs Stafford excited the eager
and painful curiosity of the party in the parlour
Now would I give the world cried Mrs Ashwood to know what is going
forward
Is it not possible to listen enquired Crofts equal to any meanness
that might gratify the malevolence of another or his own
Yes replied Mrs Ashwood if one could get into the closet next the
dressingroom without being perceived which can only be done by passing
thro the nursery If indeed the nursery maids and children are out it
is easy enough
They are out mama I assure you cried Miss Ashwood for I saw them
myself go across the lawn since Ive been at breakfast Do pray let us
go and listenI long of all things to know what my aunt Stafford can
have to say to that slylooking Colonel
No no child said her mother I shall not send you indeedbut
Crofts do you think we should be able to make it out
Egad answered he Ill tryfor depend upon it the mischief will
out It will be rare to have such a pretty tale to tell Mr Delamere of
his demurelooking little dearIll venture
Mrs Ashwood then shewing him the way he went on tip toe up stairs and
concealing himself in a light closet which was divided from the dressing
room only by lath and plaister he lent an attentive ear to the dialogue
that was passing
It happened however that the window near which Mrs Stafford and
FitzEdward were sitting was exactly opposite to that side of the room
to which Crofts hidingplace communicated and tho the room was not
large yet the distance the partition and the low voice in which both
parties spoke made it impossible for him to distinguish more than
broken sentences From Mrs Stafford he heardCould not longer be
concealedin all probability may now remain unknownthe child I will
myself attend to From FitzEdward he could only catch indistinct
sounds his voice appearing to be lost in his emotion But he seemed to
be thanking Mrs Stafford and lamenting his own unhappiness His last
speech in which his powers of utterance were returned wasNothing
can ever erase the impression of your angelic goodness best and
loveliest of friendsoh continue it I beseech you to those for whom
only I am solicitous and forgive all the trouble I have given you
He then hurried away Mrs Stafford after remaining alone a moment as
if to compose herself went back to the parlour and Crofts who thought
he had heard enough tho he wished to have heard all slunk from his
closet and walked into the garden where being soon afterwards joined by
Mrs Ashwood and Miss Galton he by relating the broken and disjointed
discourse he had been witness to left not a doubt remaining of the
cause of Emmelines precipitate retreat from Woodfield
And perhaps minds more candid than theirsminds untainted with the
odious and hateful envy which ulcerated theirs might from the
circumstances that attended her going and FitzEdwards behaviour have
conceived disadvantageous ideas of her conduct But such was the
uneasiness with which Mrs Ashwood ever beheld superior merit and such
the universal delight which Miss Galton took in defamation that had
none of those circumstances existed they would with equal malignity
have studied to ruin the reputation of Emmeline and probably with equal
successfor against such attacks innocence however it may console
its possessor is too frequently a feeble and inadequate defence
While the confederates exulting in the certainty of Emmelines ruin
were manufacturing the letter which was to alarm the jealous and
irascible spirit of Delamere FitzEdward from whom Mrs Stafford
before she would tell him any thing had extorted a promise that he
would enquire no farther than what she chose to relate to him was
relieved from insupportable anguish by hearing that Lady Adelina was in
safe hands but he lamented in bitterness of soul the despondency and
affliction to which Mrs Stafford had told him she entirely resigned
herself He knew not that Emmeline was with her whatever he might
suspect and Mrs Stafford had protested to him that if he made any
attempt to discover the residence of Lady Adelina or persisted in
meeting her brother she would immediately relinquish all concern in the
affair and no longer interest herself in what his rashness would
inevitably render desperate
He solemnly assured her he would take no measures without her
knowledge and remained at Tylehurst secluded from every body and
waiting in fearful and anxious solicitude to hear of Lady Adelina by
Mrs Stafford
Delamere still at Nice with his mother who with different sources of
uneasiness thought the days and weeks insupportably long in which he
lived only in the hope of seeing Emmeline at the end of six months was
roused from his involuntary resignation by the following letter written
in a hand perfectly unknown to him
Sir
A friend to your worthy and noble family writes this which is
meant to serve you and to undeceive you in regard to Miss
Mowbraywho without any gratitude for the high honour you intend
her is certainly too partial to another person She is now gone
from Woodfield to escape observation and none but Mrs Stafford is
let into the secret of where she is You will judge what end it is
to answer but certainly none that bodes you good One would have
supposed that the Colonels being very often her attendant at
Woodfield might have made her stay there agreeable enough but
perhaps for I do not aver it the young lady has some particular
reasons for wishing to have private lodgings No doubt the Colonel
is a man of gallantry but his friendship to you is rather more
questionable The writer of this having very little knowledge of the
parties can have no other motive than the love of justice and
being sorry to see deceit and falsehood practised on a young
gentleman who deserves better and who has a respectful tho unknown
friend in
Y Z
_London July 22 17
This infamous scroll had no sooner been perused by Delamere than fury
flashed from his eyes and anguish seized his heart But the moment the
suddenness of his passion gave way to reflection the tumult of his mind
subsided and he thought it must be an artifice of his mothers to
separate him from Emmeline The longer he considered her inveterate
antipathy to his marriage the more he was convinced that this artifice
unworthy as it was she was capable of conceiving and by means of the
Crofts executing if she hoped by it to put an eternal conclusion to
his affection He at length so entirely adopted this idea that
determining to be revenged and love her better for it and to
settle the matter very peremptorily with the Crofts if they had been
found to interfere he obtained a tolerable command over his temper and
his features and joined Lady Montreville and Miss Delamere whom he
found reading letters which they also had received from England His
mother asked slightly after his and in a few moments Mr Crofts
arrived asking with his usual assiduity after the health of Lord
Montreville and that of such friends as usually wrote to her Ladyship
She answered his enquiriesand then desired to hear what news Sir
Richard or his other correspondents had sent him
My fathers letters said he contain little more than an order to
purchase some particular sort of wine which he is very circumstantial
as usual in telling me how to forward safely He adds indeed that he
can allow my absence no longer than until the 20th of SeptemberHe
sighed and looked tenderly at Miss Delamere
I have no other letters continued he but one from James
And does he tell you no news asked Lady Montreville
Nothing answered Crofts carelessly but gossip which I believe
would not entertain your Ladyship
Oh why should you fancy that returned sheyou know I love to hear
news tho about people I never saw or ever wish to see
James has been at Mr Staffords at Woodfield said he where your
Ladyship has certainly no acquaintance
At Woodfield Sir cried Delamere unable to express his anxietyat
WoodfieldAnd what does he say of Woodfield
I dont recollect any thing very particular answered Crofts
carelesslyI believe I put the letter into my pocket He took it out
Read it to us Croftssaid Miss Delamere
I have lately passed a very agreeable month at Woodfield
We were a large party in the house Among other pleasant
circumstances during my stay there was a ball and _fête
champêtre_ given by Mr Conway on his sons coming of age It was
elegant and well conducted beyond any entertainment of the sort I
ever saw There were forty couple and a great number of very
pretty women but it was agreed on all hands that Miss Mowbray
would have eclipsed them all who unluckily declined going She
left Woodfield a day or two afterwards
Delameres countenance changedCrofts as if looking for some other
news in his letter hesitated then smiled and went on
The gossip Fame has made a match for me with Mrs Ashwood I
wish she may be right In some other of her stories I really think
her wrong so I will not be the means of their circulation
The rest said Crofts putting up the letter is only about my
fathers new purchases and other family affairs
Delamere who in spite of his suspicions of Crofts treachery could
not hear this corroboration of his anonymous letter without a renewal of
all his fears left the room in doubt suspence and wretchedness
The seeds of jealousy and mistrust thus skilfully sown could hardly
fail of taking root in an heart so full of sensibility and a temper so
irritable as his Again he read over his anonymous letter and compared
it with the intelligence which seemed accidentally communicated by
Crofts and with a fearful kind of enquiry compared the date and
circumstances He dared hardly trust his mind with the import of this
investigation and found nothing on which to rest his hope but that it
might be a concerted plan between his mother and Crofts
His heart alternately swelling between the indignation such a
supposition created and shrinking with horror from the idea of perfidy
on the part of Emmeline kept him in such a state of mind that he could
hardly be said to possess his reason But when he remembered how often
his extreme vivacity had betrayed him into error and hazarded his
losing for ever all he held valuable on earth he tried to subdue the
acuteness of his feelings and to support at least without betraying it
the anguish which oppressed him till the next pacquet from England
when it was possible a letter from Emmeline herself might dissipate his
doubts Resolutely however resolving to call Crofts to a serious
account if he found him accessory to a calumny so dark and diabolical
When the next post from England arrived he saw among the letters which
were delivered to him one directed by the hand of Emmeline He flew to
his own room and with trembling hands broke the seal
It was short and he fancied unusually cold Towards its close she
mentioned that she was going to Bath for a few weeks with a friend and
as she did not know where she should lodge thought he had better not
write till she was again fixed at Woodfield
That she should go to Bath in July with a nameless friend and quit so
abruptly her beloved Mrs Staffordthat she should apparently wish to
evade his letters and make her actual residence a secretwere a cloud
of circumstances calculated to persuade him that some mystery involved
her conduct a mystery which the fatal letter served too evidently to
explain
As if fire had been laid to the train of combustibles which had since
the receipt of it been accumulating in the bosom of Delamere his
furious and uncontroulable spirit now burst forth A temporary delirium
seized him he stamped round the room and ran to his pistols which
fortunately were not charged The noise he made brought Millefleur into
the room whom he instantly caught by the collar and shaking him
violently cried
Scoundrelwhy are not these pistols loaded
_Eh eh Monsieur exclaimed Millefleur almost strangled_que
voudriez vousvos pistoletsMon Dieu que voudriez vous avec vos
pistolets
Shoot _you_ perhaps you blockhead raved Delamere pushing furiously
from him the trembling valetthen snatching up the pistols he half
kicked half pushed him out of the room and throwing them after him
ordered him to clean and load them after which he locked the door and
threw himself upon the bed
The resolution he had made in his cooler moments never again to yield
to such impetuous transports of passion was now forgotten He could not
conquer he could not even mitigate the tumultuous anguish which had
seized him but seemed rather to call to his remembrance all that might
justify its excess
He remembered how positively Emmeline had forbidden his returning to
England tho all he asked was to be allowed to see her for a few hours
He recollected her long and invincible coldness her resolute adherence
to the promise she need not have given and forgetting all the symptoms
which he had before fondly believed he had discovered of her returning
his affection he exaggerated every circumstance that indicated
indifference and magnified them into signs of absolute aversion
Tho he could not forget that FitzEdward had assisted him in carrying
Emmeline away and had on all occasions promoted his interest with her
that recollection did not at all weaken the probability of his present
attachment for such was Delameres opinion of FitzEdwards principles
that he believed he was capable of the most dishonourable views on the
mistress or even on the wife of his friend He tortured his imagination
almost to madness by remembering numberless little incidents which
tho almost unattended to at the time now seemed to bring the cruellest
conviction of their intelligenceparticularly that on the night he had
taken Emmeline from Clapham FitzEdward was found there tho neither
his father or himself who had repeatedly sent to his lodgings could
either find him at home or get any direction where to meet with him
Almost all his late letters too had been dated from Tylehurst where it
was certain he had passed the greatest part of the summerFitzEdward
fond of society and courted by the most brilliant circles shut himself
up in a country house distant from all his connections And to what
could such an extraordinary change be owing if not to his attachment to
Emmeline Mowbray
Irritated by these recollections he gave himself up to all the dreadful
torments of jealousyjealousy even to madness and he felt this
corrosive passion in all its extravagance It was violent in proportion
to his love and his pride and more insupportably painful in proportion
to its novelty for except once at Swansea when he fancied that
Emmeline in her flight was accompanied by FitzEdward he had never felt
it before however they might serve him as a pretence Rochely and
Elkerton were both too contemptible to excite it
The night approached and without having regained any share of
composure he had at length determined to quit Nice the next day that
his mother and Crofts might not be gratified with the sight of his
despair and triumph in the detected perfidy of Emmeline
Lady Montreville and her daughter were out when the letters arrived and
he now apprehended that when they returned Millefleur might alarm them
by an account of his frantic behaviour and that they would guess it to
have been occasioned by his letters from England Starting up
therefore he called the poor fellow to him who was not yet recovered
from his former terrifying menaces and who approached trembling the
table where Delamere sat his dress disordered his eyes flashing fire
and his lips pale and quivering
Come here Sir sternly cried he
Millefleur sprung close to the table
Have you cleaned and loaded my pistols
_Monsieurje je moccupaisje jeMonsieur ils sont
Fool of what are you afraidwhat does the confounded _poltron_
tremble for
_Mais Monsieurcest quequemais Monsieur je ne scais
_Tenez_ Mr Millefleur said Delamere sharplyRemember what I am
going to say Something has happened to vex me and I shall go out
tomorrow for a few days or perhaps I may go to England My mother is
to know nothing of it but what I shall myself tell her therefore at
your peril speak of what has happened this evening or of my intentions
for tomorrow Come up immediately and put my things into my
portmanteaus and put my fire arms in order I shall take you with me
David need not be prepared till tomorrow I shall go on horseback and
shall want him also The least failure on your part of executing these
orders you will find very inconvenientyou know I will not be trifled
with
Millefleur frightened to death at the looks and voice of his master
dared not disobey and Delamere employing him in putting up his cloaths
till after Lady Montreville came in was he thought secure of his
secresy He then made an effort tho a successless one to hide the
anguish that devoured him and went down to supper He found that
besides their constant attendant Crofts his mother and sister were
accompanied by two other English gentlemen and a French man of fashion
and his sister who full of the vivacity and gaiety of their country
kept up a lively conversation with Miss Delamere and the Englishmen But
Delamere hardly spokehis eyes were wild and inflamedhis cheeks
flushedand deep sighs seemed involuntarily to burst from his heart
Lady Montreville observed him and then said
Surely Frederic you are not well
Not very well said he but I am otherwise merely from the
intolerable heat I have had the headache all day
The headache exclaimed his motherWhy then do you not go to bed
No answered he I am better up Since the heat is abated I am in
less pain I will take a walk by the fine moon that I see is rising and
be back again presentlyand tomorrow continued hetomorrow I
shall go northward for a month I cannot stay under this burning
atmosphere
Then desiring the company not to move on his account he arose from
table and hastened away
Do my good Crofts said Lady Montrevilledo follow Frederiche
frightens me to deathhe is certainly very ill
Crofts hesitated a moment being in truth afraid to interfere with
Delameres ramble while he was in a humour so gloomy but on her
Ladyships repeating her request dared not shew his reluctance He went
out therefore under pretence of following him while the party present
seeing Lady Montrevilles distress almost immediately departed
Crofts walked on without much desire to fulfill his commission for
Delamere whenever he was obliged to associate with him treated him
generally with coldness and sometimes rudely There was however very
little probability of his overtaking him for Delamere had walked or
rather run to a considerable distance from the street where his mother
lived and then wandering farther into the fields had thrown himself
upon the grass and had forgotten every thing but EmmelineEmmeline
and FitzEdward gone togetherthe mistress on whom he had so fondly
doatedthe friend whom he had so implicitly trusted These cruel
images drest in every form most fatal to his peace tormented him and
the agony of disappointed passion seemed to have affected his brain
Deep groans forced their way from his oppressed hearthe cursed his
existence and seemed resolutely bent in the gloominess of his despair
to shake it off and free himself from sufferings so intolerable
To the first effusions of his phrenzy a sullen calm more alarming
succeeded He fixed his eyes on the moon which shone above him but had
no idea of what he saw or where he was his breath was short his hands
clenched he seemed as if having lost the power of complaint he was
unable to express the pain that convulsed his whole frame
While he continued in this situation a favourite little spaniel of his
mothers of which he had from a boy been fond ran up to him and licked
his hands and face The caresses of an animal he had so long remembered
touched some chord of the heart that vibrated to softer emotions than
those which had for the last three hours possessed himhe burst into
tears
Felix said he sobbing poor Felix
The dog rejoicing to be noticed ran barking round him and presently
afterwards with hurried steps came Miss Delamere leaning on the arm
of Crofts
My God exclaimed she almost screaming here he is Oh Frederic you
have so terrified my mother and Mr Crofts has been two hours in search
of you Had it not been for the dog we should not now have found you
Mr Crofts has returned twice to the house without you
Mr Crofts may return then a third time said Delamere and cease to
give himself such unnecessary trouble
But you will come with us brotherSurely you will now come home
At my leisure replied he sternlyLady Montreville need be under no
apprehensions about me I shall be at home presently But I will not be
importuned I will not be watched and followed and above all I will
not have a governor
So saying he turned from them and walked another way while they
seeing him so impracticable could only return to report what they had
seen to Lady Montreville Delamere however who had taken another way
entered the house at the same moment
Lady Montreville had strictly questioned Millefleur as to the cause of
his masters disorder and the poor fellow who dared not relate the
furious passion into which he had fallen on reading his letter
trembled prevaricated stammered and looked so white that her
Ladyship more alarmed fancied she knew not what and full of terror
had sent out Crofts a second time and the servants different ways in
search of her son At length Crofts returning the second time without
success Miss Delamere went with him herself and the dog following her
led her to her brother But before their return Lady Montrevilles
apprehensions had arisen to such an height that a return of her fits
seemed to threaten her and with difficulty was she brought to her
senses when she saw him before her and when he moved by the keenness
of her sorrow at his imaginary danger assured her in answer to her
repeated enquiries that he was merely affected by the heat that he had
no material complaint and should be quite well and in his usual spirits
when he returned from the excursion he proposed going upon the next day
Then being somewhat appeased his mother suffered him to retire and
called her counsellor Mr Crofts to debate whether in such a frame of
mind she ought to allow the absence of Delamere Crofts advised her by
all means to let him go He suspected indeed that the anonymous letter
had occasioned all the wild behaviour he had been witness to and
thought it very likely that Delamere might be going to England But he
knew that James Crofts and his fair associates were prepared for the
completion of their project if he did and his absence was on account
of Crofts own affairs particularly desirable
For these reasons he represented to Lady Montreville that opposition
would only irritate and inflame her son without inducing him to stay
He departed therefore the next morning without any impediment on the
part of his mother but was yet undecided whither to go While Crofts
no longer thwarted by his observation or humbled by his haughty
disdain managed matters so well that in spite of the pride of noble
blood in spite of her reluctance to marry a commoner he conquered and
silenced all the scruples and objections of Miss Delamere and a young
English clergyman a friend of his coming to Nice as both he and
Crofts declared _by the meerest accident in the world_ just about that
time Crofts obtained her consent to a private marriage and his friend
took especial care that no form might be wanting to enable him legally
to claim his bride on their return to England
Emmeline had now been near a month at Bath whence she had not written
to Delamere She had seldom done so oftener than once in six or eight
weeks and no reason subsisted at present for a more frequent
correspondence
Far from having any idea that he would think her temporary removal
extraordinary she had not attempted to conceal it from him and of his
jealousy of FitzEdward she had not the remotest suspicion For tho
Mrs Ashwoods hints and the behaviour of James Crofts had left no
doubt of their ill opinion of her yet she never supposed them capable
of an attempt to impress the same idea on the mind of Delamere and had
no notion of the variety of motives which made the whole family of the
Crofts with which Mrs Ashwood was now connected solicitous to
perpetuate the evil by propagating the scandalous story they had
themselves invented
Unconscious therefore of the anguish which preyed upon the heart of her
unhappy lover Emmeline gave her whole attention to Lady Adelina and
she saw with infinite concern the encreasing weakness of her frame with
still greater pain she observed that by suffering her mind to dwell
continually on her unhappy situation it was no longer able to exert the
powers it possessed and that sunk in hopeless despondence her
intellects were frequently deranged Amid these alienations of reason
she was still gentle amiable and interesting and as they were yet
short and slight Emmeline flattered herself that the opiates which her
physician in consequence of the restless and anxious nights Lady
Adelina had for some time passed found it absolutely necessary to
administer might have partly if not entirely occasioned this alarming
symptom
Still however the busy imagination of Emmeline perpetually represented
to her impending sorrow and her terror hourly encreased She figured to
herself the decided phrenzy or the death of her poor friend and unable
to conquer apprehensions which she was yet compelled to conceal she
lived in a continual effort to appear chearful and to soothe the
wounded mind of the sufferer by consolatory conversation while she
watched her with an attention so sedulous and so painful that only the
excellence of her heart which persuaded her she was engaged in a task
truly laudable could have supported her thro such anxiety and fatigue
She was however very desirous that as Mr Godolphin was now in England
he might be acquainted with his sisters calamitous and precarious
situation and she gently hinted to Lady Adelina how great a
probability she thought there was that such a man as her brother was
represented to be would in her sorrow and her suffering forget her
error
But by the most distant idea of such an interview she found Lady
Adelina so violently affected that she dared not again urge it and was
compelled in fearful apprehension to await the hour which would
probably give the fair penitent to that grave where she seemed to wish
her disgrace and affliction might be forgotten
To describe the anxiety of Emmeline when that period arrived is
impossible or the mingled emotions of sorrow and satisfaction pleasure
and pity with which she beheld the lovely and unfortunate infant whose
birth she had so long desired yet so greatly dreaded
Lady Adelina had till then wished to die She saw her childand
wished to liveThe physical people who attended her gave hopes that
she mightSupported by the tender friendship of Emmeline and animated
by maternal fondness she determined to attempt it
Emmeline now full of apprehension now indulging feeble hopes prayed
fervently for her recovery and zealously and indefatigably attended her
with more than her former solicitude For three days her hopes
gradually grew stronger when on the evening of the third as she was
sitting alone by the side of the bed where Lady Adelina had fallen into
a quiet sleep she suddenly heard a sort of bustle in the next room and
before she could rise to put an end to it a gentleman to whom she was a
stranger walked hastily into that where she was On seeing her he
started and said
I beg your pardon Madambut I was informed that here I might find
Lady Adelina Trelawny
The name of Trelawny thus suddenly and loudly pronounced awakened Lady
Adelina She started upundrew the curtainand fixing her eyes with a
look of terrified astonishment on the stranger she exclaimed
faintlyOh my brothermy brother William then sunk back on her
pillow to all appearance lifeless
Mr Godolphin now springing forward caught the cold and insensible hand
which had opened the curtain and throwing himself on his knees cried
Adelina my love are you illhave I then terrified and alarmed you
Speak to medear Adelinaspeak to me
Emmeline whose immediate astonishment at his presence had been lost in
terror for his sister had flown out of the room for the attendants and
now returning cried
You have killed her SirShe is certainly deadOh my God the
sudden alarm the sudden sight of you has destroyed her
I am afraid it has exclaimed Godolphin wildly and hardly knowing
what he saidI am indeed afraid it has My poor sistermy unhappy
devoted Adelinahave I then found you only to destroy you But
perhaps continued he after a moments pause during which
Emmeline and the nurse were chafing the hands and temples of
the dying patientperhaps she may recover Send instantly for
advicerunflylet me go myself for assistance
He would now have run out of the room but Emmeline whose admirable
presence of mind this sudden scene of terror had not conquered stopped
him
Stay Sir said she I beseech you stay You know not whither to go
I will instantly send those who do
She then left the room and ordered a servant to fetch the physician
for she dreaded least Mr Godolphin should discover the real name and
quality of the patient to those to whom he might apply and on returning
to the bed side where Lady Adelina still lay without any signs of
existence and by which her brother still knelt in speechless agony her
fears were again alive least when the medical gentlemen arrived his
grief and desperation should betray the secret to them While her first
apprehension was for the life of her friend these secondary
considerations were yet extremely alarmingfor she knew that should
Lady Adelina recover her life would be for ever embittered if not
again endangered by the discovery which seemed impending and almost
inevitable
The women who were about her having now applied every remedy they could
think of without success began loudly to lament themselves Emmeline
commanding her own anguish besought them to stifle theirs and not to
give way to fruitless exclamations while there was yet hope but to
continue their endeavours to recover their lady Then addressing herself
to Mr Godolphin she roused him from the stupor of grief in which he
had fallen while he gazed with an impassioned and agonizing look on the
pale countenance of his sister
Pardon me Sir said she if I entreat you to go down stairs and
await the arrival of the advice I have sent for Should my poor friend
recover your presence may renew and encrease the alarm of her spirits
and embarrass her returning recollection and should she not recover
you had better hear such mournful tidings in any place rather than
this
Oh if I _do_ hear them answered he wildly it matters little
where But I _will_ withdraw Madam since you seem to desire it
He had hardly seen Emmeline before He now turned his eyes mournfully
upon herIt is I presume Miss Mowbray said he who thus with an
angels tenderness in an angels form would spare the sorrows of a
stranger
Emmeline unable to speak led the way down to the parlour and
Godolphin silently followed her
Go back said he tremulously as soon as they reached the roomgo
back to my sister your tender assiduity may do more for her than the
people about her Your voice your looks will soothe and tranquillize
her should she awaken from her long insensibility Ah tell her her
brother came only to rescue her from the misery of her unworthy
lotTell her his affection his brotherly affection hopes to give her
consolation and restore herif it may yet beto her repose But go
dearest Miss Mowbray gosomebody comes inperhaps the physician
Emmeline now opening the parlour door found it to be indeed the
physician she expected and with a fearful heart she followed him
informing him as they went up stairs that the sudden appearance of
Mrs St Laures brother whom she had not seen for two or three years
had thrown her into a fainting fit from which not all their endeavours
had recovered her
He remonstrated vehemently against the extreme indiscretion of such an
interview Emmeline who knew not by what strange chain of circumstances
it had been brought about had nothing to reply
So feeble were the appearances of remaining life that the physician
could pronounce nothing certainly in regard to his patient He gave
however directions to her attendants but after every application had
been used all that could be said was that she was not actually dead
As soon as the physician had written his prescription and retired
Emmeline recollected the painful state of suspense in which she had left
Mr Godolphin and trying to recover courage to go thro the painful
scene before her she went down to him
As she opened the door he met her
I have seen the doctor said he in a broken and hurried voiceand
from his account I am convinced Adelina is dying
I hope not faintly answered Emmeline There is yet a possibility
tho I fear no great probability of her recovery
My Adelina resumed he walking about the roommy Adelina for whose
sake I so anxiously wished to return to EnglandGracious God I am come
too late to assist her Some strange mystery surely hangs over her
Long lost to all her friends I find her here dying The sight of me
instead of relieving her sorrow seems to have accelerated her
dissolution And you Madam to whose goodness she appears to be so
greatly indebtedmay I ask by what fortunate circumstance lost and
obscure as she has been she has acquired such a friend
Emmeline shuddering at the apprehension of enquiries she found it
impossible to answer was wholly at a loss how to reply to this She
knew not of what Mr Godolphin was informedof what he was ignorant
and dreaded to say too much or to be detected in a false
representation She therefore agitated and hesitating gravely said
It is not now a time Sir to ask any thing relative to Lady Adelina I
am myself too ill to enter into conversation and wish as you have been
yourself greatly affected that you would now retire and endeavour to
make yourself as easy as you can Tomorrow may perhaps afford us more
chearful prospectsor at least this cruel suspense will be over and
the dear sufferer at peace
She sobbed and turned away Godolphin rising said in a faultering
voice
Yes I will go since my stay can only encrease the pain of that
generous and sensible heart I will gobut not to restI cannot rest
But do you try most amiable creature to obtain some reposeTry I
beseech you to recover your spirits which have been so greatly
hurried
He knew not what he said and was hastening out of the room when
Emmeline recollecting how ardently Lady Adelina had desired the
concealment of her name and family stopped him as he was quitting her
Yet one thing Captain Godolphin allow me to entreat of you
What can I refuse you answered he returning
Onlyare you known at Bath
Probably I may It is above three years since I was in England and
much longer since I have been here But undoubtedly some one or other
will know me
Then do indulge me in one request See as few people as you can and if
you accidentally meet any of your friends do not say that Lady Adelina
is here
Not meet any one if I can avoid itand if I do not speak of my
sister And why is all thiswhy this concealment this
mysterywhy
Emmeline absolutely overcome sat down without speaking Godolphin
seeing her uneasiness said
But I will not distress _you_ Madam by farther questions Your
commands shall be sufficient I will stifle my anxiety and obey you
Then bowing respectfully he addedTomorrow at as early an hour as I
dare hope for admittance I shall be at the door Heaven bless and
reward the fair and gentle Miss Mowbrayand may it have mercy on my
poor AdelinaHe sighed deeply and left the house
Lady Adelina tho not so entirely insensible was yet but little
amended But as what alteration there was was for the better Emmeline
endeavoured to recall her own agitated and dissipated spirits The
extraordinary scene which had just passed was still present to her
imagination the last words of Godolphin still vibrated in her ears
Fair and gentle Miss Mowbray repeated she He knows my name yet
seems ignorant of every thing that relates to his sister
Her astonishment at this circumstance was succeeded by reflecting on the
unpleasant task she must have if Mr Godolphin should again enquire into
her first acquaintance with his sister To relate to him the melancholy
story she had heard would she found be an undertaking to which she
was wholly unequal and she was equally averse to the invention of a
plausible falsehood From this painful apprehension she meditated how to
extricate herself but the longer she thought of it the more she
despaired of it The terrors of such a conversation hourly augmented
and wholly and for ever to escape from it she sometimes determined to
write But from executing that design was withheld by considering that
if Godolphin was of a fiery and impetuous temper he would probably
without reflection or delay fly to vengeance and precipitate every
evil which Lady Adelina dreaded
After having exhausted every idea on the subject she could think of
nothing on which her imagination could rest but to send to Mrs
Stafford acquaint her with the danger of Lady Adelina and conjure her
if possible to come to her This she knew she would do unless some
singular circumstance in her own family prevented her attention to her
friends
Resolved to embrace therefore this hope she dispatched an hasty billet
by an express to Woodfield and then betook herself to a bed on the
floor which she had ordered to be placed by the side of that where Lady
Adelina in happy tho dangerous insensibility still seemed to repose
almost in the arms of death
Emmeline could not however obtain even a momentary forgetfulness Tho
she could not repent her attention to the unhappy Lady Adelina she was
yet sensible of her indiscretion in having put herself into the
situation she was now in the cruel unfeeling world would she feared
condemn her and of its reflections she could not think without pain
But her heart her generous sympathizing heart more than acquittedit
repaid her
Towards the middle of the night Lady Adelina who had made two or three
faint efforts to speak sighed and again in faint murmurs attempted to
explain herself Emmeline started up and eagerly listened and in a low
whisper heard her ask for her child
Emmeline ordered it instantly to be brought and those eyes which had so
lately seemed closed for ever were opened in search of this beloved
object then as if satisfied in beholding it living and well they
closed again while she imprinted a kiss on its little hand She then
asked for Emmeline who delighted with this apparent amendment
prevailed on her to take what had been ordered for her She appeared
still better in a few moments but was yet extremely languid
I have had a dreadful dream my Emmeline said she at lengtha long
and dreadful dream But it is goneyou are here my poor little boy too
is well and this alarming vision will I hope haunt me no more
Emmeline who feared that the dream was indeed a reality exhorted her
to think only of her recovery of which added she cheerfully we have
no longer any doubt
Comfortable and consoling angel sighed Lady Adelinayour presence
is surely safety Do not leave me
Emmeline promised not to quit the room and elate with hopes of her
friends speedy restoration to health fell herself into a tranquil and
refreshing slumber
On awakening the next morning she found Lady Adelina much better but
still whenever she spoke dwelling on her supposed dream and sometimes
talking with that incoherence which had for some weeks before so greatly
alarmed her Her own dread of meeting Godolphin was by no means
lessened and to prevent an immediate interview she dispatched to him
a note
Sir
I am happy in having it in my power to assure you that our dear
patient is much better But as uninterrupted tranquillity is
absolutely necessary that and other considerations induce me to
beg you will forbear coming hither to day You may depend on having
hourly intelligence and that we shall be desirous of the pleasure
of seeing you when the safety of my friend admits it
I have the honour to be Sir
your most humble servant
EMMELINE MOWBRAY
_Sept 2017
To this note Mr Godolphin answered
If Miss Mowbray will only allow me to wait on her for one moment
in the parlour I will not again trespass on her time till I have
her own permission
W G
This request Emmeline was obliged with whatever reluctance to comply
with She therefore sent a verbal acquiescence and repaired to the
bedside of Lady Adelina who had asked for her
Will you pardon my folly my dear Emmeline said she languidlybut I
cannot be easy till I have told you what a strange idea has seized me I
seemed last night I know not at what time to be suddenly awakened by
a voice which loudly repeated the name of Trelawny Startled by the
sound I thought I undrew the curtain and saw my brother William who
stood looking angrily on me I felt greatly terrified and growing
extremely sick I lost the vision But now again its recollection
harrasses my imagination and the image of my brother sterner and with
a ruder aspect than he was wont to wear still seems present before me
Oh he was accustomed to be all goodness and gentleness and to love his
poor Adelina But now he too will throw me from himhe too will detest
and despise meOr perhaps continued she after a short
pauseperhaps he is dead I am not superstitiousbut this dream
pursues me
Emmeline who had hoped that the very terror of this sudden interview
had obliterated its remembrance said every thing she thought likely
to quiet her mind and to persuade her that the uneasy images
represented in her imperfect slumbers were merely the effect of her
weakness and perturbed spirits
The impression however was too strong to be effaced by arguments It
still hung heavy on her heart irritated the fever which had before been
only slight and deprived her almost entirely of sleep or if she slept
she again fancied herself awakened by her brother angrily repeating the
name of Trelawny
Sometimes starting in terror from these feverish dreams she called on
her brother to pardon and pity her sometimes in piercing accents
deplored his death and sometimes besought him to spare FitzEdward
These incoherences were particularly distressing as names were often
heard by the attendants which Emmeline hoped to have concealed and it
was hardly possible longer to deceive the physician and apothecary who
attended her
With an uneasy heart and a countenance pensively expressive of its
feelings she went down to receive Captain Godolphin in the parlour
I fear Miss Mowbray said he as soon as they were seated you will
think me too ready to take advantage of your goodness But there is that
appearance of candour and compassion about you that I determined rather
to trust to your goodness for pardon than to remain longer in a state
of suspense about my sister which I have already found most
insupportable In the note you honoured me with to day you say she is
better Is she then out of danger Has she proper advice
She has the best advice Sir I cannot however say that she is out of
danger butShe hesitated and knew not how to proceed
Butyou hope rather than believe she will recover cried Godolphin
eagerly
I both hope it and believe it Mr Godolphin you yesterday did me the
honour to suppose I had been fortunate enough to be of some service to
Lady Adelina suffer me to take advantage of a supposition so
flattering and to claim a sort of right to ask in my turn a favour
Surely I shall consider it as an honour to receive and as happiness to
obey any command of Miss Mowbrays
Promise me then to observe the same silence in regard to your sister as
I asked of you last night Trust me with her safety and believe it
will not be neglected But you must neither speak of her to others or
question me about her
Good God from whence can arise the necessity for these precautions
What dreadful obscurity surrounds her What am I to fear What am I to
suppose
You will not then said Emmeline gravelyyou will not oblige me
by desisting from all questions till this trifling restraint can be
taken off
I will I do promise to be guided wholly by you and to bear however
difficult it may be the suspense the frightful suspense in which I
must remain Tell me however that Adelina is not in immediate danger
But but added he as if recollecting himself may I not apply for
information on that head to her physician
Not for the world answered Emmeline with unguarded quicknessnot
for the world
Not for the worldrepeated Godolphin with an accent of
astonishment Heaven and earth But I have promised to ask nothingI
must obeyand will now release you Madam
Godolphin then took his leave and Emmeline whose heart had throbbed
violently throughout this dialogue sat down alone to compose and
recollect herself She saw that to keep Godolphin many days ignorant of
the truth would be impossible and from the eager anxiety of his
questions she feared that all the horrors Lady Adelinas troubled
imagination had represented would be realizedapprehensions which
seemed armed with new terror since she had seen and conversed with this
William Godolphin of whose excellent heart and noble spirit she had
before heard so much both from Lady Adelina and FitzEdward and whose
appearance seemed to confirm the favourable impression those accounts
had given her
Godolphin who was now about five and twenty had passed the greatest
part of his life at sea The various climates he had visited had
deprived his complexion of much of its English freshness but his face
was animated by dark eyes full of intelligence and spirit his hair
generally carelessly dressed was remarkably fine and his person tall
light and graceful yet so commanding that whoever saw him immediately
and involuntarily felt their admiration mingled with respect His whole
figure was such as brought to the mind ideas of the race of heroes from
which he was descended his voice was particularly grateful to the ear
and his address appeared to Emmeline to be a fortunate compound of the
insinuating softness of FitzEdward with the fire and vivacity of
Delamere Of this however she could inadequately judge as he was now
under such depression of spirits and however pleasing he appeared
Emmeline who conceived herself absolutely engaged to Delamere thought
of him only as the brother of Lady Adelina yet insensibly she felt
herself more than ever interested for the event of his hearing how
little FitzEdward had deserved the warm friendship he had felt for him
And her thoughts dwelling perpetually on that subject magnified the
painful circumstances of the approaching éclaircissemen while her fears
for Lady Adelinas life who continued to languish in a low fever with
frequent delirium so harrassed and oppressed her that her own health
was visibly affected But without attending to it she passed all her
hours in anxiously watching the turns of Lady Adelinas disorder or
when she could for a moment escape in giving vent to her full heart by
weeping over the little infant whose birth so similar to her own
seemed to render it to her a more interesting and affecting object She
lamented the evils to which it might be exposed tho of a sex which
would prevent its encountering the same species of sorrow as that which
had embittered her own life Of her friendless and desolate situation
she was never more sensible than now She felt herself more unhappy than
she had ever yet been and would probably have sunk under her extreme
uneasiness had not the arrival of Mrs Stafford at the end of three
days relieved her from many of her fears and apprehensions
Mrs Stafford no sooner heard from Emmeline that Godolphin was yet
ignorant of the true reason of Lady Adelinas concealment than she saw
the necessity of immediately explaining it and this task however
painful she without hesitation undertook
He was therefore summoned to their lodgings by a note from Emmeline who
on his arrival introduced him to Mrs Stafford and left them together
when with as much tenderness as possible and mingling with the
mortifying detail many representations of the necessity there was for
his conquering his resentment she at length concluded it watching
anxiously the changes in Godolphins countenance which sometimes
expressed only pity and affection for his sister sometimes rage and
indignation against FitzEdward
Both the brothers of Lady Adelina had been accustomed to consider her
with peculiar fondness The unfortunate circumstance of her losing her
mother immediately after her birth seemed to have given her a
melancholy title to their tenderness and the resemblance she bore to
that dear mother whom they both remembered and on whose memory their
father dwelt with undiminished regret endeared her to them still more
To these united claims on the heart and the protection of William
Godolphin another was added equally forcible in a letter written by
his father with the trembling hand of anxious solicitude when he felt
himself dying and when looking back with lingering affection on the
children of her whom he hoped soon to rejoin he saw with anguish his
youngest daughter liable from her situation to deviate into
indiscretion and surrounded by the numberless dangers which attend on a
young and beautiful woman whose husband has neither talents to attach
her affections or judgment to direct her actions Lord Westhaven
conscious of her hazardous circumstances and feeling in his last
moments the keenest anguish in knowing that his mistaken care had
exposed her to them hoped by interesting both her brothers to watch
over her that he should obviate the dangers he apprehended He had
therefore in all their conversations recommended her to his eldest
son and as he was not happy enough to embrace the younger before he
died had addressed to him a last letter on the same subject
Such were the powerful ties that bound Mr Godolphin to love and defend
Lady Adelina with more than a brothers fondness Hastening therefore to
obey the dying injunctions of his father and in the hope of rendering
the life of this beloved sister if not happy at least honourable and
contented he had heard that she had clandestinely absented herself
from her family and after a long search had found her abandoned to
remorse and despair her reputation blasted her health ruined her
intellects disordered and all by the perfidy of a man in whom he from
long friendship and his sister from family connection had placed
unbounded confidence
Tho Godolphin had one of the best tempers in the worlda temper which
the roughness of those among whom he lived had only served to soften and
humanize and which was immovable by the usual accidents that ruffle
others yet he had also in a great excess all those keen feelings which
fill a heart of extreme sensibility added to a courage that in the
hour of danger had been proved to be as cool as it was undaunted Of him
might be said what was the glorious praise of immortal Bayardthat he
was _sans peur et sans reproche_1 and educated with a high sense of
honour himself as well as possessing a heart calculated to enjoy and a
hand to defend the unblemished dignity of his family all his passions
were roused and awakened by the injury it had sustained from
FitzEdward and he beheld him as a monster whom it was infamy to
forgive Hardly therefore had Mrs Stafford concluded her distressing
recital than as if commanding himself by a violent effort he thanked
her warmly yet incoherently for her unexampled goodness to his sister
recommended her still to her generous care and the friendship of Miss
Mowbray and without any threat against FitzEdward or even a comment
on what he had heard arose to depart But Mrs Stafford more alarmed
by this determined tho quiet resentment and by the expression of his
countenance than if he had burst into exclamations and menaces
perceived that the crisis was now come when he must either be persuaded
to conquer his just resentment or by giving it way destroy while he
attempted to revenge the fame of his sister
She besought him therefore to sit down a moment and when he had done
so she told him that if he really thought himself under any
obligations to Miss Mowbray or to her for the services they had been so
fortunate as to render Lady Adelina his making all they had been doing
ineffectual would be a most mortifying return and such must be the
case if he rashly flew to seek vengeance on FitzEdward for that you
have such a design continued she I have no doubt allow me however
to suppose that I have by doing your sister some good offices acquired
a right to speak of her affairs
Surely answered Mr Godolphin you have and surely I must hear with
respect and attention tho possibly not with conviction every opinion
with which you may honour me
She then represented to him with all the force of reason how little he
could remedy the evil by hazarding his own life or by taking that of
FitzEdward
At present continued she the secret is known only to me Miss
Mowbray and Lady Adelinas woman if it is farther exposed the heirs
of Mr Trelawny who are so deeply interested will undoubtedly take
measures to prove that the infant has no just claim to the estate they
so eagerly expect Mr Trelawnys sister has already entertained
suspicions which the least additional information would give her
grounds to pursue and the whole affair must then inevitably become
public Surely this consideration alone should determine youwhy then
need I urge others equally evident and equally forcible
Godolphin acknowledged that there was much of truth in the arguments she
used but denied that any consideration should influence him to forgive
the man who had thus basely and ungenerously betrayed the confidence of
his family
However added he again checking the heat into which he feared a
longer conversation on this subject might betray himI have not yet
Madam absolutely formed the resolution of which you seem so
apprehensive and am indeed too cruelly hurt to be able to talk longer
on the subject Suffer me therefore once more to bid you a good day
But the encreasing gloom of his countenance and forced calm of his
manner appeared to be symptoms so unfavourable that Mrs Stafford
thought there was no hope of being able to prevent an immediate and
fatal meeting between him and FitzEdward but by engaging him in a
promise at least to delay it this she attempted by the most earnest
arguments and the most pressing persuasions but all she could obtain
was an assurance that he would remain at Bath till the next day and
see her again in the evening
In the mean time the delirium of Lady Adelina which had recurred at
intervals ever since the transient sight she had of her brother more
frequently and with more alarming symptoms returned and the fever
which had at first threatened the loss of her life now seemed to be
fixing on her brain and to menace by a total deprivation of reason
reducing her to a condition to which death itself must be preferable
She still even in her wildest wanderings knew Emmeline and still
caressed her little boy but much of her time passed in incoherent and
rambling discourse in which she talked of FitzEdward and her brother
William and held with them both imaginary dialogues Sometimes she
deprecated the wrath of her elder brother and then her disordered fancy
ran to the younger to him from whom she had in her early life found
pity and protection in all her little sorrows
Mrs Stafford thought it too hazardous to let her again see her brother
while her intellects were thus disarranged as she trembled lest she
should start into actual madness But it was absolutely necessary to do
something not only because Mr Godolphins impatience made every delay
dangerous but because it was hardly possible to keep the secret from
the physicians and attendants who had already heard much more than they
ought to have known
She determined therefore after consulting with Emmeline to introduce
Godolphin into the room adjoining to that where Lady Adelina now sat
some hours every day in an easy chair The affecting insanity of his
unhappy sister and the mournful and pathetic entreaties she frequently
used were likely in the opinion of the fair friends to effectuate
more than their most earnest persuasions and prevail on him to drop all
thoughts of that resentment which could not cure but might encrease her
calamities
Mrs Stafford had heard from him that he gained information as to the
place of his sisters residence from the mother of Lady Adelinas woman
who being the reduced widow of a clergyman resided in the Bishops
almshouses at Bromley where her daughter frequently sent her such
assistance as her own oeconomy or the bounty of her lady enabled her
to supply A few weeks before she had sent her a note for ten pounds
and not apprehending that an enquiry would be made of her had desired
her to acknowledge the receipt of it and direct to her at Bath where
she said her lady was with a Miss Mowbray
Lady Clancarryl among many expedients to recover traces of her sister
had at length recollected this widow and had desired Mr Godolphin to
make immediate enquiry of her
He had hastened therefore to Bromley and easily found the poor woman
who was paralytic and almost childish Her letters were read for her by
one of her neighbours a person who being present at the arrival of
Mr Godolphin immediately found that something was to be got and
busily put into his hands the very letter which had enclosed the note
and which contained the direction
He eagerly copied the address and leaving a handsome present for the
use of the old widow he delayed not a moment to set out for Bath
where he soon found the house and where he had enquired for Lady
Adelina Trelawny
The servant of the house who opened the door assured him no such person
was there He supposed that for some reason or other she was denied and
insisting on being allowed to go up stairs had entered the room in the
abrupt manner which had so greatly alarmed his sister
In hopes of counteracting the fatal effects of the discovery which had
unavoidably followed this interview Godolphin was on his return in the
afternoon introduced into the diningroom which opened into Lady
Adelinas bedchamber The door was ajar the partition thin and Mrs
Stafford was pretty well assured that the poor patient would be heard
distinctly Godolphin came in pale from the conflict of his mind and
all his features expressed anger and sorrow with which he seemed vainly
struggling He bowed and sat down in silence
Mrs Stafford only was in the room and as soon as he was seated said
in a low voice yet with forced chearfulness
Well Sir I hope that Miss Mowbray and myself have prevailed on you to
drop at present every other design than the truly generous one of
healing the wounded heart of our fair unfortunate friend
And shall he who has wounded it slowly and sternly replied
Godolphinshall he who has wounded it so basely escape me
At this instant Lady Adelina who had been some time silent exclaimed
hastilyOh spare him my dear brother and spare your poor Adelina
who will not troublewho will not disgrace you long
Where is she said Godolphin startingGood God what is it I hear
Your unhappy sister answered Mrs Stafford whom the idea of your
determined vengeance has already driven to distraction
Again Lady Adelina spoke Her brother listened in breathless anguish
Ah Williamand are _you_ grown cruel You on whom I depended for
pity and protection
Surely said he surely she knows I am here
No answered Mrs Stafford she knows nothing But this fear has
incessantly pursued her and since she saw you she dwells more
frequently on it tho her erring memory sometimes wanders to other
objects
It is very true my Lord cried Lady Adelina with affected calmness
her thoughts wavering again towards Lord WesthavenIt is all very
true I have deserved all your reproaches I am ready to make all the
atonement I can Then you will both of you my brothers be
satisfiedfor William has told me that if I died he should be content
for then all might be forgotten She ended with a deep sigh and
Godolphin wildly starting from his seat said
This is too much you cannot expect me to bear thislet me go to
her
Would you go then answered Mrs Stafford to confirm her fears and
to drive her to deeper desperation If you see her it must be to soothe
and comfort her to assure her of your forgiveness and that you will
bury your resentment against
Accursed doubly accursed be the infamous villain who has driven her to
this And must I bear it tamely Oh injured memory of my fatheroh
my poor undone sister He walked about the room the tears ran from
his eyes and Mrs Stafford fearing that his hurried step and deep sobs
would be heard by Lady Adelina determined to bring the scene to a
crisis and not to lose the influence she hoped she had gained on his
mind She therefore went into the other room and shutting the door
advanced with a smile towards the lovely lunatic
What will you say my dear Adelina if I bring you the best news you
can possibly hear
News repeated Lady Adelina looking at her with eyes which too
plainly denoted her unsettled mindNewsAh dear Madam I know very
well that all the world is happy but me and if you are happy I am very
glad but as to _me_Do you indeed think it is reasonable I should part
with him
With whom said Mrs Stafford
Why one condition which they insist upon is that I should give up my
poor little one to them and never ask to see him again William was the
most urgent for thisWilliam who used to be so good so gentle so
compassionate to every body Alas he is now more cruel and relentless
than the rest
So far from it said Mrs Stafford your brother William loves you as
much as ever he will come and tell you so himself if you will only be
composed and talk less strangely
To see _me_ exclaimed she as if suddenly recovering her
recollectionOh whenwherehow
But again it forsook her and she continued
Ah he comes perhaps to tell me of the blood he has spilt and to load
me with reproaches for having obliged him to destroy a friend whom he
once loved If that is indeed so why let him come and plunge another
dagger in this poor heart which has always loved him
She was silent a moment and then languidly went on
I thought some time since that I saw him and Miss Mowbray was with
him but it was only a dream for I know he is in Jamaica and when he
_does_ come home he will harden his heart against mehe will be my
judge and sternly will he judge mehe will forget that he is my
brother
Never my poor Adelina cried Godolphin rushing into the room never
can I forget that I am your brothernever can I cease to feel for you
compassion and tenderness
He would have taken her in his arms but struck by the dreadful
alteration that appeared in her face and figure he stopt short and
looking at her with silent horror seemed incapable of uttering what he
felt
She knew him but could neither speak or shed a tear for some moments
At length she held out to him her emaciated hand
It is _indeed_ William said she He seems too very sorry for me
My dear brother do you then pardon and pity the poor Adelina
Both both answered Godolphin sobbing and seating himself by her
He threw his arms round her and her pale cheek rested on his bosom
while her eyes were fixed on his face
Stay exclaimed she after a momentary pause and disengaging herself
suddenly from himStay I have yet another question if I dared ask
it Do you know all and have you no blood to answer for on my account
Will you assure me you will not seek it
For mercys sake said Mrs Stafford satisfy her Mr
Godolphinsatisfy her at onceyou see to what is owing this alienation
of her reason
No reassumed the afflicted Adelina you need not answer me I see
you cannotwill not forgive
Name him not Adelina sternly and quickly answered hemy soul
recoils at his idea I cannot I will not promise any thing
At this period Emmeline who was unwilling to trust the servants in
such a moment entered with the infant of Lady Adelina sleeping in her
arms
See said Mrs Stafford a little unfortunate creature whose
innocence must surely plead forcibly to you he comes to join our
intreaties to you to spare his mother
Emmeline laid the infant in the lap of Lady Adelina who was yet unable
to shed a tear Godolphin beheld it with mingled horror and pity but
the latter sentiment seemed to predominate and Emmeline whose voice
was calculated to go to the heart began to try its influence and
imploring him to be calm and to promise his sister an eternal oblivion
of the past she urged every argument that should convince him of its
necessity and every motive that could affect his reason or his
compassion
He gazed on her with reverence and admiration while she spoke and
seemed greatly affected by what she said Animated by the hope of
success her eyes were lightened up with new brilliancy and her glowing
cheeks and expressive features became more than ever attractive A
convulsive laugh from Lady Adelina interrupted her and drew the
attention of Godolphin entirely to his sister Emmeline who saw her
reason again forsaking her took the sleeping baby from her lap She had
hardly done so before trying to rise from her chair she shrieked
aloudfor again the image of FitzEdward dying by the hand of her
brother was before her
See cried she see there he lieshe is already expiring yet
William forgives him not What would you strike him again now while
he is dyingGo cruel cruel brother attempting to put Godolphin
from herGoOh touch me not with those polluted hands they are
stained with human blood A convulsive shudder and a deep sigh seemed
to exhaust all her remaining strength and she fell back in her chair
pale and faint and with fixed unmeaning eyes appeared no longer
conscious even of the terrors which pursued her
But the look of incurable anguish which her features wore the wild
import of her words and the sight of the unfortunate child who seemed
born only to share her wretchedness could not long be beheld unmoved by
a heart like Godolphins which possessed all that tenderness that
distinguishes the truly brave Again he threw his arms round his sister
and sobbing said
Hear me Adelinahear me and be tranquil I will promise to be guided
by your excellent friendsI will do nothing that shall give pain to
them or to you
Thank God exclaimed Emmeline that you at last hear reason Remember
this promise is given to us all
It is answered Godolphin but try to make poor Adelina sensible of
it She no longer understood any thing but with her eyes shut and her
hands clasped in each other was at least quiet
I cannot bear it continued GodolphinI must go for a few moments to
recover myself He then left the room desiring Emmeline to comfort and
compose his sister who soon afterwards asked hastily what was become of
him
Emmeline pleased to find she had a clear recollection of his having
been with her now told her that he had most solemnly assured them he
would think no more of seeking FitzEdward on account of this unhappy
affair As she seemed still in fearful apprehension to doubt the
reality of this promise Godolphin who was only in the next room with
Mrs Stafford returned and assured her of his pity his forbearance
and his forgiveness
After some farther efforts on the part of Emmeline and protestations on
that of Godolphin tears which had been long denied to Lady Adelina
came to her relief She wept caressed her infant and blessed and
thanked her brother and her friends When capable of recollection she
knew that towards those whom he had once pardoned he was incapable of
reproach or unkindness and her mind eased of the fears which had so
long harrassed it seemed to be recovering its tone Still however
the sense of her own incurable unhappiness her own irretrievable
unworthiness and the disgrace of having sullied the honour of her
family and given pain to such a brother overwhelmed her with grief and
confusion while her reason as it at intervals returned served only to
shew her the abyss into which she had fallen and she sometimes even
regretted those hours of forgetfulness when she possessed not the power
of steady reflection and when the sad reality was obliterated by wild
and imaginary horrors
Footnote 1 Without fear and without reproach
Some few days elapsed before there was any great alteration for the
better in Lady Adelina But the incessant attention of her friends the
soothing pity of her brother and the skill of her physician slowly
conquered the lurking fever which had so long hung about her and her
intellects tho still disordered at times were more collected and
gave reason to hope that she would soon entirely recover
In the mean time Captain Godolphin communicated to Mrs Stafford the
resolution he had taken about his sister He said that she should
renounce for ever all claim on the Trelawny estate except only the
stipend settled on her as a consideration for the fortune she was to
receive at the death of the dowager Lady Westhaven and which was only
three hundred a year a sum which he thought made her but a paltry and
inadequate compensation for having passed two years in the society of
such a man as Trelawny
He added that he had a house in the Isle of Wight almost all the
patrimony his father had been able to give him where as his ship was
now out of commission he proposed residing himself and whither he
should insist upon Lady Adelinas retiring without any future attempt
to see or correspond with FitzEdward
As to the child he asked if Mrs Stafford would have the goodness to
see that it was taken care of at some cottage in her neighbourhood
till he could adjust matters with the Trelawny family and put an end
to all those fears which might tempt them to enquire into its birth
after which he said he would take it to his own house and call it a son
of his own a precaution that would throw an obscurity over the truth
which would hardly ever be removed when none were particularly
interested to remove it
These designs he desired Mrs Stafford to communicate to Lady Adelina
and as she was obliged to return home in two days she took the earliest
opportunity of doing so
To the conditions her brother offered Lady Adelina thought herself most
happy to consent The little boy was immediately baptized by the name of
William Godolphin and his unfortunate mother now began to flatter
herself that her disastrous history might be concealed even from her
elder brother Lord Westhaven of whose indignation and resentment she
had ever the most alarming apprehensions But while the hope of
escaping them by her brother Williams generous compassion gave to her
heavy sorrows some alleviation they were renewed with extreme
poignancy by the approaching separation from her inestimable friends
Mrs Stafford could no longer delay her return to her family and
Emmeline who now saw Lady Adelina out of danger and in the protection
of her brother was desirous of accompanying her back to Woodfield
Lady Adelina ineffectually tried to bear this early departure with some
degree of fortitude and resolution Nor was it _her_ heart alone that
felt desolate and unhappy at its approachThat of her brother had
received an impression from the mental and personal perfections of
Emmeline which being at first deep had soon become indelible and
ignorant of her engagement he had indulged it till he found it no
longer possible for him to forbear making her the first object of his
life and that the value of his existence depended wholly on her
Emmeline was yet quite unconscious of this but Mrs Stafford had seen
it almost from the first moment of her seeing Godolphin In their
frequent conversation she observed that the very name of Emmeline had
the power of fascination that he was never weary of hearing her
praises that whenever he thought himself unobserved his eyes were in
pursuit of her while fondly gazing on her face he seemed to drink deep
draughts of intoxicating passion
Mrs Stafford who knew what ardent and fatal love such excellence of
person and understanding might produce in a heart susceptible of all
their power was alarmed for the happiness of this amiable man and with
regret saw him nourishing an affection which she thought must be
entirely hopeless
These apprehensions every hours observation encreased Yet Mrs
Stafford determined not to communicate them to Emmeline but to put an
end to the flattering delusion which led on Godolphin to indulge his
passion by telling him as soon as possible of the engagement Emmeline
had formed with Mr Delamere
Accident soon furnished her with an opportunity While they were all
sitting together after dinner a packet of letters was brought in and
among others which were forwarded to Mrs Stafford from Woodfield was
one for Emmeline
Mrs Stafford gave it to her sayingFrom France by the post mark
Emmeline replied that it was She changed colour as she opened it
From Mr Delamere enquired Mrs Stafford
No answered she it is from Lady Westhaven Your brother and her
Ladyship are well continued she addressing herself to Mr Godolphin
and are at Paris where they propose staying till Lady Montreville and
Miss Delamere join them as they come to England
And when are they expected said Godolphin
In about a month replied Emmeline But Lord and Lady Westhaven do
not propose to return till next springthey only pass a few days all
together at Paris
And where is Mr Delamere wandering to significantly and smilingly
asked Mrs Stafford
Lady Westhaven says only answered Emmeline blushing and casting down
her eyes that he has left Lady Montreville and is they believe gone
to Geneva
However reassumed Mrs Stafford we shall undoubtedly see him in
England in March
Emmeline in still greater embarrassment answered two or three other
questions which Godolphin asked her about his brother and soon after
left the room
Godolphin who saw there was something relative to Delamere with which
he was unacquainted had a confused idea immediately occur to him of his
attachment and the pain it gave him was so acute that he wished at
once to know whether it was well founded
Why does Mr Delamere certainly return in March said he addressing
himself to Mrs Stafford rather than with his mother
To fulfil his engagement gravely and coldly replied she
Of what nature is it asked he
Mrs Stafford then related the history of Delameres long and violent
passion for Emmeline and the reluctant consent he had wrung from Lord
and Lady Montreville together with the promise obtained from Miss
Mowbray
While Mrs Stafford was making this recital she saw by the variations
of Godolphins countenance that she had too truly guessed the state of
his heart Expressive as his features were it was not in his power to
conceal what he felt in being convinced that he had irrecoverably fixed
his affections on a woman who was the destined wife of another and
awaking from the soft visions which Hope had offered to certain
despondence he found himself too cruelly hurt to be able to continue
the conversation and after a few faint efforts which only betrayed his
internal anguish he hurried away
Such however was the opinion Mrs Stafford conceived of his honour and
his understanding that she had no apprehension that he would attempt
imparting to the heart of Emmeline any portion of that pain with which
his own was penetrated and she hoped that absence and reflection
together with the conviction of its being hopeless would conquer this
infant passion before it could gather strength wholly to ruin his
repose
She was glad that their departure was so near and hastened it as much
as possible The short interval was passed in mournful silence on the
part of Godolphinon that of Lady Adelina in tears and regret while
Emmeline who was herself sensible of great pain in the approaching
parting struggled to appear chearful and Mrs Stafford attempted tho
without much success to reconcile them all to a separation which was
become as necessary as it was inevitable
At length the hired coach in which they were to return to Woodfield was
at the door
Lady Adelina unable to speak to either of them brought her little boy
in her arms and passionately kissing him gave him into those of
Emmeline Then taking a hand of each of her friends she pressed them to
her throbbing heart and hastened to conceal the violence of her sorrow
in her own room
Godolphin approached to take leave He kissed the hand of Mrs Stafford
and inarticulately expressed his thanks for her goodness to his sister
I know continued he I need not recommend to you this poor infant
the same generosity which prompted you to save his mother will
effectually plead for him and secure for him your protection till I
can take him to that of his own family And you Miss Mowbray said he
turning to Emmeline and taking her handmost amiable loveliest of
human creatures where shall I find words to thank you as I ought
His emotion was too great for utterance Emmeline felt it but too
sensibly and hastening into the coach to hide how much she was herself
affected she could only say
All happiness attend you Sir Remind Lady Adelina of my hopes of soon
hearing from her
Mrs Stafford being then seated and the servant who had been hired to
attend the infant following her the coach drove from the door
Godolphin pursued it with his eyes to the end of the street and then
as if deprived of all that made life desirable he gave himself up to
languor and despondence afraid of examining his own heart least his
reason should condemn an inclination which however hopeless he could
not resolve to conquer
But while he found charms in the indulgence of his unhappy love he
determined never to disturb the peace of its object But rather to
suffer in silence than to give pain to a heart so generous and sensible
as hers merely for the melancholy pleasure of knowing that she pitied
him
As soon as Lady Adelina could bear the journey they departed together
to his house in the Isle of Wight where he left her and went in search
of Mrs Bancraft the sister of Trelawny of whom he enquired where
Trelawny himself might be found
This woman apprehensive that he meditated a reconciliation between her
brother and his wife which it was so much her interest to prevent
refused for some time to give him the information he desired Having
however at length convinced her that he had no wish to renew a union
which had been productive only of misery to his sister she told him
that Mr Trelawny was returned to England and lived at a house hired in
the name of her husband a few miles from London
There Godolphin sought him and found the unhappy man sunk into a state
of perpetual and unconscious intoxication in which Bancraft the
husband of his sister encouraged him foreseeing that it must soon end
in his sons being possessed of an income to which the meanness of his
own origin and former condition made him look forward with anxious
avidity
It was difficult to make Trelawny sinking into idiotism comprehend
either who Godolphin was or the purport of his business But Bancraft
more alive to his own interest presently understood that on condition
of his entering into bonds of separation Lady Adelina would relinquish
the greater part of her claim on the Trelawny estate and he undertook
to have the deeds signed as soon as they could be drawn up In a few
days therefore Godolphin saw Trelawnys part of them compleated and
returned to Lady Adelina satisfied in having released her from an
engagement which since he had seen Trelawny had rendered her in his
eyes an object of tenderer pity and in having acquitted himself
according to his strict sense of honour by causing her to relinquish
all the advantages Trelawnys fortune offered except those to which she
had an absolute right
This affair being adjusted he again resigned himself to the mournful
but pleasing contemplations which had occupied him ever since he had
heard of Emmelines engagement While Lady Adelina whose intellects
were now restored but who was lost in profound melancholy saw too
evidently the state of her brothers heart and could not but lament
that his tenderness for her had been the means of involving him in a
passion which the great merit of its object and his own sensibility
convinced her must be incurable
The letters of Emmeline were the only consolation she was capable of
receiving They gave her favourable accounts of her child and of the
continued affection of her inestimable friends Whenever one of these
letters was brought Godolphin eagerly watched her while she was reading
it and then faultering and impatient asked if all were well and if
Mr Delamere was yet returned She sometimes gave him the letters to
peruse after which he generally fell into long absence broken only by
deep drawn and involuntary sighssymptoms which Lady Adelina knew too
well to doubt of the cause
In the mean time Mrs Stafford and Emmeline visited every day their
innocent charge who passed for the child of one of Emmelines friends
gone to the West Indies Emmeline insensibly grew so fond of him that
she was uneasy if any accident prevented her daily visit and her friend
sometimes laughingly reproached her with the robbery little William
committed on her time
When they were alone their conversation frequently turned on Lady
Adelina and her brother The subject tho melancholy was ever a
favourite with them both and perhaps the more so because it led them to
mournful reflectionsfor Mrs Stafford was unhappy and Emmeline was
not gay nor were her spirits greatly heightened by finding that in
spite of herself she thought as much of the brother as the sister and
with a degree of softness and complacency which could not be favourable
to her happiness
When she first discovered in Godolphin those admirable qualities of
heart and understanding which he so eminently possessed she asked
herself whether she might indulge the admiration they excited without
prejudice to him whom she considered as her husband And she fancied
that she might safely give him that esteem which his tenderness to his
unhappy sister the softness of his manners the elegance of his mind
and the generosity of his heart could hardly fail of extorting from the
most indifferent observer
But insensibly his idea obtruded itself more frequently on her
imagination and she determined to attempt to forget him and no longer
to allow any partiality to rob Delamere of that pure and sincere
attachment with which he would expect her to meet him at the altar It
was now long since she had heard from him but she accounted for it by
supposing that he was rambling about and she knew that letters were
frequently lost
It was at this time something more than two years since they had first
met at Mowbray Castle and in a few weeks Delamere would complete his
twentyfirst yeara period to which Lord Montreville had long looked
forward with anxious solicitude And now he could not but think with
bitterness that his son would not be present to animate the joy of his
dependants at this period but was kept in another country in the vain
hope of extinguishing a passion which could not be indulged without
rendering abortive all the pains his Lordship had taken to restore his
family to the eminent rank it had formerly borne in his country
To Sir Richard Crofts his sons had communicated the success of those
plans by which they had sown in the irritable mind of Delamere
jealousy and mistrust of Emmeline and he failed not to animate and
encourage their endeavours while he used his power over the mind of
Lord Montreville to limit the bounty and lessen the affection his
Lordship was disposed to shew her as the daughter of his brother
She received regularly her quarterly payment but she received no more
and instead of hearing on those occasions from Lord Montreville
himself she had twice only a methodical letter from Maddox the London
steward
This might however be merely accidental and Emmeline was far from
supposing that her uncle was estranged from her nor could she guess
that the malice of Mrs Ashwood and the artifices of the Crofts had
occasioned that estrangement
Lord Montreville rather connived at than participated in their
ungenerous proceedings and as if fearful of trusting his own ideas of
integrity with a plan which so evidently militated against them he was
determined to take advantage of their endeavours without enquiring too
minutely into their justice or candour Sir Richard had assured him that
Mr Delamere was in a great measure weaned from his attachment and that
Mr Crofts was almost sure that if their meeting could be prevented for
a few months longer there would be nothing more to fear from this long
and unfortunate prepossession
Crofts himself who had at length torn himself from his bride to pave
the way for his being received by her family as her husband soon
appeared and confirmed all this He told Lord Montreville that Delamere
had conceived suspicions of Emmelines conduct tho he knew not from
what cause that had at first excited the most uneasy jealousy but
which had at length subsided with his love that he had regained his
spirits and when he left his mother and sister seemed resolved to
make a vigorous effort to expel from his mind a passion he was ashamed
of having so long indulged
In saying all this Crofts rather attended to what his Lordship wished
to hear than to what was really the truth He knew that a meeting
between Delamere and Emmeline would probably at once explain all the
unworthy artifices which had been used to divide them and render those
artifices abortive He therefore told Lord Montreville that to prevent
all probability of a relapse it would be advisable to remove Emmeline
to some place where Delamere could not meet her and his Lordship
forgetting at once all the obligations he owed her thought only of
following this advice
Embarrassed however himself with public business he was unable to
give to these domestic politics all the attention which they demanded
He threw himself more than ever into the power of the Crofts to whose
policy he left it to contrive the means between the months of November
and March of raising an invincible barrier between his son and his
niece
Tho Delameres being of age encreased the difficulties of this
undertaking Crofts having no scruples about the methods he was to
pursue had no doubt of accomplishing his end and to stimulate his
endeavours he needed only the particular advantages which would accrue
to himself from the pardon and reception which he hoped to obtain from
Lord Montreville and his family
Every engine therefore that ambition avarice malice and cunning could
employ was now put in motion against the character and the peace of the
unprotected and unsuspicious Emmeline
In conscious innocence and unsullied purity she dreamed not that she
had an enemy on earth for of Mrs Ashwood now Mrs James Crofts she
only remembered that she had once been obliged to her The little
malicious envy which had given her some pain at the time it was shewn
she now no longer recollected and tho she always continued to dislike
James Crofts yet his impertinence she had forgiven and had written in
the usual form to congratulate them both on their marriage
Of Delamere she heard nothing but imputing his silence to his frequent
change of place she conceived no anger against him on that account and
still felt herself bound to keep from her mind as much as possible the
intrusive image of Godolphin
Whatever resolution Emmeline might form to drive from her heart those
dangerous partialities which would be fatal to her repose she found it
impossible to be accomplished while Lady Adelinas frequent letters
spoke only of the generous tenderness and excellent qualities of her
brother Of what else indeed could she speak in a solitude where his
goodness made all her consolation and his conversation all her pleasure
where he dedicated to her all his time and thought of procuring for her
every alleviation to her retirement which books and domestic amusements
afforded while he taught her still to respect herself and by his
unwearied friendship convincing her that she had still much to lose
made her life receive in her own eyes a value it would otherwise have
lost and prevented her relapsing into that unhappy state of
selfcondemnation which makes the sufferer careless of the future He
thought that situated as she was solitude was her only choice but to
render it as happy as her circumstances allowed was his continual care
and tho oppressive sorrow still lay heavy on her heart tho it still
ached with tenderness and regret towards an object whom she had sworn to
think of to speak of no more her gratitude and affection towards her
brother were as lively as if its acute feelings had never felt the
benumbing hand of despair
In the total sequestration from the world in which she lived she had no
other topic to dwell upon than her brother and she gave it all its
force Perfectly acquainted however with Emmelines engagements she
never ventured to mention the passion which she was too well assured
Godolphin felt but she still almost unknown to herself cherished a
lurking hope that her connection with Delamere might be dissolved and
that her lovely friend was destined to bless her beloved brother
This distant hope was warm enough to animate her pen in his praise and
Emmeline tho every letter she received made on her mind a deeper
impression of the merit of Godolphin yet found such painful pleasure in
reading them that she was unhappy if at the usual periods they did not
regularly arrive
She tried to persuade herself that the satisfaction she felt in reading
these letters arose purely from the delight natural to every uncorrupted
mind in contemplating a character honourable to human nature But
accustomed to examine narrowly her own heart she could not long impose
upon herself and notwithstanding all her endeavours to stifle it she
still found the idea of Godolphin mixing itself with all her thoughts
and embittering the prospect of her certain marriage with Delamere
In the answers Emmeline gave her friend she related whatever she
thought likely to amuse the fair recluse gave a regular account of her
little charge but avoided punctiliously the least mention of
FitzEdward
FitzEdward had received from Mrs Stafford an account of all that had
passed at Bath except the pains which had been taken to prevent any
meeting between him and Godolphin But notwithstanding her cautious
silence on that head FitzEdward who knew Godolphin well could hardly
be persuaded not to insist on his taking his chance of depriving him of
a life which he said he had deserved to lose and could little brook
being supposed to hold on courtesy Nothing but his consideration for
the unhappy Lady Adelina prevented his pursuing the sanguinary projects
that agitated his mind To her peace he owed it to conquer them and
while he was yet struggling against that sense of honour which impelled
him to give Godolphin imaginary reparation by allowing him an
opportunity of putting an end to _his_ existence or losing his own his
brother Lord Clancarryl wrote to desire his attendance in Ireland on
some family business of importance a summons which after some
hesitation Mrs Stafford and Miss Mowbray prevailed with him to obey
Before he went his eager and affecting entreaties prevailed on Mrs
Stafford to let him see his son whom he embraced with an ardour of
affection of which the fair friends believed so gay and fashionable a
man incapable
The errors of FitzEdward however were not those of the heart Among
the dissipation of fashion and the indulgences of libertinism his heart
was still sensible and his integrity retrievable He felt therefore
with great keenness the injury he had done Lady Adelina and desirous
of making all the reparation he could to the infant he again placed in
the hands of Emmeline a will by which he made it his heir and
recommended it to the protection of Godolphin whom he besought to
consider as his nephew the son of a man whom he had once loved and who
had dearly paid for having forfeited all claim to his friendship When
he was departed nothing seemed likely to interrupt the tranquillity of
Emmeline but her encreasing apprehensions for Mrs Stafford and her
children The derangement of Staffords affairs and his wifes
unavailing efforts to ward off the ruin which he seemed obstinately bent
on incurring were every day more visible while his capricious and
unreasonable temper and a strange opinion of his own sagacity which
would never allow him to own himself in the wrong made him seek to load
his wife with the blame of those misfortunes which he had voluntarily
sought and now as obdurately refused to avoid while it was yet in his
power
Mrs Stafford who saw too plainly that the destruction of their fortune
which she had so long dreaded was now with hasty strides advancing yet
endeavoured to convince him of his infatuation but he still improved
his house and garden still schemed away all the money he could raise or
gain credit for and still repaid with rudeness and insult her anxious
solicitude to save him
In Emmeline she ever found pity and tenderness but pity and tenderness
was all she had to bestow The affairs of Stafford required interest and
money and Emmeline could command neither Lord Montreville now took no
other notice of her than to remit her quarterly stipend by the hands of
his steward and tho he had promised to double it that promise yet
remained unfulfilled
It was at this time near the end of November and the mornings were cold
and gloomy but Emmeline however delicate in her frame had a
constitution which had not by early and false indulgences been
unfitted for the duties of life and to personal inconvenience she was
always indifferent when the service of those she loved engaged her to
brave fatigue or cold She therefore still continued her morning visit
to Woodbury Forest where she generally past an hour with little
William and in his improving features and interesting smiles loved to
trace his resemblance to his mother Lady Adelina was very like her
brother and the little boy was not the less tenderly caressed for the
similitude she saw to them both
The appearance of rain had one morning detained her at home later than
usual She went however about eleven oclock and was busied in
playing with the infant who began now to know her and was therefore
more attractive when while she yet held him in her arms she heard the
woman of the house who was in the outward room suddenly
exclaimIndeed Sir you cannot go inprayI beg your honour There
was hardly time for Emmeline to feel surprise at this bustle before the
door opened and Delamere stood before her In his countenance was an
expression compounded of rage fierceness and despair which extorted
from Emmeline an involuntary shriek Unable to arise she remained
motionless in her chair clasping the baby to her bosom Delamere seemed
trying to stifle his anger in contempt vengeance disdain and pride
were struggling for superiority while with his eyes sternly turned upon
Emmeline and smiling indignantly he exclaimedTill I _saw_ this
inarticulately and tremulously he spoketill I _saw_ this all the
evidence they brought me was insufficient to cure my blind attachment
But nowoh infamymadnessdamnation It _is_ then possibleIt _is_
then true But what is it to me Torntorn for ever from this outraged
heartnever never shall this sight blast me againBut what
continued he speaking with more quickness what for FitzEdward for
the infamous plunderer of his friends happiness However Madam on you
I intrude no longer Oh lostlostwretchedHe could not go on but
in the speechless agony of contending passions he leaned his head
against the frame of the door near which he stood and gazed wildly on
Emmeline who pale as death and trembling like a leaf still sat
before him unable to recall her scattered spirits
He waited a moment gasping for breath and as if he had still some
feeble expectation of hearing her speak But the child which she held in
her arms was like a basilisk to his sight and made in his opinion all
vindication impossible Again conviction appeared to drive him to
desperation and looking in a frantic manner round the room as if
entirely bereft of reason he dashed his hands furiously against his
head and running or rather flying out of the house he immediately
disappeared
In terror and astonishment Emmeline remained immovable and speechless
She almost doubted whether this was any other than a fearful dream
till the woman of the house and the maid who attended on the child
ran into the room frightenedLord Madam cried the woman what is
the matter with the young gentleman
I know not answered Emmeline faintlyI know not Where is he now
Hes run away into the wood again like any mad answered the woman
And from whence enquired Emmeline did he come
Why Miss said she I was a going out cross our garden to hang out
my cloaths so up a comes to the hedge side an a saysGood woman pray
bent here a lady here as comes from Woodfield one Miss MowbrayI
thought how he looked oddish as twere about the eyes but howsever
thinking no harm I says yes So he runs up to the door and I called to
un to say as Id come in and let you know but before I could get thro
the wicket whisk he was in the kitchen then I tried agin to stop un
but I were as good try to stop the wind
The agitation and uneasiness of Emmeline encreased rather than subsided
She looked so pale and with so much difficulty drew her breath that
the women were alarmed least she should faint and one of them persuaded
her to swallow something while the other ran out to see if the person
who had so terrified her was yet in sight But no traces of him were
visible and after a few moments Emmeline recalling her presence of
mind and feeling proudly conscious of her own innocence and integrity
recovered in some degree her spirits and resolution
That Delamere should be in England did not greatly astonish tho it
grieved her but that he should have conceived such strange suspicions
of her and FitzEdward equally surprised and distressed her since
had she an opportunity of undeceiving him which he did not seem willing
to allow her she could not relate the truth but by betraying the
confidence of her unfortunate friend and embittering that life she had
incurred such hazards to preserve As soon as she had apparently
recovered from the shock of this abrupt intrusion she was desirous of
returning to Woodfield anxious to know if Delamere had been there or
by what means he had been enabled to find her at the cottage in the
forest The women who fancied the gentleman they had seen was a lunatic
who might lay in wait to hurt her on her way home would not suffer her
to set out till they had called a woodcutter from the forest to
accompany her Then slowly and with difficulty she returned home
where she heard from Mrs Stafford that Delamere had neither been there
or sent thither This information encreased her wonder and her disquiet
She related to Mrs Stafford the distressing interview of the morning
who having seen frequent instances of those excesses of which Delamere
was capable heard the relation with concern and apprehension
Some days were passed by Emmeline in painful conjectures on what
measures Delamere would take and in uncertainty what she ought to do
herself Sometimes she thought of writing to Lord Montreville but
against that Mrs Stafford remonstrated representing that as she was
undoubtedly the injured person in having been insulted by suspicions so
unworthy she should leave it wholly to Delamere to discover and recant
his error which if he refused on cooler reflection to do she would be
fortunate in escaping from an engagement with a man who had so little
command of his own temper so little reliance on her principles as to
be driven on a mere suspicion into rudeness and insult
Greatly mortified at finding it possible for Delamere to think so
injuriously of her and depressed by a thousand uneasy apprehensions
she yielded implicitly to the counsel of her friend But of her counsel
and consolation she was now on the point of being deprived Stafford
who had been some time in London sent an express to fetch his wife
thither a few days after the interview between Emmeline and Delamere
His affairs were now growing desperate James Crofts demanded immediate
payment of a sum of money belonging to his wife that was left her by
her father and which she had till now suffered to remain in the hands
of her brother Stafford had made no provision to pay it his boundless
profusion had dissipated all the ready money he could command and this
claim of his sisters which James Crofts seemed determined to urge
would he knew be the signal for every other creditor to beset him with
demands he had no means of discharging
Tho Mrs Stafford had long tho vainly implored him to stop in his wild
career and had represented to him all the evils which were now about to
overtake him she could not see their near approach without an attempt
again to rescue him And he was accustomed in every difficulty to have
recourse to her tho while he felt none he scorned and even resented
her efforts to keep them at a distance He now fancied that her
application might prevail on James Crofts to drop a suit he had
commenced against him she hastily therefore set out for London leaving
to Emmeline the care of her children who promised by the utmost
attention to them to obviate part of the inconvenience of such a
journey
It was unhappily however not only inconvenient but fruitless Mr and
Mrs James Crofts were inexorable The suit was tried Stafford was
cast and nothing remained for him but either to pay the money or to be
exposed to the hazard of losing his property and his liberty His
conduct had so much injured his credit that to borrow it was
impossible Mrs Stafford attempted therefore to divest herself of part
of her own fortune to assist him with the money but her trustees were
not to be moved and nothing but despair seemed darkening round the head
of the unfortunate Stafford
Mrs Stafford saw too evidently that to be in the power of James Crofts
was to trust to avarice meanness and malignity and she trembled to
reflect that her husband was now wholly at his mercy The additional
motives he had to use that power rigorously she knew not she was
ignorant that the business had so eagerly been pushed to a crisis not
merely by the avidity of James Crofts to possess the money but also by
the directions of Sir Richard who hoped by this means to drive the
family with whom Emmeline resided to another country where Delamere
might find access to her so difficult that he might never have an
opportunity of explaining the cause of his estrangement or of hearing
her vindication
It was now that Mrs Stafford remembered the frequent offers of service
which she had repeatedly received from Lord Montreville and to him she
determined to apply She hoped that he might be induced to influence the
Crofts family to give Mr Stafford time and to desist from the
violence and precipitation with which they pursued him She even fancied
that his Lordship would be glad of an opportunity so easily to realize
those offers he had so liberally made and full of these expectations
she prepared to become a solicitress for favours to a statesman She
felt humbled and mortified at the cruel necessity that compelled her to
it but her childrens interest conquering her reluctance she addressed
a letter to Lord Montreville and received a very polite answer in
which he desired the honour of seeing her at two oclock the following
day an hour when he said he should be entirely disengaged She might
as well however have attended at his levee for tho punctual to the
hour when he was to be disengaged she found two rooms adjoining to that
where his Lordship was occupied by a variety of figures some of whose
faces were faces of negociation and equality but more whose
expression of fearful suspence marked them for those of petitioners and
dependants Those of the former description were separately called to an
audience and each after a longer or shorter stay retired while Mrs
Stafford tho with an heart but ill at ease for observation could not
help fancying she discerned in their looks the success of their
respective treaties
As soon as these gentlemen were all departed Mrs Stafford who had
already waited almost three hours was introduced into the study where
with many gracious bows and smiling apologies Lord Montreville received
her
Sir Richard Crofts had that morning warmly represented to his Lordship
the necessity of the Staffords going abroad and taking Emmeline with
them Lord Montreville knew that Delamere was returned and was
embroiled with Emmeline he was therefore eager enough to follow advice
which appeared so necessary and to promote any plan which might prevent
a renewal of the attachment He enquired not into the cause of this
estrangement satisfied with its effect and had secretly determined
to give Mrs Stafford no assistance in the endeavours she was using to
keep her family from dispersion and distress
But statesman as he was he could not entirely forget that he _once_
felt as other men and he could not hear without some emotion the
melancholy description that Mrs Stafford gave of the impending ruin of
her family and all its fearful consequences which she did with so much
clear simplicity yet with so much proper dignity that he found his
resolution shaken and recollecting _that he had a conscience_ was
about to ask it by what right he assumed the power of rendering an
innocent family wandering exiles merely to save himself from a supposed
possible inconvenience
But while every lingering principle of goodness and generosity was
rising in the bosom of his Lordship to assist the suit of Mrs Stafford
a servant entered hastily and announced the Duke of N His Grace of
course waited not in the antiroom but was immediately introduced
Lord Montreville then civilly apologized to Mrs Stafford for being
unable to conclude the business adding that if she would see Sir
Richard Crofts the next day he would take care it should be settled to
her satisfaction She withdrew with a heavy heart and feeling infinite
reluctance in the proposed application to Sir Richard Crofts she
employed the whole afternoon in attempting to move in favour of her
husband some of those friends who had formerly professed the most
unbounded and disinterested friendship for him and his family
Of many of these the doors were shut against her others affected the
utmost concern and lamented that their little power and limited
fortunes did not allow them to assist in repairing the misfortunes they
deplored some told her how long they had foreseen Mr Staffords
embarrassments and how destructive building and scheming were to a
moderate fortune while others made vague proffers of inadequate
services which on farther conversation she found they never intended to
perform if unluckily she had accepted their offers In all she saw too
plainly that they looked on Mr Staffords affairs as desperate and in
their coldness and studied civility already felt all the misery and
mortification of reduced circumstances
With encreased anguish she was now compelled to go on the following
day to Sir Richard Crofts whom she knew only from Emmelines
description
He also in imitation of his patron had his antichamber filled with
soliciting faces She waited not quite so long indeed for an audience
but with infinitely less patience At length however she was shewn
into the apartment where Sir Richard transacted business
Bloated prosperity was in his figure supercilious scorn in his eyes he
rose half off his seat and slightly inclined his head on her entrance
Madam your servantplease to sit down
I waited on you Sir Richard to
I beg your pardon Madam But as I am perfectly acquainted and
informed and aware of the business there is no occasion or necessity
to give you the trouble to repeat and dwell upon and explain it It is
not I find convenient or suitable or commodious for Mr Stafford to
pay to my son James who has married his Mr Staffords sister that
part and proportion and residue of her fortune which her father at
his death gave bequeathed and left to her
It is not only inconvenient Sir answered Mrs Stafford but
impossible I fear for him to do it immediately and this is what I
wished to speak to you upon
I am aware and informed and apprized Madam of what you would say I
am sorry it is as you say so inconvenient and impracticable and
impossible However Madam my way in these cases is to go very plainly
and straitly and directly to the point therefore I will chalk out and
describe and point out to you a line of conduct which if you chuse to
follow and adopt and pursue it appears to me that all may be
adjusted settled and put to rights
You will oblige me Sir Richard by doing so
Well then it is thisAs it appears and is evident and visible that
you have not the money in question you must immediately sell and
dispose of and make into money your house and effects in Dorsetshire
and after paying and satisfying and discharging the debt to my son
James you must as I understand your husband is besides deeply in
debt withdraw retire and remove to France or to Normandy or
Switzerland or some cheap country till your affairs come round and
are retrieved and accommodated and adjusted
This we might have done Sir Richard without troubling you with the
present application
No Madam you might _not_ I assure you I have talked and reasoned
and argued some time with Mr James Crofts before I could induce and
prevail upon and dispose him to wait and remain and continue unpaid
until this arrangement and disposition could take place He wants the
money Madam for a particular purpose and tho from my heart I grieve
and lament and deplore the necessity of the measure I do assure you
Madam nothing else will give you any chance of winding up compleating
and terminating the business before us You will therefore Madam
think and consider and reflect on its necessity and give your final
answer to my son James who will wait for it only till tomorrow
morning
He then rang his bell and saying he had an appointment with Lord
Montreville who must already have waited for him he made a cold bow
and hastened out of the room
Mrs Stafford now saw that nothing remained but to follow her husband to
a prison or prevail on him to go to the Continent while she attempted
anew to settle his affairs
Obstinate even in despair she had the utmost difficulty to convince him
of the necessity of this measure and would never perhaps have done
it if the more persuasive argument of a writ taken out by James
Crofts had not driven him to embrace it rather than go into
confinement
Mrs Stafford with difficulty procured money to furnish him for his
journey and saw him depart for Dover while she herself returned to
Emmeline who had passed the three weeks of her absence in great
uneasiness No news had been received of Delamere and she now believed
that of the promise he had forced from her he meant not to avail
himself yet did not relinquish it but in proud and sullen resentment
disdained even to enquire whether he had justly harboured anger against
her She wished to have withdrawn a promise she could no longer think of
without pain and regret but she found Mrs Stafford so unhappy that
she could not resolve to oppress her by complaints and after some
struggles with herself determined to let the matter take its course
Willingly however she consented to accompany her friend to France
where Mrs Stafford at her husbands request now determined to go with
her family She had found an opulent tradesman in a neighbouring town
who engaged on receiving a mortgage on the estate and ten per cent
interest which he so managed as to evade the appearance of usury to
let her have the money to pay Mr Crofts and a farther sum for the
support of her family and having got a tenant for the house and
satisfied as many of the clamorous creditors as she could she prepared
with a heavy heart to quit her abode with Emmeline and her infant
family
As it was necessary that little William should be sent to the Isle of
Wight before their departure Emmeline wrote to fix a day at the
distance of a month on which she desired Lady Adelina to send some
careful person for him But ten days before the expiration of that
period letters came from Mr Stafford in which he directed his wife
who intended to embark at Brighthelmstone and land at Dieppe to change
her route and sail from Southampton to Havre He also desired her to
hasten her journey and as every thing was now put on the best footing
the time would allow Mrs Stafford immediately complied and with her
own unfortunate family Emmeline and little William whom they now
meant to carry themselves to Lady Adelina they left Woodfield
The pain of quitting probably for ever a favourite abode which she
feared would at length be torn from her children by the rapacity of the
law and the fatigue of travelling with infant children under such
circumstances almost overcame the resolution and spirits of Mrs
Stafford Emmeline ever reasonable gentle and consoling was her
principal support and on the evening of the second day they arrived at
Southampton
While Emmeline almost forgot in her attention to her friend her own
uncertain and unpleasant state Delamere remained in Norfolk where he
had hid himself from the enquiries of his father and from the
importunities of his mother who was now with her eldest daughter
settled again in Berkley Square Here he nourished inveterate resentment
against FitzEdward and finding it impossible to forget Emmeline he
continued to think of her as much as ever but with indignation
jealousy and rage
He had immediately on receiving as he believed a confirmation of all
those suspicions with which the Crofts had so artfully inspired him
resolved to demand satisfaction of FitzEdward and hearing on enquiry
that he was in Ireland but his return immediately expected he waited
with eager and restless uneasiness till the person whom he had
commissioned to inform him of his return should send notice that he was
again in London
Week after week however passed away He still heard that tho
expected hourly FitzEdward arrived not Time far from softening the
asperity with which his thoughts dwelt on this supposed rival seemed
only to irritate and inflame his resentment and ingenious in tormenting
himself he now added new anguish to that which corroded his heart by
supposing that Emmeline aware of the danger which threatened her lover
from the vengeance of his injured friend had written to him to prevent
his return This idea was confirmed when the agent whom he employed to
watch the return of FitzEdward at length informed him that he had
obtained leave of absence from his regiment now in England and was to
pass the remainder of the winter with Lord and Lady Clancarryl
The fury of his passions seemed to be suspended while with gloomy
satisfaction he looked forward to a speedy retribution but now when no
immediate prospect offered of meeting the author of his calamities they
tormented him with new violence Emmeline and FitzEdward haunted his
dreams Emmeline and FitzEdward were ever present to his imagination
he figured to himself his happy rival possessed of the tenderness and
attachment of that gentle and sensible heart The anguish these images
inflicted affected his health and while every day as it passed
brought nothing to alleviate his despair he became more and more
convinced that the happiness of his life was blasted for ever and
growing impatient of life itself determined to go to Ireland and insist
on an opportunity of losing it or of taking that of the man who had
made it an insupportable burthen
He set out therefore attended only by Millefleur and gave Lord
Montreville no notice of his intention till he reached Holyhead from
thence he wrote to his Lordship to say that he had received an
invitation to visit some friends at Dublin and that he should continue
about a month in Ireland His pride prompted him to do this least his
father on hearing of his absence should suppose that he was weak
enough to seek a reconciliation with Emmeline whose name he now never
mentioned being persuaded that his Lordship knew how ill she had repaid
an affection which tho he could not divest himself of he was now
ashamed to acknowledge
Lord Montreville happy to find he had really quitted her was extremely
glad of this seasonable journey which as the Crofts assured him
Emmeline was on the point of leaving England would he thought prevent
his enquiring whither she was gone and by introducing him into a new
set of acquaintance turn his thoughts to other objects and perfect his
cure
While Delamere then was travelling to Ireland in pursuit of FitzEdward
Mrs Stafford and Emmeline left Southampton on a visit to Lady Adelina
in the Isle of Wight being desirous of delivering little William into
the arms of his mother and his uncle Tho it was now almost the end of
January they embarked in an open boat with the servant who waited on
the child but being detained till almost noon on account of the tide
it was evening before they reached a village on the shore three miles
beyond Cowes where they were to land
On arriving there they found that the house of Captain Godolphin was
situated two miles farther Mrs Stafford ever attentive and
considerate was afraid that the sight of the child so unexpectedly
might overpower the spirits of Lady Adelina and cause speculation among
the servants which it was absolutely necessary to avoid Emmeline
therefore undertook to walk forward attended by a boy in the village
who was to shew her the way and apprize Lady Adelina of the visitor she
was to expect
Pleasure in spite of herself glowed in her bosom at the idea of again
meeting Godolphin tho she knew not that he had conceived for her the
most pure and ardent passion that was ever inspired by a lovely and
deserving object
He had long since found that his heart was irrecoverably gone But tho
he struggled not against his passion he loved too truly to indulge it
at the expence of Emmeline and had therefore determined to avoid her
and not to embitter _her_ life with the painful conviction that their
acquaintance had destroyed the happiness of _his_ For this reason he
did not intend going himself to fetch his nephew from Woodbury Forest
but had given a careful servant directions to go thither in a few days
after that when Emmeline herself prevented the necessity of the journey
Her walk lay along the high rocks that bounded the coast and it was
almost dark before she entered a small lawn surrounded with a
plantation in which the house of Godolphin was situated About half an
acre of ground lay between it and the cliff which was beat by the
swelling waves of the channel The ground on the other side rose more
suddenly and a wood which covered the hill behind it seemed to embosom
the house and take off that look of bleakness and desolation which
often renders a situation so near the sea unpleasant except in the
warmest months of Summer A sand walk lead round the lawn Emmeline
followed it and it brought her close to the windows of a parlour They
were still open she looked in and saw by the light of the fire for
there were no candles in the room Godolphin sitting alone He leaned on
a book which there was not light enough to read scattered papers lay
round him and a pen and ink were on the table
Emmeline could not forbear looking at him a moment before she approached
the door She could as little command her curiosity to know on what he
was thus deeply thinking The boy who was with her ran round to the
kitchen and sent up a servant to open the door who immediately
throwing open that of the parlour saidA lady Sir
Godolphin starting from his reverie arose and unexpectedly beheld the
subject of it
His astonishment at this visit was such as hardly left him the power to
express the pleasure with which that astonishment was mingled Miss
Mowbray exclaimed heIs it indeed Miss Mowbray
For a moment he surveyed her in silent extasy then congratulated
himself upon his unhoped for good fortune and answering her enquiries
about Lady Adelina he suddenly seemed to recollect the papers which lay
on the table hurried them into a drawer and again returning to
Emmeline told her how happy he was to see her look so well He thought
indeed that he had never seen her so infinitely lovely The sharpness of
the air during her walk had heightened the glow of her complexion her
eyes betrayed by their soft and timid glances the partiality of which
she was hardly yet conscious she trembled without knowing why and
could hardly recover her composure while Godolphin who would trust no
other person to deliver the message ran eagerly up stairs to acquaint
Lady Adelina My sister cried he immediately returning will be
with you instantly a slight pain in her head has kept her on the bed
almost all day But to what do we owe the happiness of seeing you here
when we thought you on the point of sailing for France by another
route
Emmeline then hastily explained the change in their plan adding
gravelyYou will have another visitor who cannot fail of being
welcome both to you and Lady Adelina Mrs Stafford stays with him at
the village while she desired me to come on to prepare you for his
reception and to know how you will have him introduced
As _my_ child answered Godolphin My servants are already prepared
to expect such an addition to my family Ever amiable ever lovely Miss
Mowbray continued he with looks that encreased her confusionwhat
obligation does not our little boydo we not all owe you
At this moment Lady Adelina who had been obliged to wait some moments
to recover herself from the joyful surprise into which the news of
Emmelines arrival had thrown her ran into the room and embracing with
transport her lovely friend sighed but unable to weep sat down and
could only kiss her hands with such wild expressions of rapture that
Emmeline was alarmed least it should have any ill effect on her
intellects or on a frame ever extremely delicate and which now had
from her having long indulged incurable sorrow assumed an appearance of
such languor and weakness that Emmeline with extreme concern looked on
her as on a beautiful shadow whom she probably beheld for the last time
She stood a moment pensively gazing on her face Godolphin said gently
to his sister who still held the hand of EmmelineAdelina my love
recollect yourselfyou keep Miss Mowbray standing
What is yet more material answered Emmeline smiling is that you
keep me from writing a note to Mrs Stafford which the boy who waits
here is to take back to her
Godolphin answered that he would go himself to Mrs Stafford and
instantly departed while Emmeline began to talk to Lady Adelina of the
immediate arrival of her child She at length succeeded in getting her
to speak of him and to weep extremely after which she grew more
composed and her full heart seemed relieved by talking of her brother
Her words tho faint and broken by the emotion she felt yet forcibly
conveyed to the heart of Emmeline impressions of that uncommon worth
they described
Never said she can I be sufficiently grateful to heaven for having
given me such a brother Tis not in words my Emmeline to do him
justice He is all that is noble minded and generous Tho from the loss
of his vivacity and charming spirits I know too well how deeply my
unworthy conduct has wounded him tho I know that by having sullied
the fair name of our family and otherwise I have been the unhappy
cause of injuring his peace yet never has a reproach or an unkind word
escaped him Pensive yet always kind melancholy and at times visibly
unhappy yet ever gentle considerate and attentive to me always ready
to blame himself for yielding to that despondence which he cannot
without an effort conquer trying to alleviate the anguish of my mind by
subduing that which frequently preys on his own and now burying the
memory of my fault in compassion to my affliction he adopts my child
and allows me without a blush to embrace the dear infant for whom I
dare not otherwise shew the tenderness I feel
Emmeline affected by this eulogium to which her heart warmly assented
was silent
There is reassumed Lady Adelina but one being on earth who
resembles himit is my Emmeline If ever two creatures eminently
excelled the rest of their species it is my friend and my brother
Something throbbed at the heart of Emmeline at these words into which
she was afraid to enquire her engagement to Delamere yet uncancelled
lay like a weight upon it and seemed to impress the idea of her doing
wrong while she thus listened to the praises of another and felt that
she listened with too much pleasure She asked herself however whether
it was possible to be insensible of the merit of Godolphin Yet
conscious that she had already thought of it too much she wished to
change the topic of discourseBut Lady Adelina still pursued it
Lord Westhaven said she my elder brother is indeed a most
respectable and excellent man Equally with my brother William he
inherits from my father integrity generosity and nobleness of mind
together with a regularity of morals and conduct unusual in so young a
man even in any rank of life and remarkable in him who has passed
almost all his in the army But he is tho not yet thirty much older
than I am and has almost always been absent from me those who know him
better have told me that with as many other good qualities as William
he has less softness of temper and being almost free from error
himself makes less allowance for the weakness of others Such however
has been the management of my younger brother that the elder knows not
the truth of my circumstanceshe does not even suspect them You may
very possibly see him and Lady Westhaven abroad I know I need not
caution my Emmelineshe will be careful of the peace of her poor
friend
Emmeline soon satisfied Lady Adelina on that head who then asked when
she heard of Delamere
This question Emmeline had foreseen but having predetermined not to
distress her unfortunate friend by telling her into what difficulties
her attendance on her and her child had led her and being shocked to
own herself the subject of suspicions so injurious as those Delamere had
dared to harbour she calmly answered that Delamere was returned to
England but that she had seen him only for a few moments
And did he not object enquired Lady Adelina to your quitting
England since he is himself returned to it
Emmeline who could not directly answer this question evaded it by
saying
My absence or my presence you know cannot hasten the period till the
arrival of which our marriage cannot take place_if_ it ever takes
place at all
_If_ it ever takes place at all repeated Lady AdelinaDoes then any
doubt remain of it
An affair of that sort replied Emmeline assuming as much unconcern
as she could is always doubtful where so many clashing interests and
opposite wishes are to be reconciled and where so very young a man as
Mr Delamere is to decide
Do you suspect that he wavers then very earnestly asked Lady Adelina
fixing her eyes on the blushing face of Emmeline
I really am not sure answered sheyou know my promise reluctantly
given was only conditional I am far from being anxious to anticipate
by firmer engagements the certainty of its being fulfilled much better
contented I should be if he yet took a few years longer to consider of
it You Lady Adelina continued she smiling are surely no advocate
for early marriages and Mrs Stafford is greatly averse to them You
must therefore suppose that what my two friends have found inimical to
their happiness I cannot consider as being likely to constitute mine
This speech had the effect Emmeline intended It brought back the
thoughts of Lady Adelina from the uncertainties of her friend to her own
actual sorrows She sighed deeply
You say truly said she _I_ have no reason to wish those I love may
precipitately form indissoluble engagements nor _do_ I wish it Would
to God _I_ had not been the victim of an hasty and unhappy marriage or
that I had been the _only_ victim Emmeline added she lowering her
voice now hardly audible Emmeline _may_ I askwhere isspare me
the repetition of a name I have solemnly vowed never to utteryou
understand me
I do answered Emmeline gravely He has been in Ireland but is now
I suppose in London as the time he told me he should pass there has
long since elapsed I heard he was to return no more to Tylehurst and
that Mr Delamere had given up the house there but of this I know
nothing from themselves The person you enquire after I have seen only
once and that for half an hour Mrs Stafford can tell you more if you
wish to hear it
Ah pardon my wretched weakness Emmeline I know I ought to conquer
it But I cannot help wishingI cannot help being anxious to hear of
him Yet would I conceal from every one but you that the recollection of
this unhappy man never a moment leaves me Tell me my angelic friend
for of you I may ask and be forgivenhas he seen his son
He has and was extremely affected But dear Lady Adelina do not I
beseech you enquire into the particulars of the interview Try my
beloved friend to divest yourself of these painful recollectionsah
try to recover your peace and preserve your life for the sake of our
dear little William and those friends who love you
The unhappy Adelina who notwithstanding all her efforts was devoured
by an incurable affection for a man whom she had sworn to banish from
her heart for ever and whose name her brother would not suffer her to
pronounce now gave way to an agony of passion which she could indulge
only before Emmeline and so violently was she affected by regret and
despair that her friend trembled least her reason should again forsake
its seat She tried by soothing and tenderness to appease this
sudden effusion of grief and had hardly restored her to some degree of
composure before Mrs Stafford entered the room and embraced most
cordially Lady Adelina while Godolphin followed her with the little boy
in his arms In contemplating the beauty of his nephew he had forgotten
the misery of which his birth had been the occasion for with all the
humanity of a brave man Godolphin possessed a softness of heart which
the helpless innocence of the son and the repentant sorrow of the
mother melted into more than feminine tenderness He carried the child
to his sister and put it into her arms
Take him my Adelina said hetake our dear boy and while you
embrace and bless him you will feel all you owe to those who have
preserved him
Lady Adelina did indeed feel such complicated sensations that she was
unable to utter a word She could only press the little boy to her heart
and bedew his face with tears Her affecting silence and pale
countenance alarmed both Mrs Stafford and Emmeline and the former
willing to give her thoughts a new turn said
You do not suppose my dear friends that we intend to go back to
Southampton to night so I hope you will give us some supper and beds in
this hospitable island
Godolphin who had been too much enchanted to think before immediately
saw that the meaning of Mrs Staffords solicitude was merely to call
the thoughts of his sister from herself to her guests he seconded
therefore this intention by desiring Lady Adelina to give proper orders
about the apartments for her friends and to take _his_ little boy to
that which had been prepared for his reception The three ladies
therefore withdrew with the child where Lady Adelina soon recovered
some degree of serenity and was able to sit at table while they supped
Had Mrs Stafford been before unsuspicious of the passion of Godolphin
for Emmeline she would have been convinced of it during the course of
this evening His voice his countenance his manner evidently betrayed
it and whenever the eyes of Emmeline were turned to any other object
his were fixed on her face with looks so expressive of tender
admiration yet tempered by a kind of hopeless dejection that the most
uninterested observer could hardly have mistaken his thoughts
But it was not her face however interesting or her form however
graceful that rivetted the chains of Godolphin He had seen many faces
more regularly beautiful and many figures equally elegant with
indifference he had heard with coldness the finest sentiments uttered
by the fairest mouths and had listened to the brilliant sallies of
fashionable wit with contempt In Emmeline he discovered a native
dignity of soul an enlarged and generous heart a comprehensive and
cultivated understanding a temper at once soft and lively with morals
the most pure and manners simple undesigning and ingenuous To these
solid perfections genius had added all the lighter graces and nature
a form which enchanting as it must ever have been seemed to receive
irresistible charms from the soul by which it was informed
All his philosophy could not prevent his being sensible of the
attractions of such a woman nor was his resolution sufficiently strong
to enable him to struggle against their influence even when he found he
had nothing to hope But yielding to the painful delight of loving her
he persuaded himself that tho he could not conquer he could conceal it
and that while she was ignorant of his passion it could be injurious
only to himself
His absence and silence during supper was broken only by his natural
politeness After it concluded they drew round the fire and the three
ladies entered into one of those interesting conversations that are so
pleasant where mutual confidence and esteem reign among the party
Godolphin continued silent and insensibly fell into a train of thought
the most dangerous to that appearance of indifference which he believed
he could observe Looking at Emmeline as she talked to his sister and
remembering all the friendship she had shewn her hearing the sound of
her voice and the elegance of her expressions he began insensibly to
consider how blessed he _might_ have been had he known her before her
hand was promised and her affections given to the fortunate Delamere
Had it but been _my_ lot said he to himselfhad it been _my_
lotah what happiness after the fatigues and dangers of my
profession to return to this place which I love so much and to be
received by such a friendsuch a mistresssuch a wife as she will
make He indulged these ideas till absolutely lost in them he was
unconscious of every thing but their impression and starting up he
struck his hands together and cried
Merciful heavenand can it then never be
Alarmed at the suddenness of an exclamation so causeless Lady Adelina
looked terrified and her friends amazed
What brotherwhat are you speaking of enquired she
I beg your pardon said Godolphin instantly recollecting himself and
blushing for this unguarded sallyI beg your pardon I was thinking of
some business I have to settle but I do not deserve to be forgiven for
suffering my mind in such company to dwell on any thing but the pleasure
I enjoy and for yielding to a foolish custom I have acquired of
uttering aloud whatever is immediately in my mind an habit added he
smiling that has grown upon me by living so much alone Since Lady
Adelina is now fixed with me I hope I shall cease to speak and think
like an hermit and be again humanized Adelina my love you look
fatigued
Ah replied she of what fatigue can I be sensible when with those
who I most love and value and from whom tomorrowtomorrow I must
part
I doubt that extremely said Godolphin trying to carry the
conversation entirely from his own strange behaviour If I have any
skill in the weather tomorrow will bring a gale of wind which will
opportunely make prisoners of our two fair friends for another day
How infinitely cried Lady Adelina shall I be obliged to it
The rising of the wind during the whole evening had made Godolphins
conjecture highly probable Mrs Stafford impatient to return to her
children whom she never willingly left wholly in the care of servants
heard its encreasing violence with regret Emmeline tried to do so too
but she could not prevail on herself to lament a circumstance likely to
keep her another day with Lady Adelina and her little boy She wanted
too to see a little of this beautiful island of which she had heard so
much and found several other reasons for wishing to remain without
allowing herself to suppose that Godolphin had on these wishes the
smallest influence
Early the next morning Emmeline arose and looking towards the sea saw
a still encreasing tempest gathering visibly over it She wandered over
the house which tho not large was chearful and elegant and she
fancied every thing in it bore testimony to the taste and temper of its
master The garden charmed her still more surrounded by copsewood and
evergreens and which seemed equally adapted to use and pleasure The
country behind it tho divested of its foliage and verdure appeared
more beautiful than any she had seen since she left Wales and with
uncommon avidity she enjoyed even amid the heavy gloom of an impending
storm the great and magnificent spectacle afforded by the sea By
reminding her of her early pleasures at Mowbray Castle it brought back
a thousand halfobliterated and agreeable tho melancholy images to her
mind while its grandeur gratified her taste for the sublime
As she was indulging these contemplations the wind suddenly blew with
astonishing violence and before Mrs Stafford arose the sea was become
so tempestuous and impracticable that eagerly as she wished to return
to her children she could not think of braving it
Godolphin had seen Emmeline wandering along the cliff and had
resolutely denied himself the pleasure of joining her for from what had
passed the evening before he began to doubt his own power to forbear
speaking to her of the subject that filled his heart
They now met at breakfast and Emmeline was charmed with her walk tho
she had been driven from it by the turbulence of the weather which by
this time had arisen to an hurricane When their breakfast ended Mrs
Stafford followed Lady Adelina who wanted to consult her on something
that related to the little boy Godolphin went out to give some orders
and Emmeline retired to a bow window which looked towards the sea
Could she have divested her mind of its apprehensions that what formed
for her a magnificent and sublime scene brought shipwreck and
destruction to many others she would have been highly pleased with a
sight of the ocean in its present tremendous state Lost in
contemplating the awful spectacle she did not see or hear Godolphin
who imagining she had left the room with his sister had returned and
with his arms crossed and his eyes fixed on her face stood on the
other side of the window like a statue
The gust grew more vehement and deafened her with its fury while the
mountainous waves it had raised burst thundering against the rocks and
seemed to shake their very foundation Emmeline at the picture her
imagination drew of their united powers of desolation shuddered
involuntarily and sighed
What disturbs Miss Mowbray said Godolphin
Emmeline unwilling to acknowledge that she had been so extremely absent
as not to know he was in the room answered without expressing her
surprise to see him thereI was thinking how fatal this storm which we
are contemplating may be to the fortunes and probably the lives of
thousands
The gale returned Godolphin is heavy but by no means of such fatal
power as you apprehend I have been at sea in several infinitely more
violent and shall probably be in many others
I hope not answered Emmeline without knowing what she saidSurely
you do not mean it
A professional man said he smiling and flattered by the eagerness
with which she spoke has you know no will of his own I certainly
should not seek danger but it is not possible in such service as ours
to avoid it
Why then do you not quit it
If I intended to give you a high idea of my _prudence_ I should say
because I am a younger brother But to speak honestly that is not my
only motive my fortune limited as it is is enough for all my wishes
and will probably suffice for any I shall _now_ ever form but a man of
my age ought not surely to waste in torpid idleness or trifling
dissipation time that may be usefully employed Besides I love the
profession to which I have been brought up and by engaging in which I
owe a life to my country if ever it should be called for
God forbid it ever should said Emmeline with quickness for then
continued she hesitating and blushing what would poor Lady Adelina
do and what would become of my dear little boy
Godolphin charmed yet pained by this artless expression of sensibility
and thrown almost off his guard by the idea of not being wholly
indifferent to her answered mournfullyTo them indeed my life may
be of some value but to myself it is of none Ah Miss Mowbray it
might have been worth preserving had IBut wherefore presume I to
trouble you on a subject so hopeless I know not what has tempted me to
intrude on your thoughts the incoherences of a mind ill at ease Pardon
meand suffer not my folly to deprive me of the happiness of being your
friend which is all I will ever pretend to
He turned away and hastened out of the room leaving Emmeline in such
confusion that it was not till Mrs Stafford came to call her to Lady
Adelinas dressingroom that she remembered where she was and the
necessity of recollecting her scattered thoughts When they met at
dinner she could not encounter the eyes of Godolphin without the
deepest blushes Lady Adelina given wholly up to the idea of their
approaching separation and Mrs Stafford occupied by uneasiness of her
own did not attend to the singularity of her manner
The latter had never beheld such a tempest as was now raging and she
could not look towards the sea whose high and foaming billows were
breaking so near them without shivering at the terrifying recollection
that in a very few hours her children all she held dear on earth would
be exposed to this capricious and furious element Tho of the steadiest
resolution in any trial that merely regarded herself she was a coward
when these dear objects of her fondness were in question and she could
not help expressing to Mr Godolphin some part of her apprehensions
As I have gained some credit answered he for my sagacity in
foreseeing the gale I might perhaps as well not hazard the loss of it
by another prophecy for which you Lady Adelina will not thank meIt
will be fine I am afraid tomorrow
And the day following we embark for France said Mrs Stafford how
providential that we could not sail yesterday
Your heart fails you my dear Mrs Stafford replied Godolphin and I
do not wonder at it But I will tell you what you shall allow me to do
I will attend you tomorrow to Southampton where in the character of a
veteran seaman I will direct your departure as the whole pacquet is
yours according to the appearance of the weather and to indulge me
still farther you shall suffer me to see you landed at Havre Adelina
I know will be wretched till she hears you are safe on the other side
and will therefore willingly spare me to bring her such intelligence
and give me at the same time a fortunate opportunity of being useful to
you
Mrs Stafford secretly rejoiced at a proposal which would secure them a
protector and as much safety as depended on human skill could not
conceal her wish to assent to it tho she expressed great reluctance to
give him so much trouble
Godolphin then consulted the eyes of Emmeline which on meeting his were
cast down but he could not find that they expressed any displeasure at
his offer he therefore assured Mrs Stafford that he should consider it
as a pleasurable scheme with a party to whom he was indifferent but
when added he it gives me the means of being of the least use to
you to Miss Mowbray and your children I shall find in it not only
pleasure but happiness Alas how poorly it will repay the twentieth
part of the obligation we owe you
It was settled therefore that Mr Godolphin was to cross the channel
with them Again Emmeline tried to be sorry and again found herself
incapable of feeling any thing but satisfaction in hearing that he would
be yet longer with them
During the rest of the evening he tried to assume a degree of
chearfulness and did in some measure feel it in the prospect of this
farther temporary indulgence
Lady Adelina unable to conceal her concern drooped without any effort
to imitate him and when they parted for the night could not help
deploring in terms of piercing regret their approaching separation
The assurances Godolphin had given them of a favourable morning were
fulfilled They found that tho there was yet a considerable swell the
wind had subsided entirely and that they might safely cross to
Southampton The boat that was to convey them was ready and Emmeline
could not take leave of Lady Adelina without sharing the anguish which
she could not mitigate They embraced silently and in tears and
Emmeline pressed to her heart the little boy to whom she was tenderly
attached
Godolphin was a silent spectator of this melancholy farewel The
softness of Emmelines heart was to him her greatest charm and he could
hardly help repeating in the words of Louis XIVShe has so much
sensibility that it must be an exquisite pleasure to be beloved by her
He sighed in remembering that such could not be his happiness then
wishing to shorten a scene which so violently affected the unsettled
spirits of Lady Adelina he would have led Mrs Stafford and Emmeline
away but Lady Adelina insisted on following them to the shore smiled
thro her tears and promised to behave better Silently they walked to
the seaside Mrs Stafford hastily embracing her was handed into the
boat by Godolphin who then advancing with forced gaiety to Emmeline
about whom his sister still fondly hung saidCome come I must have
no more adieusas if you were never to meet again
Ah who can tell answered Lady Adelina that we ever shall
Emmeline spoke not but kissing the hand of her weeping friend gave her
own to Godolphin while Lady Adelina resting on the arm of her woman
and overwhelmed with sorrow suffered the boat to depart
It rowed swiftly away favoured by the tide Lady Adelina remained on
the shore as long as she could distinguish it and then slowly and
reluctantly returned to solitude and tears while her two friends
attended by her brother landed safely at Southampton where he busied
himself in settling every thing for their departure the next morning in
the pacquet which they had hired and which now lay ready to receive
them
During their passage to Havre which was short and prosperous the
attention of Godolphin was equally divided between Mrs Stafford her
children and Emmeline But when he assisted the latter to leave the
vessel he could not forbear pressing her to his heart while in a deep
sigh he bade adieu to the happiness of being with her for he concluded
she would not long remain single and after she was married he
determined never more to trust himself with the dangerous pleasure of
beholding her
He had never mentioned the name of Delamere and knew not that he was
returned to England Having once been assured of her engagement he was
unable to enquire into the circumstances of what had destroyed his
happiness He knew they were to be married in March and that Delamere
had promised to remain on the Continent till that period He doubted
not therefore but that Emmeline in compliance with the entreaties of
her lover had consented to accompany Mrs Stafford to France and by
her presence to charm away the months that yet intervened after which
he supposed they would be immediately united
Notwithstanding some remarks he had made on the interest she seemed to
take in regard to himself he imputed it merely to her general
sensibility and to his relationship to Lady Adelina He supposed that
Delamere possessed her heart and tho it was the only possession on
earth that would give him any chance of happiness he envied this happy
lover without hating him He could not blame him for loving her who was
in his own opinion irresistible nor for having used the opportunity his
good fortune had given him of winning her affections The longer he
conversed with her the more he was convinced that Delamere in being as
he believed master of that heart was the most fortunate of human
beings But tho he had not resolution enough to refuse himself the
melancholy yet pleasing gratification of contemplating perfections which
he thought could never be his and tho he could not help sometimes
betraying the fondness which that indulgence hourly encreased he never
seriously meditated supplanting the happy Delamere He did not think
that to attempt it was honourable and his integrity would have
prevented the trial had he supposed it possible to succeed
Mrs Stafford had at first seen with concern that Godolphin whom she
sincerely esteemed was nourishing for her friend a passion which could
only serve to make him unhappy But she now saw its progress rather
with pleasure than regret She was piqued at the groundless jealousy and
rash injustice of Delamere towards Emmeline and disappointed and
disgusted at Lord Montrevilles conduct towards herself sickening at
the little sincerity of the latter and doubtful of the temper of the
former she feared that if the alliance took place her friend would
find less happiness than splendour and she looked with partial eyes on
Godolphin who in morals manners and temper was equally
unexceptionable and whose fortune tho inferior to his birth was yet
enough for happiness in that style of life which she knew better
calculated for the temper and taste of Emmeline than the parade and
grandeur she might share with Delamere
Godolphin had no parents to accept her with disdainful and cold
acquiescenceno sister to treat her with supercilious condescensionBut
all his family tho of a rank superior to that of Delamere would
receive her with transport and treat her with the respect and affection
she deserved
Mrs Stafford however spoke not to Emmeline of this revolution in her
sentiments but chose rather to let the affair take its course than to
be in any degree answerable for its consequences
The hour in which Godolphin was to leave them now approached Unable to
determine on bidding Emmeline farewel he would still have lingered with
her and would have gone on with them to Rouen where Stafford waited
their arrival but this Mrs Stafford was compelled to decline fearing
least this extraordinary attention in a stranger should induce her
husband to make enquiry into their first acquaintance and by that means
lead to discoveries which could not fail of being injurious to Lady
Adelina
Of all that related to her he was at present ignorant He had been
told that the infant which his wife and Miss Mowbray so often visited
was the son of an acquaintance of the latter who being obliged soon
after its birth to go to the West Indies had sent it to Bath to
Emmeline who had undertaken to overlook the nurse to whose care it was
committed
Into a circumstance which offered neither a scheme to occupy his mind
or money to purchase his pleasures Stafford thought it not then worth
his while farther to enquire but now in a country of which he
understood not the language and detached from his usual pursuits Mrs
Stafford knew not what strange suspicions the assiduity of Godolphin
might excite in a head so oddly constructed and without explaining her
reasons to Godolphin she said enough to convince him that he must with
whatever reluctance leave the lovely travellers at Havre
He busied himself however in adjusting every thing for the safety of
their journey and being in the course of their preparations left alone
with Emmeline in a room of the hotel he could not forbear using the
last opportunity he was likely to have of speaking to her
Has Miss Mowbray any commands to Lady Adelina
My most affectionate love answered Emmeline my truest remembrance
And tell her that the moment I am settled I will give her an account of
my situation and of all that happens worth her knowing
We shall hear then said he forcing a melancholy smile we shall
hear when you meet the fortunate the happy Mr Delamere
Lady Adelina blushingly replied Emmeline will certainly know it if
I should meet him but nothing is at present more improbable
Tis now reassumed Godolphin the last week of
JanuaryFebruaryMarchah how soon March will come Tell me how
long in that month may Adelina direct to Miss Mowbray
Mr Delamere Sir said Emmeline gravely is not now in France
But may he not immediately return thither from Geneva or any other
place Is my sister Lady Westhaven to be present at the ceremony
The ceremony answered she half angry and half vexed may perhaps
never take place
The awkwardness of her situation in regard to Delamere arose forcibly to
her mind and something lay very heavy at her heart She tried to check
the tears which were filling her eyes least they should be imputed to a
very different cause but the effort she made to conquer her feelings
rendered them more acute She took out a handkerchief to wipe away these
involuntary betrayers of her emotion and sitting down audibly sobbed
Godolphin had asked these questions in that sort of desperate
resolution which a person exerts who determines to know in the hope of
being able to endure the worst that can befal him But he was now
shocked at the distress they had occasioned and unable to bear the
sight of her tears
Pardon me cried he pardon me most lovely most amiable
Emmelineoh pardon me for having given a moments pain to that soft
and sensible bosom Had I suspected that a reference to an event towards
which I supposed you looked forward with pleasure could thus affect
you I had not presumed to name it Whenever it happens added he
after a short pausewhenever it happens Delamere will be the most
enviable of human beings and may you Madam be as happy as you are
truly deserving of happiness
He dared not trust his voice with another word but under pretence of
fetching a glass of water left the room and having recovered himself
quickly returned and offered it to Emmeline again apologizing for
having offended her
She took the glass from him and faintly smiling thro her tears said
in the gentlest accentsI am not offendedI am only low spirited
Tired by the voyage and shrinking from the fatigue of a long journey
yet you talk to me of a journey for life on which I may never set out
in the company you mentionand still more probably never undertake at
all
The entrance of Mrs Stafford who came to entreat some directions from
Godolphin prevented the continuance of this critical conversation in
which whatever the words imported in regard to Delamere he found but
little hope for himself He attributed what Emmeline had said to mere
evasion and her concern to some little accidental neglect on the part
of her lover which had excited her displeasure Ignorant of the jealousy
Delamere had conceived from the misrepresentation of the Crofts which
the solicitude of Emmeline for the infant of Lady Adelina had so
immediately matured he had not the most distant idea of the truth nor
suspected that the passion of Delamere for Emmeline which he knew had
within a few weeks been acknowledged without hesitation and received
with encouragement was now become to him a source of insupportable
torment that she had left England without bidding him adieu or even
informing him that she was gone
The two chaises were now ready and Godolphin having placed in the
first Mrs Stafford and her younger children approached Emmeline to
lead her to the second in which she was to accompany the elder He
stopped a moment as they were quitting the room and saidI cannot
Miss Mowbray bid you adieu till you say you forgive me for the
impertinence of my questions
For impertinence answered Emmeline giving him her handI cannot
forgive you because I know not that you have been guilty of it Before
I go however allow me to thank you most sincerely for the protection
you have afforded us
And not one word cried he not one parting good wish to your little
_protegé_to my poor William
Ah I send him a thousand answered Emmeline
And one last kiss which I will carry him She suffered him to salute
her and then he hastily led her to the chaise and as he put her in
said very solemnlyLet me repeat my wishes Madam that wheresoever
you are you may enjoy felicityfelicity which I shall never again
know and that Mr Delamerethe fortunate Delameremay be as sensible
of your value as
Emmeline to avoid hearing this sentence concluded bade the chaise
proceed It instantly did so with all the velocity a French postillion
could give it and hardly allowed her to observe the mournful
countenance and desponding air with which Godolphin bowed to her as
she waving her hand again bade him adieu
The travellers arrived in due time safe at Rouen where Mrs Stafford
found that her husband had been prevented meeting her by the necessity
he fancied himself under to watch the early nests of his Canary birds
of which he had now made a large collection and whose encrease he
attended to with greater solicitude than the arrival of his family Mrs
Stafford saw with an eye of hopeless regret a new source of expence and
absurdity opened but knowing that complaints were more likely to
produce anger and resentment in his mind than any alteration in his
conduct she was obliged to conceal her chagrin and to take possession
of the gloomy chateau which her husband had chosen for her residence
about six miles from Rouen while Emmeline with her usual equality of
temper tried to reconcile herself to her new abode and to share and
relieve the fatigue and uneasiness of her friend She found the activity
she was for this purpose compelled to exert assuaged and diverted that
pain which she now could no longer hope to conquer tho she had not yet
had the courage to ascertain by a narrow examination of her heart in
regard to Godolphin that it would be removed no more
On the evening after he had bade her adieu Godolphin embarked in the
pacquet which was on its departure to England The weather tho cold
was calm and he sat down on the deck where after they had got a few
leagues from France all was profoundly quiet Only the man at the helm
and one sailor were awake on board The vessel glided thro the expanse
of water while the soul of Godolphin fled back to Emmeline and dwelt
with lingering fondness on the object of all its affection
Emmeline having thus quitted England and Delamere appearing no longer
to think of her the Crofts who had brought about an event so
desirable for Lord Montreville thought it time to claim the reward of
such eminent service
Miss Delamere in meeting Lady Westhaven at Paris had severely felt all
the difference of their situation and as she had repented of her
clandestine union almost as soon as she had formed it the comparison
between her sisters husband and her own had embittered her temper
never very good and made her return to England with reluctance where
she knew that she could not long evade acknowledging her marriage and
taking the inferior and humiliating name of _Mrs Crofts_
To avoid returning was however not in her power nor could she prevail
on Crofts to delay a declaration which must be attended with
circumstances to her most mortifying and unpleasant But impatient to
demand a daughter of Lord Montreville as his wife and still more
impatient to receive twelve thousand pounds which was hers independant
of her father he would hear of no delay and the present opportunity of
conciliating Lord and Lady Montreville was in the opinion of all the
Crofts family not to be neglected
Sir Richard undertook to disclose the affair to Lord Montreville and to
parry the first effusions of his Lordships anger by a very common yet
generally successful stratagem that of affecting to be angry first and
drowning by his own clamours the complaints of the party really injured
For this purpose he waited early one morning on Lord Montreville and
with a countenance where scornful superiority was dismissed for
pusillanimous dejection he began
My Lordwhen I reflect and consider and remember the innumerable
invaluable and extraordinary favours kindnesses and obligations I owe
your Lordship my heart bleedsand I lament and deplore and regret that
it is my lot to announce and declare and discover what will I fear give
infinite concern and distress and uneasiness to youand my Lord
What is all this Sir Richard cried Lord Montreville hastily
interrupting himIs Delamere married
Heaven forbid answered the hypocritical CroftsBad and unwelcome
and painful as what I have to say is it does not amount or arise to
that misfortune and calamity
Whatever it is Sir said his Lordship impatiently let me hear it at
onceIs it a dismission from my office
Never I hope replied Sir Richard At least for many years to come
may this country not know and feel and be sensible of such a loss
deprivation and defection My Lord my present concern is of a very
different nature and I do assure and protest to your Lordship that no
time nor intreaties nor persuasion will erase and obliterate and wipe
away from my mind the injury and prejudice the parties have done _me_
by thus
Keep me no longer in suspense almost angrily cried Lord Montreville
Mr Crofts my Lord Mr Crofts is I find married
To _my_ daughter Sir RichardIs it not so
He is indeed my Lord and from this moment I disclaim and renounce
and protest against him for my Lord
Sir Richard continued his harangue to which Lord Montreville did not
seem to attend He was a moment silent and then said
I have been more to blame than the partiesI might have foreseen
this But I thought Fannys pride a sufficient defence against an
inferior alliance Pray Sir does Lady Montreville know of this
marriage
Sir Richard then related all that his son had told him interlarding his
account with every circumstance that might induce his Lordship to
believe he was himself entirely ignorant of the intrigue Lord
Montreville however knew too much of mankind in general and of the
Crofts in particular to give implicit credit to this artful recital
But Sir Richard was now become so necessary to him and they had so many
secrets in common of great consequence to the political reputation of
both that he could not determine to break with him He considered too
that resentment could not unmarry his daughter that the lineal honours
of his family could not be affected by her marriage and that he owed
the Crofts some favour for having counteracted the indiscretion of
Delamere Determining therefore after a short struggle to sacrifice
his pride to his politics he dismissed Sir Richard with infinitely less
appearance of resentment than he expected and after long contention
with the furious and irascible pride of his wife prevailed upon her to
let her daughter depart without her malediction She would not see
Crofts or pardon her daughter protesting that she never could be
reconciled to a child of hers who bore such an appellation as that of
_Mrs Crofts_ Soon afterwards however the Marquisate which Lord
Montreville had been so long promised was to be granted him But his
wife could not bear that by assuming a title which had belonged to the
Mowbray family a point he particularly wished to obtain he should
drop or render secondary those honours which he derived from _her_
ancestors Wearied by her persecution and accustomed to yield to her
importunity he at length gratified her by relinquishing the name he
wished to bear and taking the title of Marquis of Montreville while
his son assumed that of Viscount Delamere This circumstance seemed
more than any other to reconcile Lady Montreville to her eldest
daughter whose surname she could evade under the more satisfactory
appellation of Lady Frances She was now therefore admitted to her
mothers presence Crofts received an haughty and reluctant pardon and
some degree of tranquillity was restored to the noble house of
MowbrayDelamere while the Crofts more elated and consequential than
before behaved as if they had inherited and deserved the fortune and
splendor that surrounded them and the table the buildings the
furniture of Sir Richard vied in expence and magnificence with those of
the most affluent of the nobility
Lord Delamere to whom the acquisition of a title could offer nothing in
mitigation of the anguish inflicted by disappointed love was now at
Dublin where immediately on his arrival he had enquired for Colonel
FitzEdward at the house of his brother Lord Clancarryl
As the family were in the country and only a servant in it he could
not for some days obtain the information he wanted He heard however
that Lord Clancarryl was very soon expected and for his arrival he
determined to wait In this interval of suspense he heard from a
correspondent in England that Miss Mowbray had not only disappeared
from Woodfield but had actually quitted England and was gone no one
knew precisely whither but it was generally supposed to France
Tho he had sworn in bitterness of heart to drive for ever from it this
perfidious and fatal beauty it seemed as if forgetting his resolution
he had in this intelligence received a new injury He still fancied that
she should have told him of her design to quit England without
recollecting that he had given her no opportunity to speak to him at
all
Again he felt his anger towards FitzEdward animated almost to madness
and again impatiently sought to hasten a meeting when he might discuss
with him all the mischief he had sustained
Lord Clancarryl coming for a few days to Dublin found there letters
from Lord Montreville in which his Lordship bespoke for his son the
acquaintance of the Clancarryl family Desirous of shewing every
attention to a young man so nearly connected with his wifes family by
the marriage of her brother Lord Westhaven to his youngest sister and
related also to himself Lord Clancarryl immediately sought Delamere
and was surprised to find that instead of receiving his advances with
warmth or even with politeness he hardly returned them with common
civility and seemed to attend to nothing that was said The first pause
in the conversation however Delamere took advantage of to enquire
after Colonel FitzEdward
My brother answered Lord Clancarryl left us only three days ago
For London my Lord
No he is gone with two other friends on a kind of pleasurable
tourThey hired a sloop at Cork to take them to France
To France exclaimed DelamereMr FitzEdward gone to France
Yes replied Lord Clancarryl somewhat wondering at the surprise
Delamere expressedand I promoted the plan as much as I could for
poor George is I am afraid in a bad state of health his looks and his
spirits are not what they used to be Chearful company and this little
tour may I hope restore them But how happens it that he knew not Sir
of your return He was persuaded you were still abroad and expressed
some pleasure at the thoughts of meeting you when you least expected
it
No no my Lord cried Delamere in a voice rendered almost
inarticulate by contending passionshis hope was not to meet _me_ He
is gone with far other designs
What designs Lord Delamere gravely asked Lord Clancarryl
My Lord answered Delamere recollecting himself I mean not to
trouble you on this matter I have some business to adjust with Mr
FitzEdward and since he is not here have only to request of your
Lordship information when he returns or whither a letter may follow
him
Sir returned Lord Clancarryl with great gravity I believe I can
answer for Colonel FitzEdwards readiness to settle _any business_ you
may desire to adjust with him and I wish since there is _business_
between ye that I could name the time when you are likely to meet him
All however I can decidedly say is that he intends going to Paris
but that his stay in France will not exceed five or six weeks in the
whole and that such letters as I may have occasion to send are to be
addressed to the care of Monsieur de Guisnon banker at Paris
Delamere having received this intelligence took a cold leave and Lord
Clancarryl who had before heard much of his impetuous temper and
defective education was piqued at his distant manner and returned to
his house in the country without making any farther effort to cultivate
his friendship
Debating whether he should follow FitzEdward to France or wait his
return to Ireland Delamere remained torn with jealousy and distracted
by delay He was convinced beyond a doubt that FitzEdward had met
Emmeline in France by her own appointment But let them not cried
helet them not hope to escape me Let them not suppose I will
relinquish my purpose till I have punished their infamy or cease to
feel itOh Emmeline Emmeline is it for this I pursuedfor this I
won thee
The violence of those emotions he felt after Lord Clancarryls
departure subsided only because he had no one to listen to no one to
answer him He determined as Lord Clancarryl seemed so certain of his
brothers return in the course of six weeks to wait in Ireland till
the end of that period since there was but little probability of his
meeting him if he pursued him to France He concluded that wherever
Emmeline was FitzEdward might be found also but the residence of
Emmeline he knew not nor could he bear a moment to think that he might
see them together
The violence of his resentment far from declining seemed to resist all
the checks its gratification received and to burn with accumulated
fury His nights brought only tormenting dreams his days only a
repetition of unavailing anguish
He had several acquaintances among young men of fashion at Dublin With
them he sometimes associated and tried to forget his uneasiness in the
pleasures of the table and sometimes he shunned them entirely and shut
himself up to indulge his disquiet
In the mean time Lady Clancarryl was extremely mortified at the account
her husband gave her of Delameres behaviour She knew that her brother
Lord Westhaven would be highly gratified by any attention shewn to the
family of his wife particularly to a brother to whom Lady Westhaven was
so much attached She therefore entreated her Lord to overlook
Delameres petulance and renew the invitation he had given him to Lough
Carryl But his Lordship disgusted with the reception he had before met
with laughed and desired her to try whether _her_ civilities would be
more graciously accepted Lady Clancarryl therefore took the trouble to
go herself to Dublin where she so pressingly insisted on Delameres
passing a fortnight with them that he could not evade the invitation
without declaring his animosity against FitzEdward and his resolution
to demand satisfactiona declaration which could not fail of rendering
his purpose abortive He returned therefore to Lough Carryl with her
Ladyship meaning to stay only a few days and feeling hurt at being
thus compelled to become the inmate of a family into which he might so
soon carry grief and resentment
Godolphin after his return to the Isle of Wight abandoned himself more
than ever to the indulgence of his passion He soothed yet encreased his
melancholy by poetry and music and Lady Adelina for some time
contributed to nourish feelings too much in unison with her own He now
no longer affected to conceal from her his attachment to her lovely
friend but to her only it was known Her voice and exquisite taste he
loved to employ in singing the verses he made and he would sit hours by
her _piano forté_ to hear repeated one of the many sonnets he had
written on her who occupied all his thoughts
SONNET
When welcome slumber sets my spirit free
Forth to fictitious happiness it flies
And where Elysian bowers of bliss arise
I seem my Emmelineto meet with thee
Ah Fancy then dissolving human ties
Gives me the wishes of my soul to see
Tears of fond pity fill thy softened eyes
In heavenly harmonyour hearts agree
Alas these joys are mine in dreams alone
When cruel Reason abdicates her throne
Her harsh return condemns me to complain
Thro life unpitied unrelieved unknown
And as the dear delusions leave my brain
She bids the truth recurwith aggravated pain
But Lady Adelina herself at length grew uneasy at beholding the progress
of this unhappy passion His mind seemed to have lost all its strength
and to be incapable of making even an effort to shake off an affection
which his honour would not allow him to attempt rendering successful
His spirits affected by the listless solitude in which he lived were
sunk into hopeless despondence and his sister was every day more
alarmed not only for his peace but for his life She therefore tried
to make him determine to quit her for a short abode in London but to
do that he absolutely refused Lord Clancarryl had long pressed him to
go to Ireland he had not seen his eldest sister for some years and
ardently wished to embrace her and her children But FitzEdward was at
her house and to meet FitzEdward was impossible Lady Clancarryl
deceived by a plausible story which had been framed to account for Lady
Adelinas absence was as well as her Lord entirely ignorant of the
share FitzEdward had in it they believed it to have been occasioned
solely by her antipathy to Trelawny and her fear lest her relations
should insist on her again residing with him and it was necessary that
nothing should be said to undeceive them
Godolphin had therefore been obliged to form several excuses to account
for his declining the pressing invitations he received and he found
that his eldest sister was already much hurt by his apparent neglect In
one of her last letters she had mentioned that FitzEdward was gone to
France and Lady Adelina pointed out to Godolphin several passages which
convinced him he had given pain by his long absence to his beloved
Camilla and prevailed upon him to go to Ireland He arrived therefore
at Lough Carryl two days after his sister had returned thither with Lord
Delamere
Mr Godolphin was extremely surprised to find in Ireland Delamere the
happy Delamere who he supposed had long since been with Emmeline
waiting the fortunate hour that was to unite them for ever A very few
weeks now remained of the year which he had promised to remain
unmarried yet instead of his being ready to attend his bride to
England to claim in the face of the world his fathers consent he was
lingering in another country where he appeared to have come only to
indulge dejection for he frequently fled from society and when he was
in it forgot himself in gloomy reveries
Nobody knew why he came to Ireland unless to satisfy a curiosity of
which nothing appeared to remain yet he still continued there and as
Lord and Lady Clancarryl were now used to his singular humour they
never enquired into its cause while he flattered by the regard of two
persons so amiable and respectable suffered not his enmity to
FitzEdward to interfere with the satisfaction he sometimes took in
their society tho he oftener past the day almost entirely alone
Godolphin could not repress the anxious curiosity he felt to know what
at this period could separate lovers whose union appeared so certain
But this curiosity he had no means of satisfying Lady Clancarryl had
heard nothing of his engagement or any hint of his approaching
marriage and tho he was on all other topics when he entered at all
into conversation remarkably open and unguarded he spoke not in
company of any thing that related to himself
He seemed however to seek a closer intimacy with Godolphin whose
excellent character he had often heard and whose appearance and
conversation confirmed all that had been reported in his favour
Godolphin neither courted him or evaded his advances but could not help
looking with astonishment on a man who on the point of being the
husband of the most lovely woman on earth could saunter in a country
where he appeared to have neither attachments or satisfaction Sometimes
he almost ventured to hope that their engagement was dissolved but then
recollecting that Lady Adelina had assured him the promise of Emmeline
was still uncancelled he checked so flattering an illusion and
returned again to uncertainty and despondence
On the third day after Godolphins arrival Delamere who intended to go
back to Dublin the following morning save one joined Lady Clancarryl
and her brother in the drawingroom immediately after dinner
Godolphin on account of the expected return of FitzEdward had
determined to make only a short stay at Lough Carryl He wished to carry
with him to his own house portraits of his sister and her children and
was expressing to her this wishI should like to have them said he
in a large miniature the same size as one I have of Adelina
Have you then a portrait of Adelina enquired Lady Clancarryl and
have not yet shewn it me
I have answered Godolphin but my sister likes not that it should be
seen It is very like her _now_ but has little resemblance to her
former pictures This is painted by a young lady her friend He then
took it out of his pocket and gave it to Lady Clancarryl
And is Adelina so thin and pale asked her Ladyship as she is here
represented
More so answered Godolphin
She is then greatly changedYet the eyes and features and the whole
air of the countenance I should immediately have acknowledged
Continuing to look pensively at the picture she added Tis charmingly
coloured and might represent a very lovely and penitent Magdalen The
black veil and tearful eye are beautifully touched But why did you
indulge her in this melancholy taste
Godolphin excessively hurt at this speech answered mournfullyPoor
Adelina you know has had little reason to be gay
Delamere who during this conversation seemed lost in his own
reflections now suddenly advanced and desired Lady Clancarryl would
favour him with a sight of the picture He took it to a candle and
looking steadily on it was struck with the lightness of the drawing
which extremely resembled the portraits Emmeline was accustomed to make
tho this was more highly finished than any he had yet seen of hers
Without being able to account for his idea since nothing was more
likely than that the drawing of two persons might resemble each other
he looked at the back of the picture which was of gold and in the
centre a small oval crystal contained the words _Em Mowbray_ in hair
and under it the name of _Adelina Trelawny_ It was indeed a memorial of
Emmelines affection to her friend and the name was in her own haira
circumstance that made it as dear to Godolphin as the likeness it bore
to his sister and the whole was rendered in his eyes inestimable by
its being painted by herself Delamere astonished and pained he knew
not why determined to hear from Godolphin himself the name of the
paintress returning it to him he saidA lady you say Sir drew it
May I ask her name
Godolphin now first aware of the indiscretion he had committed and
flattering himself that the chrystal had not been inspected answered
with an affectation of pleasantryOh I believe it is a secret between
my sister and her friend which I have no right to reveal and to tell
you the truth I teized Adelina to give me the picture and obtained it
only on condition of not shewing it
Delamere who had so often sworn to forget her still fancied he had a
right to be exclusively acquainted with all that related to Emmeline He
felt himself piqued by this evasion and answered somewhat quicklyI
know the drawing Sir it is done by Miss Mowbray
Godolphin was then compelled to answer that it was
I envy Miss Mowbray her charming talent cried Lady Clancarryl Pray
who is Miss Mowbray
A relation of Lord Delameres answered Godolphin and a most lovely
and amiable young woman
Delamere whose varying countenance ill seconded his attempt to appear
indifferent on this subject now grew pale now red
Are you acquainted then with Miss Mowbray Sir said he to Godolphin
I have seen her replied Godolphin with my sister Lady Adelina
Trelawny
He then hurried the discourse to some other topic being unwilling to
answer any other questions that related either to his sister or her
friend
But Delamere whose wounds bled afresh at the name of Emmeline and who
could not resist enquiring after her of a person who had so lately seen
her took the earliest opportunity of seeking Godolphin to renew this
discourse
They met therefore the following morning in the breakfast parlour and
Delamere suddenly turning the conversation from the topics of the day
saidYou are I find acquainted with Miss Mowbray You may perhaps
know that she is not only a relation of mine but that I _was_
particularly interested in whatever related to her
Godolphin whose heart fluttered so as almost to deprive him of speech
answered very gravelyI have heard so from Mrs Stafford
Then you know perhapsBut you are undoubtedly well acquainted with
Colonel FitzEdward
Certainly replied Godolphin He was one of my most intimate
friends
Then Sir cried Delamere losing all temper one of your most
intimate friends is a villain
Godolphin shocked at an expression which gave him reason to apprehend
Lady Adelinas story was known answered with great emotionYou will
be so good my Lord as to explain that assertion which whatever may
be its truth is very extraordinary when made thus abruptly to me
You are a man of honour Mr Godolphin and I will not conceal from you
the cruel injuries I have sustained from FitzEdward nor that I wait
here only to have an opportunity of telling him that I bear them not
tamely He then related in terms equally warm and bitter the supposed
alienation of Emmelines affections by the artifices of FitzEdward
enumerated all the imaginary proofs with which the invidious artifices
of the Crofts had furnished him and concluded by asserting that he
had himself seen in the arms of Emmeline a living witness of her ruin
and the perfidy of his faithless friend
To this detail including as it did the real history of his sister under
the false colours in which the Crofts had drest it to mislead Delamere
and destroy Emmeline Godolphin listened with sensations impossible to
be described He could not hear without horror the character of Emmeline
thus cruelly blasted yet her vindication he could not undertake without
revealing to a stranger the unhappy story of Lady Adelina which he had
with infinite difficulty concealed even from his own family
The fiery and impatient spirit of Delamere blazing forth in menace and
invective gave Godolphin time to collect his thoughts and he almost
immediately determined whatever it cost him to clear up the reputation
of Emmeline
Tho he saw that to explain the whole affair must put the character of
his sister which he had been so solicitous to preserve into the power
of an inconsiderate young man yet he thought he might trust to the
honour and humanity of Delamere to keep the secret and however
mortifying such a measure appeared his justice as well as his love
would not allow him to suffer the innocent Emmeline to remain under an
imputation which she had incurred only by her generous and disinterested
attentions to the weakness and misfortunes of another
But resolutely as he bore the pain of these reflections he shrunk from
others with which they were mingled he foresaw that as soon as the
jealousy of Delamere was by his information removed his love which
seemed to be as passionate as ever would prompt him to seek a
reconciliation his repentance would probably be followed by Emmelines
forgiveness and their immediate union
Farewel then for ever to all the hopes he had nourished since his
unexpected meeting with DelamereFarewel to every expectation of
happiness for ever
But tho in relinquishing these delightful visions he relinquished all
that gave a value to life so truly did he love and revere her that to
have the spotless purity of her name sullied even by a doubt seemed an
insupportable injustice to himself and his affection was of a nature
too noble to owe its success to a misrepresentation injurious to its
object That the compassion which had saved his sister should be the
cause of her having suffered from the malicious malice of the Crofts
and the rash jealousy of Delamere redoubled all his concern and he was
so much agitated and hurt that without farther consideration he was on
the point of relating the truth instantly had not the entry of Lord
Clancarryl for that time put an end to their discourse from this
resolution formed in the integrity of his upright heart nothing could
long divert him yet he reflected as soon as he was alone on the
violent and ungovernable passions which seemed to render Delamere
unguided by reason and incapable of hearing it He was apprehensive that
the discovery if made to him at Lough Carryl might influence him to
say or do something that might discover to Lady Clancarryl the unhappy
story of her sister and he thought it better to delay the explanation
till he could follow Delamere to Dublin which he determined to do in a
few days after he left Lough Carryl
This interval gave him time to feel all the pain of the sacrifice he was
about to make Nor could all his strength of mind and firmness of
honour prevent his reluctance or cure his anguish
He was about to restore to the arms of his rival the only woman he had
ever really loved and whom he adored with the most ardent passion at
the very moment that his honour compelled him to remove the impediments
to her marriage with another
Sometimes he thought that he might at least indulge himself in the
melancholy pleasure of relating to her in a letter what he had done as
soon as the explanation should be made but even this gratification he
at length determined to refuse himself
If she loves Delamere said he she will perhaps rejoice in the
effect and forget the cause If she has as I have sometimes dared to
hope some friendship and esteem for the less fortunate Godolphin why
should I wound a heart so full of sensibility by relating the conflicts
of my soul and the passion I have vainly indulged
A latent hope however almost unknown at least unacknowledged
lingered in his heart It _was_ possible that Emmeline resenting the
injurious suspicions and rash accusations of Delamere might refuse to
fulfil her engagement But whenever this feeble hope in spite of himself
arose he remembered her soft and forgiving temper her strict adherence
to her word on other occasions and it faded in a conviction that she
would pardon her repentant lover when he threw himself on her mercy and
not evade a promise so solemnly given which he learned from Delamere
himself had never been cancelled
Delamere now returned to Dublin and in a few days Godolphin followed
him but on enquiring at his lodgings he heard that he was gone out of
town for some days with some of his friends on a party of pleasure
Godolphin left a letter for him desiring to see him immediately on his
return and then again resigned himself to the painful delight of
thinking of Emmeline and to the conscious satisfaction of becoming the
vindicator and protector of her honour even unknown to herself
Emmeline in the mean time unhappy in the unhappiness of those she
loved and by no means flattered by the prospect of dependance thro
life of which Lord Montreville now made her see all the dreariness and
desolation by the careless and irregular manner in which even her small
quarterly stipend was remitted to her yet exerted all her fortitude to
support the spirits of Mrs Stafford Calm in the possession of
conscious innocence and rich in native integrity and nobleness of
nature she was tho far from happy herself enabled to mitigate the
sorrows of others Nor was her residence otherwise disagreeable and
forlorn enough entirely without its advantages it afforded her time
and opportunity to render herself perfectly mistress of the language of
the country of which she had before only a slight knowledge To the
study of languages her mind so successfully applied itself that she
very soon spoke and wrote French with the correctness not only of a
native but of a native well educated
While she thus suffered banishment in consequence of the successful
intrigues of the Crofts family they enjoyed all the advantages of
their prosperous duplicity at least they enjoyed all the satisfaction
that arises from accumulating wealth and an ostentatious display of it
Sir Richard by the political knowledge his place afforded him had been
enabled by means of trusty agents to carry on such successful traffic
in the stocks that he now saw himself possessed of wealth greater than
his most sanguine hopes had ever presented to his imagination But as
his fortune enlarged his spirit seemed to contract in regard to every
thing that did not administer to his pride or his appetite In the
luxuries of the table his house his gardens he expended immense sums
and the astonished world saw with envy and indignation wealth which
seemed to be illgotten as profusely squandered but dead to every
generous and truly liberal sentiment these expences were confined only
to himself and in regard to others he still nourished the sordid
prejudices and narrow sentiments with which he set out in lifea needy
adventurer trusting to cunning and industry for scanty and precarious
bread Mr Crofts who had received twelve thousand pounds with his
wife whose clandestine marriage had prevented its being secured in
settlement used it as his father directed in gaming in the stocks
with equal avidity and equal success Lady Frances in having married
beneath herself had yet relinquished none of the privileges of high
birth she played deep dressed in the extremity of expence and was
celebrated for the whimsical splendor of her equipages and the
brilliancy of her assemblies Her husband loved money almost as well as
the fame acquired by these fashionable displays of her Ladyships taste
but on the slightest hint of disapprobation he was awed into silence by
her scornful indignation and with asperity bade to observe that tho
the daughter of the Marquis of Montreville had so far forgotten her rank
as to marry the son of Crofts the attorney she would allow nobody else
to forget that she was still the daughter of the Marquis of Montreville
This right honourable eloquence subdued the plebeian spirit of Crofts
while he was also compelled to submit patiently lest Lord Montreville
should be offended and withhold the fortune he farther expected to
receive Lady Frances therefore pursued the most extravagant career of
dissipation unchecked She was young handsome and vain and saw every
day new occasion to lament having thrown herself away on Crofts and as
she could not now release herself from him she seemed determined to
render him at least a fashionable husband
Mrs James Crofts trod as nearly as she could in the footsteps of Lady
Frances whose name she seemed to take exquisite pleasure in repeating
tho its illustrious possessor scarce deigned to treat her with common
civility and never on any account admitted her to any thing but her
most private parties with a few dependants and persons who found the
way to her favour by adulation Mrs James Crofts however consoled
herself for the slights she received from Lady Frances by parading in
all inferior companies with the names of her high and illustrious
relations and she employed the same tradespeople laid out with them as
much money and paid them better than Lady Frances herself
Her chariot and job horses were discarded for a fashionable coach her
house at Clapham for an elegant town residence She tried to hide the
approaches of age by rouge and dress and amusements effectually kept
off the approaches of thought her husband slowly yet certainly was
creeping up the hill of preferment her daughters were certainly growing
more beautiful and accomplished than their mother and Mrs James Crofts
fancied she was happy
It was now early in May and in the blooming orchards and extensive
beech woods of Normandy Emmeline found much to admire and something to
lament
The Seine winding thro the vale and bringing numberless ships and
vessels to Rouen surrounded by hills fringed with forests the property
of the crown and extending even to that of Arques formed a rich and
entertaining scene But however beautiful the outline the landscape
still appeared ill finished dark and ruinous hovels inhabited by
peasants frequently suffering the extremes of poverty half cultivated
fields wanting the variegated enclosures that divide the lands in
England and trees often reduced to bare poles to supply the inhabitants
with fewel made her recollect with regret the more luxuriant and happy
features of her native country
The earth however covered with grass and flowers offered her minute
objects on which she delighted to dwell but she dared not here wander
as in England far from home the women of the villages who in this
country are robust and masculine often followed her with abuse for
being English and yet oftener the villagers clattered after her in
their sabots and addressed her by the name of _la belle Demoiselle
Anglaise_ with a rudeness and familiarity that at once alarmed and
disgusted her
The long avenue of fir and beech which led to the _chateau_ and the
_parterre_ _potagerie_ and _verger_2 behind it were therefore the
scenes of her morning and evening walks She felt a pensive pleasure in
retracing the lonely rambles she used to take at the same season at
Mowbray Castle and memory bringing before her the events of the two
years and an half which had elapsed since she left it offered nothing
that did not renew her regret at having bid its solitary shades and
unfrequented rocks adieu
The idea of Godolphin still obtruded itself continually on her mind nor
could all her resolution prevent its obtruding with pleasure tho she
perpetually condemned herself for allowing it to recur to her at all
Lady Adelina in her two or three last letters had not mentioned him
farther than to say he was in Ireland and Emmeline was ashamed of
suffering her thoughts to dwell on a man whose preference of her seemed
uncertain and perhaps accidental since he had neither absolutely
declared himself when present or sought to engage her favour when
absent and tho she was now fully persuaded that of Delamere she should
hear no more as a lover yet while her promise remained in his hands
uncancelled she fancied herself culpable in indulging a partiality for
another
Nor could she reflect on the jealousy which had tortured Delamere and
the pain he must have suffered in tearing her from his heart without
mingling with her resentment some degree of pity and sorrow
She was one afternoon sitting at an open window of the _chateau_
revolving in her mind these reflections when raising her eyes at a
sudden noise she saw driving along the avenue that led to it an
English post chaise and four preceded by a _valet de chambre_ and
followed by two livery servants
To those who are driven by misfortune to seek a melancholy asylum in a
foreign country there is an inconceivable delight in beholding whatever
forcibly brings back to the memory the comforts and conveniences of
their own Emmeline who had for many weeks seen only the boors or the
_curé_ of the village gazed at English servants and English horses
with as much avidity as if she beheld such an equipage for the first
time
Instantly however her wonder was converted into pleasureLady
Westhaven was assisted out of the chaise by a gentleman whose likeness
to Godolphin convinced the fluttering heart of Emmeline that it was her
Lord and eagerly enquiring for Miss Mowbray she was immediately in her
arms
As soon as the joy in which Mrs Stafford partook of this unexpected
meeting had a little subsided Lady Westhaven related that hearing by a
letter they had received at Paris from Mr Godolphin that Emmeline was
with Mrs Stafford in or near Rouen she had entreated Lord Westhaven to
make a journey to see her
And I assure you Emmeline added she I had no great difficulty to
persuade him His own curiosity went as far as my inclination for he
has long wished to see this dangerous Emmeline who began by turning the
head of _my_ brother and now I believe has turned the more sage one of
_his_for Godolphins letters have been filled only with your praises
Emmeline who had changed colour at the beginning of this speech
blushed more deeply at its conclusion Involuntary pleasure penetrated
her heart to hear that Godolphin had praised her But it was immediately
checked Lady Westhaven seemed to know nothing of Delameres desertion
of the history of Lady Adelina she was undoubtedly ignorant How could
Emmeline account for one without revealing the other This reflection
overwhelmed her with confusion and she hardly heard the affectionate
expressions with which Lady Westhaven testified her satisfaction at
meeting her
I trust my Lord said her Ladyship that the partiality which I
foresee you will feel for my fair cousin for her own sake will not be a
little encreased by our resemblanceTell me do you think us so very
much alike
I never answered he saw a stronger family likeness between sisters
Our lovely cousin has somewhat the advantage of you in height
And in complexion my Lord notwithstanding the improvements I have
learned to make to mine in France
_I_ should not answered his Lordship smiling have ventured such a
remark I was merely going to add that you have the same features as
Miss Mowbray with darker hair and eyes if however our charming
Emmeline had a form less attractive I have heard enough of her to be
convinced that her understanding and her heart justify all that Lord
Delamere or Mr Godolphin have said of her
Lady Westhaven then expressed her wonder that she had heard nothing of
Delamere for some monthsAnd it is most astonishing to me said she
to Emmeline that the month of March should elapse without _your_
hearing of him
The distress of Emmeline now redoubled and became so evident that Lady
Westhaven convinced there was something relative to her brother of
which she was ignorant desired her to go with her into another room
Incapable of falsehood and detesting concealment yet equally unwilling
to ruin the reputation of the unhappy Adelina with her brothers wife
and having no authority to divulge a secret entrusted to her by her
friend Emmeline now felt the cruellest conflict All she could
determine was to tell Lady Westhaven in general terms that Lord
Delamere had undoubtedly altered his intentions with regard to her and
that the affair was she believed entirely and for ever at an end
However anxious her Ladyship was to know from what strange cause such a
change of sentiments proceeded she found Emmeline so extremely hurt
that she forbore at present to press the explanation Full of concern
she was returning to the company having desired Emmeline to remain and
compose herself when as she was leaving the room she said
But I forgot my dear Emmeline to ask you where you first became
acquainted with Mr Godolphin
Again deep blushes dyed the cheeks of the fair orphan for this question
led directly to those circumstances she could not relate
I knew him answered she faultering as she spoke at Bath
And _is_ he enquired Lady Westhaven so _very_ charming as his
brother and his family represent him
He is indeed very agreeable replied shevery much so Extremely
pleasant in his manner and in his person very like Lord Westhaven
He never told us how he first became acquainted with _you_ and to tell
you the truth Emmeline if I had not thought indeed known that you
was engaged to Lord Delamere I should have thought Godolphin your
lover
This speech did not serve to hasten the composure Emmeline was trying to
regain She attempted to laugh it off but succeeded so ill that Lady
Westhaven rejoined her Lord and Mr and Mrs Stafford full of uneasy
conjectures and Emmeline with a still more heavy heart soon after
followed her
The pressing and earnest invitation of Mrs Stafford induced her guests
to promise her their company for some days But Lady Westhaven was so
astonished at her brothers desertion of Emmeline and so desirous of
accounting for it without finding occasion to impute cruelty and caprice
to him or imprudence and levity to Emmeline that she took the earliest
opportunity of asking Mrs Stafford with whom she knew Miss Mowbray had
no secrets to explain to her the cause of an event so contrary to her
expectations
Mrs Stafford had heard from Emmeline the embarrassment into which the
questions of Lady Westhaven had thrown her and with great difficulty at
length persuaded her that she owed it to her own character and her own
peace to suffer her Ladyship to be acquainted with the truth that she
could run no risk in telling her what for the sake of her Lord whose
happiness might be disturbed and whose life hazarded by its knowledge
she certainly would not reveal Besides which motives to secresy the
gentleness and humanity of Lady Westhaven would Mrs Stafford said be
alone sufficient to secure Lady Adelina from any possible ill
consequences by her being made acquainted with the unhappy story
These arguments wrung from Emmeline a reluctant acquiescence and Mrs
Stafford related to Lady Westhaven those events which had been followed
by Delameres jealousy and their separation
The love and regard which on her first knowledge of Emmeline Lady
Westhaven had conceived for her and which her admirable qualities had
ever since encreased was now raised to enthusiasm She knew not for
Mrs Stafford and Emmeline were themselves ignorant of the artful
misrepresentations with which the Crofts had poisoned the mind of her
brother and was therefore astonished at his suspicions and grieved at
his rashness She immediately proposed writing to him but this design
both her friends besought her for the present to relinquish Emmeline
assured her that she had so long considered the affair as totally at an
end that she could not now regret it or if she felt any regret it was
merely in resigning the hope of being received into a family of which
Lady Westhaven was a part Her Ladyship could not however believe that
Emmeline was really indifferent to her brother and accounted for her
present coldness by supposing her piqued and offended at his behaviour
for which she had so much reason
Anxious therefore to reconcile them she still continued desirous of
writing to Delamere And so much did her affectionate heart dwell on the
happiness she should have in reuniting her brother and her friend that
only the difficulty which there seemed to be in vindicating Emmeline
without injuring Lady Adelina withheld her and she promised to delay
writing till means could be found to clear up the reputation of the one
without ruining that of the other
Lord Westhaven had during his stay learnt from Mrs Stafford the
circumstances that had driven her and her family abroad and had heard
them with a sincere wish to alleviate the inconveniences that oppressed
a woman whose manners and conduct convinced him she deserved a better
fate Unwilling however to hold out to her hopes that he was not sure he
should be able to fulfil he contented himself with procuring from
Emmeline general information of the state of their affairs and silently
meditated the noble project of doing good as soon as it should be in
his power
Her children for whose sake only she seemed to be willing to support
with patience her unfortunate lot were objects particularly interesting
to Lord Westhaven and for the boys he thought he might on his return
to England assist in providing To their father consoling himself in
trifling follies and dirty intrigues for his misfortunes it seemed more
difficult to be serviceable
While these benevolent purposes engaged his attention Lady Westhaven
reflected with regret on her approaching departure which must divide
her from Emmeline whom she seemed now to love with redoubled affection
His Lordship ever solicitous to gratify her proposed that Emmeline
should go with them into Switzerland with the Baron de St Alpin his
Lordships uncle who after a life passed in the service of France now
prepared to retire to his native country
The Baron had seen his nephew at Paris He had embraced with transport
the son of a beloved sister and insisted on his and Lady Westhavens
going back with him to his estate in the Païs de Vaud as soon as he
should have the happiness of being rejoined by his only son the
Chevalier de Bellozane who was expected with his regiment from
Martinique Lord Westhaven on his first visit to the paternal house of
his mother had found there only one of her sisters who with the
Baron were the last survivors of a numerous family He could not
therefore resist his uncles earnest entreaties to accompany him back
and Lady Westhaven who was charmed with the manners of the respectable
veteran and interested by his affection for her Lord readily consented
to delay her return to England for three months and to cross France once
more to attend him
To have Emmeline her companion in such a journey seemed to offer all
that could render it charming But how could she ask her to quit Mrs
Stafford to whom she had been so much obliged and who in her present
melancholy solitude seemed more than ever to need her consolatory
friendship
Her Ladyship however ventured to mention it to Emmeline who answered
that tho nothing in the world would give her more pleasure than being
with such friends she could not without a breach of duty which it was
impossible to think of quit Mrs Stafford to whom she was bound by
gratitude as well as by affection
Lord Westhaven acquiesced in the justice of this objection but
undertook to remove it by rendering the situation of her friend such as
would make a short absence on both sides more supportable
He therefore in his next conversation with Stafford represented the
inconvenience of a house so far from a town and how much better his
family would be situated nearer the metropolis He concluded by offering
him a house he had himself hired at St Germains which he said he
should be obliged to Mrs Stafford and her family if they would occupy
till his return from Switzerland And that no objection might arise as
to expence he added that considering himself as Miss Mowbrays banker
he had furnished her with five hundred pounds with which she was
desirous of repaying some part of the many obligations she owed Mr and
Mrs Stafford
Mrs Stafford who saw immediately all the advantages that might arise
to Emmeline from her residence with Lady Westhaven had on the slightest
hint been warmly an advocate for her going However reluctant to part
with her she suffered not her own gratifications to impede the interest
of her fair charge But she could not prevail on Emmeline to yield to
her entreaties till Lord Westhaven having settled every thing for the
removal of the family to St Germains she was convinced that Mrs
Stafford would be in a pleasant and advantageous situation and that she
ought even for the sake of her and her children whom Lord Westhaven
had so much the power of serving to yield to an arrangement which would
so much oblige him
The _chateau_ they inhabited was ready furnished their cloaths were
easily removed and the Staffords and their children set out at the same
time with Lord Westhaven his wife and Emmeline who having seen them
settled at St Germains greatly to the satisfaction of Mrs Stafford
went on to Paris where in about a week they were joined by the Baron
de St Alpin and the Chevalier de Bellozane
Footnote 2 Flower garden kitchen garden and orchard
The Baron de St Alpin was a venerable soldier near sixty in whom the
natural roughness of his country was polished by a long residence among
the French He was extremely good humoured and chearful and
passionately fond of the Chevalier de Bellozane who was the youngest of
three sons the two elder of whom had fallen in the field The military
ardour however of the Baron had not been buried with them and he still
entrusted the sole survivor of his house and the last support of his
hopes in the same service
With infinite satisfaction he embraced this beloved son on his return
from Martinique and with exultation presented him to his nephew to
Lady Westhaven and Miss Mowbray The Baron was indeed persuaded that he
was the most accomplished young man in France and had no notion that
every body did not behold him with the same eyes
Bellozane was tall well made and handsome his face and yet more his
figure bore some resemblance to the Godolphin family his manners were
elegant his air military his vivacity excessive and he was something
of a coxcomb but not more than is thought becoming to men of his
profession in France at two and twenty
Having lived always in the army or in fashionable circles at Paris he
had conceived no advantageous ideas of his own country where he had not
been since his childhood His father now retiring thither himself had
obtained a long leave of absence for him that he might go also but
Bellozane would willingly have dispensed with the journey which the
Baron pressed with so much vehemence that he had hardly time to
modernize his appearance after his American campaigns a point which was
to him of serious importance
He had therefore with reluctance looked forward to their journey over
the Alps But as soon as his father who had met him at Port LOrient on
his landing introduced him at Paris to his English relations and to
Emmeline the journey seemed not only to have lost its horrors but to
become a delightful party of pleasure and he was happy to make the
fourth in the postcoach in which Lady Westhaven Emmeline and her
Ladyships woman travelled Lord Westhaven and the Baron following in a
postchaise
Nothing could exceed the happiness of the Baron nor the gaiety of his
son Lord Westhaven and his wife tho they talked about it less were
not less pleased with their friends and their expedition while Emmeline
appeared restored to her former chearfulness because she saw that they
wished to see her chearful but whenever she was a moment alone
involuntary sighs fled towards England and when she remembered how far
she must be from Lady Adelina from little William in short from
Godolphin how could she help thinking of them with concern
During the day however the Chevalier gave her no time for reflection
He waited on her with the most assiduous attention watched her looks to
prevent her slightest wishes talked to her incessantly besought her to
teach him English and told her all he had seen in his travels and much
that he had done A Frenchman talks without hesitation of himself and
the Chevalier was quite a Frenchman
Too polite however for exclusive adulation Lady Westhaven shared all
his flattery and her real character being now unrepressed by the
severity of her mother she all gaiety and good humour was extremely
amused with the extravagant gallantry of the Chevalier and at
Emmelines amazement who having been little used to the manners of the
French was sometimes alarmed and sometimes vexed at the warmth of his
address and the admiration which he professed towards them both
Lady Westhaven assured her that such conversation was so usual that
nobody ever thought of being offended at it and that Bellozane was
probably so much used to apply the figures of speech which she thought
so extraordinary to every woman he saw that he perhaps knew not
himself and certainly never thought of what he was saying
Emmeline therefore heard from him repeatedly what would from an
Englishman have been considered as an absolute declaration of love
without any other answer than seeming inattention and flying as soon as
possible to some other topic
In the progress of their journey these common place speeches and this
desultory gallantry was gradually exchanged for a deportment more
respectful He besought Emmeline very seriously to give him an
opportunity of speaking to her apart which she with the utmost
difficulty evaded His extreme gaiety forsook himthe poor Chevalier
was in love
It was in vain he communicated his malady to _la belle cousine_ as he
usually called Lady Westhaven _la belle cousine_ only laughed at him
and told him he had according to his own account been so often in love
that this additional _penchant_ could not possibly hurt him and would
merely serve to prevent what he owned he had so much dreaded being
_ennuyé a la mort_ at St Alpin
When he found the inexorable Lady Westhaven refused seriously to attend
to him he applied with new ardour to Emmeline herself to whom his
importunity began to be distressing as she foresaw in his addresses
only a repetition of the persecution she had suffered from the fiery and
impetuous Delamere Still however she was often obliged to hear him
She could hear him only with coldness which he was far from taking as
discouragement As she did not love to think _herself engaged_ she
could not use that plea or even name an engagement which she believed
might now never be claimed by _him_ to whom it was given All therefore
she could say was that she had no thoughts of marrying An answer
which however frequently repeated Bellozane determined to think
favourable and Emmeline knew not how to treat with peremptory rudeness
the cousin of Lord Westhaven and of Captain Godolphin
But whatever diminution of her ease and tranquillity she might suffer or
apprehend from the growing attachment of this young man the journey was
attended with so many pleasant circumstances that all parties were
desirous that it might be lengthened
The extreme eagerness with which the Baron de St Alpin had wished to
revisit his estate gave way to the pleasures he found in travelling in
such society and as Lady Westhaven had never been farther South than
Lyons and Emmeline had never seen the Southern Provinces at all it was
determined on their arrival at that city to proceed to the shore of the
Mediterranean before they went into Switzerland
It was the finest season of the year and the loveliest weather
imaginable The party consulted therefore only pleasure on their way
Sometimes they went no more than a single stage in a day and employed
the rest in viewing any place in its neighbourhood worth their
curiosity They often left their carriages to walk to saunter to dine
on the grass on provisions they had brought with them and whenever a
beautiful view or uncommon scene presented themselves they stopped to
admire them and Bellozane drew sketches which were put into Emmelines
_port feuille_
As they were travelling between Marseilles and Toulon they entered a
road bounded on each side by mountainous rocks which sometimes
receding left between them small but richly cultivated vallies and in
other parts so nearly met each other as to leave little more room than
sufficed for the carriage to pass while the turnings of the road were
so angular and abrupt that it seemed every moment to be carrying them
into the bosom of the rock Thro this defile as it was quite shady
they agreed to walk
In some places huge masses impended over them of varied form and
colour without any vegetation but scattered mosses in others aromatic
plants and low shrubs the lavender the thyme the rosemary the
mountain sage fringed the steep craggs while a neighbouring aclivity
was shaded with the taller growth of holly phillyrea and evergreen
oak and the next covered with the glowing purple of the Mediterranean
heath The summits of almost all crowned with groves of fir larch and
pine
Emmeline in silent admiration beheld this beautiful and singular scene
and with the pleasure it gave her a soft and melancholy sensation was
mingled She wanted to be alone in this delightful place or with some
one who could share who could understand the satisfaction she felt
She knew nobody but Godolphin who had taste and enthusiasm enough to
enjoy it
Insensibly she left Lady Westhaven and the Chevalier behind her and
passing his Lordship and the Baron who were deeply engaged in a
discourse about the military operations of the past war she walked on
with some quickness Intent on the romantic wildness of the cliffs with
which she was surrounded and her mind associating with these objects
the idea of him on whom it now perpetually dwelt she had brought
Godolphin before her and was imagining what he would have said had he
been with her with what warmth he would enjoy with what taste and
spirit point out the beauty of scenes so enchanting
She had now left her companions at some distance yet as she heard their
voices swell in the breeze along the defile she felt no apprehension
In the narrowest part of it where she saw only steep craggs and the
sky which their bending tops hardly admitted she was stopped by a
transparent stream which bursting suddenly with some violence out of
the rock is received into a small reservoir of stone and then carried
away in stone channels to a village at some distance
While Emmeline stood contemplating this beautiful spring she beheld in
an excavation in the rock close to it two persons sitting on a bench
which had been rudely cut for the passenger to rest One of them
appeared to be a man about fifty he wore a short light coloured coat
a waistcoat that had once been of embroidered velvet from his head
which was covered first with a red thrum nightcap and then with a
small hat bound with tarnished lace depended an immense _queüe_ his
face tho thin and of a mahogena darkness seemed to express
penetration and good humour and Emmeline who had at first been a
little startled was no longer under alarm when he on perceiving her
near the entrance of the cavern flew nimbly out of it bowed to the
ground and pulling off most politely his thrum nightcap
enquired_Si Mademoiselle voudrez bien se reposer3
Emmeline thanked him and advanced towards the bench from which a girl
about seventeen very brown but very pretty had on her approach arisen
and put up into a kind of wallet the remains of the provisions they had
been eating which were only fruit and black bread As soon as the old
Frenchman perceived that Emmeline intended to sit down he sprung
before her brushed down the seat with his cap and then making several
profound bows assured _Mademoiselle quelle pourroit sasseoir sans
incommodité_4
The young woman dressed like the _paisannes_ of the country was
modestly retiring but Emmeline desired her to remain and entering into
conversation with her found she was the daughter of the assiduous old
Frenchman and that he was going with her to Toulon in hopes of
procuring her a service
The Baron and Lord Westhaven now approached and laughingly reproached
Emmeline for having deserted them She told them she was enchanted with
the seat she had found and should wait there for the Chevalier and Lady
Westhaven
I am only grieved said she that I have disturbed from their humble
supper these good people
The two gentlemen then spoke to the old Frenchman whose countenance had
something of keen intelligence and humble civility which prejudiced both
in his favour
_Je vois bien_ said he addressing himself to Lord Westhaven_je
vois bien que jai lhonneur de parler a un Milor Anglais_5
_Eh comment answered his Lordship_comment tu connois donc bien
les Anglais6
_Oh ouijai passé a leur service une partie de ma jeunesseIls
sont les meilleur maitres_7
_Parle tu Anglais mon ami8
Yes Milor I speak little English _Mais_ continued he relapsing
into the volubility of his own language_Mais il ya à peu pres dix
neuf ans depuis que mon maitremon pauvre maitre mouroit dans mes
bras helassi avoit vecucar il etoit tout jeunjaurois passé ma
vie entiere avec luijaurois retournez avec lui en AngleterreAh
cest un païs charmant que cette Angleterre9
You have been there then
He answered that he had been three times and should have been happy had
it pleased heaven to have ended his days there
The praise you bestow on our country my friend said Lord Westhaven
is worth at least this piece _de six francs_ and the beauty _de cette
jolie enfant_10 added he turning towards the little _paisanne_ is
interesting enough to induce me to enquire whether such a gift may not
serve to purchase _quelques petites amplettes a la ville_11 He
presented the young woman with another crown
The old Frenchman seemed ready to thank his Lordship with his tears
Without solicitation or ceremony seeing that the gentlemen were
disposed to listen to him he began to relate his short and simple
story
Lady Westhaven and the Chevalier now arrived but she sat down by
Emmeline and desired the old man to continue whatever he was saying
He has been praising our country said Lord Westhaven and in return
I am willing to hear the history of himself which he seems very
desirous of relating
I was in the army said he as we all are till being taken with a
pleurisy at Calais and rendered long incapable of duty I got my
discharge and hired myself as a travelling valet to a _Milor Anglais_
With him he was the best master in the world I lived six years I went
with him to England when he came to his estate and five years
afterwards came back with him to France He met with a misfortune in
losing _une dame tres amiable_ and never was quite well afterwards To
drive away trouble _pour se dissiper_ he went among a set of his own
countrymen and I believe _le chagrin_ and living too freely gave him
a terrible fever _Une fievre ardente lui saisit a Milan ses compagnons
apparemment naimoit gueres les malades_12 for nobody came near him
except a young surgeon who arrived there by accident and hearing that
an Englishman of fashion lay ill charitably visited him But it was too
late he had already been eleven days under the hands of an Italian
physician and when the English gentleman saw him he said he had only a
few hours to live
He sat by him however But my poor master was senseless till about
an hour before he died he recovered his recollection
He ordered me to bring him two little boxes which he always carried
with him and charged me to go to England with his body and deliver
those boxes to a person he named He bade me give one of his watches
which was a very rich one to his brother and told _me_ to keep the
other in memory of my master
Then he spoke to the strangerSir said he since you have the
humanity to interest yourself for a person unknown to you have the
goodness to see that my servant is suffered to execute what I have
directed and put your seal on my effects The money I have about me my
cloaths and my common watch I have given him He knows what farther I
would have done I told him on the second day of my illness
Baptistyou remember
He tried to say something more but in a few moments he died in my
arms
With the assistance of the young English surgeon I arranged every
thing as my master directed I went with his corps to England and
received a large present from his brother whom however I did not see
because he was not in London Then I returned to France
Since you loved England so much enquired the Baron _puisque vous
aimiez tant cet païs pourquoi ne pas y rester13
_Ah Monsieur jetois riche et je brulez de partager mes richesse
avec une jolie fille dont jetois eperdument amoureux14
_Eh bien
I married her Monsieur and for above two years we were the happiest
people on earth But we were very thoughtless _Je ne scais comment cela
se faisoit mes espece Anglais qui je croyais inepuisable se
dissiperent peu a peu et enfin il falloit songer a quelque provision
pour ma femme et mes deux petites filles15
I returned therefore into the Limosin of which province I was a
native but some of my family were dead and the rest had neither power
or inclination to assist their poor relations The seigneur of the
village had bought a post at Paris and was about to quit his chateau
He heard I was honest and therefore tho he had very little to lose
he put me into it I worked in the garden and raised enough with the
little wages we had to keep us My wife learned to work and my two
little girls were healthy and happy
_Oui Messieurs nous etions pauvre a la verité mais nous etions tres
contents16 till about eight months ago and then an epidemical
distemper broke out in the village and carried off my wife and my
eldest daughter
_Oh Therese et toi ma petite Suzette je te pleurs encore amerement
je te pleurs17
The poor Frenchman turned away and wept bitterly
_Je scais bien_ continued he_je scais bien quil faut saccoutumer
a les souffrances18 We might still have lived on Madelon and me at
our ruinous chateau but the possessor of it dying his son sent us
notice that he should pull it down indeed it must soon have fallen and
ordered us to quit it
_Ainsi me voila Messieurs a cinquante ans sans pain Mais pour cela
je ne membarrasse pas si je pourrois bien placer ma pauvre Madelon
tout ira bien19
There was in this relation a touching simplicity which drew tears from
Lady Westhaven and Emmeline The whole party became interested for the
father and the daughter who had wept silently while he was relating
their story
Can nothing be done for these poor creatures said Lady Westhaven
Certainly we will assist them answered her LordBut let us enquire
how we can best do it _Tu tappelles20 continued he speaking to
the Frenchman
_Baptiste La Feremais mon nomme de guerre et de condition fut
toujours Le Limosin21
_Dites moi donc_22 Monsieur Le Limosin said his Lordship what
hopes have you of placing your daughter at Toulon
Alas Milor but little I know nobody there but an old relation of my
poor wifes who is _Touriere_ at a convent and if I cannot get a
service for Madelon I must give the good abbess a little money to take
her till I can do something better for her
And where do you expect to get money
_Tenez mon Seigneur_ answered he pulling a watch out of his pocket
_ayez la bonté dexaminer cet montre_23 It is an English watch Gold
and in a gold case I have been offered a great deal of money for it
but in all my poverty in all my distresses I have contrived to keep it
because it was the last gift of my dear master But now my poor Madelon
must be thought of and if it must be so I will sell it and pay for her
staying in the convent
You shall not do that my friend replied Lord Westhaven still
holding the watch in his hand
It had a cypher H C M and a crest engraved on it
H C M said his Lordship and the Mowbray crest Pray what was your
masters name
_Milor Moubray_ answered Le Limosin
_Comment Milor Mowbray
_Oui Milorregardez sil vous plait Voila son chiffre HenriCharles
Moubrayet voila le cimier du famille24
Emmeline who no longer doubted but this was her fathers servant was
so much affected that Lady Westhaven apprehending she would faint
called for assistance and the Chevalier who during this conversation
had attended only to her snatched up the beechen cup out of which Le
Limosin and Madelon had been drinking and which still stood on the
ground and flying with it to the spring brought it instantly back
filled with water while Lady Westhaven bathed her temples and held to
her her salts She soon recovered and then speaking in a faint voice to
his Lordship saidMy Lord this is the servant in whose arms my poor
father expired Do allow me to intercede with your Lordship for him and
for his daughter but let him not know tonight at least who I am I
cannot again bear a circumstantial detail about my father
Lord Westhaven now led Le Limosin out of the cave told him he had
determined as he had known his masters family to take him into his
own service and that Lady Westhaven would provide for his daughter At
this intelligence the poor fellow grew almost frantic He would have
thrown himself at the feet of his benefactor had he not been prevented
then flew back to fetch his Madelon that she might join in prayers and
benedictions and hardly could Lord Westhaven persuade him to be
tranquil enough to understand the orders he gave him which were to
hire some kind of conveyance at the next village to carry his daughter
to Toulon where he gave him a direction to find his English benefactor
the next day
It was now late and the party hastened to leave this romantic spot
which had been marked by so singular a meeting On their arrival at
Toulon they equipped and sent away before them to St Alpin Le
Limosin and Madelon the latter of whom Lady Westhaven took entirely to
wait on Emmeline
The soft heart and tender spirits of Emmeline had not yet recovered the
detail she had heard of her fathers death A pensive melancholy hung
over her which the Chevalier nothing doubting his own perfections
hoped was owing to a growing affection for himself But it had several
sources of which he had no suspicion and it made the remaining three
weeks of their tour appear tedious to Emmeline who languished to be at
St Alpin where she hoped to find letters from Mrs Stafford and from
Lady Adelina She thought it an age since she had heard from the latter
and secretly but anxiously indulged an hope of meeting a large pacquet
which might contain some intelligence of Godolphin
Footnote 3 If the young lady would please to sit down
Footnote 4 That she might sit down without inconvenience
Footnote 5 I perceive I have the honour to speak to an English
nobleman
Footnote 6 How are you then well acquainted with the English
Footnote 7 I passed part of my youth in their serviceThey are
the best masters in the world
Footnote 8 Do you speak English my friend
Footnote 9 It is almost nineteen years since my mastermy poor
master died in my arms had he lived for he was quite a young man I
should have passed my life with himI should have returned with him to
EnglandAh that England is a charming country
Footnote 10 Of this pretty maid
Footnote 11 Some little necessaries bargains at the neighbouring
town
Footnote 12 A burning fever seized him at Milan his companions seemed
to have but little affection for the sick
Footnote 13 Why not stay there
Footnote 14 Ah Sir I was rich and I longed eagerly to share my
riches with a pretty young woman with whom I was distractedly in love
Footnote 15 I know not how it happened my English money which I
thought inexhaustible diminished by little and little and at length it
was necessary to think what I was to do for my wife and my two little
girls
Footnote 16 Yes gentlemen we were indeed poor but we were very very
happy
Footnote 17 Oh Theresaand you my poor Suzette I lament
yebitterly I still deplore your loss
Footnote 18 I know wellI know that we must learn to suffer
Footnote 19 So here I am gentlemen at fifty years old without bread
to eat But it is not that which troubles meIf I could get a
comfortable place for my poor Madelon all would be well
Footnote 20 Your name
Footnote 21 Baptiste La Fere But the name under which I served as a
soldier and as a servant is Le Limosin
Footnote 22 Tell me then
Footnote 23 See my Lord have the goodness to look at this watch
Footnote 24 Yes my Lord be so good as to observe There is his
cypher H C M and there the family crest
END OF THE THIRD VOLUME
VOLUME IV
The Chateau de St Alpin was a gloomy and antique building but in
habitable repair The only constant resident in it for some years had
been the Demoiselle de St Alpin now about five and forty whose whole
attention had been given to keeping it in order and collecting in the
garden variety of plants in which she took singular pleasure Detached
from the world and with no other relations than her brother and her
nephews whom she was seldom likely to see she found in this innocent
and amusing pursuit a resource against the tedium of life Her manners
tho simple were mild and engaging and her heart perfectly good and
benevolent With her therefore Emmeline was extremely pleased and the
country in which her residence was situated was so beautiful that
accustomed to form her ideas of magnificent scenery from the first
impressions that her mind had received in Wales Emmeline acknowledged
that her eye was here perfectly satisfied
With her heart it was far otherwise On her arrival at St Alpin she
found letters from Lady Adelina enclosed in others from Mrs Stafford
Lady Adelina gave such an account of her own health as convinced
Emmeline it was not improved since she left England Of Mr Godolphin
she only said that he was returned from Ireland but had staid with her
only a few hours and was then obliged to go on business to London
where his continuance was uncertain
Mrs Stafford gave of herself and her family a more pleasing account
She said she had hopes that the readjustment of Mr Staffords affairs
would soon allow of their return to England and as it might possibly
happen on very short notice and before Emmeline could rejoin them she
had sent by a family who were travelling to Geneva and who readily
undertook the care of it a large box which contained some of her
cloaths and the caskets which belonged to her which had been long left
at Mrs Ashwoods after Emmelines precipitate departure from her house
with Delamere and which on Mrs Ashwoods marriage and removal she
had sent with a cold note addressed to Miss Mowbray to the person who
negociated Mr Staffords business in London
Their lengthened journey had so much broken in on the time allotted to
their tour that Lord and Lady Westhaven purposed staying only a month
at St Alpin The Baron who had equal pride and pleasure in the company
of his nephew endeavoured by every means in his power to make that time
pass agreeably and felt great satisfaction in shewing to the few
neighbours who were within fifteen miles of his _chateau_ that he had
in an English nobleman of such rank and merit so near a relation
He had observed very early the growing passion of his son for Miss
Mowbray He was assured that she returned it for he never supposed it
possible that any woman could behold the Chevalier with indifference
He had heard from Lord Westhaven that Emmeline was the daughter of a man
of fashion but was by the circumstances of her birth excluded from any
share of his fortune and entirely dependant on the favour of the
Marquis of Montreville The old Baron charmed himself with her person
and her manners rather approved than opposed the wishes of his son and
however convenient it might have been to have seen him married to a
woman of fortune he was disposed to rejoice at his inclining to marry
at all and convinced that with Emmeline he must be happy thought he
might dispense with being rich The Chevalier confident of success and
believing that Emmeline had meant by her timid refusals only
encouragement grew so extremely importunate that she was sometimes on
the point of declaring to him her real situation
But from this she was deterred by the apprehension that he would apply
to Lord Delamere for the relinquishment of her promise and should he
obtain it consider himself as having a claim to the hand his Lordship
resigned
This was an hope which whatever his vanity might have suggested she
never meant to give him yet she had the mortification to find that all
her rejections however repeated were considered by the Chevalier as
words of course It was in vain she assured him that besides her
disinclination to change her situation by marriage at all she had other
forcible objections that she should never think of passing her life
out of England that not only their country but their manners their
ideas on a thousand subjects so materially differed as to make every
other reason of her refusal unnecessary
When she seriously urged thus much he usually answered that he would
then reside in England that he would accommodate his manner of living
to her pleasure and that as to the ideas which had displeased her he
would never again offend her with their repetition
Emmeline had indeed been extremely hurt and disgusted at that levity of
principle on the most serious subjects which the Chevalier avowed
without reserve and for which he appeared to value himself Tho
brought up a Calvinist he had as he owned always conformed to the mode
of worship and ceremonies of the Catholics while he was among them and
usually added that had he served amid the Turks or the Jews he should
have done the same as a matter of great indifference
The Baron whose life had been more active than contemplative was
unaccustomed to consider these matters deeply And as every thing
Bellozane advanced had with him great authority he was struck with his
lively arguments and whatever might be their solidity could not help
admiring the wit of the Chevalier whom he sometimes encouraged to
dispute with Lord Westhaven The religion of Lord Westhaven was as
steady and unaffected as his morals were excellent and he entered
willingly into these dialogues with Bellozane in hopes of convincing
him that infidelity was by no means necessary to the character of a
soldier and that _he_ was unlikely to serve well the country to which
he belonged or for which he fought who began by insulting his God
He found however that the young man had imbibed these lessons so early
and fancied them so much the marks of a superior and penetrating mind
that he could make no impression by rational argument Bellozane usually
answered by a sprightly quotation from some French author and his
Lordship soon declined the conversation believing that if sickness and
sorrow did not supercede so slow a cure time at least would convince
him of his folly
But such was the effect of this sort of discourse on Emmeline that had
Bellozane been in other respects unexceptionable and had her heart been
free from any other impression she would never have listened to him as
a lover
From his own account of himself in other respects Emmeline had gathered
enough to believe that he was profligate and immoral But as she could
not appear to detect these errors without allowing him to suppose her
interested in his forsaking them she generally heard him in silence
and only when pressed to name her objections stated his loose opinions
as one in her mind very material
To this he again repeated that his opinions he would correct his
residence should be settled by herselfHad she any objection to his
person enquired he as he proudly surveyed it in the long old
fashioned glass which ornamented the _sal a manger_25
Emmeline blushing from the conscious recollection of the resemblance it
bore in height and air to that of Godolphin answered faulteringlyThat
to his person there could be no objection
To his fortune
It was undoubtedly more than situated as she was she could expect
To his family
It was a family whose alliance must confer honour
What then vehemently continued the Chevalierwhat then charming
Emmeline occasions this long reserve this barbarous coldness Since
you can form no decided objection since you have undoubtedly allowed me
to hope why do you thus cruelly prolong my sufferings Surely you do
not you cannot mean finally to refuse and desert me after having
permitted me so long to speak to you of my passion
It is with some justice gravely and coldly answered EmmelineI own
it is with some justice that you impute to me the appearance of
coquetry because I have listened with too much patience tho
certainly never with approbation to your discourse on this subject
But be assured that whatever I have said tho perhaps with insufficient
firmness I now repeat in the hope that you will understand it as my
unalterable resolutionThe honour you are so obliging as to offer me I
_never_ can accept and I beg you will forbear to urge me farther on a
subject to which I never can give any other answer
This dialogue which happened on the second day of her residence at St
Alpin and the first moment he could find her alone did not seem to
discourage the Chevalier He observed her narrowly the country round
St Alpin which as well as the place itself he thought _triste et
insupportable_ seemed to delight and attract her He saw her not only
enduring but even fond of his aunt and her plants which were to him
_les sujets du monde les plus facheux_26His excessive vanity made
him persist in believing that she could not admire such a place but
thro some latent partiality to its master nor seek the company and
esteem of his aunt but for the sake of her nephew
These remarks and a conviction formed on his own selflove and on the
experience of his Parisian conquests made him disregard her refusal and
persecute her incessantly with his love Lord Westhaven saw her
uneasiness but knew not how to relieve her without offending the Baron
and the Chevalier or divulging circumstances of which he did not think
himself at liberty without her permission to speak
Lady Westhaven to whom Emmeline was obliged to complain of the
importunity of Bellozane repeatedly but very fruitlessly remonstrated
with him What she had at first ridiculed now gave her pain and
anxious as she was to reconcile her brother to her friend from whom she
thought only his warmth of temper and a misunderstanding had divided
him she wished to shorten as much as possible their stay at St Alpin
Her own situation too made her very anxious to return to England and
she was impatient to see Lord Delamere to explain to him all the
mystery of Emmelines conduct a detail which she could not venture by
the post tho she had written to him from Lyons intreating him to
suspend all opinion in regard to Miss Mowbrays conduct till she should
see him
This letter never reached the hands of Lord Delamere and therefore was
not answered to St Alpin whither his sister had desired him to direct
and where she now grew very uneasy at not hearing from him
Le Limosin and his Madelon had arrived at St Alpin some time before
their noble patrons with whose goodness they were elated to excess Le
Limosin himself assiduous to do every thing for every body flew about
as if he was but twenty His particular province was to attend with Lady
Westhavens English servant on her Ladyship and Miss Mowbray and
Madelon was directed to wait on the latter as her _fille de chambre_
Emmeline with painful solicitude for which she could hardly account
wished to hear from Le Limosin those particulars of her father of which
he was so well able to inform her He had served too her mother whose
name she had hardly ever heard repeated and of whom before witnesses
she dared not enquire
Lord Westhaven had not yet explained to him to what he principally owed
the extraordinary kindness he had met with He knew not that the lady on
whom he had the honour to wait was the daughter of that master to whom
he had been so much obliged
The first days that Lord and Lady Westhaven and Emmeline had passed with
the Baron had been engaged by company or in parties which he made to
shew the views of the surrounding country to his English guests The
Chevalier never suffered Emmeline to be absent from these excursions
nor when at home allowed her to be a moment out of his company If she
sought refuge in the chamber of Mrs St Alpin he followed her if she
went with her to her plants thither also came Bellozane and having
acquired from his aunts books a few physical and botanical terms
affected to desire information which the old Lady highly pleased with
his desire of improvement in her favourite studies gave him with great
simplicity
Lord Westhaven grew apprehensive that the jaunts of pleasure which the
Baron continued to propose would be too fatigueing for his wife And as
they were now to go on a visit to one of St Alpins old military
friends who resided at the distance of fifteen miles and where they
were to remain all night he prevailed on her to stay at home where
Emmeline also desired to be left
Bellozane detesting a party which the ladies were not to enliven made
some efforts to be excused also but he found his declining to go would
so much chagrin and disappoint his father that with whatever
reluctance he was obliged to set out with him
Lady Westhaven who was a good deal indisposed went to lie down in her
own room whither Emmeline attended her and finding she was disposed to
sleep left her Mrs St Alpin was busied in her garden and Emmeline
delighted with an opportunity of being alone retired to her room to
write to Mrs Stafford She had not proceeded far in her letter when a
servant informed her that the messenger who had been sent to Geneva for
her box was returned with it She desired that it might be brought up
Madelon came to assist her in opening it and then left her
She took out the cloaths and linen and then the two embroidered
caskets which she put on the table before her and gazed at with
melancholy pleasure as silent memorials of her parents They brought
also to her mind the recollection of Mrs Carey and many of her
infantine pains and pleasures at Mowbray Castle where she remembered
first to have remarked them in a drawer belonging to that good woman to
which tho it was generally locked she had occasionally sent her
little charge when she was herself confined to her chair
One of them she had began to inspect at Clapham and perused some of the
letters it contained They were from her grandmother Mrs Mowbray to
her father and were filled with reproaches so warm and severe and such
pointed censures of his conduct in regard to Miss Stavordale her
mother to whom one letter yet more bitter was addressed that after
reading three of them Emmeline believed that the further inspection of
the casket was likely to produce for her only unavailing regret
Still however she would then have continued it painful as it was but
was interrupted by the sudden entrance of Lord Montreville who came to
enquire after his son The sight of Mr Mowbrays picture which she had
taken out created in the breast of his Lordship a momentary tenderness
for his niece She had since always worn that picture about her but the
papers by which she had been too much affected after that interview
farther to peruse she had again secured in the caskets and being
almost immediately afterwards taken by Delamere on her involuntary
journey to Stevenage from whence she returned no more to Clapham she
had not since had them in her possession
Her mind in this interval had acquired greater strength and she at
length wished to know those particulars of her mothers fate into which
she had hitherto forborne thro timidity to enquire Being now therefore
alone and having these repositories once more in her hands she
resolutely inspected them
The first contained about twenty letters Some were those she had before
seen and others followed them equally severe They seemed in sullen
resentment to have been preserved and Emmeline could not but reflect
with pain on the anger and asperity in which they were written on the
remorse and uneasiness with which they must have been read
The second casket seemed also to hold letters On opening it Emmeline
found they were part of the correspondence between her father and mother
during the early part of their acquaintance when tho they sometimes
resided in the same house the vigilant observation of Mrs Mowbray very
seldom allowed them to converse
Among these were several pieces of poetry elegant and affecting After
having read which Emmeline imagined she had seen all the box contained
a few loosely folded papers only remaining but on opening one of these
what was her astonishment to find in it two certificates of her mothers
marriage one under the hand of a Catholic priest by whom she had been
married immediately on their arrival at Dunkirk the other signed a few
days before the birth of Emmeline by an English clergyman who had again
performed the ceremony in the chapel of the English Ambassador at Paris
That the memory of her mother should thus be free from reproach that
the conduct of her father which had hitherto appeared cruel and unjust
should be vindicated from every aspersion and that she should herself
be restored to that place in society from which she seemed to be
excluded for ever was altogether such unexpected such incredible
happiness as made her almost doubtful of the evidence of her senses
Ignorant as she was of the usual form of such papers yet the care with
which these seemed to be executed left her little doubt of their
regularity One other folded paper yet remained unread Trembling she
opened it It was written in her fathers hand and endorsed
MEMORANDUM
The harshness with which my mother and her family have treated
Miss Stavordale for a supposed crime has forced her to put herself
under my protection Miss Stavordale is now my wife but of this I
shall not inform my family conceiving myself accountable no longer
to persons capable of so much rashness and injustice Least any
thing however should happen before I can make a will in due form I
hereby acknowledge Emmeline Stavordale now Mowbray as my wife and
her child whether a son or a daughter heir to my estate My
brother being possessed of a very large fortune both by his late
marriage and the gifts of his mothers family will hardly dispute
the claim of such child to my paternal estate
This is a duplicate of a paper sent to Francis Williamson my
steward at Mowbray Castle Signed by me at Paris in presence of
two witnesses this fifteenth of March 17
HENRY CHARLES MOWBRAY
Witnessed by
ROBERT WALLACE
BAPTISTE LA FERE dit Le Limosin
This which was of the same date as the last certificate confirmed
every claim which they both gave Emmeline to her name and fortune A
change of circumstances so sudden her apprehensions that the Marquis of
Montreville who she thought must have long known should dispute her
legitimacy and her wonder at the concealment which Mr Williamson and
Mrs Carey seemed passively to have suffered which together with a
thousand other sensations crouded at once into her mind so greatly
affected her that feeling herself grow sick she was obliged to call
Madelon who being at work in an adjoining room ran in and seeing her
lady look extremely pale and hearing her speak with difficulty she
threw open the window fetched her some water and then without waiting
to see their effects she flew away to call Mrs St Alpin who presently
appeared followed by her maid carrying a large case which was filled
with bottles of various distillations from every aromatic and pungent
herb her garden or the adjacent mountains afforded
Emmeline hardly knowing what she did was compelled to swallow a glass
full of one of these cordials which Mrs St Alpin assured her was
_excellente pour les vapeurs_27 It almost deprived her of breath
but recalled her astonished spirits and having with great difficulty
prevailed on her kindlybusy hostess to leave her she locked up her
papers and threw herself on the bed where having directed Madelon to
draw the curtains and retire she tried to compose her mind and to
consider what steps she ought to take in consequence of this
extraordinary discovery
Footnote 25 Dining Room
Footnote 26 The most wearisome or to use the cant of the times the
most _boring_ subjects in the world
Footnote 27 Excellent for the cure of vapours
Convinced of the noble and disinterested nature of Lord Westhaven
Emmeline thought she ought immediately on his return to shew him the
papers she had found and entreat him to examine for farther
particulars Le Limosin who seemed providentially to have been thrown
in her way on purpose to elucidate her history
After having formed this resolution her mind was at liberty for other
reflections Delamere returned to it his unjust suspicions his haughty
reproaches his long indignant anger which vouchsafed not even to
solicit an explanation she involuntarily compared with the gentleness
the generosity of Godolphin with his candid temper his warm
affections his tender heart And with pain she remembered that unless
Delamere would relinquish the fatal promise she had given him she could
not shew the preference which she feared she must ever feel for him
Sometimes she thought of asking Lord Westhaven to apply to Delamere for
her release But how could she venture on a measure which might involve
in such difficulties Lady Adelina and engage Lord Westhaven in an
enquiry fatal to his repose and that of his whole family How could she
by this application counteract the wishes of Lady Westhaven who
anxiously hoped to reunite her brother and her friend and who desired
ardently to be in England that she might explain herself to Delamere
all the circumstances that had injured Emmeline in his opinion which
she thought she could easily do without hazarding any of the evils that
might follow from an inconsiderate disclosure of the occurrences he had
misunderstood
Uneasily ruminating on the painful uncertainty of her situation and the
difficulties which every way surrounded her she continued alone till
Lady Westhaven alarmed at hearing she had been ill sent her woman to
enquire after and know if she might herself come to her Emmeline to
relieve at once her friendly solicitude arose and went to her
apartment where she made light of her sickness and endeavoured to
assume as much chearfulness as possibleTill she had seen Lord
Westhaven she determined not to mention to her Ladyship the discovery
of the morning feeling that there would be great indelicacy in eagerly
divulging to her a secret by which she must tacitly accuse the Marquis
of Montreville of having thus long detained from its legal owner the
Mowbray estate and of having brought up in indigence and obscurity the
daughter of his brother while conscious of her claim to education and
affluence
Struggling therefore to subdue the remaining tumult of her spirits she
rejoined her friend They passed the afternoon tranquilly with Mrs St
Alpin and about eleven oclock the following morning Lord Westhaven
the Baron and the Chevalier returned
Emmeline took the earliest opportunity of telling Lord Westhaven that
she wished to speak to him alone There was no way of escaping from the
Chevalier but by his Lordships openly declaring that he wanted a
private conference with his fair cousin whom he led into the garden
Bellozane who hoped that his earnest solicitations had prevailed on
Lord Westhaven to befriend his love was glad to see them walk out
together while he watched them from a window
Emmeline put into her pocket the two certificates and the memorandum
written by her father Without explanation or comment she gave them as
soon as they were at a little distance from the house to Lord
Westhaven
He read them twice over in silence then looking with astonishment at
Emmeline he asked her from whence she had these papers
They were enclosed my Lord answered she in two little boxes or
caskets which were left to me among other things by my fathers nurse
who becoming the housekeeper at Mowbray Castle brought me up They
afterwards long remained at the house of Mrs James Crofts with whom
you know I resided on her removal after her marriage they were sent
together with some of my cloaths to Mrs Staffords agent in London
from whence she lately received them and having an opportunity of
sending them to Geneva by a family travelling thither she forwarded
them to me and I found them yesterday in the trunk brought by the
messenger which you know the Baron sent thither on purpose
Again Lord Westhaven read the papers and after pausing a moment said
There is no doubt there can be none of the authenticity of these
papers nor of your consequent claim to the Mowbray estate Surely
added he again pausingsurely it is most extraordinary that Lord
Montreville should have suffered the true circumstances of your birth to
remain thus long unexplained Most cruel most ungenerous to possess
himself of a property to which he must know he had no right Your
fathers memorandum says that he had forwarded a duplicate of it to
Francis Williamson do you know whether that person is yet living
He is dead my Lord He died in consequence of an accident at Mowbray
Castle where he was many years steward
He must however have had sufficient time to give Lord Montreville every
information as to his masters marriage even if his Lordship knew it
not as he probably did by other means Yet from a man of honourfrom
Lord Montrevillesuch conduct is most unworthy I can hardly conceive
it possible that he should be guilty of such concealment
Surely my Lord it is possible said the candid and ingenuous
Emmelinesurely it _is_ possible that my uncle might by some
accident for which without knowing more we cannot account have been
kept in ignorance of my mothers real situation For your satisfaction
and mine before we say more on this subject would it not be well to
hear what Le Limosin who was I suppose present both at my mothers
marriage and at my fathers death has to relate
To this proposal Lord Westhaven agreed The _sal a compagnie_28 was
usually vacant at this time of the day Thither they went together and
sent for Le Limosin who loved talking so much that nothing was more
easy than to make him tell all he remembered and even minutely describe
every scene at which he had been present
Le Limosin said Lord Westhaven as soon as he came into the room I
was much pleased and interested with the account you gave me when I
first met you of the English master whom you call _Milor Mowbray_ I
know his family well Tell me does this picture resemble him
His Lordship shewed him a portrait of Mr Mowbray which had been drawn
at Paris
Le Limosin looked a moment at itthe tears came into his eyes
_O ouioui mi Lorje me rappelle bien ce portraitAh quel
resemblance Quelques mois avant sa mort tel etoit mon pauvre maitre
Ah added he giving back with a sigh the picture to Lord
Westhaven_cela me fend le coeur29
Now then reassumed Lord Westhaven look Le Limosin at that He
put before him the resemblance of Emmelines mother which had been
painted at the same time
_Eh pardi ouivoilavoila Madame la charmante femme dont la perte
couta la vie a mon maitre Helasje men souviens bien du jôur que je
vis pour la premiere fois cette aimable dame Elle navoit quenviron
quatorze a quinze ans Ah quelle etoit pour lors gaï espiegle
folatre et si bellesi belle30
Tell me said Lord Westhaven all you remember of her
I remember her my Lord said Le Limosin speaking still in French I
remember her from the first of my going to England with Milor Mowbray
She lived then with Madame Mowbray and the servants told me that being
a distant relation and an orphan Madame had taken her and intended to
give her a fortune Milor Mowbray when he first returned from his
travels used to live for two or three months together with Madame his
mother but she was strict and severe and used frequently to reproach
him with his gaieties_il etoit un peu libertin Milor comme sont a
lordinaire les jeunes seigneurs de sa nation_31 He admired
Mademoiselle Stavordale as a beautiful child and used to romp with her
but as she grew older Madame Mowbray was dissatisfied with him for
taking so much notice of her and would oblige her to live always up in
Madames dressing room so that my master could hardly ever see her
Madame however told my master one day that tho Mademoiselle
Stavordale had no fortune she would not object to his marrying her in a
year or two if he was then in the same mind But my master was in his
turn offended He said he would not be dictated to nor told whether he
should marry or remain single _Madame etoit forte brusqueelle piquoit
Monsieur par un reponse un peu vive_32and they had a violent
disagreement in consequence of which he quitted her house and only
went now and then afterwards to see her quite in form Some months
afterwards he called me to him and as I was dressing him he asked me if
I had no female friend among his mothers servants Baptiste said he
I cannot get the Demoiselle Stavordale out of my head_Jaime a la
folie cette fille mais pour le mariage je ne suis pas trop sur que je
macquitterai bien en promissant de laimer pour la vieJe veux aussi
quelle maime sans que linteret yentre pour quelque chosePuisque
Madame ma mere samuse a me guetter je voudrois bien la tromper je
scais que tu est habilene pourra tu pas nous menager une petite tete a
tete33 Milor je faisois mon possibleet enfinpar la bonté et
lhonetetédune fille qui servoit Madameje vins heureusement
aboutQuelque jours apresMonsieur enleva la belle Stavordale tant en
depitquen amour34
At this recital Emmeline found herself cruelly hurt but Lord Westhaven
besought her to command herself and Le Limosin went on
To avoid the rage and reproaches of Madame Mowbray which it was likely
would be very loud my master took Mademoiselle Stavordale immediately
abroad We landed at Dunkirk but the young lady was so unhappy at the
step she had taken _elle pleuroit elle se desoloit elle sabandonna a
le desespoirenfin tant elle faisoit_35 that Monsieur sent for a
priest and they were married Soon afterwards my lady was likely to
bring Monsieur an heir _Ah quils etoient pour lors heureux But
their happiness was interrupted by the death of my masters mother
Madame Mowbray who had never forgiven him and who disposed of all her
money that was in her own power to his brother My poor lady took this
sadly to heart She reproached herself with being the cause of my
masters losing such a fortune He said he had yet enough and tried to
console my lady Still still it hung on her spirits and she could not
bear to think that Madame Mowbray who had brought her up and had been
kind to her when she had no other friend should have died in anger with
her I believe my master was sorry then that he had not reconciled
himself with his mother as my lady often begged and entreated that he
would but it was now too late and he said his brother had used him
unkindly and had certainly helped to irritate his mother against him
and he would not write to him tho my lady often desired and prayed that
he would As she grew near her time she was more and more out of
spirits and my master finding her uneasy because they had not been
married by an English priest had the ceremony performed again in the
chapel of the English Ambassador My master could not however make her
forget her concern for the death of his mother and she was always
melancholy as if she had foreseen how little a time she had herself to
live Alas she brought my master a daughter and died in three hours
If I were to live a thousand years continued Le Limosin I should
never forget my poor masters distraction when he heard she was dead It
was with great difficulty that even with the assistance of his English
servants I could prevent his destroying himself in the phrenzy of his
grief I dared not leave him a moment He heard nothing we said to him
he heeded not the questions I asked him about the child and at last I
was forced to send an express to Mr Oxenden his friend who was at
some distance from Paris He came and by the help of another English
gentleman they forced him out of the house while the body of my mistress
was removed to be carried to England He was so near madness that his
friends were afraid of his relapsing even after he grew better if they
asked him many questions about it So they gave me orders as to her
funeral and after about a fortnight he came back to the house where the
child was attended by his two friends
It was an heartpiercing sight Milor to see him weep over the little
baby as it lay in the arms of its nurse After some time he called me
and told me that he should not be easy unless he was sure his poor
little girl would be taken proper care of that he had no friend in
France to whom he chose to entrust her and therefore ordered me to go
with the nurse to England and directed Therése my mistresss _fille de
chambre_ to go also that the child might be well attended He told me
that he should perhaps quit Paris before I could get back in which case
he would leave directions where I should follow him Then he kissed his
little girl and his two friends tore him away I immediately proceeded
to England as he directed with the nurse and Therése and we carried
the infant to the Chateau de Mowbray The French nurse could speak no
English and could not be prevailed upon to stay above two days Therése
too longed to get back to France and we immediately returned to Paris
where I found a letter from my master ordering me to follow him into
Italy
At Milan Milor I rejoined him He looked very ill and complained of
feeling himself indisposed But still he went out and I believe drank
too much with his English friends The third or fourth day after I got
there he came home from a party which he had made out of town with them
about ten oclock in the morning and told me he had a violent pain in
his head He went up into his room I am strangely disordered
Baptiste said he as he put his hand to his templesperhaps it may
go off but if it should grow worse as I am afraid it will remember
that you take those two little boxes in which I keep my papers to
England and deliver them to my steward at Mowbray Castle I have
already written to him about my daughter Then almost shrieking with
the acute pain which darted into his head he criedI cannot talk nor
can I now write to my brother as I think I ought to do about my child
But send send for a notary and when I am a little easier I will
dictate a will
Milor I sent for the notary But he waited all day in the antiroom to
no purpose My poor master was never again easy enough to see himnever
again able to dictate a will He grew more and more delirious and
continued to complain of his head his head Alas he did not even know
me till about an hour before his death
Emmeline whose tears had almost choaked her during the greatest part of
this narration now said to Lord Westhaven
My Lord do not let him repeat the scene of my fathers death I am not
now able to bear it
Well Le Limosin said his Lordship this young lady who is the
daughter of your master the same whom you helped to carry an infant
to Mowbray Castle will soon have it in her power to reward your
fidelity and attachment to her father
Le Limosin now threw himself on his knees in a transport of joy and
acknowledgment Lord Westhaven fearing that his raptures might quite
overcome the disturbed spirits of his fair mistress desired her to give
him her hand to kiss which she did and trying but ineffectually to
smile thro her tears was led by his Lordship into her own room He
told her that at present he wished to conceal from Lady Westhaven the
discovery they had made For tho I am convinced added he that for
your sake she will rejoice in it she will be hurt at the extraordinary
conduct of her father and harrass herself with conjectures about it and
apologies for it which I wish to spare her in her present state
Emmeline assured him she would observe a strict silence and he left her
to give to Le Limosin a charge of secresy He then retired to his room
and wrote to Lord Montreville stating the simple fact and enclosing
copies of the certificates and after shewing his letter to Emmeline
sent it off to England
Emmeline now went out to walk in hopes of recovering her composure and
being able to appear at dinner without betraying by her countenance that
any thing extraordinary had been the subject of her conversation with
Lord Westhaven The Chevalier however was soon at her side And still
flattering himself that his Lordship had undertaken to plead his cause
he addressed her with all the confidence of a man sure of success
Emmeline was very little disposed to listen to him and with a greater
appearance of chagrin and impatience than she had yet shewn repeated to
him her determination not to marry He still declared himself sure of
her relenting and added that unless she had designed finally to hear
him favourably she would never have allowed him so repeatedly to press
his attachment This speech which indirectly accused her of coquetry
encreased her vexation But the persevering Chevalier was not to be
repressed He told her that he had projected a party of pleasure on the
lake the next day in which he intended to include a visit to the Rocks
of Meillerie
It is classic ground Mademoiselle said he and is fitted to love
and despair Ah will you not there hear me Will you still inhumanly
smile will you still look so gentle while your heart is harder than
the rocks we shall seecolder than the snow that crowns theman heart
on which even the pen of fire which Rousseau held would make no
impression
He held her hands during this rhapsody She could not therefore
immediately escape But on the appearance of a servant who announced
the dinners being ready she coldly disengaged herself and went into
the house
Footnote 28 Drawing room
Footnote 29 O yes my Lord I recollect well this picture What a
likeness Such a few months before he died was my poor master Alas
it cuts me to the heart
Footnote 30 Ah hah yesthere is sure enough my Lady The charming
woman whose loss cost my master his life Alas how well I recollect the
first day I saw this amiable lady she was then only between fourteen
and fifteen and at that time so gay so full of frolic and vivacity
and so very very pretty
Footnote 31 He was a little free my Lord as the young noblemen of his
country usually are
Footnote 32 Madame was very hasty she irritated my master by a sharp
answer
Footnote 33 I love that girl to madness but as to marrying her I am
not quite sure I should acquit myself well were I to promise that I
would love her for ever I desire too that interest may have nothing to
do with her affection for me As my mother amuses herself with watching
me I long to deceive her You are a clever fellow cannot you contrive
for us a private meeting
Footnote 34 My Lord I did my best and at last by the goodness and
civility of a young woman who waited on Madame I happily accomplished
it Some days after which my master carried off the fair Stavordale as
much thro revenge as love
Footnote 35 She wept she lamented she gave herself up to despair
The agitation she had undergone in the morning affected both the
spirits and the looks of Emmeline and when immediately after dinner
Bellozane proposed the party of pleasure he had projected for the next
day Lady Westhaven answeredAs for me I shall on my own account make
no objection but I cannot equally answer for our fair cousinEmmeline
my love you seem ill I cannot imagine my Lord what you have been
saying to her
I have been advising her answered Lord Westhaven to go into a
convent and her looks are merely looks of penitence for all the
mischief she has done She determines to take the veil and to do no
more
Emmeline tho hardly able to bear even this friendly raillery turned
it off with a melancholy smile The party was agreed upon the Baron
went out to give orders for preparing the provisions they were to take
with them and the Chevalier to see that the boat was in a proper state
for the expedition and give the boatmen notice
Lady Westhaven then began talking of England and expressed her
astonishment at having heard nothing from thence for above six weeks
While Lord Westhaven was attempting to account for this failure of
intelligence which he saw gave his wife more concern than she
expressed a servant brought in several large pacquets of letters which
he said the messenger who was usually sent to the post town had that
moment brought in
His Lordship eagerly surveying the address of each gave to Emmeline
one for her which opening she found came from Mrs Stafford and
enclosed another
_St Germains June 6
My dearest Emmeline will forgive me if I write only a line in the
envelope to account for the long detention of the enclosed letter
It has by some mistake of Mr La Fosse been kept at Rouen instead
of being forwarded to St Germains and appears to have passed thro
numberless hands I hope you will get it safe tho my being at
Paris when it _did_ arrive here has made it
yet a week later By the next post I shall write more fully and
therefore will now only tell you we are well and that I am ever
with the truest attachment your
C STAFFORD
Emmeline now saw by the seal and the address that the second letter was
from Lord Montreville It appeared to have been written in great haste
and as she unfolded it infinite was her amazement to find instead of a
remittance which about this time she expected the promise she had
given Delamere torn in two pieces and put into a blank paper
The astonishment and agitation she felt at this sight hardly left her
power to read the letter which she held
_BerkleySquare May 5 17
Dear Miss Mowbray
My son Lord Delamere convinced at length of the impropriety of
a marriage so unwelcome to his family allows me to release you from
the promise which he obtained I do myself the pleasure to enclose
it and shall be glad to hear you receive it safe by an early post
My Lord Delamere assures me that you hold no promise of the like
nature from him If he is in this matter forgetful I doubt not but
that you will return it on receipt of this
Maddox informs me that he shall in a few days forward to you the
payment due to which I beg leave to add that if you have occasion
for fifty or an hundred pounds more during your stay on the
continent you may draw on Maddox to that amount With sincere
wishes for your health and happiness I am dear Miss Mowbray your
obedient and faithful humble servant
MONTREVILLE
Tho joy was in the heart of Emmeline the predominant emotion she yet
felt some degree of pique and resentment involuntarily arise against
Lord Montreville and his son and tho the renunciation of the latter
was what she had secretly wished ever since she had discovered the
capricious violence of Delamere and the merit of Godolphin the cold and
barely civil stile in which his father had acquainted her with it
seemed at once to shock mortify and relieve her
After having considered a moment the contents of her own letters she
cast her eyes towards Lady Westhaven whose countenance expressed great
emotion while her Lord sternly and displeased ran over his and then
put them into his pocket
What say _your_ letters from England my fairest cousin said he
advancing and trying to shake off his chagrin
Will you do me the honour to peruse them my Lord said she half
smilingThey will not take you up much time
He read them It is a settled thing then I find Lady Westhaven yours
are I presume from Berkleysquare
They are answered sheNever and she took out her
handkerchiefnever have I received any less welcome
She gave one from Lady Frances Crofts to his Lordship in which with
many details of her own affairs was this sentence
Before this you have heard from my father or my mother that
Lord Delamere has entirely recovered the use of his reason and
accepts of Miss Otley with her immense fortune This change was
brought about suddenly It was settled in Norfolk immediately
after Lord Delameres return from Ireland I congratulate you and
Lord W on an event which I conclude _must_ to _both_ of you be
pleasing I have seen none of the family for near three weeks as
they are gone back into Norfolk only my brother called for a
moment and seemed to be greatly hurried by which as well as from
other circumstances I conclude that preparations are making for
the wedding immediately
_May 18
Lady Westhaven who saw all hopes of being allied to the friend of her
heart for ever at an endwho believed that she had always cherished an
affection for her brother and who supposed that in consequence of his
desertion she was left in mortifying dependance on Lord Montreville was
infinitely hurt at this information The letter from her father to
Emmeline confirmed all her apprehensions There was a freezing civility
in the style which gave no hopes of his alleviating by generosity and
kindness the pain which her Ladyship concluded Emmeline must feel while
Lord Westhaven knowing that to her whom he thus insulted with the
distant offer of fifty or an hundred pounds he really was accountable
for the income of an estate of four thousand five hundred a year for
near nineteen years and that he still withheld that estate from her
could hardly contain his indignation even before his wife whom he
loved too well not to wish to conceal from her the ill opinion he could
not help conceiving of her father
Emmeline who was far from feeling that degree of pain which Lady
Westhaven concluded must penetrate her heart was yet unwilling to shew
that she actually received with pleasure tho somewhat allayed by Lord
Montrevilles coldness an emancipation from her engagement Of her
partiality to Godolphin her friend had no idea for Emmeline too
conscious of it to be able to converse about him without fearing to
betray herself had studiously avoided talking of him after their first
meeting and she now imagined that Lady Westhaven passionately fond of
her brother as she was would think her indifference affected thro
pique and carried too far if she did not receive the intelligence of
their eternal separation with some degree of concern These thoughts
gave her an air of vexation and embarrassment which would have saved her
the trouble of dissimulation had she been an adept in its practice
Extremely harrassed and out of spirits before tears now in spite of
her internal satisfaction and perhaps partly arising from it filled
her eyes while Lady Westhaven who was greatly more hurt exclaimed
My brother then marries Miss Otley After all I have heard him say I
thought it impossible
He will however I doubt not be happy answered Emmeline The
satisfaction of having made Lord and Lady Montreville completely happy
must greatly contribute to his being so himself
Heaven grant it replied Lady Westhaven Poor Frederic he throws
away an invaluable blessing Whether he will in any other find
consolation I greatly doubt But however changed _his_ heart may be my
dearest Emmeline added she tenderly embracing her I think I can
venture to assure you that those of Lord Westhaven and your Augusta
will towards you ever be the same
Emmeline now wished to put an end to a conversation which Lady Westhaven
seemed hardly able to support and she languished herself to be alone
Forcing therefore a smile tho the tears still fell from her eyes she
saidMy dear friends tho I expected this long ago yet I beg you to
consider that being _but_ a woman and of course vain my pride is a
little wounded and I must recollect all your kindnesses to put me in
good humour again with myself Do not let the Chevalier follow me for I
am not disposed to hear any thing this evening after these sweetest
and most consoling assurances of your inestimable friendship Therefore
I shall take Madelon with me and go for a walk
She then left the room Lady Westhaven not attempting to detain her and
her Lord vexed to see his gentle Augusta thus uneasy remained with
her pointing out to her the fairest prospects of establishment for her
beloved Emmeline tho he thought the present an improper opportunity to
open to her his knowledge of those circumstances in her friends
fortune which without such conspicuous merit could hardly fail of
obtaining it
To go to a great distance from the house alone Emmeline had not
courage to stay near it subjected her to the intrusion and importunity
of the Chevalier She therefore determined to take Madelon whose
presence would be some protection without any interruption to her
thoughts She had wished ever since her arrival at St Alpin to visit
alone the borders of the lake of Geneva Madelon alert and sprightly
undertook to shew her the pleasantest way and led her thro a narrow
path crossing a hill covered with broom and coppice wood into a dark
and gloomy wood of fir cypress and chestnut that extended to the edge
of the water from which it was in some places separated by rocks
pointing out into the lake while in others the trees grew almost in the
water and dipped their extremities in the limpid waves beneath them
Madelon informed Emmeline that this was the place where the servants of
the castle assembled to dance of an holyday in the shade and where
boats usually landed that came from the other side of the lake
The scene softened into more pensive beauty by the approach of a warm
and serene evening had every thing in it that could charm and soothe
the mind of the lovely orphan But her internal feelings were at this
time too acute to suffer her to attend to outward circumstances She
wished only for tranquillity and silence to collect her thoughts and
bidding Madelon find herself a seat she went a few yards into the wood
and sat down on the long grass where even Madelon might not remark her
The events of the two last days appeared to be visions rather than
realities From being an indigent dependant on the bounty of a relation
whose caprice or avarice might leave her entirely destitute she was at
once found to be heiress to an extensive property From being bound down
to marry if he pleased a man for whom she felt only sisterly regard
and who had thrown her from him in the violence of unreasonable jealousy
and gloomy suspicion she was now at liberty to indulge the affections
she had so long vainly resisted and to think without present
selfaccusation or the danger of future repentance of Godolphin In
imagination she already beheld him avowing that tenderness which he had
before generously struggled to conceal She saw him who she believed
would have taken her _without_ fortune receiving in her estate the
means of bestowing happiness and the power of indulging his liberal and
noble spirit She saw the tender unhappy Adelina reconciled to life in
contemplating the felicity of her dear William and Lord Westhaven to
whom she was so much obliged glorying in the good fortune of a brother
so deservedly beloved while still calling her excellent and lovely
friend Augusta by the endearing appellation of sister she saw her
forget in the happiness of Godolphin the concern she had felt for
Delamere
From this delicious dream of future bliss she was awakened somewhat
suddenly by Madelon who running towards her told her that a boat in
which there appeared to be several men was pointing to land just where
she had been sitting Emmeline wearied as she was with the Chevaliers
gallantry immediately supposed it to be him and she knew he was out on
the lake She therefore advanced a step or two to look It was so nearly
dark that she could only distinguish a man standing in the boat whose
figure appeared to be that of Bellozane and taking Madelon by the arm
she hastily struck into the wood to avoid him by returning to St Alpin
before he should perceive her
She had hardly walked twenty paces when she heard the boat put on
shore and two or three persons leap out of it Still hoping however
to get thro the wood before Bellozane could overtake her she almost
ran with Madelon But somebody seemed to pursue them Her cloaths were
white and she knew that notwithstanding the evening was so far shut
in and the path obscured by trees she must yet be distinguished
gliding between their branches The persons behind gained upon her and
her pace quickened as her alarm encreased for she now apprehended
something yet more disagreeable than being overtaken by Bellozane
Suddenly she heard_Arretez arretez Mesdames de grace dites moi si
vous etes de la famille du Baron de St Alpin36
The first word of this sentence stopped the flying Emmeline and fixed
her to the spot where she stood It was the voice of GodolphinGodolphin
himself was before her
The suddenness of his appearance quite overcame her breathless as she
was before from haste and fear and finding that to support herself was
impossible she staggered towards a tree which grew on the edge of the
path but would have fallen if Godolphin had not caught her in his arms
He did this merely from the impulse of his natural gallantry and good
nature What were his transports when he found that the fugitive whom
he had undesignedly alarmed by asking a direction to St Alpin was his
adored Emmeline and that the lovely object whose idea since their
first meeting had never a moment been absent from it he now pressed to
his throbbing heart Instantly terrified however to find her
speechless and almost insensible he ordered the servant who followed
him to run back for some water and seating her gently on the ground he
threw himself down by her and supported her while Madelon wringing her
hands called on her _aimable_ her _belle maitresse_ and was too much
frightened to give her any assistance
Before the man returned with the water her recollection was restored
and she said faintlyMr Godolphin Is it possible
Loveliest Miss Mowbray how thoughtlessly have I alarmed youCan you
forgive me
Ah cried she disengaging herself from his supporthow came you
here and from whence
Godolphin without considering and almost without knowing what he said
repliedI come from Lord Delamere
From Lord Delamere exclaimed she in amazement Is he not in London
thenis he not married
No I overtook him at Besançon where he lies illvery ill
Ill repeated EmmelineIll and at Besançonmerciful heaven
She now again relapsed almost into insensibility for at the mention of
Godolphins having overtaken him and having left him ill a thousand
terrific and frightful images crouded into her mind but the predominant
idea was that it was on her account they had met and that Delameres
illness was a wound in consequence of that meeting
That such an imagination should possess her Godolphin had no means of
knowing He therefore very naturally concluded that the violent sorrow
which she expressed on hearing of Delameres illness arose from her
love towards him and in such a conclusion he found the ruin of those
hopes he had of late fondly cherished
Happy happy Delamere said he sighing to himselfHer first
affections were his and never will any secondary tenderness supersede
that early impression Alas his rejection of her has not been able to
efface itFor me there is nothing to hope and while I thus hold her
to my heart I have lost her for ever I came not hither however
solely on my own account but rather to save from pain her and those
she loves Tis not then of myself I am to think
While these reflections passed thro his mind he remained silent and
Emmeline concluded that his silence was owing to the truth of her
conjecture The grief of Lady Westhaven for her brother the despair of
Lord Montreville for his son presented themselves to her mind and the
contemptuous return of her promise which a few hours before she thought
of with resentment was now forgotten in regret for his illness and pity
for his sufferings
Ah cried she trying to rise what shall I say to Lady
WesthavenHow disclose to her such intelligence as this
It was to prevent her hearing it abruptly said Godolphin that I
came myself rather than sent by a messenger or a letter such
distressing information
So strongly had the idea of a duel between them taken possession of the
mind of Emmeline that she had no courage to ask particulars of his
illness and shuddering with horror at the supposition that the hand
Godolphin held out to assist her was stained with the blood of the
unfortunate Delamere she drew hers hastily and almost involuntarily
from him and taking again Madelons arm attempted to hasten towards
home
But the scene of anguish and terror which she must there encounter with
Lady Westhaven the distress and vexation of her Lord and the misery of
believing that Godolphin had made himself for ever hateful to all her
own family and that if her cousin died she could never again behold him
but with regret and anguish were altogether reflections so
overwhelming and so much more than her harrassed spirits were able to
sustain that after tottering about fifty yards she was compelled to
stop and gasping for breath to accept the offered assistance of
Godolphin Strongly prepossessed with the idea of her affection for
Delamere he languidly and mournfully lent it He had no longer courage
to speak to her yet wished to take measures for preventing Lady
Westhavens being suddenly alarmed by his appearance and he feared
that not his appearance only but his countenance would tell her that
he came not thither to impart tidings of happiness
It was now quite dark and the slow pace in which only Emmeline could
walk had not yet carried them through the wood The agitation of
Emmeline encreased she wished yet dreaded to know the particulars of
Delameres situation and unable to summons courage to enquire into it
she proceeded mournfully along almost borne by Godolphin and Madelon
who understanding nothing of what had been said and not knowing who the
gentleman was who had thus frightened her mistress was herself almost
as much in dismay
After a long pause Emmeline in faultering accents asked if the
situation of Lord Delamere was absolutely desperate
I hope and believe not said Godolphin When I left him at least
there were hopes of a favourable issue
Ah wherefore did you leave him Why not stay at least to see the
event
Because he so earnestly desired that his sister might know of his
situation and that I only might acquaint her with it and press her to
go to him
She will need no entreaties Poor poor Delameresighing deeply
Emmeline again became silent
They were to mount a small hill which was between the wood they had
left and the grounds immediately surrounding St Alpin which was
extremely steep and rugged Before she reached the top she was quite
exhausted
I believe said she I must again rest before I can proceed
She sat down on a bank formed by the roots of the trees which sustained
the earth on the edge of the narrow path
Godolphin excessively alarmed at her weakness and dejection which he
still attributed to the anguish she felt for Delamere sat by her
hardly daring to breathe himself while he listened to her short
respiration and fancied he heard the violent palpitation of her heart
And how long do you think said she again recurring to Delamerehow
long may he linger before the event will be known
I really hope and I think I am not too sanguine that the fever will
have left him before we see him again
The fever repeated Emmelinehas he a fever then
Yes replied GodolphinI thought I told you that a fever was his
complaint But had you not better my dear Madam think a little of
yourself Ill as you appear to be I see not how you are to get home
unless you will suffer me to go on and procure some kind of conveyance
for you
I shall do very well answered she as I am if you will only tell me
about Lord Delamere He has only a fever
And is it not enough said Godolphin Tho were I Lord Delamere I
should think an illness that called forth in my favour the charming
sensibility of Miss Mowbray the happiest event of my life
Having said this he fell into a profound silence The certainty of her
affection for Delamere deprived him of all spirits when he most wanted
to exert them Yet it was necessary to take some measures for
introducing himself at St Alpin without alarming Lady Westhaven and to
consider how he was to account to his brother for Delameres
estrangement from Emmeline and while he canvassed these and many other
perplexities Emmeline who was relieved from the most distressing of
her apprehensions and dared not for the world reveal what those
apprehensions had been in some degree recovered herself and growing
anxious for Lady Westhaven said she believed she could now walk home
As she was about to arise with an intention to attempt it they heard
the sound of approaching voices and almost immediately lights appeared
above the hill while MademoiselleMiss MowbrayMadelonMadelon
was frequently and loudly repeated by the persons who carried them
The Baron and Lord Westhaven said Emmeline alarmed at my being out
so late have sent persons in search of me
Her conjecture was right In a moment the Chevalier with a flambeau in
his hand was before them who when he found Emmeline sitting in such
a place supported by a young man whom he had never before seen was at
once amazed and displeased There was no time for explanation Lord
Westhaven immediately followed him and after stopping a moment to
consider whether the figure of Godolphin which rose before him was not
an illusion he flew eagerly into his arms
The manly eyes of both the brothers were filled with tears Lord
Westhaven had not seen Godolphin for four years and since their last
parting they had lost their father After a short pause his Lordship
introduced Godolphin to Bellozane and then taking the cold and
trembling hand of Emmeline who leaned languidly on Madelon he said
And you my lovely cousin for whose safety we have been above an hour
in the cruellest alarm where did you find William and by what
extraordinary chance are ye here together
Emmeline with great difficulty found voice enough to explain their
accidental meeting And Bellozane observing her apparent faintness
saidyou seem Mademoiselle to be extremely fatigued Pray allow me
the honour of giving you my arm
If you please said she in a low voice And supposing that Godolphin
would be glad to have some conversation with his brother she accepted
his assistance and proceeded
This preference however of Bellozane Godolphin imputed to her
coldness or dislike towards himself and so struck was he with the cruel
idea that it was not without an effort he recollected himself enough to
relate to his brother as they walked all that it was necessary for him
to know Lord Westhaven anxious for a life so precious to his wife and
her family as was that of Lord Delamere determined immediately to go to
him At present it was necessary to reveal as tenderly as possible his
situation to his sister Lady Westhaven and first to dissipate the
uneasiness she had suffered from the long absence of Emmeline
Footnote 36 Stay stay a moment ladies Have the goodness to tell me
whether you belong to the family of the Baron de St Alpin
Lord Westhaven first entered the room where his wife was whose alarming
apprehensions at Emmelines long stay were by this time extreme
Our Emmeline is returned my love said he and has met with no
accident
Lady Westhaven eagerly embracing her reproached her tenderly for her
long absence But then observing how pale she looked and the fatigue
and oppression she seemed to suffer her Ladyship said
Surely you have been frightenedor you are ill You look so faint
She is a little surprised interrupted Lord Westhaven seeing her
still unable to answer for herself She has brought us a visitor whom
we did not expect My brother Godolphin landed just as she was returning
home
At this intelligence Lady Westhaven could express only pleasure She had
never seen Godolphin who was now introduced and received with every
token of regard by her Ladyship as well as by the Baron and Mrs St
Alpin who beheld with pleasure another son of their sister and beheld
him an honour to their family
Bellozane however saw his arrival with less satisfaction He
remembered that Emmeline had been as she had told him well acquainted
with Godolphin in England and recollected that whenever he had been
spoken of she had always done justice to his merit yet rather evaded
than sought the conversation Her extraordinary agitation on his
arrival which was such as disabled her from walking home seemed much
greater than could have been created by the sight of a mere
acquaintance his figure was so uncommonly handsome his countenance so
interesting and his address such a fortunate mixture of dignity and
softness that Bellozane vain as he was could not but acknowledge his
personal merit and began to fear that the coldness and insensibility of
Emmeline which he had till now supposed perseverance would vanquish
were less occasioned by her affected blindness to his own perfections
than by her prepossession in favour of another
Whatever internal displeasure this idea of rivalry gave the Chevalier
he overwhelmed Godolphin with professions of regard and esteem not the
less warm for being wholly insincere
But Godolphin who saw in the encreasing dejection of Emmeline only a
confirmation of her attachment to Delamere drooped in hopeless
despondence Emmeline unable to support herself retired early to her
room and Godolphin complaining of fatigue was conducted to his by
Bellozane while Lord Westhaven meditated how to disclose to his wife
without too much distressing her the illness of her brother He
thought that as she had suffered a good deal of vexation in the course
of the day as well as terror at Emmelines absence at so late an hour
in the evening he would defer till the next morning this unwelcome
intelligence As soon however as she was retired he communicated to
his uncle and aunt the situation of Lord Delamere and the necessity
there was for their quitting St Alpin the next day to attend him an
account which they both heard with sincere regret Mrs St Alpin
heartily wished Lord Delamere was with _her_ being persuaded she could
immediately cure him with remedies of her own preparing while the Baron
expressed his vexation and regret to find the visit of his nephews so
much shortened
Lord Westhaven went to his own apartment in great uneasiness He heard
from his brother that Lord Delamere repenting of his renunciation of
Emmeline was coming to St Alpin when illness stopped him at Besançon
He knew not how to act about her who heiress to a large fortune was
of so much more consequence than she had been hitherto supposed He had
a long contention in view with Lord Montreville and was now likely to
be embarrassed with the passion of Delamere if he recovered who would
certainly expect his influence over Emmeline to be exerted to obtain his
pardon or if the event of his illness should prove fatal he dreaded
the anguish of Lady Westhaven and the despair of the whole family
He was besides hurt at that melancholy and unhappy appearance so unlike
his former manners which he had observed in Godolphin and for which
ignorant of his passion for Emmeline he knew not how to account His
short conversation with him had cleared up no part of the mystery which
he could not but perceive hung about the affairs of Lady Adelina and he
only knew enough to discover that something remained which it would
probably pain him to know thoroughly
The pillow of Emmeline also was strewn with thorns For tho the
sharpest of them was removed by having heard that Delamere was ill
without having suffered from the event of any dispute in which he might
on her account have engaged she was extremely unhappy that he had in
pursuit of her come to France which she now concluded must be the
case and sorry for the disquiet which she foresaw must arise from his
indisposition and his love
She was sure that Lady Westhaven would immediately fly to her brother
And in that event how was she herself to act
Could she suffer her generous her tender friend to whom she was so
much obliged to encounter alone all the fatigue and anxiety to which
the sickness and danger of this beloved brother would probably expose
her Yet could she submit to the appearance of seeking a man who had so
lately renounced her for ever with coldness contempt and insult If
she went not with Lady Westhaven she had no choice but that of
travelling across France alone to rejoin Mrs Stafford since she could
not remain with propriety a moment at St Alpin with the Chevalier de
Bellozane whose addresses she never meant to encourage and whose
importunate passion persecuted and distressed her Godolphin
toowhither would Godolphin go Could she go where he was and conceal
her partiality or could she by accompanying him to Besançon plunge
another dagger in the heart of Delamere and shew him not only that he
had lost that portion of her regard he had once possessed but that all
her love was now given to another
That she was most partial to Godolphin she could no longer attempt to
conceal from herself The moment her fears that he had met Delamere
hostilely were removed all her tenderness for him returned with new
force She again saw all the merit all the nobleness of his character
but she still tormented herself with uneasy conjectures as to the cause
of his journey to Switzerland and wearied herself with considering how
she ought to act till towards morning when falling thro mere
fatigue and lassitude into a short slumber she saw multiplied and
exaggerated in dreams the dreadful images which had disturbed her
waking and starting up in terror determined no more to attempt to
sleep It was now day break and wrapping herself in her muslin morning
gown and cloak she went down into the garden of Mrs St Alpin where
seated on a bench under a row of tall walnut trees which divided it
from the vineyard she leaned her head against one of them and lost in
reflections on the strangeness of her fate and the pain of her
situation she neither saw or heard any thing around her
Godolphin in the anxiety she had expressed for Delamere believed he
saw a confirmation of his fears which had always been that the early
impression he had made on her heart would be immoveable and that
neither his having renounced her or his rash and heedless temper would
prevent her continuing to love him Wretched in this idea he concluded
all hopes of obtaining her regard for ever at an end while every hours
experience of his own feelings whether he thought of or saw her
convinced him that his love however desperate was incurable
Accustomed to fatigue all that he had endured the day before could not
restore to him that repose which was driven away by these reflections
Almost as soon as he saw it was light he left his room and with less
interest than he would once have taken in such a survey wandered over
the antique apartments of the paternal house of his mother He then went
down into the garden and musing rather than observing passed along the
strait walk that went between the walnut trees into the vineyard At the
end of it he turned and in coming again towards the house saw
Emmeline sitting on the bench beneath them who had not seen him the
first time he passed her but who now appeared surprised at his
approach
She had not however time to rise before he went up to her and bowing
gravely enquired how she did after the alarm he had been so unfortunate
as to give her the evening before
I fear said he seating himself by her that Miss Mowbray is yet
indisposed from her late walk and my inconsiderate address to her I
know not how to forgive myself for my indiscretion since it has
distressed you
Such intelligence as I had the misfortune of hearing Sir of the
brother of Lady Westhavena brother so dear to hercould hardly fail
of affecting me I should have been concerned had a stranger been so
circumstanced but when
Ah Madam interrupted Godolphin you need not repeat all the claims
which give the fortunate Delamere a right to your favour But do not
suffer yourself on his account to be so extremely alarmed I hope the
danger is by no means so great as to make his recovery hopeless Since
of those we love the most minute account is not tedious and since it
may perhaps alleviate your apprehensions for his safety will you
allow me to relate all I know of his illness It will engage me
perhaps in a detail of our first acquaintance and carry me back to
circumstances which I would wish to forget if your gratification was
not in my mind a consideration superior to every other
Emmeline trembling yet wishing to hear all could not refuse She
bowed in silence and Godolphin considering that as an assent reassumed
his discourse
Soon after I had the happiness of seeing you last my wish to embrace
Lady Clancarryl and her family from whose house I had been long obliged
to absent myself because Mr FitzEdward was with them carried me to
Ireland and to my astonishment I there met Lord Delamere
The relationship between their families made my sister anxiously
invite him to Lough Carryl Thither reluctantly he came and an accident
informed him that I had the good fortune by means of Lady Adelina
Trelawny to be known to you
He did me the honour to shew me particular attention and the morning
after he found I had the happiness of being acquainted with Miss
Mowbray he took occasion when we were alone to ask me abruptly
whether I knew Colonel FitzEdward I answered that I certainly did by
the connection in our families and that he was once my most intimate
friend
He then unreservedly and with vehemence said that FitzEdward was a
villain Astonished and hurt at an assertion which how true soever it
might be I thought alluded to that unhappy affair which I hoped was a
secret I eagerly asked an explanation But judge Miss Mowbray of the
astonishment the pain with which I heard him impute to you the error
of my unfortunate Adelinawhen I saw him take out three anonymous
letters one of which I found had hastened his return from France
purporting that FitzEdward had availed himself of his absence to win
your affections that he had taken of those affections the most
ungenerous advantage and that on going to a place named which I
remembered to be the house where my little William was nursed he might
himself see an unequivocal proof of your fatal attachment and
FitzEdwards perfidy
When I had read these odious letters and listened to several
circumstances he related which confirmed in his apprehension the truth
of the assertions they contained he went on to inform me that
following this cruel information he had seen you with the infant in
your arms had bitterly reproached you and then had quitted you for
everBut as he could not rest without trying to punish the infamous
conduct of FitzEdward he had pursued him to Ireland where instead of
finding him he heard that he was gone to France undoubtedly to meet
you by your own appointment but as Lord Clancarryl still expected him
back he determined to wait a little longer in hopes of an opportunity
of discussing with him the subjects of complaint he had related
Tho I immediately saw what I ought to do astonishment for a moment
kept me silent and in that moment we were interrupted
This delay however unwelcome gave me time for reflection Lord
Delamere was to go the same day from Lough Carryl to Dublin I resolved
to follow him thither and relate the whole truth since I would by no
means suffer your generous and exalted friendship for my sister to stain
the lovely purity of a character which only the malice of fiends could
delight in blasting only the blind and infatuated rashness of jealousy
a moment believe capable of blemish Many reasons induced me however
to delay this necessary explanation till I saw him at his own lodgings
Thither I followed him two days after he departed from Lough Carryl
But on enquiring for him was surprised and mortified to find that he
had received letters from England which had induced him immediately to
return thither and that he had sailed in the packet for Holyhead the
day after his arrival at Dublin
Emmeline astonished at the malice which appeared to have been exerted
against her remained silent but in such tremor that it was with
difficulty she continued to hear him
I now therefore relinquished all thoughts of returning to the house
of my sister and followed him by the first conveyance that offered
greatly apprehending that if the letters he had received gave him
notice of FitzEdwards return to London my interposition would be too
late to prevent their meeting I knew the hasty and inconsiderate
Delamere would without an explanation so conduct himself towards
FitzEdward that neither his spirit or his profession would permit him
to bear and that if they met the consequence must to one of them be
fatal I was impatient too to rescue your name Madam from the
unmerited aspersions which it bore But when I arrived in London and
hastened to BerkleySquare I heard that Lord and Lady Montreville
together with Lady Frances Crofts her husband and Lord Delamere had
gone all together to Audley Hall immediately after his return from
Ireland Thither therefore I went also
Generous considerate Godolphin sighed Emmeline to herself
Tho related by my brothers marriage to the family of the Marquis of
Montreville I was a stranger to every member of it but Lord Delamere
He was gone to dine out and in the rest of the family I observed an air
of happiness and triumph which Lord Montreville informed me was
occasioned by the marriage which was intended soon to take place between
his son and Miss Otley whose immense fortune and near relationship to
his mothers family had made such a marriage particularly desirable I
was glad to hear he was likely to be happy but it was not therefore the
less necessary to clear up the error into which he had fallen On his
coming home he appeared pleased and surprised to see me but I saw in
his looks none of that satisfaction which was so evident in those of the
rest of the house
As soon as we were alone he said to meYou see me Mr Godolphin at
length taken in the toils Immediately after leaving Lough Carryl I
received a letter from a person in London whom I had employed for that
purpose which informed me that he heard at the office of the agent to
FitzEdwards regiment that he was certainly to be in town in a few
days He named indeed the exact time and I who imagined that pains
had been taken to keep us from meeting determined to return to England
instantly that he might not again avoid me On reaching London
however I found that the intelligence I had received was wholly
unfounded and originated in the mistake of a clerk in the agents
office None knew where FitzEdward was or when he would return and
though I wrote to enquire at Rouen where I imagined the residence of
Miss Mowbray might induce him to remain I have yet had no answer The
entreaties and tears of my mother prevailed on me to come down hither
and reckless of what becomes of me since Emmeline is undoubtedly lost
to me for ever I have yielded to the remonstrance of my father and the
prayers of my mother and have consented to marry a woman whom I cannot
love Let not FitzEdward however imagine vehemently and fiercely
he spoke that he is with impunity to escape and that tho my
vengeance may be delayed I can _forgive_ the man who has basely robbed
me of her whom I _could_ lovewhom I _did_ loveeven to madness
I own to you Madam that when I found this unfortunate young man had
put into his fathers hands the promise you had given him and that it
was returned to you I felt at once pity for him andhope for myself
which till then I had never dared to indulge
Godolphin had never been thus explicit before Pale as death and
deprived of the power as well as of the inclination to interrupt him
Emmeline awaited in breathless silence the close of this extraordinary
narrative
It was now reassumed he my turn to speak And trusting to his
honour for his silence about my unhappy sister I revealed to him the
whole truth I at once cleared your character from unjust blame and I
hope did justice to those exalted virtues to which I owe so much I
will not shock your gentle and generous bosom with a relation of the
wild phrenzy the agonies of regret and repentance into which this
relation threw Lord Delamere Concerned at the confusion his reproaches
and his anguish had occasioned to the whole family I lamented that I
could not explain to _them_ what I had said to _him_ which had produced
so sudden a change in his sentiments about you but to such women as the
Marchioness of Montreville and her daughter I could not relate the
unhappiness of my poor Adelina and Delamere steadily refused to tell
them how he became convinced of your innocence and the wicked arts
which had been used to mislead him which he openly imputed to the
family of the Crofts against whom his fiery and vindictive spirit
turned all the rage it had till now cherished against FitzEdward
The Marquis tho extremely hurt had yet candour enough to own that
if I was convinced that the causes of complaint which his son had
against you were ill founded I had done well in removing them Yet I
saw that he wished I had been less anxious for the vindication of
innocence and he beheld with an uneasy and suspicious eye what he
thought officious interference in the affairs of his family I observed
too that he believed when the influence that he supposed I had over the
mind of Lord Delamere was removed he should be able to bring him back
to his engagements with Miss Otley which had I found been hurried on
with the utmost precipitation The ladies who had at first overwhelmed
me with civilities now appeared so angry that notwithstanding Lord
Delameres entreaties that I would stay with him till he could determine
how to act I immediately returned to London and from thence after
passing a week with Adelina whom I had only seen for a few hours since
my return from Ireland I set out for St Alpin
But Lord Delamere Sir said Emmeline inarticulately
Alas Madam dejectedly continued Godolphin I mean not to entertain
you on what relates to myself but to hasten to that which I farther
have to say of the fortunate Delamere I waited a few days at
Southampton for a wind and then landing at Havre proceeded to St
Germains where Mrs Staffords last letters had informed Adelina she
was settled I knew too that you were gone with my brother and Lady
Westhaven to St Alpin Mrs Stafford had only the day before forwarded
to you Lord Montrevilles letter which by one from his Lordship to
herself she knew contained the promise you had given Lord Delamere She
said that this renunciation would give you no pain She made me hope
that your heart was not irrevocably his Ah why did I suffer such
illusions to lead me on to this conviction But pray forgive me lovely
Miss Mowbray I am still talking of myself From St Germains I made as
much haste as possible to Besançon I rode post and just as I got off
my horse at the hotel was accosted by a French servant whom I knew
belonged to Lord Delamere
The man expressed great joy at seeing me and besought me to go with
him to his master who he said had thro fatigue and the heat of the
weather been seized with a fever and was unable to proceed to St
Alpin whither he was going
I was extremely concerned at his journey and I hope not so selfish
as to be unmoved by his illness I found indeed his fever very high
but greatly irritated and encreased by his impatience As soon as he saw
me he told me that he was hurrying to St Alpin in hopes of obtaining
your pardon that he had broke off his engagement with Miss Otley and
never would return to England till he carried you thither as his wife
I am now well enough to go on indeed Godolphin added he and if I
can but see her
I was by no means of opinion that he was in a condition to travel His
fever encreased after I left him in the evening he grew delirious and
Millefleur terrified came to call me to him I sat up with him for
the rest of the night and being accustomed to attend invariably to the
illness of men on ship board I thought I might venture from my
experience to direct a change in the method which the physician he had
sent for pursued In a few hours he grew better and the delirium left
him but he was then convinced that he was too weak to proceed on his
journey
He knew I was coming hither and he entreated me to hasten my
departure Go my good friend said hesend Augusta to me She will
bring with her the generous the forgiving angel whom my rash folly has
dared to injure She will behold my penitence and if her pardon can be
obtained it will restore me to life but if I cannot see themif I
linger many days longer in suspence my illness must be fatal
As I really did not think him in great danger and saw every proper
care was now taken of him determined to come on not only because I
wished to save Lady Westhaven the pain of hearing of his illness by any
other means but because
He was proceeding when a deep and convulsive sigh from Emmeline made
him look in her face from which he had hitherto kept his eyes unable
to bear the varying expressions it had shewn of what he thought her
concern for Delamere He now beheld her quite pale motionless and to
all appearance lifeless Her sense of what she owed to the generosity of
Godolphin her concern for Delamere and the dread of those contending
passions which she foresaw would embitter her future life added to the
sleepless night and fatigueing day she had passed had totally overcome
her Godolphin flew for assistance The servants were by this time up
and ran to her Among the first of them was Le Limosin who expressed
infinite anxiety and concern for her and assiduously exerted himself in
carrying her into the house where she soon recovered begged
Godolphins pardon for the trouble she had given and was going to her
own room led by Madelon when Bellozane suddenly appeared and offered
his assistance which Emmeline faintly declining moved on
Godolphin who could not bear to leave her in such a state walked
slowly by her tho she had refused his arm The expression of his
countenance while his eyes were eagerly fixed on her face would have
informed any one less interested than Bellozane of what passed in his
heart and the Chevalier surveyed him with looks of angry observation
which did not escape Emmeline ill as she was On arriving therefore
at the foot of the staircase she besought in English Godolphin to
leave her which he instantly did She then told the Chevalier that she
would by no means trouble him to attend her farther and he satisfied
that no preference was shewn to his cousin at least in this instance
bowed and returned with him into the room where they usually assembled
in a morning and where they found Lord Westhaven
His Lordship told them that Lady Westhaven had been less alarmed at the
account he had given her of Delamere than he had apprehended and that
she was preparing to begin their journey towards him immediately after
breakfast
I must send continued he Miss Mowbray to her who is I understand
already up and walking
Bellozane then informed his Lordship of what he knew of Emmeline But
Godolphin was silent he dared not trust himself with speaking much of
her he dared not relate her illness lest the cause of it should be
enquired into Does Miss Mowbray go with my sister asked he
That I know not replied Lord Westhaven Augusta will very
reluctantly go without her Yet her situation in regard to Lord Delamere
is suchHe ceased speaking looked embarrassed and soon after the
Chevalier quitting the room before whom civility would not allow them
to converse long in English and to whom his Lordship thought he had no
right to reveal the real situation of Emmeline while it yet remained
unknown to others he related to his brother the circumstances of the
discovery that had been made of her birth and of her consequent claim
to the Mowbray estate
Godolphin who would from the obscurest indigence have chosen her in
preference to all other women heard this account with pleasure only as
supposing that independance might be grateful to her sensibility and
affluence favourable to the liberality of her spirit But the
satisfaction he derived from these reflections was embittered and
nearly destroyed when he considered that her acquiring so large a
fortune would make her alliance eagerly sought by the very persons who
had before scorned and rejected her and that all the family would unite
in persuading her to forgive Delamere the more especially as this would
be the only means to keep in it the Mowbray estate and to preclude the
necessity of refunding the income which had been received for so many
years and which now amounted to a great sum of money When the pressing
instances of all her own family and particularly of Lady Westhaven
whom she so tenderly loved were added to the affection he believed she
had invariably felt for Delamere he thought it impossible that her
pride however it might have been piqued by the desertion of her lover
could make any effort against a renewal of her engagement and his own
hopes which he had never cherished till he was convinced Delamere had
given her up and which had been weakened by her apparent affection for
him were by this last event again so nearly annihilated that no
longer conscious he retained any he fancied himself condemned still to
love serve and adore the object of his passion without making any
effort to secure its success or being permitted to appear otherwise
than as her friend He was vexed that he had been unguardedly explicit
in telling her that he had ever indulged those hopes at all since he
now feared it would be the means of depriving her conversation and her
manner when they were together of that charming frankness of which
tho it rivetted his chains and encreased his torments he could not
bear to be deprived Melancholy and desponding he continued long silent
after Lord Westhaven ceased speaking Suddenly however awakening from
his reverie he saidDoes your Lordship think Miss Mowbray _ought_ to
go to meet Lord Delamere
Upon my word I know not how to advise my wife is miserable without
her and fancies the sight of her will immediately restore Delamere On
the other hand I believe Emmeline herself will with reluctance take a
step that will perhaps appear like forcing herself into the notice of a
man from whom she has received an affront which it is hardly in female
nature to forgive
They were now interrupted by Bellozane who flew about the house in
evident uneasiness and confusion He did not yet know how Emmeline was
to be disposed of he saw that Lord Westhaven was himself uncertain of
it and he had been applying for information to Le Limosin and Madelon
who had yet received no orders to prepare for her departure
While Emmeline had created in the bosoms of others so much anxiety she
was herself tortured with the cruellest uncertainty Unable to resolve
how she ought to act she had yet determined on nothing when Lady
Westhaven sent for her who as soon as she entered the room saidMy
dear Emmeline are you not preparing for our journey
How can I dearest Madamhow can I with any propriety go where Lord
Delamere is After the separation which has now so decidedly and
irrevocably taken place between us shall I intrude again on his
Lordships sight and solicit a return of that regard with which I most
sincerely wish he had forborne to honour me
You are piqued my lovely friend and I own with great reason But Mr
Godolphin has undoubtedly told you that poor Frederic is truly penitent
that he has taken this journey merely to deprecate your just anger and
to solicit his pardon Will my Emmeline generous and gentle as she is
to others be inexorable only to him Besides my sweet coz pray
consider a moment what else can you do You certainly would not wish to
stay here Surely you would not travel alone to St Germains And let me
add my own hopes that you will not quit me now when poor Frederics
illness and my own precarious health make your company not merely
pleasant but necessary
That is indeed a consideration which must have great force with me
When Lady Westhaven commands how shall I disobey even tho to obey be
directly contrary to my judgment and my wishes
Commands my dear friend very gravely and with an air of chagrin
said her Ladyship are neither for me to give or for you to receive
Certainly if you are so determined against going with me I must submit
But I did not indeed think that Emmeline however the brother may have
offended her would thus have resented it to the sister
I should be a monster Lady Westhaven hardly was she able to
restrain her tears as she spokewas I a moment capable of forgetting
all I owe you But do you really think I _ought_ again to put myself in
the way of Lord Delamereagain to renew all the family contention which
his very unfortunate partiality for me has already occasioned and again
to hazard being repulsed with contempt by the Marquis and still more
probably by the Marchioness of Montreville My lot has hitherto been
humble I have learned to submit to it if not without regret at least
with calmness and resignation yet pardon me if I say that however
unhappy my fortune there is still something due to myself and if I
again make myself liable to the humiliation of being _refused_ I shall
feel that I am degraded in mind as much as I have been in
circumstances and lost to that proper pride to which innocence and
rectitude has in the lowest indigence a right and which cannot be
relinquished but with the loss of virtue
The spirit which Emmeline thought herself obliged to exert was
immediately lost in softness and in sorrow when she beheld Lady
Westhaven in tears who sobbing saidGo then Miss MowbrayGo my
dear Emmeline for dear you must ever be to me leave _me_ to be
unhappy and poor Frederic to die
Hear me my dear Madam answered she with quicknessIf to _you_ I
can be of the least use I will hesitate no longer but let it then be
understood that I go _with_ you and by no means _to_ Lord Delamere
It shall be so understoodbe assured my love it shall You will not
then leave meYou will see my poor brother
My best my dearest friend replied Emmeline collecting all her
fortitude hear me without resentment explain to you at once the real
situation of my heart in regard to Lord Delamere I feel for him the
truest concern I feel it for him even to a painful excess and I have
an affection for him a sisterly affection for him which I really
believe is little inferior to your own But I will not deceive you nor
since I am to meet him will I suffer him to entertain hopes that it is
impossible for me to fulfil To be considered as the friend as the
sister of Lord Delamere is one of the first wishes my heart now
formsagainst ever being his wife I am resolutely determined
ImpossibleSurely you cannot have made such a resolution
I have indeedNor will any consideration on earth induce me from that
determination to recede
And is it anger and resentment only have raised in your heart this
decided enmity to my poor brother Or is it that any other
Emmeline whose colourless cheeks were suffused with a deep blush at
this speech hastily interrupted it
Whatever dear Lady Westhaven are my motives for the decision it is
irrevocable as Lord Delameres sister I shall be honoured if I am
allowed to consider myselfAs such if my going with you to Besançon
will give you a daysan hours satisfaction I go
Get ready then my love But indeed cruel girl if such is your
resolution it were better to leave you here than take you only to shew
Lord Delamere all he has lost while you deprive him of all hopes of
regaining you But I will yet flatter myself you do not mean all
thisAt lovers perjuries they say Jove laughsAnd those of my
fair cousin will be forgiven should she break her angry vow and receive
her poor penitent Come let us hasten to begin our journey to him for
tho that dear Godolphin whom I shall love as long as I live ah
thought Emmeline and so shall I assures me he does not think him in
any danger my heart will sadly ache till I see him myself
Emmeline then left her to put up her cloaths and prepare for a journey
to which she was determined solely by the pressing instances of Lady
Westhaven To herself she foresaw only uneasiness and embarrassment and
even found a degree of cruelty in permitting Lord Delamere to feed by
her consenting to attend him those hopes to which she now could never
accede unless by condemning herself to the most wretched of all
lotsthat of marrying one man while her love was anothers The late
narrative which she had heard from Godolphin encreased her affection
for him and took from her every wish to oppose its progress and tho
she was thus compelled to see Delamere she determined not to deceive
him but to tell him ingenuously that he had lost all that tenderness
which her friendship and long acquaintance with him would have induced
her to cherish had not his own conduct destroyed it
But it was hardly less necessary to own to him part of the truth than
to conceal the rest Should he suspect that Godolphin was his rival and
a rival fondly favoured she knew that his pride his jealousy his
resentment would hurry him into excesses more dreadful than any that
had yet followed his impetuous love or his unbridled passions
The apprehensions that he must if they were long together discover it
were more severely distressing than any she had yet felt and she
resolved both now and when they reached Besançon to keep the strictest
guard on her words and looks and to prevent if possible her real
sentiments being known to Delamere to Lady Westhaven and to Godolphin
himself
So painful and so difficult appeared the dissimulation necessary for
that end and so contrary did she feel it to her nature that she was
withheld only by her love to Lady Westhaven from flying to England with
Mrs Stafford and should she be restored to her estate she thought
that the only chance she had of tranquillity would be to hide herself
from Delamere whom she at once pitied and dreaded and from Godolphin
whom she tenderly loved in the silence and seclusion of Mowbray Castle
Her embarrassment and uneasiness were encreased when on her joining
Lord and Lady Westhaven whose carriages and baggage were now ready she
found that the Chevalier de Bellozane had insisted on escorting them an
offer which they had no pretence to refuse On her taking leave of the
Baron he very warmly and openly recommended his son to her favour and
Mrs St Alpin who was very fond of her repeated her wishes that she
would listen to her nephew and both with unfeigned concern saw their
English visitors depart Captain Godolphin had a place in his brothers
chaise Madelon occupied that which on the former journey was filled by
Bellozane in the coach the Chevalier now proceeding on horseback
During the journey Emmeline was low and dejected from which she was
sometimes roused by impatient enquiries and fearful apprehensions which
darted into her mind of what was to happen at the end of it Every
thing he observed confirmed Godolphin in his persuasion that her heart
was wholly Delameres her behaviour to himself was civil but even
studiously distant while the unreserved and ardent addresses of
Bellozane who made no mystery of his pretensions she repulsed with yet
more coldness and severity and tho towards Lord and Lady Westhaven the
sweetness of her manners was yet preserved she seemed overwhelmed with
sadness and her vivacity was quite lost
As soon as they reached Besançon Lord Westhaven directed the carriages
to stop at another hotel while he went with his brother to that where
Lord Delamere was At the door they met Millefleur who overjoyed to
see them related that since Mr Godolphin left his master the violence
of his impatience had occasioned a severe relapse in which according
to the orders Mr Godolphin had given the surgeons had bled and
blistered him that he was now again better but very weak yet so
extremely ungovernable and selfwilled that the French people who
attended him could do nothing with him and that his English footmen
and Millefleur himself were forced to be constantly in his room to
prevent his leaving it or committing some other excess that might again
irritate the fever and bring on alarming symptoms They hastened to him
and found not only that his fever still hung on him tho with less
violence but that he was also extremely emaciated and that only his
youth had supported him thro so severe an illness or could now enable
him to struggle with its effects
The moment they entered the room he enquired after his sister and
Emmeline and hearing the latter was actually come he protested he
would instantly go to her
Lord Westhaven and Godolphin resolutely opposed so indiscreet a plan
the former by his undeviating rectitude of mind and excellent sense
had acquired a greater ascendant over Delamere than any of his family
had before possessed and to the latter he thought himself so much
obliged that he could not refuse to attend to him He consented
therefore at length to remain where he was and Lord Westhaven hastened
back to his wife whom he led immediately to her brother
She embraced him with many tears and was at first greatly shocked at
his altered countenance and reduced figure But as Lord Westhaven and
Godolphin both assured her there was no longer any danger if he would
consent to be governed she was soothed into hope of his speedy recovery
and soon became tolerably composed
As Lord Westhaven and Godolphin soon left them alone he began to talk
to his sister of Emmeline He told her that when he had been undeceived
by Mr Godolphin and the scandalous artifices discovered which had
raised in his mind such injurious suspicions he had declared to Lord
and Lady Montreville his resolution to proceed no farther in the treaty
which they had hurried on with Miss Otley and had solicited their
consent to his renewing and fulfilling that which he had before
entered into with Miss Mowbray but that his mother with more anger and
acrimony than ever had strongly opposed his wishes and that his father
had forbidden him on pain of his everlasting displeasure ever again to
think of Emmeline
After having for some time he said combated their inveterate
prejudice he had left them abruptly and set out with his three
servants for St Alpin where Godolphin informed him Emmeline was to
be when a fever owing to heat and fatigue seized and confined him
where he now was
Ah tell me my sister what hopes are there that Emmeline will pardon
me May I dare enquire whether she is yet to be moved in my favour
Lady Westhaven who during their journey could perceive no symptoms that
her resolution was likely to give way dared not feed him with false
hopes yet unwilling to depress him by saying all she feared she told
him that Emmeline was greatly and with justice offended but that all he
could at present do was to take care of his health She entreated him
to consider the consequence of another relapse which might be brought
on by his eagerness and emotion and then conjuring him to keep all he
knew of Lady Adelina a secret from Lord Westhaven the necessity of
which he already had heard from Godolphin she left him and returned to
Emmeline
To avoid the importunity of Bellozane and the melancholy looks of
Godolphin which affected her with the tenderest sorrow she had retired
to a bed chamber where she waited the return of Lady Westhaven with
impatience
Her solicitude for Delamere was very great and her heart greatly
lightened when she found that even his tender and apprehensive sister
did not think him in any immediate danger and believed that a few days
would put him out of hazard even of a relapse
She now again thought that since Lady Westhaven had nothing to fear for
his life her presence would be less necessary and her mind the longer
it thought of Mowbray Castle adhering with more fondness to her plan of
flying thither she considered how she might obtain in a few days Lady
Westhavens consent to the preliminary measure of quitting Besançon
While the heiress of Mowbray Castle meditated how to escape thither from
the embarrassed and uneasy situation in which she now was and while she
fancied that in retirement she might conceal if she could not conquer
her affection for Godolphin tho in fact she only languished for an
opportunity of thinking of him perpetually without observation Lady
Westhaven laid in wait for an occasion to try whether the ruined health
and altered looks of her brother would not move in his favour her
tender and sensible friend
While Delamere kept his chamber Emmeline easily evaded an interview
but when after three or four days he was well enough to leave it it
was no longer possible for her to escape seeing him However Godolphin
thought himself obliged to bury in silence his unfortunate passion he
could not divest himself of that painful curiosity which urged him to
observe the behaviour of Emmeline on their first meeting Bellozane had
discovered on what footing Lord Delamere had formerly been and he
dreaded a renewal of that preference she had given her lover to which
his proud heart could ill bear to submit tho he could himself make no
progress in her favour Tho Lady Westhaven had entreated her to see
Delamere alone she had refused assigning as a reason that as he could
never again be to her any other than a friend nothing could possibly
pass which her other friends might not hear Delamere was obliged
therefore to brook the hard conditions of seeing her as an indifferent
person or not seeing her at all But tho she was immoveably determined
against receiving him again as a lover she had not been able to steel
her heart against his melancholy appearance his palid countenance his
emaciated form extremely affected her And when he approached her
bowed with a dejected air and offered to take her handher
haughtiness her resentment forsook hershe trembling gave it
expressed in incoherent words her satisfaction at seeing him better and
betrayed so much emotion that Godolphin who with a beating heart
narrowly observed her saw as he believed undoubted proof of her love
and symptoms of her approaching forgiveness
Delamere who whenever he was near her ceased to remember that any
other being existed would notwithstanding the presence of so many
witnesses have implored her pardon and her pity but the moment he
began to speak on that subject she told him with as much resolution as
she could command that the subject was to her so very disagreeable as
would oblige her to withdraw if he persisted in introducing it
While his looks expressed how greatly he was hurt by her coldness those
of Godolphin testified equal dejection For however she might repress
the hopes of his rival by words of refusal and resentment he thought
her countenance gave more unequivocal intelligence of the real state of
her heart Bellozane as proud as little used to controul and
disappointment and with more personal vanity than Lord Delamere beheld
with anger and mortification the pity and regard which Emmeline shewed
for her cousin and ceasing to be jealous of Godolphin he saw every
thing to apprehend from the rank the fortune the figure of
Delamerefrom family connection which would engage her to listen to
himfrom ambition which his title would gratifyfrom her tenderness
to Lady Westhaven and from the return of that affection which she had
as he supposed once felt for Lord Delamere himself
But the more invincible the obstacles which he saw rising appeared the
more satisfaction he thought there would be in conquering them And to
yield up his pretensions on the first appearance of a formidable rival
was contrary to his enterprising spirit and his ideas of that glory
which he equally coveted in the service of the fair and of the French
King
With these sentiments of each other the restraint and mistrust of every
party impeded general or chearful conversation Godolphin soon left the
room to commune with his own uneasy thoughts in a solitary walk Lord
Westhaven would then have taken out Bellozane in order to give Lord
Delamere an opportunity of being alone with his sister and Emmeline But
he was determined not to understand hints on that subject and when his
Lordship asked him to take an afternoons walk found means to refuse
it Afraid of leaving two such combustible spirits together Lord
Westhaven to the great relief of Emmeline staid with them till
Delamere retired for the night
But the behaviour of Bellozane to Emmeline which was very particular
as if he wished it to be noticed had extremely alarmed Delamere and
whenever they afterwards met they surveyed each other with such haughty
reserve and their conversation bordered so nearly on hostility and
defiance that Emmeline who expected every hour to see their animosity
blaze out in a challenge could support her uneasiness about it no
longer and sending early to speak to Lord Westhaven on the beginning of
the second week of their stay she represented to him her fears and
entreated him to prevail on the Chevalier to leave them and return to
St Alpin
I have attempted it already said he but with so little success
that if I press it any farther I must quarrel with him myself I know
perfectly well that your fears have too much foundation and that if we
can neither separate or tranquillise these unquiet spirits we shall
have some disagreeable affair happen between them I know nothing that
can be done but your accepting at once your penitent cousin
No my Lord answered she with an air of chagrin that I will not
do I most ardently wish Lord Delamere well and would do any thing to
make him happyexcept sacrificing my own happiness and acting in
opposition to my conscience
Why my dear Emmeline how is this You had once surely an affection
for Delamere and his offence against you however great admits of
considerable alleviation Consider all the pains that were taken to
disunite you and the importunity he suffered from his family Surely
when you are convinced of his repentance you should restore him to your
favour and however you may be superior to considerations of fortune and
rank yet when they unite in a man otherwise unexceptionable they should
have some weight
They have none with me upon my honour my Lord And since we have got
upon this topic I will be very explicitI am determined on no account
to marry Lord Delamere But that I may give no room to charge me with
caprice or coquetry since your Lordship believes I once had so great a
regard for him or with that unforgiving temper which I see you are
disposed to accuse me of it is my fixed intention if I obtain by your
Lordships generous interposition the Mowbray estate to retire to
Mowbray Castle and never to marry at all
Lord Westhaven at the solemnity and gravity with which she pronounced
these words began to laugh so immoderately and to treat her resolution
with ridicule so pointed that he first made her almost angry and then
obliged her to laugh too At length however she prevailed on him again
to listen to her apprehensions about Delamere and Bellozane
Do not my Lord rally me so cruelly but for Heavens sake before it
is too late prevent any more meetings between these two rash and
turbulent young men Why should the Chevalier de Bellozane stay here
Because it is his pleasure I do assure you seriously my dear Miss
Mowbray that I have almost every day since we came hither attempted to
send my fiery cousin back to St Alpin But my anxiety has only piqued
him and he determines more resolutely to stay because he sees my motive
for wishing him gone He is exactly the character which I have somewhere
seen described by a French poetA young man who
leger impetueux
De soi meme rempli jaloux presomptueux
Bouillant dans ses passions cedant a ses caprices
Pour un peu de valeur se passoit de tous ses vices37
Yet among all his faults poor Bellozane has some good qualities and
I am really sorry for this strange perseverance in an hopeless pursuit
because it prevents my asking him to England I give you my honour
Emmeline continued his Lordship in a more serious tone that I have
repeatedly represented to him the improbability of his success but he
answers that you have never positively dismissed him by avowing your
preference to another that he knows your engagement with Lord Delamere
is dissolved and that he considers himself at liberty to pursue you
till you have decidedly chosen or even till you are actually married
Nay I doubt whether your being married would make any difference in the
attentions of this eccentric and presuming Frenchman for I do not
consider Bellozane as a Swiss
Well but my dear Lord if the Chevalier will persist in staying I
must determine to go I see not that my remaining here will be attended
with any good effects It may possibly be the cause of infinite
uneasiness to Lady Westhaven Do therefore prevail upon her to let me
go alone to St Germains When I am gone Lord Delamere will think more
of getting well than of forcing me into a new engagement He will then
soon be able to travel and the Chevalier de Bellozane will return
quietly to the Baron
Why to speak ingenuously Emmeline it _does_ appear to me that it were
on every account more proper for you to be in England Thither I wish
you could hasten before it will be possible for Lord Delamere or
indeed for my wife who must travel slowly to get thither I do not
know whether your travelling with us will be strictly proper on other
accounts but if it were it would be rendered uneasy to you by the
company of these two mad headed boys for Bellozane I am sure intends
if you accompany us to go also
What objection is there then to my setting out immediately for St
Germains with Le Limosin and Madelon if Lady Westhaven would but
consent to it
I can easily convince her of the necessity of it but I foresee another
objection that has escaped you
What is that my Lord
That Bellozane will follow you
Surely he will not attempt it
Indeed I apprehend he will I have no manner of influence over him and
he is here connected with a set of military men who are the likeliest
people in the world to encourage such an enterprizeand if at last this
Paris should carry off our fair Helen
Nay but my Lord do not ridicule my distress
Well then I will most seriously and gravely counsel you and my advice
is that you set out as soon as you can get ready and that my brother
Godolphin escort you
Emmeline was conscious that she too much wished such an escort yet
fearing that her preference of him would engage Godolphin in a quarrel
with Bellozane or Lord Delamere perhaps with both she answered while
the deepest blush dyed her cheeks
No my Lord I cannotI mean notI should be sorry to give Captain
Godolphin the trouble of such a journeyand I beg you not to think of
it
I shall speak to him of it however
I beg my LordI intreat that you will not
Here he isand we will discuss the matter with him now
Godolphin at this moment entered the room and Lord Westhaven relating
plainly all Emmelines fears and her wishes to put an end to them by
quitting Besançon added the proposal he had made that Godolphin should
take care of her till she joined Mrs Stafford
Tho Godolphin saw in her apprehensions for the safety of Delamere only
a conviction of her tender regard for him and considered his own
attachment as every way desperate yet he could not refuse himself when
it was thus offered him the pleasure of being with herthe exquisite
tho painful delight of being useful to her He therefore eagerly
expressed the readiness the happiness with which he should undertake
so precious a charge
Emmeline fearful of betraying her real sentiments overacted the civil
coldness with which she thought it necessary to refuse this offer
Godolphin mortified and vexed at her manner as much as at her denial
ceased to press his services and Lord Westhaven who wondered what
could be her objection since of the honour and propriety of Godolphins
conduct he knew she could not doubt seemed hurt at her rejection of his
brothers friendly intention of waiting on her and dropping the
conversation went away with Godolphin
She saw that her conduct inevitably impressed on the mind of the latter
a conviction of her returning regard for Delamere and she feared that
to Lord Westhaven it might appear to be the effect of vanity and
coquetry
Perhaps he will think me said she so vain as to suppose that
Godolphin has also designs and that therefore I decline his attendance
and coquet enough to wish for the pursuit of these men whom I only
affect to shun and for that reason prefer going alone to accepting the
protection of his brother Yet as _I_ know the sentiments of Godolphin
which it appears Lord Westhaven does not surely I had better suffer his
ill opinion of me than encourage Godolphins hopes which till
Delamere can be diverted from prosecuting his unwelcome addresses will
inevitably involve him in a dispute and such a dispute as I cannot bear
to think of
Uncertain what to do another day passed and on the following morning
while she waited for Lady Westhaven she was addressed by Godolphin who
calmly and gravely enquired if she would honour him with any commands
for England
Are you going then Sir before my Lord and Lady
I am going Madam immediately
By way of Paris
Yes Madam to Havre whence I shall get the quickest to Southampton
and to the Isle of Wight I am uneasy at the entire solitude to which my
absence condemns Adelina
You have heard no unfavourable news I hope of Lady Adelina or your
little boy
None But I am impatient to return to them
As you are going immediately Sir said Emmeline making an effort to
conquer a pain she felt rising in her bosom I will not detain you by
writing to Lady Adelina Perhapsas it is possibleas I hope
She stopped Godolphin looked anxious to hear what was possible what
she hoped
As I shall so soon so very soon be in England perhaps we may meet
reassumed she speaking very quickpossibly I may have the happiness
of seeing her Ladyship and dear little William
To meet _you_ replied Godolphin very solemnly Adelina shall leave
her solitude for certainly a journey to see her in it will hardly be
undertaken by _Lady Delamere_
He then in the same tone wished her health and happiness till he saw her
again and left her
He was no sooner gone than she felt disposed to follow him and
apologize for her having so coldly refused his offers of protection
Pride and timidity prevented her but they could not stop her tears
which she was obliged to conceal by hurrying to her own room Lady
Westhaven soon after sent for her to a late breakfast she found Lord
Delamere there but heard that Godolphin was gone
Soon after breakfast Lady Westhaven and her brother who could not yet
obtain a clear intermission of the fever which hung about him and who
continued extremely weak went out together for an airing and Lord
Westhaven unusually grave was left reading in the room with Emmeline
He laid down his book So said he William is flown away from us
It was a topic on which Emmeline did not care to trust her voice
I wish you could have determined to have gone with him
I wish my Lord I could have reconciled it to my ideas of propriety
since certainly I should have been happy and safe in such an escort and
since without any at all I must in a day or two go
I believe it will be best Lord Delamere is no better and Bellozane
has no thought of leaving us entirely tho his military friends take up
so much of his time that he is luckily less with Delamere Lord Delamere
has again Miss Mowbray been imploring me to apply to you He wishes
you only to hear him He complains that you fly from him and will not
give him an opportunity of entering on his justification
I am extremely concerned at Lord Delameres unhappiness But I must
repeat that I require of his Lordship no justification that I most
sincerely forgive him if he supposes he has injured me but that as to
any proposals such as he once honoured me with I am absolutely resolved
never to listen to them and I entreat him to believe that any future
application on the subject must be entirely fruitless
Poor young man said Lord Westhaven However you must consent to see
him alone and to tell him so yourself for from me he will not believe
you so very inflexibleso very cruel
I am inflexible my Lord but surely not cruel The greatest cruelty of
which I could be guilty either to Lord Delamere or myself would be to
accept his offers feeling as I feel and thinking as I think
I do not know how we shall get him to England or what will be done
with him when he is there
He will do well my Lord Doubt it not
Upon my honour I _do_ doubt it It is to me astonishing that a young
man so volatile so highspirited as Delamere should be capable of an
attachment at once so violent and so steady
SteadyHas your Lordship forgotten Miss Otley
His wavering then was you well know owing to some evil impressions he
had received of you which tho he refuses to tell me the particulars
he assures me were conveyed and confirmed with so much art that a more
dispassionate and cooler lover would have believed them without enquiry
How then can you wonder at _his_ petulant and eager spirit seizing on
probable circumstances which his jealousy and apprehension immediately
converted into conviction As soon as he knew these suspicions were
groundless did he not fly to implore your pardon and hasten even at
the hazard of his life to find and appease you Such is the present
situation of his mind and of his health that I very seriously assure
you I doubt whether he will survive your total rejection
Emmeline unable to answer this speech gravely without betraying the
very great concern it gave her assumed a levity she did not feel
Your Lordship said she is disposed to think thus from the warm and
vehement manner in which Lord Delamere is accustomed to express himself
If he is really unhappy I am very sorry but I am persuaded time and
the more fortunate alliance which he is solicited to form will effect a
cure Dont think me unfeeling if I answer your melancholy prophecy in
the words of Rosalind
Men have died from time to time and worms have eat thembut not
for love
She then ran away and losing all her forced spirits the moment she was
alone gave way to tears She fancied they flowed entirely for the
unhappiness of poor Delamere and for her uncertain situation But tho
the former uneasiness deeply affected her sensible heart many of the
tears she shed were because Godolphin was gone and she knew not when
she should again see him
Godolphin repining and wretched pursued his way to Paris He thought
that Emmelines coldness and reserve were meant to put an end to any
hopes he might have entertained and that her reconciliation and
marriage with Lord Delamere must inevitably take place as soon as she
had by her dissimulated cruelty punished him for his rashness and his
errors His daily observation confirmed him in this opinion he saw
that in place of her candid and ingenuous manners a studied conduct was
adopted which concealed her real sentimentssentiments which he
concluded to be all in favour of Delamere And finding that he could not
divest himself of his passion for her he thought that it was a
weakness if not a crime to indulge it in her presence while it
imposed on himself an insupportable torment and that by quitting her
he should at least conceal his hopeless attachment and save himself the
misery of seeing her actually married to Lord Delamere He determined
therefore to tear himself away and to punish himself for the premature
expectations with which he had begun his journey to St Alpin by
shutting himself up at East Cliff his house in the Isle of Wight and
refusing himself the sight of her of whom it would be sufficient misery
to think when she had given herself to her favoured and fortunate
lover
Full of these reflections Godolphin continued his road intending to
take the passage boat at Havre But at the hotel he frequented at Paris
he met a gentleman of his acquaintance who was going the next day to
England by way of Calais and as he had his own post chaise and only
his valet with him he told Godolphin that if he would take a place in
his chaise he would send his servant post This offer Godolphin
accepted and altering his original design went with his friend to
Calais to cross to England
Footnote 37
Volatileimpetuous
Full of himselfjealouspresumptuous
Fiery in his passions yielding to every caprice
And who believes some courage an apology for all his vices
It was now impossible for Emmeline to avoid a conversation with Lord
Delamere which his sister urged her so earnestly to allow him
Bellozane was by the French officers with whom he principally lived
engaged out for two days and Lord and Lady Westhaven easily found an
opportunity to leave Emmeline with Delamere
He was no sooner alone in her presence than he threw himself on his
knees before herWill you cried he ah will you still refuse to
hear and to forgive me Have I offended beyond all hopes of pardon
No my LordI do most readily and truly forgive every offence
whether real or imaginary that you believe you have committed against
me
You forgive meBut to what purposeOnly to plunge me yet deeper into
wretchedness You forgive mebut you despise you throw me from you for
ever Ah rather continue to be angry than distract me by a pardon so
cold and careless
If your Lordship will be calmif you will rise and hear me with
temper I will be very explicit with you but while you yield to these
extravagant transports I cannot explain all I wish you to understand
and must indeed beg to be released from a conversation so painful to me
and to you so prejudicial
Delamere rose and took a chair
I need not Sir said Emmeline collecting all her courage recall to
your memory the time so lately passed when I engaged to become yours
if at the expiration of a certain period Lord and Lady Montreville
consented and you still remained disposed to bestow on me the honour of
your name
What am I to expect cried Delamere eagerly interrupting herAh
what am I to expect from a preface so cold and cruel You have indeed no
occasion to recall to my memory those days when I was allowed to look
forward to that happiness which now thro the villainy of others and
my own madness and ideotism I have lost But Madam it must not it
cannot be so easily relinquished By heaven I will not give you upand
if but for a moment I thought
You seemed just now Sir disposed to hear me with patience Since
however you cannot even for a few minutes forbear these starts of
passion I really am unequal to the task of staying with you
She would then have hastened away but Delamere forcibly detaining her
again protested he would be calm and again she went on
At that time I will own to you that without any prepossession almost
without a wish either to accept or decline the very high honour you
offered me I was content to engage myself to be your wife because you
said such an engagement would make _you_ happy and because I then knew
not that it would render _me_ otherwise
Was you even then thus indifferent Had I no place in your heart
Madam when you would have given me your hand
Yes Siryou had then the place I now willingly restore to you I
esteemed you I looked upon you with a sisterly affection and had I
married you it would have been rather to have made you happy than
because I had any wish to form other ties than those by which our
relationship and early acquaintance had connected us
Ah my angelic Emmeline it will still make me happy Let the reasons
which then influenced you again plead for me and forget O forget all
that has passed since my headlong folly urged me to insult and forsake
you
Alas my Lord that is not in my power You have cancelled the
engagements that subsisted between us and as I understand have
actually formed others more indissoluble with a lady of high rank and
of immense fortuneone whose alliance is as anxiously courted by your
family as mine is despised Can your Lordship again fly from your
promises Can you quit at pleasure the affluent and highborn heiress as
you quitted the deserted and solitary orphan
Cursed cursed cruelty exclaimed Delamere speaking thro his shut
teethBut go on Madam I deserve your severity and must bear your
reproaches Yet surely you know that but for the machinations of those
execrable Crofts I should never have acted as I didyou know that
however destitute of fortune chance had made you I preferred you to all
those who might have brought me wealth
I acknowledge your generosity Sir and on that head meant not to
reproach I merely intended to represent to you what you seem to have
forgottenthat were I disposed to restore you the hand you so lately
renounced you could not take it since Miss Otley will certainly not
relinquish the claim you have given her to your regard
You are misinformedI am under no engagement to Miss OtleyI am not
by heaven by all that is sacred
Were not all preparations for your marriage in great forwardness Sir
when you left England and must not your consent have been previously
obtained before Lord Montreville would have made them However to put
an end to all uncertainty I must tell you my Lord with a sincerity
which will probably be displeasing to you that my affections
Are no longer in your own power cried he hastily interrupting
herSpeak Madamis it not so
I did not say that Sir I was going to assure you that I now find it
impossible to command themimpossible to feel for you that preference
without which I should think myself extremely culpable were I to give
you my hand
I understand you Madam You give that preference to another The
Chevalier de Bellozane has succeeded to your affections He has
doubtless made good use of the opportunities he has had to conciliate
your favour but before he carries his good fortune farther he must
discuss with me the right by which he pretends to it
Whether he has or has not a right to pretend to my regard Sir said
Emmeline with great spirit this causeless jealousy so immediately
after you have been convinced of the fallacy of your supposition in
regard to another person convinces me that had I unfortunately given
you an exclusive claim to my friendship and affection my whole life
would have been embittered by suspicion jealousy and caprice
Recollect my Lord that I have said nothing of the Chevalier de
Bellozane nor have you the least reason to believe I have for him those
sentiments you are pleased to impute to me
But can I doubt it exclaimed Delamere rising and walking about in
an agonyCan I doubt it when I have heard you disclaim me for
everwhen you have told me your affections are no longer in your
power
No Sir my meaning was what I now repeatthat as my near relation
as my friend as the brother of Lady Westhaven I shall ever esteem and
regard you but that I cannot command now in your favour those
sentiments which should induce me to accept of you as my husband What
is past cannot be recalled and tho I am most truly concerned to see
you unhappy my determination is fixed and I must abide by it
Death and hell cried the agonized DelamereIt is all over then You
utterly disclaim me and hardly think it worth while to conceal from me
for whose sake I am disclaimed
Emmeline was terrified to find that he still persisted in imputing her
estrangement from him to her partiality for Bellozane foreseeing that
he would immediately fly to him and that all she apprehended must
follow
I beg I entreat Lord Delamere that you will understand that I give
no preference to Mr de Bellozane I will not only assure you of that
but I disclaim all intention of marriage whatever Suffer me my Lord
to entreat that you will endeavour to calm your mind and regain your
health Reflect on the cruel uncertainty in which you have left the
Marquis and the Marchioness reflect on the uneasy situation in which
you keep Lord and Lady Westhaven and on the great injury you do
yourself and resolutely attempt in the certainty of succeeding to
divest yourself of a fatal partiality which has hitherto produced only
misery to you and to your family
Oh most certainly most certainly cried Delamere almost choaked
with passionI shall undoubtedly make all these wise reflections and
after having gone thro a proper course of them shall possibly with
great composure see you in the arms of that presumptuous coxcombthat
vain supercilious Frenchmanthat detested Bellozane No Madam no
you may certainly give yourself to him but assure yourself I live not
to see it
He flew out of the room at these words tho she attempted to stop and
to appease him Her heart bled at the wounds she had yet thought it
necessary to inflict and she was at once grieved and terrified at his
menacing and abrupt departure She immediately went herself after Lord
Westhaven to intreat him to keep Bellozane and Delamere apart His
Lordship was much disturbed at what had passed which Emmeline
faithfully related to him Bellozane was still out of town and Lord
Westhaven who now apprehended that on Delameres meeting him he would
immediately insult him said he would consider what could be done to
prevent their seeing each other till Delamere became more reasonable
On enquiry he found that the Chevalier was certainly engaged with his
companions till the next day He therefore came back to Emmeline about
an hour after he had left her and told her that he thought it best for
her to set out that afternoon on her way to St Germains
You will by this means make it difficult for Bellozane to overtake you
if he should attempt it and when he sees you have actually fled from
Delamere he will be little disposed to quarrel with him and will
perhaps go home As to Delamere his sister and I must manage him as
well as we can which will be the easier as he is within this half
hour gone to bed in a violent access of fever Indeed in the
perturbation of mind he now suffers there is no probability of his
speedy amendment for as fast as he regains strength his violent
passions throw his frame again into disorderBut perhaps when he knows
you are actually in England he may try to acquire by keeping himself
quiet that share of health which alone can enable him to follow you
Emmeline eagerly embracing this advice which she found had the
concurrence of Lady Westhaven prepared instantly for her departure and
embracing tenderly her two excellent friends who hoped soon to follow
her and who had desired her to come to them to reside as soon as they
were settled in London where they had no house at present she got into
a chaise with Madelon and attended by Le Limosin who was proudly
elated at being thus _lhomme de confience_38 to Mademoiselle
Mowbray she left Besançon her heart deeply impressed with a sense of
Delameres sufferings and with an earnest wish for the restoration of
his peace
Tho Godolphin had been gone four days and went post so that she knew
he must be at Paris long before her she could not as she proceeded on
her journey help fancying that some accident might have stopped him
and that she might overtake him She knew not whether she hoped or
feared such an encounter But the disappointed air with which she left
every post house where she had occasion to stop for horses plainly
evinced that she rather desired than dreaded it She felt all the
absurdity and ridicule of expecting to see him yet still she looked out
after him and he was the object she sought when she cast her eyes round
her at the several stages
Without overtaking him or being herself overtaken by Bellozane she
arrived in safety and in the usual time at Paris and immediately went
on to St Germains Le Limosin being so well acquainted with travelling
that she had no trouble nor alarm during her journey
When she got to St Germains she was received with transport by Mrs
Stafford and her family She found her about to depart in two days for
England where there was a prospect of settling her husbands affairs
and she had undertaken to go alone over in hopes of adjusting them for
his speedy return while he had agreed to remain with the children till
he heard the success of her endeavours Great was the satisfaction of
Mrs Stafford to find that Emmeline would accompany her to England with
yet more pleasure did she peruse those documents which convinced her
that her fair friend went to claim with an absolute certainty of
success her large paternal fortune
Lord Westhaven had given her a long letter to the Marquis of
Montreville to whom he desired she would immediately address herself
and he had also written to an eminent lawyer his friend into whose
hands he directed her immediately to put the papers that related to her
birth and by no means to trust them with any other person
With money also Lord Westhaven had amply furnished her and she
proposed taking lodgings in London till she could settle her affairs
with Lord Montreville and then to go to Mowbray Castle
On the second day after her reaching St Germains she began her journey
to Calais with Mrs Stafford attended by Le Limosin and Madelon When
they arrived there they heard that a passage boat would sail about nine
oclock in the evening but on sending Le Limosin to speak to the
master they learned that there were already more cabin passengers than
there was room to accommodate and that therefore two ladies might find
it inconvenient
As the evening however was calm and the wind favourable and as the
two fair travellers were impatient to be in England they determined to
go on board It was near ten oclock before the vessel got under way
and before two they were assured they should be at Dover They therefore
hesitated not to pass that time in chairs on the deck wrapped in their
cloaks and would have preferred doing so to the heat and closeness of
the cabin had there been room for them in it
By eleven oclock every thing insensibly grew quiet on board The
passengers were gone to their beds the vessel moved calmly and with
very little wind over a gently swelling sea and the silence was only
broken by the waves rising against its side or by the steersman who
now and then spoke to another sailor that slowly traversed the deck
with measured pace
The night was dark a declining moon only broke thro the heavy clouds
of the horizon with a feeble and distant light There was a solemnity in
the scene at once melancholy and pleasing Mrs Stafford and Emmeline
both felt it They were silent and each lost in her own reflections
nor did they attend to a slight interruption of the stillness that
reigned on board made by a passenger who came from below muffled in a
great coat He spoke in a low voice to the man at the helm and then sat
down on the gunwale with his back towards the ladies after which all
was again quiet
In a few minutes a deep sigh was uttered by this passenger and then
after a short pause the two friends were astonished to hear in a
voice low but extremely expressive these lines addressed to Night
SONNET
I love thee mournful sobersuited Night
When the faint Moon yet lingering in her wane
And veild in clouds with pale uncertain light
Hangs oer the waters of the restless main
In deep depression sunk the enfeebled mind
Will to the deaf cold elements complain
And tell the embosomd grief however vain
To sullen surges and the viewless wind
Tho no repose on thy dark breast I find
I still enjoy theechearless as thou art
For in thy quiet gloom the exhausted heart
Is calm tho wretched hopeless yet resignd
While to the winds and waves its sorrows given
May reachtho lost on earththe ear of heaven
Surely said Mrs Stafford in a whisper it is a voice I know
Surely repeated the heart of Emmeline for she could not speak it
is the voice of Godolphin
Do you reassumed Mrs Stafforddo you not recollect the voice
Yes replied Emmeline I thinkI believeI rather fancy it isMr
Godolphin
Shall I speak to him asked Mrs Stafford or are you disposed to
hear more poetry He has no notion who are his auditors
As you please said Emmeline
Again the person sighed and repeated with more warmth
And reach tho lost on earththe ear of heaven
Yesif _she_ is happy they will indeed be heard Ah that cruel
_if__if_ she is happy and can I bear to doubt it yet leave her to
the experiment
There now remained no doubt but that the stranger was Godolphin and
Emmeline as little hesitated to believe herself the subject of his
thoughts and of his Muse
Why do _you_ not speak to him Emmeline said Mrs Stafford archly
I cannot indeed
I must speak then myself and raising her voice she saidMr
Godolphin is it not
Who is so good as to recollect me cried he rising and looking round
him It was very dark but he could just distinguish that two ladies
were there
Mrs Stafford gave him her hand sayingHave you then forgotten your
friends
He snatched her hand and carried it to his lips
There is another hand for you said she pointing to Emmelinebut
you must be at the trouble of taking it
That I shall be most delighted to do But who is it Surely it cannot
be Miss Mowbray that allows me such happiness
Have you in one little week said the faultering Emmeline occasion
to ask that question
Not now I hear that voice answered Godolphin in the most animated
toneNot when I hold this lovely hand But whence comes it that I find
you Madam here or how does it happen that you have left my brother
and sister and the happy Delamere He seemed to have recollected
after his first transport at meeting her that he was thus warmly
addressing _her_ who was probably only going to England to prepare for
her union with his rival
Do not be so unreasonable said Mrs Stafford as to expect Miss
Mowbray should answer all these questions But find a seat and let us
hear some account of yourself You have also to make your peace with me
for not seeing me in your way
Godolphin threw himself on the deck at their feet
I find a seat here said he which I should prefer to a throne As to
an account of myself it is soon given I met a friend whose company
induced me to come to Calais rather than travel thro Normandy and the
haste he was in made it impossible for me to stop him Miss Mowbray had
refused to give me any commission for you and I had nothing to say to
you that would have given you any pleasure I was therefore unwilling
to trouble you merely with a passing enquiry
But whence comes it that you sail only tonight if your friend was so
much hurried
He went four days ago but II was keptI was detained at Calais
Emmeline felt a strange curiosity to know what could have detained him
but dared not ask such a question
They then talked of Lord and Lady Westhaven
Lord Delamere is I conclude much better said Godolphin
When I took leave of Lord and Lady Westhaven coldly answered
Emmeline I did not think him much better than when we first saw him
His servant said he was almost as ill as when you Sir with friendship
so uncommon attended him
Call it not uncommon MadamIt was an office I would have performed
not only for any Englishman in another country but I hope for any human
being in any country who had needed it Should I then allow you to
suppose there was any great merit in my rendering a slight service to
the brother of Lady Westhaven and who is besides _dear to one_ to whom
_I_ owe obligations so infinite
The stress he laid on these words left Emmeline no doubt of his meaning
She was however vexed and half angry that he persisted in believing
her so entirely attached to Delamere and for the first time she had
ventured to think steadily on the subject meditated how to undeceive
him Yet when she reflected on the character of Delamere and remembered
that his father would now claim an authority to controul her
actionsthat one would think himself at liberty to call any man to an
account who addressed her and the other to refuse his consent to any
other marriage than that which would be now so advantageous to the
familyshe saw only inquietude to herself and hazard to the life so
dear to her should she suffer the passion of Godolphin openly to be
avowed
Is it not remarkable said Mrs Stafford that you should voluntarily
have conducted us to France and by chance escort us home
Yes answered GodolphinAnd a chance so fortunate for me I should
think portended some good was I sanguine and had I any faith in
omens
Are you going immediately to London
Immediately
And from thence to East Cliff
I believe I shall be obliged to stay in town a week or ten daysBut
my continuance there shall be longer if you or Miss Mowbray will employ
me
The night now grew cold and the dew fell so heavily that Mrs Stafford
expressed her apprehensions that Emmeline would find some ill effects
from it and advised her to go down
Oh no said Godolphin with uncommon anxiety in his mannerdo not
go down There are so many passengers in the cabin and it is so close
that you will find it extremely disagreeable It will not now be half an
hour before we see the lights of Dover and we shall presently be on
shore
Emmeline who really apprehended little from cold acquiesced and they
continued to converse on general topics till they landed
Godolphin saw them on shore immediately and attended them to the inn
He then told them he must go back to see after the baggage and left
them hastily They ordered a slight refreshment and when it was brought
in Emmeline saidShall we not wait for Mr Godolphin
The Gentleman is come in Madam said the waiter with another lady
and is assisting her up stairs Would you please I should call him
Emmeline felt without knowing the nature of the sensation involuntary
curiosity and involuntary uneasiness
No do not call him said Mrs StaffordI suppose he will be here
immediately But send the French servant to us
Le Limosin attending she gave him some requisite orders and then again
enquired for Captain Godolphin
Le Limosin answered that he was gone to assist a lady to her room who
had been very ill during the passage
Of which nation is she Le Limosin
I am ignorant of that Madam as I have not heard her speak _Monsieur
Le Capitaine_ is very sorry for her and has attended her the whole way
only the little time he was upon deck
Is she a young lady enquired Mrs Stafford
Yes very young and pretty
The curiosity of Mrs Stafford was now in spite of herself awakened
And the long stay Godolphin made gave to Emmeline such acute
uneasiness as she had never felt before It is extraordinary surely
said she to herself that he should be thus anxious about an
acquaintance made in a pacquet boat
She grew more and more disturbed at his absence and was hardly able to
conceal her vexation from Mrs Stafford while she was ashamed of
discovering it even to herself In about ten minutes which had appeared
to her above an hour Godolphin came in apologised without accounting
for his stay and while they made all together a slight repast enquired
how they intended to proceed to London and at what time
On hearing that they thought of setting out about noon in a chaise he
proposed their taking a post coach and then added he you may
suffer me to occupy the fourth place To this Mrs Stafford willingly
agreed and Emmeline glad to find that at least he did not intend
waiting on his pacquet boat acquaintance to London retired with
somewhat less uneasiness than she had felt on her first hearing that he
had brought such an acquaintance on shore
After a few hours sleep the fair travellers arose to continue their
journey They heard that Mr Godolphin had long left his room and was
at breakfast with the lady whom he had been so careful of the preceding
morning At this intelligence Emmeline felt all her anxiety revive and
when he came into the room where they were to speak to them hardly
could she command herself to answer him without betraying her emotion
Miss Mowbray is fatigued with her voyage said he tenderly
approaching herThe night air I am afraid has affected her health
No Sir coldly and faintly answered Emmeline
How is the young lady you was so good as to assist on shore Sir said
Mrs Stafford I understand she was ill
Godolphin blushed and replied with some little embarrassment she is
better Madam I thank you
So thought Emmeline he makes then no mystery of having an interest
in this lady
Are you acquainted with her enquired Mrs Stafford
Yes
Politeness would not admit of another question yet it was impossible to
help wishing to ask it Godolphin however turned the discourse and
soon afterwards went out Emmeline felt ready to cry yet knew not for
what and dreaded to ask herself whether she had not admitted into her
heart the tormenting passion of jealousy
Why should I be displeased said she Why should I be unhappy Mr
Godolphin believes me attached to Delamere and has ceased to think of
me wherefore should I lament that he thinks of another or what right
have I to enquire into his actionswhat right have I to blame them
The post coach was now ready Emmeline attended by Madelon Mrs
Stafford and Godolphin got into it and a lively and animated
conversation was carried on between the two latter Emmeline in the
approaching interview with her uncle and in the wretchedness of
Delamere which she never ceased to lament had employment enough for
her thoughts but in spite of herself they flew perpetually from those
subjects to the acquaintance which Captain Godolphin had brought with
him from Calais
Footnote 38 Confidential servant
When they arrived at Canterbury the ladies were shewn into a parlour
where Godolphin did not join them for near half an hour Emmeline had
accounted for her lowness of spirits by her dread of meeting her uncle
on such terms as they were likely to meet but Mrs Stafford knew the
human heart too well to be ignorant that there was another and a
concealed source of that melancholy which overwhelmed her It was in
vain she had attempted to dissemble It was to her friend evident
that her compassion her good wishes were Delameres but that her
heart was wholly Godolphins and was now pierced with the poignant
thorns of newborn jealousy and anxious mistrust
While they waited together the return of Godolphin Mrs Stafford
saidI fancy that post chaise that passed us about half an hour ago
contained Mr Godolphins _acquaintance_
Did it Why do you think so
Because he looked after it so earnestly and there seemed to be only a
young woman in it
I did not observe it indeed replied Emmeline with the appearance of
carelessness
I should like to see her nearer continued Mrs Stafford with some
archnessBy the glympse I had of her she appeared to be very
handsome
Do you think she is a French woman enquired Emmeline still affecting
great indifference
No she appeared to be English But if you please I will enquire of
him
I beg you will not in an half angry tone answered EmmelineI am
sure it is very immaterial
At this moment Godolphin entered and with looks of uneasiness
apologized for his long stay I have an awkward embarrassment said
he on my hands a poor young woman who is wholly a stranger in this
country and whom I have undertaken to conduct to London but she is so
ill that I am afraid she is unfit to go onYet how to leave her here I
know not
Pray Sir said Emmeline do not let us be any restraint to you If
your presence is necessary to the lady you had surely better continue
with her than put her to any inconvenience to go on
Godolphin who was at once pleased and pained by the quickness with
which she spoke saidI will tell you my dear Miss Mowbray very
ingenuously that if I were quite sure the character of this unhappy
young woman is such as may entitle her to yours and Mrs Staffords
protection I should without scruple have asked it _I_ know continued
he looking distressed how compassionate and good you both are but I
ought not therefore to hazard improperly taxing such generosity and
sensibility
Who is this young person Sir asked Mrs Stafford
If it will not tire you I will tell you On my arrival at Calais this
day sennight I found all the pacquet boats on the other side and was
obliged to wait with my friend Cleveland a whole day As I was
sauntering about the streets after dinner I passed by an Englishman
whose face I thought I recollected The man looked confused and took
off his hat and I then perfectly remembered him to have been one of the
best sailors I had on board in the West Indies where he received a
dangerous wound in the arm
I stopped and asked him by what accident he came to Calais and why
his appearance was no better for his honest hard features seemed
pinched with want his dress was shabby his person meagre and his look
dejected
I am ashamed to tell you Captain said he how I came hither but
in short because I could not live at home You know I got prize money
when I served under your honour Mayhap I might have managed it better
but howsomdever tis gone and theres an end ont So as we are all
turned a drift in the world some of my ship mates advised me to try a
little matter of smuggling with them and come over here I have lived
among these Frenchmen now these two months and can to be sure just
live but rot em if I could get any thing to do at home I wouldnt
stay another hour for I hates em all as your honour very well knows
A lucky voyage or two will put some money mayhap in my way with this
smuggling trade and then I reckons to cross over home once for all and
so go down to Liverpool to my friends if any on um be alive yet
I reproved my acquaintance severely for his proceeding and told him
that to enable him to go to his friends I would supply him with money
to buy him cloaths which I found he principally wanted being ashamed
to appear among his relations so ill equipped after having received a
considerable sum in prize money
The poor fellow appeared to be very grateful and assured me that to
prove his sincerity he would embark in the same pacquet boat But Lord
Captain added he I bent the only Englishman who stays in this
rascally country agin their willyour honour remembers Lieutenant
Stornaway on board your honours ship
Aye to be sure I do
Well he poor lad is got into prison here for debt and there I
reckon hell die for nobody that ever gets into one of their confounded
jails in this country ever gets out again
As I perfectly remembered Stornaway a gallant and spirited young
Scotsman I was much hurt at this account and asked if I could be
admitted to see him I found it attended with infinite difficulty and
that I must apply to so many different persons before I could be allowed
to see my unfortunate countryman that the pacquet boat of the next day
must sail without me Cleveland therefore departed and I with long
attendance on the Commandant and other officers was at length
introduced into the prison I will not shock you with a description of
it nor with the condition in which I found the poor young man who
seemed to me likely to escape by death from the damp and miserable
dungeon where he lay without necessary food without air and without
hope of relief He related to me his sorrowful and simple tale He was
brought up to the sea had no friends able to assist him and on being
discharged after the peace had gone with what money he received and
on half pay to France in hopes of being able to live at less expence
than in England and to learn at the same time a language so necessary
in his profession
And for some time said he I did pretty well till going with one
of my countrymen to see a relation of his who was tho born of Scots
parents brought up as a pensioner in a convent and a Catholic I was
no longer my own master and tho I knew that it was almost impossible
for me to support a wife I yet rashly married and have made one of the
loveliest young creatures in the world a beggar
She was totally destitute of fortune and was afraid her friends who
were but distant relations and people of rank in Scotland would insist
on her taking the veil as the most certain and easiest means of
providing for her She had a decided aversion to a monastic life and
poor as I was for I did not attempt to deceive her hesitated not to
quit her convent with me which it was easy enough to do by the
management of her relation with whom she was allowed to go out We set
out therefore together for England I had about twenty Louis in my
pocket which would have carried us thither comfortably but calamity
overtook us by the way We travelled in stages and diligences as we
found cheapest in one of which I imagine my poor girl caught the
infection of the small pox with which she fell ill at Amiens I
attended her with all the agonizing fear of a wretch who sees his only
earthly good on the point of being torn from him for ever and very
very ill she was for many days and nights Yet her lovely face was
spared and in a month I saw her quite out of danger but still too weak
to travel As I spared nothing that could contribute to her ease or her
recovery my money was dreadfully diminished and I had barely enough
left to carry me alone to England But as our credit was yet good I
purposed our living on it till her strength was somewhat reestablished
and that I would then go to England get a supply of money and return
to pay my debts and fetch my wife
This was the only expedient said poor Stornaway that I could think
of and perhaps was the very worst I could have adopted since by this
means we insensibly got into debt and to creditors the most inexorable
At the end of three weeks my wife was tolerably well I divided with
her the money I had left and went off in the night to Calais
flattering myself I should return to her within a fortnight But so
vigilant were those to whom I owed money and so active the
_maréchaussés_ that I was pursued and thrown without hesitation and
without appeal into this prison where my little remaining money being
all exhausted in fees to save me from even worse treatment I have now
lain near six weeks in the situation in which you see me As to myself
continued the poor young man my life has been a life of hardship and
I have learned to hold it as nothing but when I reflect on what must
have been the condition of my Isabel I own to you dear Sir that my
fortitude forsakes me and the blackest despair takes possession of my
soul
I had but little occasion to deliberate said Godolphin continuing
his narrativeI had but little occasion to deliberate I enquired into
the debt It was a trifle I blushed to think that while Englishmen
were daily passing thro the place in pursuit of pleasure a gentleman
an officer of their nation languished for such a sum in the horrors of
a confinement so dreadful The debt was easily discharged and I took
the unhappy Stornaway to my lodgings from whence he was eagerly flying
to Amiens when I was called aside by one of the _maréchaussé_ who
desired to speak to me
Sir said the man you have been generous to me and I will hazard
telling you a secret Orders are coming to stop your friend whom you
have released from prison for stealing a pensioner out of a convent
Get him off to England immediately or he will be taken and perhaps
confined for life
I hastened Stornaway instantly into a boat and sent him after a
pacquet which had just sailed and which I saw him overtake He conjured
me in an agony of despair to enquire for his wife without whom he
said he could not live and that rather than attempt it he would return
and perish in prison I promised all he desired and as soon as I was
sure he was safe I set out post for Amiens where I found the poor
young woman in a situation to which no words can do justice She had
parted with almost every thing for her support and was overwhelmed by
the weight of misfortunes which young and inexperienced as she was
she had neither the means to soften or the fortitude to bear I brought
her away to Calais and embarked with her yesterday having only staid
long enough to furnish her with cloaths and to recruit her enfeebled
frame after her journey But sea sickness added to her former ill state
of health has reduced her to a condition of deplorable weakness She
speaks so little English that she is unable to travel alone and I was
in hopes that by her chaise keeping up with the coach I might have
assisted her on the road but she is now so extremely ill that I am
afraid she must remain here
During the first part of this short account Emmeline charmed more than
ever with Godolphin and ashamed of having for a moment entertained a
suspicion to the disadvantage of such a man sat silent but at the
conclusion of it her eyes overflowed with tears she felt something
that told her she ought to apologize to him for the error she had been
guilty oftho of that error he knew nothing and impelled by an
involuntary impulse she held out her hand to himDear generous
nobleminded Godolphin was uttered by her heart but her lips only
echoed the last word
Godolphin said she let us go to this poor young creaturelet us
see her ourselves
Certainly we will cried Mrs Stafford and indeed Sir you ought to
have told us before that we might sooner have offered all the
assistance in our power
I was afraid answered he I knew not whether I might not be deceived
in the character of Mrs Stornaway and dared not intrude upon you lest
it should be found that the object merited not your good offices
But she is in distress said Emmelineshe is a strangerand shall
we hesitate
Godolphin who found in the tenderness of her address to him and in the
approbation her eyes expressed a reward as sweet as that which the
consciousness of doing good afforded from his own heart kissed the hand
she had given him in silence and then went to enquire if the poor
young woman could see the ladies She expressed her joy at being so
favoured and Mrs Stafford and Emmeline were introduced
The compassion they expressed and the assurances they gave her that she
would meet her husband in London and that she should stay with them
till she did calmed and composed her and as her illness was merely
owing to fatigue and anxiety they believed a few hours rest now her
mind was easier would restore her Tho they were impatient to get on
to London they yet hesitated not to remain at Canterbury all night on
the account of this poor stranger Godolphin on hearing their
determination warmly thanked them the heart of Emmeline was at once
eased of its inquietude and impressed with a deeper sense than ever of
Godolphins worth she gave way almost for the first time to her
tenderness and esteem without attempting to check or conceal her
sentiments while Mrs Stafford who ardently wished to see her in
possession of her estate and married to Godolphin rejoiced in observing
her to be less reserved and Godolphin himself hardly believing the
happiness he possessed real forgot all his fears of her attachment to
Lord Delamere and dared again entertain the hopes he had discarded at
Besançonas he thought for ever
The next day Mrs Stornaway was so much recovered that they proceeded in
their journey taking her into the coach with them and directing Madelon
to travel in the chaise accompanied by her father They arrived early
in town and Godolphin leaving them at an hotel went in search of
lodgings He soon found apartments to accommodate them in Bond street
and thither they immediately went Mrs Stafford taking upon herself the
protection of the poor forlorn stranger till Godolphin could find her
husband on whose behalf he immediately intended to apply for a berth on
board some ship in commission He had given him a direction to his
banker and bid him there leave an address where he might be found in
London The next day he brought the transported Stornaway to his wife
and the gratitude these poor young people expressed to their benefactor
convinced the fair friends that they had deserved his kindness and that
there was no deception in the story the Lieutenant had told them about
his wife Godolphin took a lodging for them in Oxford street and gave
them money for their support till he could get the young man employed
which his interest and indefatigable friendship soon accomplished
In the mean time he saw Emmeline every day and every day he rose in her
esteem Yet still she hesitated to discover to him all she thought of
him and at times was so reserved and so guarded that Godolphin knew
not what to believe He knew she was above the paltry artifice of
coquetry yet she fearfully avoided being alone with him and never
allowed him an opportunity of asking whether he had any thing to hope
from time and assiduity
Is he not one of the best creatures in the world said Mrs Stafford
after he left the room on the second day of their arrival to go out in
the service of the Stornaways
Yes
Yes and is that all the praise you allow to such a man Is he not a
perfect character
As perfect I suppose as any of them are
Ah Emmeline you are a little hypocrite It is impossible you can be
insensible of the merit of Godolphin and I wonder you are not in more
haste to convince him that you think of him as he deserves
What would you have me do
Marry him
Before I am sure he desires it smilingly asked Emmeline
You cannot doubt that tho you so anxiously repress every attempt he
makes to explain himself Shall I tell you what he has said to me Shall
I tell you what motive carried him to St Alpin
NoI had rather not hear any thing about it
And why not
Because it is better for some time if not for ever that Godolphin
should be ignorant of those favourable thoughts I may have had of
himbetter that I should cease to entertain them
Why so pray
Because I dread the mortified pride and furious jealousy of Lord
Delamere on one hand and on the other the authority of my uncle who
till I am of age will probably neither restore my fortune nor consent
to my carrying it out of his family
For those very reasons you should immediately marry Godolphin When you
are actually married Delamere will reconcile himself to the loss of
you To an inevitable evil even his haughty and selfwilled spirit must
submit And should Lord Montreville give you any trouble about your
fortune who can so easily so properly oblige him to do you justice as
a man of spirit of honour of understanding who will have a right to
insist upon it
It was impossible to deny so evident a truth Yet still Emmeline
apprehended the consequence of Delameres rage and disappointment and
thought that there would be an indelicacy and an impropriety in
withdrawing herself from the protection of her own family almost as soon
as she could claim it and that her uncle might make such a step a
pretence for new contention and longer wrath The result therefore of
all her deliberations ended in a determination neither to engage herself
or to marry till she was of age and till then not even to encourage
any lover whatever By that time she hoped that Lord Delamere wearied
by an hopeless passion and convinced of her fixed indifference would
engage in some more successful pursuit She knew that by that time all
affairs between her and Lord Montreville must be adjusted If the
affection of Godolphin was as she hoped fixed and founded on his
esteem for her character he would not love her less at the end of that
period when she should have the power of giving him her estate
unincumbered with difficulties and unembarrassed by law suits and
should she hoped escape the misery of seeing Delameres anguish and
despair on which she could not bear to reflect
She ingenuously explained to Mrs Stafford her reasons for refusing to
receive Godolphins proposals in which her friend tho she allowed
them to be plausible by no means acquiesced still insisting upon it
that the kindest thing she could do towards Lord Delamere as well as
the properest in regard to the settlement of her estate was immediately
to accept Godolphin But Emmeline was not to be convinced and all she
could obtain from Mrs Stafford was an extorted promise reluctantly
given that she would not give any advice or encouragement to Godolphin
immediately to press his suit Emmeline tho convinced she was right
yet doubted whether she had fortitude enough to persist in the conduct
she wished to adopt if exposed at once to the solicitations of a woman
of whose understanding she had an high opinion and to the ardent
supplications of the man she loved
The day after her arrival in London she had sent to Berkleysquare
and was informed that Lord Montreville and his family were in Norfolk
Thither therefore she wrote and enclosed the letter she had brought
from Lord Westhaven Her own was couched in the most modest and dutiful
terms and that of Lord Westhaven was equally mild and reasonable But
they gave only disquiet and concern to the ambitious and avaricious
bosom of Lord Montreville Tho already tortured by Delameres absence
and illness and uncertain whether the object of his long solicitude
would live to reap the advantage of his accumulated fortunes he could
not think but with pain and reluctance of giving up so large a portion
of his annual income still more unwilling did he feel to refund the
produce of the estates for so long a period and in the immediate
emotion of his vexation at receiving Lord Westhavens first letter he
had sent for Sir Richard Crofts who having at the time of Mr
Mowbrays death been entrusted with all the papers and deeds which
belonged to him was the most likely to know whether any were among them
that bore testimony to the marriage of Mr Mowbray and Miss Stavordale
The fact was that a very little time before he died his steward
Williamson had received the memorandum of which Emmeline had found a
copy and on the death of his master had carried it to Sir Richard
Crofts Lord Montreville being then in the North of England Sir Richard
eagerly enquired whether there were any other papers to the like
purport Williamson replied he believed not and very thoughtlessly
left it in his hands When a few days afterwards he called to know in
whose name the business of the Mowbray estate was to be carried on Sir
Richard then acting as an attorney and only entering into life told
him that every thing was to be considered as the property of Lord
Montreville because there were many doubts about the marriage of Mr
Mowbray and great reason to think that the paper in question was
written merely with a view to pique and perplex his brother with whom
he was then at variance but that Lord Montreville would enquire into
the business and certainly do justice to any claims the infant might
have on the estate
Soon after Williamson applied again to have the paper restored but
Crofts answered that he should keep it by order of Lord Montreville
tho it was of no use his Lordship having obtained undoubted
information that his brother was never married
Sir Richard had reflected on the great advantage that would accrue to
his patron from the possession of this estate to which besides its
annual income several boroughs belonged He thought it was very
probable that the little girl then only a few weeks old and without a
mother or any other than mercenary attendants might die in her infancy
if she did not that Lord Montreville might easily provide for her and
that it would be doing his friend a great service and be highly
advantageous to himself should he conceal the legal claim of the child
even unknown to her uncle and put him in immediate possession of his
paternal estate
Having again strictly questioned Williamson repressed his curiosity by
law jargon and frightened him by threats of his Lords displeasure if
he made any effort to prove the legitimacy of Emmeline he very
tranquilly destroyed the paper and Lord Montreville never knew that
such a paper had existed
Williamson timid and ignorant of every thing beyond his immediate
business returned in great doubt and uneasiness to Mowbray Castle When
he received the child and the two caskets he had questioned the
Frenchman who brought her and heard an absolute confirmation of the
marriage of his master He then examined the caskets and found the
certificates But without money or friends he knew not how to prosecute
the claim of the orphan against the power and affluence of Lord
Montreville and after frequent consultations with Mrs Carey they
agreed that the safest way would be carefully to secure those papers
till Emmeline was old enough to find friends for should they attempt
previously to procure justice for her they might probably lose the
papers which proved her birth as they had already done that which
Williamson had delivered to Crofts As long as Williamson lived he
carefully locked up these caskets His sudden death prevented him from
taking any steps to establish the claim of his orphan mistress and that
of Mrs Carey two years afterwards involved the whole affair in
obscurity which made Sir Richard quite easy as to any future discovery
But as the aggressor never forgives Sir Richard had conceived against
Emmeline the most unmanly and malignant hatred and had invariably
opposed every tendency which he had observed in Lord Montreville to
befriend and assist her for no other reason but that he had already
irreparably injured her
He hoped that as he had at length divided her from Lord Delamere and
driven her abroad she would there marry a foreigner and be farther
removed than ever from the family and from any chance of recovering the
property of which he had deprived her instead of which she had in
consequence of going thither met the very man in whose power it was to
prove the marriage of her mother and in Lord Westhaven had found a
protector too intelligent and too steady to be discouraged by evasion or
chicanerytoo powerful and too affluent to be thrown out of the
pursuit either by the enmity it might raise or the expence it might
demand
Nothing could exceed the chagrin of Sir Richard when Lord Montreville
put into his hands the first letter he had on this subject from Lord
Westhaven Accustomed however to command his countenance he said
without any apparent emotion that as no papers in confirmation of the
fact alledged had ever existed among those delivered to him on the death
of Mr Mowbray it was probably some forgery that had imposed on Lord
Westhaven
I see not how that can be answered Lord Montreville It is not
likely that Emmeline Mowbray could forge such papers or should even
conceive such an idea
True my Lord But your Lordship forgets and overlooks and passes by
the long abode and continuance and residence she has made with the
Staffords Mrs Stafford is to my certain knowledge and conviction
artful and designing and intrigueing a woman my Lord who affects and
pretends and presumes to understand and be competent and equal to
business and affairs and concerns with which women should never
interfere or meddle or interest themselves It is clearly and evidently
and certainly to the interest and advantage and benefit of this woman
that Miss Mowbray over whom she has great influence and power and
authority should be established and fixed and settled in affluence
rather than remain and abide and continue where nature and justice and
reason have placed her
I own Sir Richard I cannot see the thing in this light However to
do nothing rashly let us consider how to proceed
Sir Richard then advised him by no means to answer Lord Westhavens
letter but to wait till he saw his Lordship as in cases so momentous
it was he said always wrong to give any thing in black and white In a
few days afterwards he heard out of Norfolk for he had come up from
thence to consult with Sir Richard Crofts that Lord Delamere was ill
at Besançon His precipitate departure had before given him the most
poignant concern and now his fears for his life completed the distress
of this unfortunate father On receiving however the second letter
from Lord Westhaven together with that of Emmeline his apprehensions
for the life of his son were removed and left his mind at liberty to
recur again to the impending loss of four thousand five hundred a year
with the unpleasant accompanyment of being obliged to refund above sixty
thousand pounds Again Sir Richard Crofts was sent for and again he
tried to quiet the apprehensions of Lord Montreville But his attempt to
persuade him that the whole might be a deception originating with the
Staffords obtained not a moments attention He knew Stafford himself
was weak ignorant and indolent and would neither have had sagacity to
think of or courage to execute such a design and that Mrs Stafford
should imagine and perform it seemed equally improbable He was
perfectly aware that Lord Westhaven had a thorough acquaintance with
business and was of all men on earth the most unlikely to enter warmly
into such an affair against the interest too of the family into which
he had married unless he was very sure of having very good grounds for
his interference
But tho Sir Richard could not prevail on him to disbelieve the whole of
the story he saw that his Lordship thought with great reluctance of the
necessity he should be under of relinquishing the whole of the fortune
He now therefore recommended it to him to remain quiet at least till
Lord Westhaven came to England to send an answer to Miss Mowbray that
meant nothing and to gain time for farther enquiries These enquiries
he himself undertook and leaving Lord Montreville in a political fit of
the gout he returned from Audley Hall to London and bent all his
thoughts to the accomplishment of his design which was to get the
original papers out of the hands of Emmeline and to bribe Le Limosin to
go back to France
While these things were passing in England Lord Delamere whose rage
and indignation at Emmelines departure the authority of Lord Westhaven
could hardly restrain had learned from his brotherinlaw the real
circumstances of the birth of his cousin and he heard them with the
greatest satisfaction He now thought it certain that his father would
press his marriage as eagerly as he had before opposed it and that so
great an obstacle being removed and Emmeline wholly in the power of
his family she would be easily brought to forgive him and to comply
with the united wishes of all her relations
In this hope and being assured by Lord Westhaven that Bellozane was
actually returned into Switzerland without any design of following
Emmeline who had been induced he said to leave Besançon purely to
avoid him he consented to attempt attaining a greater command over his
temper on which the reestablishment of his health depended and after
about ten days was able to travel Lord and Lady Westhaven therefore
at the end of that time slowly began with him their journey to England
Emmeline had now been almost a week in London and Mrs Stafford with
the assistance of Godolphin had succeeded so much better than she
expected in the arrangement of some of those affairs in which she
apprehended the most difficulty that very little remained for her to do
before she should be enabled to return to France where her husband was
to sign some papers to secure his safety and that little depended on
James Crofts who seemed to be making artificial delay and trying to
give her all the trouble and perplexity in his power
He had however another motive than merely to harrass and distress her
His father had employed him to deal with Le Limosin well knowing that
there was nothing so base and degrading that he would not undertake
where his interest was in question and Sir Richard had promised him a
considerable addition to his fortune if he had address enough to prevent
so capital a sum as Emmeline claimed from being deducted from that of
the family to whom his brother was allied and from whence he had
expectations which could not but suffer from such a diminution of its
wealth and interest
The tediousness therefore that the Crofts created promised still to
detain Emmeline in London and her uncles letter which coldly and
hardly with civility deferred any conference on her affairs till the
arrival of Lord Westhaven convinced her that from his tenderness she
had nothing from his justice little to hope
Godolphin was very anxious to be allowed personally to apply to him on
the claim of his niece But this Emmeline positively refused She would
not even allow Mr Newton the lawyer to whom Lord Westhaven had
recommended her and in whose hands her papers were safely deposited to
write officially to Lord Montreville but determined to wait quietly the
return of Lord Westhaven himself on whom she knew neither the anger of
her uncle or the artifices of Sir Richard would make any impression
while his Lordships interference could not be imputed to such motives
as might possibly be thought to influence Godolphin or would it give
her the appearance of proceeding undutifully and harshly against Lord
Montreville which appearances she might be liable to should she
hastily institute a suit against him
She grew however very uneasy at the determined attendance of
Godolphin whose presence she knew was so necessary to poor Lady
Adelina She saw that he was anxious about his sister yet could not
determine to tear himself from _her_ and to insist upon his returning
to Lady Adelina would be to assume a right to which on the footing
they were she declined pretending She failed not however every day
to represent to him the long solitude in which Lady Adelina had been
left and to read to him parts of her letters which breathed only sorrow
and depression Whenever this happened Godolphin heard her with
concern and promised to set out the next day but still something was
to be done for the service of Emmeline and still he could not bear to
resign the delight he had now so long enjoyed of seeing her every day
and of indulging those hopes she had tacitly allowed him to entertain
Mrs Stafford notwithstanding her promise to Emmeline had not been
able to forbear discovering to him part of the truth Yet when he
reflected on the advantages Delamere had over him in fortune in rank
in the influence his family connection and his former engagement might
give him he trembled least if he should be himself absent when Lord
Delamere arrived her tender and timid spirit would yield to the sorrow
of her lover and the authority of her family and that almost in despite
of herself he might lose her for ever While he yet lingered and
continued to promise that he would go to the Isle of Wight the eight
first days of their stay in town glided away Early in the morning of
the ninth Godolphin entered the room where Mrs Stafford and Emmeline
were at breakfast
I must now indeed said he lose no time in going to Adelina I am to
day informed that Mr Trelawny is dead
Shall we then see Lady Adelina in town eagerly asked Emmeline who
could not affect any concern at the death of such a man
I apprehend not replied Godolphin Whatever business there may be to
settle with the Bancrafts I am sure will be more proper for me than for
her To them I must now go at Putney and only came to inform you
Madam addressing himself to Mrs Stafford of the reason of my sudden
absence
Shall you return again to London Sir before you proceed into
Hampshire
Not unless you or Miss Mowbray will allow me to suppose that to either
of you my return may be in any way serviceable
Mrs Stafford assured him she had nothing to trouble him upon which
required such immediate attention Emmeline then attempted to make an
answer of the same kind But tho she had for some days wished him to
go she could not see him on the point of departing without being
sensible of the anguish his absence would occasion her and instead of
speaking distinctly her thanks she only murmured something and was so
near bursting into tears that fearing to expose herself she was
hurrying out of the room
No messageno letternot one kind word said he gently detaining
her to poor Adelina Nothing to your little _protegé_
Mylove to them both Sir
And will you not write to my sister
By the post said Emmeline struggling to get from him to conceal her
emotion
He then kissed her hand and suffered her to go While the explanation
Mrs Stafford gave of her real feelings elated him to rapture in which
he departed protesting that nothing should prevent his return to
follow the good fortune which he now believed might be his as soon as
he could adjust his sisters business with her husbands relations
Mrs Stafford recommended it to him to bring Lady Adelina to London with
him as the affection Emmeline had for her would inevitably give her
great influence Godolphin in answer to this advice only shook his
head and Mrs Stafford remained uncertain of his intentions to follow
it
A few days now elapsed without any extraordinary occurrence Emmeline
thought less of the impending restoration of her fortune for of its
restoration Mr Newton assured her he had no doubt than of him with
whom she hoped to share it She impatiently longed to hear from Lady
Adelina that he was with her and sometimes her mind dwelt with painful
solicitude on Lady Westhaven and Delamere for whose health and safety
she was truly anxious and of whom she had received no account since her
arrival in London
As she was performing the promise she had made to Godolphin of writing
to Lady Adelina by an early post Le Limosin announced Mr James Crofts
who immediately entered the room with his usual jerking and familiar
walk Emmeline who incapable as she was of hating any body yet felt
towards him a disgust almost amounting to hatred received him with the
coldest reserve and Mrs Stafford with no more civility than was
requisite to prevent his alledging her rudeness and impatience as
reasons for not settling the business on which she concluded he came
He began with general conversation and when Mrs Stafford impatient to
have done with him introduced that which went more immediately to the
adjustment of the affair she wished to settle he told her that being
extremely unwilling to discuss a matter of business with a _lady_ and
apprehensive of giving offence to one for whom he and his dear Mrs
Crofts had so sincere a regard he had determined to leave all the
concerns yet between them to his attorney a man of strict honour and
probity to whom he would give her a direction and to whom it would be
better for _her_ attorney to apply than that they should themselves
enter on a topic whereon it was probable they might differ
Mrs Stafford vexed at his dissimulation and finesse again pressed him
to come to a conclusion without the interference of lawyers But he
again repeated the set speech he had formed on the occasion and then
addressing himself to Emmeline asked smilingly and affecting an
interest in her welfare whether the information he had received was
true
What information Sir
That Miss Mowbray has the most authentic claim to the estate of her
late father
It is by no means an established claim Sir and such as you must
excuse me if I decline talking of
I am told you have papers that put it out of dispute If you would
favour me with a sight of them perhaps I could give you some insight
into the proceedings you should commence and I am sure my friendship
and regard would make any service I could do you a real satisfaction to
myself
I thank you Sir for your professions The papers in question are in
the hands of Mr Newton of Lincolns Inn If he will allow you to see
them I have no objection
You intend then said James Crofts unable entirely to conceal his
chagrinyou intend to begin a suit with my Lord Montreville
By no means Sir I am persuaded there will be no necessity for it But
as you have just referred Mrs Stafford to a lawyer I must beg leave to
say that if _you_ have any questions to ask you must apply to mine
James Crofts quite disconcerted notwithstanding his presumptuous
assurance was not ready with an answer and Emmeline who doubted not
that he was sent by his father to gain what intelligence he could was
so provoked that not conceiving herself obliged to preserve the
appearance of civility to a man she despised she left him in possession
of the room from whence Mrs Stafford had a few moments before
departed He therefore was obliged to withdraw having found his attempt
to shake the integrity of Le Limosin as fruitless as that he had made to
get sight of the papers
He had not long been gone when a servant brought to Emmeline the
following note
I have heard you are in town with Mrs Stafford and beg leave
to wait on you Do not _ma douce amie_ refuse to grant me this
favour Besides the happiness of seeing you and your friend I have
another very particular reason for soliciting you to grant such an
indulgence to
GEORGE FITZEDWARD
I write this from a neighbouring coffeehouse where I expect
your answer
Emmeline immediately carried this billet to Mrs Stafford who told her
there was no reason why she should refuse the request it contained She
therefore wrote a card of compliment to Colonel FitzEdward signifying
that she should be glad to see him
In a few moments FitzEdward appeared and Emmeline tho aware of his
arrival could not receive him without confusion and emotion Nor could
she without pity behold his altered countenance and manner so different
from what they were when she first saw the gay and gallant FitzEdward
at Mowbray Castle He began by expressing with great appearance of
sincerity his joy at seeing her enquired after Lord Delamere and
mentioned his astonishment at what he had heardthat Delamere had so
repeatedly enquired after him and signified such a wish to see him yet
had never written to him to explain his business
Emmeline who knew well on what he had so earnestly desired to meet him
blushed but did not think it necessary to clear up a subject which
Godolphins explanation to Delamere had rendered no longer alarming
You know perhaps said FitzEdward that Mr Trelawny is dead
I do
And your fair unhappy friendMay I nowor is it still a crime
enquire after her
She is I believe well answered Emmeline and remains at the house
of her brother
Tell me Miss Mowbraywill she after a proper time refuse do you
think her consent to see me will _you_ my lovely friend undertake to
plead for me will you and Mrs Stafford who know with what solicitude
I sought her with what anguish I deplored her loss intercede on my
behalfyou who know how fondly my heart has been devoted to her from
the moment of our fatal parting
I can undertake nothing of this kind Sir The fate of Lady Adelina
depends I apprehend on her brothers To them I think you should
apply
And why not to herself Is she not now at liberty And when destiny has
at length broken the cruel chains with which she was loaded will she
voluntarily bind herself with others hardly more supportable If she
refers me to her brothers I must despairthe coldhearted Lord
Westhaven the inflexible and rigid Godolphin will make it a mistaken
point of honour to divide us for ever
You cannot suppose Sir that _I_ shall undertake to influence Lady
Adelina to measures disapproved by her family I know not that Lord
Westhaven is cold and unfeeling as you describe him on the contrary I
believe he unites one of the best heads and warmest hearts If your
request is proper you certainly risk nothing by referring it to him
Of Godolphin she spoke not fearful of betraying to the penetrating and
observing FitzEdward how little he answered in her idea the character
of unfeeling and severe
I know not what to do said FitzEdward Should I address myself to
her brothers without success I am undone since I well know that from
their decision there will be no appeal I cannot live without her
Emmelineindeed I cannot and in the hope only of what has lately
happened have I dragged on till now a reluctant existence Once and
but once I dared write to her But her brother returned the letter She
suffered him cruelly to return it in a cover in which he informed me
that the peace and honour of Lady Adelina Trelawny made it necessary
for her to forget that such a man existed as Colonel FitzEdward
Godolphin continued heGodolphin may carry this too far he may
oblige me to remind him that there is more than one way in which his
inexorable punctilio may be satisfied
Certainly cried Emmeline in great agitation which she vainly
struggled to conceal there is no method more likely to convince Lady
Adelina of your tenderness for her than that you hint at and if you
should be fortunate enough to destroy a brother to whom she owes every
thing your triumph will be complete
Prevent then the necessity of my applying to Godolphin by speaking to
Lady Adelina in my favour Ask her whether she can divest herself of all
regard for me ask her whether she can condemn me to eternal regret and
despair
I cannot indeed I am not likely to see her and if I were this is a
subject on which nothing shall induce me to influence her
Mrs Stafford who had been detained in another room by a person who
came to her upon business now joined them and FitzEdward without
hesitation repeated to her what he had been saying to Emmeline
I do not think indeed Colonel that Miss Mowbray can interfere and I
am of her opinion that as soon as such proposals as you intend to make
are proper you should address them to her brothers
Mr Godolphin Madam treats me in a way which only my tenderness my
love for his sister induces me to bear I have met him accidentally
and he passes rudely by me I sent a gentleman to him to desire an
amicable interview He answered that as we could not meet as friends
he must be excused from seeing me at all Had I been as rash as cruel
as he seems to be I should then have noticed in the way it demanded
such a message but conscious that I had already injured him I bore
with his petulance and his asperity I love Godolphin continued
hefrom our boyish days I have loved and respected him I know the
nobleness of his nature and I can make great allowances for the
impatience of injured honour But will he not carry it too far if now
that his sister is released from her detested marriage he still persists
in dividing us
You are not sure said Mrs Stafford that he will do so Have
patience at least till the time is elapsed when you may try the
experiment In the interim I will consider what ought to be done
My ever excellent ever amiable friend exclaimed FitzEdward
warmlyhow much do I owe you already Ah add yet to those obligations
the restoration of Adelina and I shall be indebted to you for more than
life As to you my sweet marblehearted Emmeline I heartily pray that
all your coldness both towards me and poor Delamere may be revenged by
your feeling on behalf of him all the pain you have inflicted
Alas thought Emmeline your wicked wish is already accomplished tho
not in favour of poor Delamere
FitzEdward then obtained permission to wait on them again tho Mrs
Stafford very candidly told him that after Captain Godolphin came to
town she begged he would forbear coming in when he heard of his being
there
We will try said she to conciliate matters between you so that ye
may meet in peace and till then pray forbear to meet at all
FitzEdward flattering himself that Mrs Stafford would interest
herself for him and that Emmeline however reserved would be rather
his friend than his enemy departed in rather better spirits and left
the fair friends to debate on the means of preventing what was very
likely to happena difference of the most alarming kind between him and
Godolphin should the latter persist in refusing him permission to
address at a proper season Lady Adelina
The long delays that seemed likely to arise before her own business
would be adjusted with Lord Montreville the fiery and impatient spirits
with which it appeared to be her lot to contend the vexation to which
she saw Mrs Stafford subjected by the sordid and cruel conduct of the
Crofts towards her and lastly her encreasing disquietude about
Godolphin whom she feared to encourage yet was equally unwilling and
unable to repulse oppressed her spirits and made her stay in London
very disagreeable to her She had never before been in it for more than
a night or two and at this time of the year it was the beginning of
October the melancholy deserted houses in the fashionable streets and
the languor that appeared in the countenances of those who were obliged
to be in town offered no amusement or variety to compensate for the
loss of the pure air she had been accustomed to breathe or for the
beautiful and interesting landscapes which she remembered to have
enjoyed in Autumn at Mowbray Castle where she so much languished to be
that she sometimes thought if her uncle would resign it and the estate
immediately around to her she could be content to leave him in
possession of the rest of that fortune he coveted with so much avidity
A few days longer passed and Emmeline yet heard nothing of the return
of Lord and Lady Westhaven a circumstance at which she grew extremely
uneasy Not only as it gave her reason to fear for the health of Lord
Delamere for whom she was very anxious but for that of Lady Westhaven
whom she so tenderly loved
She observed too with concern that under pretence of waiting the
arrival of his son and his son in law Lord Montreville delayed all
advances towards a settlement and that Mrs Stafford wearied by the
duplicity and chicanery of the Crofts and miserable in being detained
so long from her children grew quite disheartened and was prevented
only by her affection for Emmeline from returning to France and
abandoning all hopes of an accommodation which every day seemed more
difficult and more distant
The arrival of Lord Westhaven was on her account particularly desirable
as he had promised Emmeline to make a point of assisting her and on his
assurances she knew it was safe to rely since they were neither made to
give himself an air of importance nor meant to quiet the trouble of
present importunity by holding out the prospect of future advantage
never thought of more
Nothing however could be done to hasten this important arrival and
the fair friends tho uneasy and impatient were obliged to submit But
from the restlessness of daily suspence they were roused by two
letters which brought in its place only poignant concern That to Mrs
Stafford was from her husband who tho he had neither relish for her
conversation nor respect for her virtues was yet dissatisfied without
her and even while she was wholly occupied in serving him tormented
her with murmurs and suspicions He scrupled not to hint that as she
was with her beloved Miss Mowbray she forgot her duty to her family
and that as she had been now gone near a month he thought it quite long
enough not only to have done the business she undertook but to have
enjoyed as much pleasure as was in her situation reasonable He
therefore expected her to return to France and supposed that she had
settled every thing to facilitate his coming back to England The
unreasonable expectations and ungrateful suspicions which this letter
contained overwhelmed her with mortification To return without having
finished the business on which she came would be to expose herself to
insult and reproach yet to stay longer without a probability of
succeeding by her stay would only occasion an aggravation of his ill
humour and probably a worse reception when she rejoined him
The letter to Emmeline was from Lady Adelina and ran thus
_East Cliff Oct 16
Godolphin my Emmeline is at length returned to your unhappy
friend who has passed many many melancholy days since he left her
My dear brother appears not only in better health but in better
spirits than when he went from hence Ought I then to repine when I
see him and when he tells me that you are well and that affluence
and with it I hope happiness will be yours The very name of
happiness and of Adelina should not come in the same page Ah never
must they any where meet again Pardon me for thus recurring to
myself but the mournful topic will intrude Unhappy Trelawny he
had not quite compleated his twentyfifth year Tho I never either
loved or esteemed him and tho to my early and hasty marriage I owe
all the misery of my life his death has something shocking in it
My weak spirits which have of late been unusually deranged are
sadly affected by it Yet surely in regard to _him_ I have little to
reproach myself Did he not abandon me to my destiny did he not
plunge headlong into follies from which he resented even an effort
to save him Alas unless I could have given him that understanding
which nature
had denied him my solicitude must ever have been vain It is
some alleviation too to my concern to reflect that as much of
his honour as depended on me has not by the breath of public
fame been sullied And I try to persuade myself that since his
life was useful to nobody and had long been from intemperance
burthensome to himself I should not suffer his death to dwell so
heavily upon me Yet in spite of every effort to shake off the
melancholy which devours me it encreases upon me and to you I may
say for you will hear and pity me that there exists not at this
moment so complete a wretch as your Adelina
To my brother William all gentle and generous as he is I cannot
complain It were ingratitude to let him see how little all his
tenderness avails towards reconciling me to myself towards healing
the wounds of my depressed spirit and quieting the murmurs of this
feeble heart Yet methinks to have a friend in whose compassionate
bosom I might pour out its weakness and its sorrows would
mitigate the extreme severity of those sufferings which are now more
than I can bear
Where have I on earth such a friend but in my Emmeline And will
she refuse to come to me Ah wherefore should she refuse it I
shall be alone for Godolphin is obliged to go immediately to London
to settle all the business I shall now ever have with the family of
Trelawny and put it on such a footing as may preclude the necessity
of my ever meeting any of them hereafter He tells me that your
affairs advance nothing till Lord Westhavens return and that our
dear Mrs Stafford talks of being obliged to go back to her family
If she must do so you will not stay in London alone and where is
your company so fondly desired where can you have such an
opportunity of exercising your generous goodness as in coming
hither Our little boydo you not long to embrace him Ah lovely
as he is why dare I not indulge all the pleasure and all the pride
I might feel in seeing him and wherefore must anguish so keen
mingle with tenderness so delicious
Ah my friend come to me I entreat I implore you The reasons
why I cannot see London are of late multiplied rather than removed
and I can only have the happiness of embracing you here Hesitate
not to oblige me then for I every hour wish more and more ardently
to see you When I awake from my imperfect slumbers your presence
is the first desire of my heart I figure you to myself as I wander
forth on my solitary walks
And when I _do_ sleep the image of my angelic friend
consolatory and gentle makes me some amends for visions less
pleasant that disturb it
Ah let me not see you in dreams alone for above all I want
youwhen I am alone with poor Adelina Come O come and if it be
possiblesave mefrom myself
AT
The melancholy tenor of this letter greatly affected Emmeline She
wished almost as eagerly as her friend to be with her But how could she
determine to become an inmate at the house of Godolphin even tho he
was himself to be absent from it She communicated however Lady
Adelinas request to Mrs Stafford who could see no objection to any
plan which might promote the interest of Godolphin She represented
therefore to Emmeline how very disagreeable it would be to her to be
left alone in town when she should herself be obliged to leave her as
must now soon happen That there was in fact no very proper asylum for
her but the house of her uncle which he seemed not at all disposed to
offer her But that to Lady Adelinas proposal there could be no
reasonable objection especially as Godolphin was not to be there
Emmeline yet hesitated till another letter from Stafford more harsh
and unreasonable than the first obliged her friend to fix on the
following Thursday for her departure the absurd impatience of her
husband thus defeating its own purpose and Emmeline partly influenced
by her persuasions and yet more by her own wishes determined at length
to fix the same time for beginning her journey to the Isle of Wight
There was yet two days to intervene and Mrs Stafford was obliged to
employ the first of them in the city among lawyers and creditors of her
husband From scenes so irksome she readily allowed Miss Mowbray to
excuse herself who therefore remained at home and was engaged in
looking over some poems she had purchased when she heard a rap at the
door and the voice of Godolphin on the stairs enquiring of Le Limosin
for Mrs Stafford Le Limosin told him that she was from home but that
Mademoiselle Mowbray was in the dining room He sent up to know if he
might be admitted Emmeline had no pretence for refusing him and
received him with a mixture of confusion and pleasure which she
ineffectually attempted to hide under the ordinary forms of civility
The eyes of Godolphin were animated by the delight of beholding her But
when she enquired after Lady Adelina as she almost immediately did
they assumed a more melancholy expression
Adelina is far from being well said he Has she not written to you
She has
And has she not preferred a request to you
Yes
What answer do you mean to give it Will you refuse once more to bless
and relieve by your presence my unhappy sister
I do not know said Emmeline deeply blushing that I ought
especially without the concurrence of my uncle to consent yet to
contribute to the satisfaction of Lady Adelinato give _her_ any degree
of happinesswhat is there I can refuse
Adorable angelic goodness eagerly cried Godolphin Best as well as
loveliest of human creatures You go then
I intend beginning my journey on Thursday
And you will allow me to see you safe thither
There can surely be no occasion to give you that trouble Sir said
Emmeline apprehensively nor ought you to think of it since Lady
Adelinas affairs certainly require your attendance in London
They do but not so immediately as to prevent my attending you to East
Cliff If you will suffer me to do that I promise instantly to return
No I go only attended by my servants or go not at all
Godolphin was mortified to find her so determined And easily
discouraged from those hopes which he had indulged rather from the
flattering prospects offered to him by Mrs Stafford than presumption
founded on his own remarks he now again felt all his apprehensions
renewed of her latent affection for Delamere The acute anguish to which
those ideas exposed him and their frequent return determined him now
to attempt knowing at once whether he had or had not that place in
Emmelines heart which Mrs Stafford had assured him he had long
possessed
Sitting down near her therefore he said gravelyAs I may not Miss
Mowbray soon have again the happiness I now enjoy will you allow me to
address you on a subject which you must long have known to be nearest
my heart but on which you have so anxiously avoided every explanation I
have attempted that I fear intruding too much on your complaisance if I
enter upon it
Emmeline found she could not avoid hearing him and sat silent her
heart violently beating Godolphin went on
From the first moment I beheld you my heart was yours I attempted
indeed at the beginning of our acquaintanceah how vainly
attemptedto conquer a passion which I believed was rendered hopeless
by your prior engagement While I supposed you the promised wife of Lord
Delamere I concealed as well as I was able my sufferings and never
offended you with an hint of their severity Had you married him I
think I could have carried them in silence to the grave Those ties
however Lord Delamere himself broke and I then thought myself at
liberty to solicit your favour It was for that purpose I took the road
to St Alpin when the unhappy Delamere stopped me at Besançon
When I afterwards related to you his illness the sorrow the lively
and generous sorrow you expressed for _him_ and the cold and reserved
manner in which you received _me_ made me still believe that tho he
had relinquished your hand he yet possessed your heart I saw it with
anguish and continued silent All that passed at Besançon confirmed me
in this opinion I determined to tear myself away and again conceal in
solitude a passion which while I felt it to be incurable I feared was
hopeless Accident however detaining me at Calais again threw me in
your way and I heard that far from having renewed your engagement with
Lord Delamere you had left him to avoid his eager importunity Dare I
addthat _then_ my pity for him was lost in the hopes I presumed to
form for myself and studiously as you have avoided giving me an
opportunity of speaking to you I have yet ventured to flatter myself
that you beheld not with anger or scorn my ardent my fond attachment
From the beginning of this speech to its conclusion the encreasing
confusion of Emmeline deprived her of all power of answering it With
deepened blushes and averted eyes she at first sought for refuge in
affecting to be intent on the netting she drew from her work box but
having spoiled a whole row her trembling hands could no longer go on
with it and as totally her tongue refused to utter the answer which
by the pause he made she concluded Godolphin expected After a moment
however he went on
I have by no means encouraged visions so delightful without a severe
alloy of fear and mistrust Frequently your coldness your unkindness
gives me again to despondence and every lovely prospect I had suffered
my imagination to draw is lost in clouds and darkness Yet I am
convinced you do not _intend_ to torture me and that from Miss Mowbray
I may expect that candour that explicit conduct of which common minds
are incapable Tell me then dearest and loveliest Emmeline may I
venture to hope that tender bosom is not wholly insensible Will you
hear me with patience and even with pity
What Sir can I say faulteringly asked Emmeline I am in a great
measure dependant at least for some time on Lord Montreville and till
I am of age have determined to hear nothing on the subject on which you
are pleased to address me
Admitting it to be so answered Godolphin give me but an hope to
live upon till then
I will not deny Sir said Emmeline still more faintly I will not
deny that my esteem for your charactermymy
Oh speak exclaimed Godolphin eagerlyspeak and tell me that
At this moment Le Limosin hastily came into the room and
said_Mademoiselle le Chevalier de Bellozane demande permission de
vous parler39
Godolphin vexed at the interruption and embarrassed at the arrival of
the Chevalier said hastilyYou will not see him
How can I refuse him answered she perhaps he comes with some
intelligence of your brotherof my dear Lady Westhaven
By this time the Chevalier was in the room Emmeline received him with
anxious and confused looks arising entirely from her apprehensions
about Lady Westhaven and Lord Delamere but the vanity of Bellozane saw
in it only a struggle between her real sentiments and her affectation of
concealment She almost instantly however enquired after her friends
I left them said Bellozane almost as soon as you did and went
because I wanted money and my father wanted to see _me_ back to St
Alpin where I staid almost a fortnight and having obtained a necessary
recruit of cash I set off for Paris where my leave of absence being
to expire in another month I was forced to make interest to obtain a
longer permission in order to throw myself lovely Miss Mowbray at
your feet and to pass the winter in the delights of London which they
tell me I shall like better than Paris
Emmeline disgusted at his presumption and volatility enquired if he
knew nothing since of Lord and Lady Westhaven
Oh yes said he I saw them all at Paris and asked them if they had
any commands to you But I could get nothing from my good cousin but
sage advice and from Lady Westhaven only cold looks and half sentences
and as to poor Delamere I knew he was too much afraid of my success to
be in a better temper with me than the other two so we had but little
conversation
But they are well Sir
No Delamere has been detained all this time by illness at different
places He was better when I saw him but Lady Westhaven was herself
ill and my cousin was in looks the most rueful of the three
But Sir when may they be expected in England
That I cannot tell The last time I saw Lord Westhaven was above a week
before I left Paris and then he said he knew not when his wife would be
well enough to begin their journey but he hoped within a fortnight
Good God thought Emmeline what can have prevented his writing to me
all this time
Godolphin after the first compliments passed with the Chevalier had
been quite silent He now however asked some questions about his
brother by which he found that in consequence of endeavouring to
discourage Bellozanes voyage to England Lord Westhaven had offended
him and that a coldness had taken place between them Bellozane had
ceased to consider Godolphin as a rival when he beheld Lord Delamere in
that light and was now rather pleased to meet him knowing that his
introduction into good company would greatly be promoted by means of
such a relation
Do you know said the Chevalier addressing himself to Emmeline that
I have had some trouble my fair friend to find you
And how enquired Godolphin did you accomplish it
Why my Lord Westhaven to whom I applied at Paris protested that he
did not know so remembering the name of le Marquis de Montreville I
wrote to him to know where I might wait on Mademoiselle Mowbray
Monseigneur le Marquis being at his country house did not immediately
answer my letter At length I had a card from him which he had the
complaisance to send by a gentleman un MonsieurMonsieur _Croff_ who
invited me to his house and introduced me to Milady _Croff_ his wife
who is daughter to Milor Montreville _Mon Dieu que cette femme la est
vive aimable quelle a lair du monde et de la bonne compagnie40
You think Lady Frances Crofts then handsomer than her sister asked
Godolphin
_Mais nonelle nest pas peutetre si bellemais elle a cependant un
certain air Enfinje la trouve charmante41
Godolphin then continuing to question him found that the Crofts had
invited Bellozane with an intention of getting from him the purpose of
his journey and what his business was with Emmeline and finding that
it was his gallantry only brought him over and that he knew nothing of
the late Mr Mowbrays affairs had no longer made any attempt to oppose
his seeing her
Godolphin tho he believed Emmeline not only indifferent but averse to
him was yet much disquieted at finding she was likely again to be
exposed to his importunities He trembled least if he discovered her
intentions of going to East Cliff he should follow her thither for
which his relationship to Lady Adelina would furnish him with a
pretence and desirous of getting him away as soon as possible he asked
if he would dine with him at his lodgings
Bellozane answered that he was already engaged to Mr Crofts and then
turning to Emmeline offered to take her hand and enquired whether she
had a softer heart than when she left Besançon
Emmeline drew away her hand and very gravely entreated him to say no
more on a subject already so frequently discussed and on which her
sentiments must ever be the same Bellozane gaily protested that he had
been too long a soldier to be easily repulsed That he would wait on her
the next day and doubted not but he should find her more favourably
disposed _Je reviendrai demain vous offrir encore mon hommage Adieu
nymphe belle et cruelle La chaine que je porte fera toute ma
gloire42 He then snatched her hand which in spite of her efforts he
kissed and with his usual gaiety went away accompanied by Godolphin
Hardly had Emmeline time to recollect her dissipated spirits after the
warm and serious address of Godolphin and to feel vexation and disgust
at the presumptuous forwardness of Bellozane from which she apprehended
much future trouble before a note was brought from Mrs Stafford to
inform her that after waiting some hours at the house of the attorney
she employed the people who were to meet her had disappointed her and
that there was no prospect of her getting her business done till a late
hour in the evening she therefore desired Emmeline to dine without her
and not to expect her till ten or eleven at night
As it was now between four and five she ordered up her dinner and was
sitting down to it alone when Godolphin again entered the room
Vexation was marked in his countenance he seemed hurried and having
apologized for again interrupting her tho he did not account for his
return he sat down
Surely cried Emmeline alarmed you have heard nothing unpleasant
from France
Nothing upon my honour answered he The account the Chevalier gives
is indeed far from satisfactory yet I am persuaded there is nothing
particularly amiss or we should have heard
It is that consideration only which has made me tolerably easy Yet it
is strange I have no letter from Lady Westhaven Will you dine with me
added Emmeline It was indeed hardly possible to avoid asking him as Le
Limosin at that moment brought up the dinner
Where is Mrs Stafford said he
Detained in the city
And you dine alone and will allow me the happiness of dining with
you
Certainly replied Emmeline blushing if you will favour me with
your company
Godolphin then placed himself at the end of the table and in the
pleasure of being with her thus unmarked by others and considering her
invitation as an assurance that his declaration of the morning was
favourably received he forgot the chagrin which hung upon him at his
first entrance and thought only of the means by which he might
perpetuate the happiness he now possessed
Emmeline tried to shake off in common conversation her extreme
embarrassment But when dinner was over and Le Limosin left the room
in whose presence she felt a sort of protection she foresaw that she
must again hear Godolphin and that it would be almost impossible to
evade answering him
She now repented of having asked him to dine with her then blamed
herself for the reserve and coldness with which she had almost always
treated a man who deserving all her affections had so long possessed
them
But the idea of poor Delamereof his sadness his despair arose before
her and was succeeded by yet more frightful images of the consequences
that might follow his frantic passions And impressed at once with pity
and terror she again resolved to keep if it were possible the true
state of her heart from the knowledge of Godolphin
I have seldom seen one of my relations with so little pleasure said
he after the servant had withdrawn as I to day met my volatile cousin
de Bellozane I hoped he would have persecuted you no farther with a
passion to which I think you are not disposed to listen
I certainly never intend it
Pardon me then dearest Miss Mowbray if I solicit leave to renew the
conversation his abrupt entrance broke off You had the goodness to say
you had some esteem for my characterAh tell me if on that esteem I
may presume to build those hopes which alone can give value to the rest
of my life
Emmeline who saw he expected an answer attempted to speak but the
halfformed words died away on her lips It was not thus she was used to
receive the addresses of Delamere her heart then left her reason and
her resolution at liberty but now the violence of its sensations
deprived her of all power of uttering sentiments foreign to it or
concealing those it really felt
Godolphin drew from this charming confusion a favourable omenYou
hear me not with anger lovely Emmeline cried heYou allow me then
to hope
I can only repeat Sir said Emmeline in a voice hardly audible
that until I am of age I have resolved to hear nothing on this
subject
And why not Are you not now nearly as independant as you will be
then
Alas said Emmeline I am indeedfor my uncle concerns not himself
about me and it is doubtful whether he will do me even the justice to
acknowledge me
He must he shall replied Godolphin warmlyAh entrust me with your
interest let me in the character of the fortunate man whom you allow
to hope for your favourlet me apply to him for justice
That any one should make such an application except Lord Westhaven is
what I greatly wish to avoid I shall most reluctantly appeal to the
interference of friends and still more to that of _law_ The last is
you know very uncertain And instead of the heiress to the estate of my
father as I have lately been taught to believe myself I may be found
still to be the poor destitute orphan so long dependant on the bounty
of my uncle
And as such cried Godolphin greatly animated you will be dearer to
me than my existence Yes Emmeline whether you are mistress of
thousands or friendless portionless and deserted your power over this
heart is equally absoluteequally fixed Ah suffer not any
consideration that relates to the uncertainty of your situation to
delay a moment the permission you must you will give me to avow my
long and ardent passion
It must not be Mr Godolphin and tears filled her eyes as she
spoke Indeed it must not be It is not now _possible_ at least it is
very _improper_ for me to listen to you Ah do not then press it I
have indeed already suffered you to say too much on such a topic
Godolphin then renewed his warm entreaties that he might be permitted
openly to profess himself her lover but she still evaded giving way to
them by declaring that till she was of age she would not marry Had I
no other objections continued she the singularity of my
circumstances is alone sufficient to determine me I cannot think of
accepting the honour you offer me while my very _name_ is in some
degree doubtful it would I own mortify me to take any advantage of
your generosity and should I fail of obtaining from Lord Montreville
that to which I am now believed to have a claim his Lordship irritated
at the attempt will probably withdraw what he has hitherto allowed
mescanty support and occasional protection
Find protection with your lover with your husband exclaimed heAnd
may that happy husband that adoring lover be Godolphin May Adelina
forget her own calamities in contemplating the felicity of her brother
and may her beauteous her benevolent friend become her sister indeed
as she has long been the sister of her heart
You will oblige me Sir said Emmeline feeling that notwithstanding
all her attempts to conceal it the truth trembled in her eyes and
faultered in her accentsyou will oblige me if you say no more of
this
I will obey you if you will only tell me I may hope
How can I say so Sir when so long a time must intervene before I
shall think of fixing myself for life
Yet surely you know the generous the candid Miss Mowbray knows
whether her devoted Godolphin is agreeable to her or whether if every
obstacle which exists in her timid imagination were removed he would be
judged wholly unworthy of pretending to the honour of her hand
Certainly not unworthy tremblingly said Emmeline
Let me then thus encouraged go fartherand ask if I have a place in
your esteem
Do not ask meindeed I cannot tellNay I beg I entreat added she
trying to disengage her hands from him that you will desistdo not
force me to leave you
Ah talk not think not of leaving me think rather of confirming those
fortunate presages I draw from this lovely timidity I cannot go till I
know your thoughts of metill I know what place I hold in that soft
bosom
I think of you as an excellent brother as a generous and disinterested
friend for such I have found you as a man of great good sense of
noble principles of exalted honour
As one then said Godolphin vehemently interrupting her not
unworthy of being entrusted with your happiness who may hope to be
honoured with a deposit so inestimable as the confidence and tenderness
of that gentle and generous heart
I do indeed think very highly of youI cannot if I would deny it
And you allow me then to go instantly to Lord Montreville
Oh no nosurely nothing I have said implied such a consent
Godolphin however was still pressing and at length brought her to
confess with blushes and even with tears her early and long
partiality for him and her resolution either to be his or die
unmarried She found indeed all attempts to dissimulate vain the
reserve she had forced herself to assume gave way to her natural
frankness and having once been induced to make such an acknowledgment
of the state of her heart she determined to have no longer any secrets
concealed from him who was its master
She therefore candidly told him how great was her compassion for Lord
Delamere and how severe her apprehensions of his rage resentment and
despair
He allowed the force of the first but as to the other he would not
suppose it a reason for her delaying her marriage
Poor Delamere said he is of a temper which opposition and
difficulty renders more eager and more obstinate Yet when you are for
ever out of his reach as the obstacle will become invincible he must
yield to necessity While you remain single he will still hope The
greatest kindness therefore that you can do him will be to convince
him that he has nothing to expect from you and put an end at once to
the uncertainty which tortures him
To drive him to despair Ah I know so well the dreadful force of his
passions and the excesses he is capable of committing when under their
influence that I dare not I positively will not risk it I love
Delamere as my brother I love him for the resemblance he is said to
bear to my father I pity him for the errors which the natural
impetuosity of his temper inflamed by the unbounded indulgence of his
mother continually leads him into and the misfortunes these causes are
so frequently inflicting on him and should his fatal inclination for
me be the means of bringing on himself and on his family yet other
miseries I should never forgive myself or him by whose means they were
incurred
From me at least you have nothing of that sort to apprehend I truly
pity Delamere I feel what it must be to have relinquished the woman he
loves and to find her lost to his hopes while his passion is
unabatedbe assured my compassion for him will induce me rather to
soothe his unhappiness than to insult him with an ostentatious display
of my enviable fortune Yet if you suffer me to believe my attachment
not disagreeable to you how shall I wholly conceal it how appear as
not _daring_ to avow that, which is the glory and happiness of my life
and by your being supposed disengaged and indifferent see you exposed
to the importunities of an infinite number of suitors who however
inconsequential they may be to _you_ will torment _me_ I do not know
that I have much of jealousy in my nature yet I cannot tell how I shall
bear to see Delamere presuming again on your former friendship for
himEven the volatile and thoughtless Bellozane has the power to make
me uneasy when I see him so persuaded of his own merit and so
confident of success
While you assert that you are but little disposed to jealousy you are
persuading me that you are extremely prone to it You know Bellozane can
never have the smallest interest in my heart But as to Delamere I am
decided against inflaming his irritable passions by encouraging an
avowed rival tho I will do all I can by other means to discourage
him The only condition on which I will continue to see you is that you
appear no otherwise interested about me than as the favoured friend of
your sister your brother and Lady Westhaven Press me therefore no
farther on the subject and let us now part
Tell me first whether your journey remains fixed for
Thursdaywhether you still hold your generous resolution of going to
Adelina
I do But I must insist on going alone
And if Bellozane should enquire whither you are going You see nothing
prevents his following you and to follow you to East Cliff he will
you know have sufficient excuse Emmeline I cannot bear itthere is
a presumption in his manner which offends and shocks me and which
however you may dislike it it may not always be in your power to
repress
Surely he need not know that I am going thither
It was now therefore agreed between them that if Bellozane called upon
her the next day as he said he intended she should be denied to him
and that early on the following morning which was Thursday she should
set out for East Cliff attended by Madelon and Le Limosin
This arrangement was hardly made when Mrs Stafford returned weary and
exhausted from the unpleasant party with which she had passed the day
With Emmelines permission who left the room that she might not hear
it Godolphin related to Mrs Stafford the conversation they had held
It was the only information which had any power to raise her depressed
spirits and as soon as Emmeline rejoined them she added her entreaties
to those of Godolphin They urged her to conquer immediately all those
scruples which divided her from him to whom she had given her heart and
to put herself into such protection as must at once obviate all the
difficulties she apprehended But Emmeline still adhered to her
resolution of remaining single if not till she was of age at least
till her affairs with her uncle were adjusted and till she saw the
unhappy Delamere restored to health and tranquillity But
notwithstanding this delay Godolphin assured of possessing her
affection left her with an heart which was even oppressed with the
excess of its own happiness
Footnote 39 The Chevalier is below
Footnote 40 How lively and agreeable she ishow much she has the air
of a woman of fashion and of the world
Footnote 41 Not so handsome perhapsbut there is a somethingin
short I think her charming
Footnote 42 I shall come again tomorrow to offer my homage Adieu
fair cruel nymph I place my glory in wearing your chains
Emmeline seemed to be happier since she had confessed to Godolphin his
influence over her mind and since she had made him in some measure the
director of her actions She hoped that she might conceal her partiality
till she had nothing to fear from Delamere at present she was sure he
had no suspicion that Godolphin was his rival and she flattered
herself that on his return to England the conviction of her coldness
would by degrees wean him from his attachment and that he would learn
to consider her only as his sister
These pleasing hopes however were insufficient to balance the concern
she felt for Mrs Stafford who having long struggled against her
calamities now seemed on the point of sinking under their pressure and
of determining to attend in despondent resignation the end of her
unmerited sufferings
Emmeline attempted to reanimate her by repeating all the promises of
Lord Westhaven on whose word she had the most perfect reliance She
assured her that the moment her own affairs were settled her first
care should be the reestablishment of those of her beloved friend For
some time the oppressed spirits of Mrs Stafford would only allow her to
answer with her tears these generous assurances At length she said
It is to you my Emmeline I could perhaps learn to be indebted
without being humbled for you have an heart which receives while it
confers an obligation But think what it is for one born with a right
to affluence and educated in its expectation with feelings keen from
nature and made yet keener by refinement to be compelled as I have
been to solicit favours pecuniary favours from persons who have no
feeling at allfrom the shifting paltryspirited James Crofts
forbearance from the claim of debts from the calloushearted and
selfish politician his father pity and assistance from Rochely who
has no ideas but of getting or saving money to ask the loan of it and
to bear with humility a rude refusal I have endured the brutal
unkindness of hardened avarice the dirty chicane of law exercised by
the most contemptible of beings I have been forced to attempt softening
the tradesman and the mechanic and to suffer every degree of
humiliation which the insolence of sudden prosperity or the insensible
coolness of the determined money dealer could inflict Actual poverty
I think I could have better borne
I should have found in some place of my soul
A drop of patience
But ineffectual attempts to ward it off by such degradation I can no
longer submit to While Mr Stafford for whom I have encountered it
all is not only unaffected by the poignant mortifications which torture
me but receives my efforts to serve him if successful only as a
dutyif unsuccessful he considers my failure as a fault and loads me
with reproach with invective with contemptothers have in their
husbands protectors and friends mine not only throws on me the
burthen of affairs which he has himself embroiled but adds to their
weight by cruelty and oppression Such complicated and incurable misery
must overwhelm me and thenwhat will become of my children
Penetrated with pity and sorrow Emmeline listened in tears to this
strong but too faithful picture of the situation of her unfortunate
friend and with difficulty said in a voice of the tenderest pity
Yet a little patience and surely things will mend It cannot be very
long before I shall either be in high affluence or reduced to my former
dependance perhaps to actual indigence Of these events I hope the
former is the most probable but be it as it may you and your children
will be equally dear to meIf I am rich my house my fortune shall
be yoursif I am poor I will live with you and we will work
together But for such resources as the pencil or the needle may afford
us we shall I think have no occasion You my dear friend will
continue to exert yourself for your children Lord Westhaven is greatly
interested for you and all will yet be well
I am afraid not replied Mrs Stafford Among the various misfortunes
of life there are some that admit of no cure some which even the
tender and generous friendship of my Emmeline can but palliate Of that
nature I fear are many of mine My past life has been almost all
bitterness God only knows what the remainder of it may be but
Shadows clouds and darkness rest upon it
Ah give not up your mind to these gloomy thoughts said Emmeline
Setting aside all hopes I have of being able without the assistance of
any one to clear those prospects I have a firm dependance on Lord
Westhaven and am sure I shall yet see you happy
Never I believe in this world dejectedly answered Mrs Stafford
But why should I distress you my best Emmeline with a repetition of
my hopeless sorrows why cannot I now refrain as I have hitherto done
from taxing with my complaints your lively sensibility She then began
to talk of their journey for the next day for which every thing was now
ready It would have been very agreeable to Emmeline could Mrs Stafford
have gone by Southampton and have accompanied her for a few days to
East Cliff but she said that besides her suffering so much at sea
which made the long passage to France very dreadful to her she had
already in a letter to her husband fixed to go by Calais and as he
might either send or come to meet her on that road he might be offended
if she took the other besides these reasons she had yet another in the
chance the Calais road afforded of meeting Lord and Lady Westhaven The
two last arguments were unanswerable Emmeline relinquished the project
of their going together and they passed the rest of the day in the last
preparations for their separate journeys In the course of it Bellozane
called twice but was not admitted Godolphin was allowed to sup with
them and early the next morning came again to see them set out They
parted on all sides with tears and reluctanceEmmeline with Madelon
in the chaise with her and Le Limosin on horseback took the road to
Southampton and Mrs Stafford pursued her melancholy journey to Dover
Emmeline arrived at Southampton late the same evening where she slept
and the next morning landed on the Isle of Wight
It was a clear and mild day towards the end of October and she walked
attended by her servants to East Cliff As she approached the door of
Godolphins house her heart beat quick a thousand tender recollections
arose that related to its beloved master and some mournful
apprehensions for the fate of its present lovely and unhappy
inhabitant
The maid who had so long waited on Lady Adelina opened the door and
expressed the utmost delight at seeing Emmeline Ah dearest Madam
said she how good it is in you to come to my lady Now I hope both
her health and her spirits will be better But the joy of knowing you
are here will overcome her unless I inform her of it with caution for
tho she rather expected you I know it will be extreme
Barret then ran to execute this welcome commission and in a few moments
Lady Adelina supported by her walked into the room holding in her
hand little William and fell almost insensible into the arms of her
friend
The expression of her countenance faded as it was where a gleam of
exquisite pleasure seemed to lighten up the soft features which had long
sunk under the blighting hand of sorrow her weeds forming so striking
a contrast to the fairness of her transparent skin and the lovely
child now about fourteen months old which hung on her arm made her
altogether appear to Emmeline the most interesting the most affecting
figure she had ever seen Neither of them could speak Lady Adelina
murmured something as she fondly pressed Emmeline to her heart but it
was not till its oppression was relieved by tears that she could
distinctly thank her for coming Emmeline with equal marks of
tenderness embraced the mother and caressed the son whose infantine
beauty would have charmed her had he been the child of a stranger After
a little they grew more composed and Emmeline while Lady Adelina in
the most melting accents spoke of her brother William and enquired
tenderly after her elder brother and his wife had time to contemplate
her lovely but palid face from which the faint glow of transient
pleasure the animated vivacity of momentary rapture was gone and a
languor so great seemed to hang over her such pensive and settled
melancholy had taken possession of her features that Emmeline could
hardly divest herself of the idea of immediate danger and fancied that
she was come thither only to see the beauteous mourner sink into the
grave She trembled to think on the consequence which in such a state
of health might arise from the conflict she would probably have to
undergo in regard to FitzEdward Emmeline herself dared not name him to
Godolphin in their long conference It was a subject on which however
slightly touched he had always expressed such painful sensibility that
she could not resolve to enter upon it with him Yet she foresaw that
on Lord Westhavens arrival either a general explanation must take
place or that his Lordship would accept for his sister the offer of
FitzEdward to which there would be in his eyes while he yet remained
ignorant of their former unfortunate acquaintance no possible
objection She supposed that Lord and Lady Clancarryl equally ignorant
of that error which had been partly owing to their own confidence in
FitzEdward would press Lady Adelina to accept him and that Godolphin
must either consent to forgive and receive him as his brother or give
such reasons for opposing his alliance with Lady Adelina as would
probably destroy the peace of his family and the fragile existence of
his sister Sometimes she thought that his inflexible honour would
yield and induce him to bury the past in oblivion But then she
recollected all the indignation he had but lately expressed against
FitzEdward and doubted with fearful apprehension the event
The first day passed without that mutual and unreserved confidence being
absolutely established which the lovely friends longed to repose in
each other Lady Adelina languished to enquire after to talk of
FitzEdward yet dared not trust herself with his name and Emmeline
tho well assured that the knowledge of those terms which she was now on
with Godolphin would give infinite pleasure to his sister yet had not
courage to reveal that truth which her conscious heart secretly enjoyed
Affected with her friends depression and unwilling to keep her up
late she complained of fatigue soon in the evening and retired to her
own room She there dismissed Madelon and bade her as soon as Mrs
Barret came from her ladys apartment let her know that she desired to
speak to her
She wished to enquire of this faithful servant her opinion of her ladys
health And as soon as she came to her expressed her fears about it in
terms equally anxious and tender
Ah Madam said Barret all you observe as to my lady is but too
just and what I go thro about her especially when the Captain is not
here I am sure no tongue can tell Sometimes Maam when I have left
her of a night and she tells me she is going to bed I hear her walk
about the room talking then she goes to the bed for I have looked
thro the key hole where Master Godolphin sleeps and looks at him and
bursts into tears and laments herself over him and again begins to walk
about the room and speaks as it were to herself and at other times
she will open the window and leaning her head on her two hands sit and
look at the clouds and the stars and sighs so deeply and so often
that it makes my heart quite ache to hear her The child was very ill
once with a tooth fever while the Captain was gone to France and then
indeed I thought my poor lady would have been quite quite gone in her
head again for she talked _so_ wildly of what she would do if he died
and said such things as almost frightened me to death We sent to
Winchester for a physician and before he could come for you know
Maam what a long way tis to send she grew so impatient and had
terrified herself into such agonies that when the doctor did come he
said she was in a great deal the most danger of the two Thank God
Master Godolphin soon got well but it was a long time before my lady
was quite herself again and since that Maam she will hardly suffer
Master out of her sight at all but makes either his own maid or me sit
in the room to attend upon him while she reads or writes When she walks
out she generally orders one of us to take him with her and only goes
out alone after he is in bed of a night Then indeed she stays out
long enough and tho you see Maam how sadly she looks she never
seems to care at all about her own health but does things that really
would kill a strong person
What then does she do enquired Emmeline
Why Maam quite late sometimes of a night when every body else is
asleep she will go away by herself perhaps to that wood you see there
or down to the sea shore and she orders me to let nobody follow her
Quite of cold nights this Autumn when the wind blew and the sea made a
noise so loud and dismal she has staid there whole hours by herself
only I ventured to disobey her so far as to see that no harm came to
her But three or four times Maam she remained so long that I
concluded she must catch her death At last I bethought me of getting
one of the maids to go and tell her Master was awake and I have got her
to come in by that means out of the wind and the cold Then Maam she
seems to take pleasure in nothing but sorrow and melancholy The books
she reads are so sad that sometimes when her own eyes are tired and
she makes me read them to her I get quite horrible thoughts in my head
But my lady instead of trying as I do to shake them off will go
directly to her music and play such mournful tunes that it really
quite overcomes me as I am at work in another room At other times she
goes and writes verses about her own unhappiness How is it possible
Maam that with such ways of passing her time my lady always so
delicate as she was in health should be well for my part I only wonder
she is not quite dead
But how do you know Barret that your lady employs herself in writing
verses about her own unhappiness
Dear Maam I have found them about every where When the Captain is
absent my lady is indifferent where she leaves them Sometimes four or
five sheets lay open on the table in her little dressing room and
sometimes upon her music
Emmeline was too certain that such were the occupations of her poor
friend During the short time they had been together Lady Adelina had
shewn her some work and as she took it out of her drawer she drew out
some papers with it
I do but little work said she I find even embroidery does not serve
to call off my thoughts sufficiently from myself I read a good deal in
books of mere amusement for of serious application I am incapable and
here is another specimen of my method of employing myself which perhaps
you will not think a remedy for melancholy thoughts
She put a written paper into Emmelines hand who was about to open it
but Lady Adelina added with a pensive smile do not read it now
rather keep it till you are alone
This paper Emmeline took out to peruse as soon as she had dismissed
Barret Her heart bled as she ran over this testimony of the anguish and
despondence which preyed on the heart of Lady Adelina It was an
ODE TO DESPAIR
Thou spectre of terrific mien
Lord of the hopeless heart and hollow eye
In whose fierce train each form is seen
That drives sick Reason to insanity
I woo thee with unusual prayer
Grim visaged comfortless Despair
Approach in me a willing victim find
Who seeks thine iron swayand calls thee kind
Ah hide for ever from my sight
The faithless flatterer Hopewhose pencil gay
Portrays some vision of delight
Then bids the fairy tablet fade away
While in dire contrast to mine eyes
Thy phantoms yet more hideous rise
And Memory draws from Pleasures witherd flower
Corrosives for the heartof fatal power
I bid the traitor Love adieu
Who to this fond believing bosom came
A guest insidious and untrue
With Pitys soothing voicein Friendships name
The wounds _he_ gave nor Time shall cure
Nor Reason teach me to endure
And to that breast mild Patience pleads in vain
Which feels the curseof meriting its pain
Yet not to me tremendous power
Thy worst of spiritwounding pangs impart
With which in dark convictions hour
Thou strikst the guilty unrepentant heart
But of Illusion long the sport
That dreary tranquil gloom I court
Where my past errors I may still deplore
And dream of longlost happiness no more
To thee I give this tortured breast
Where Hope arises but to foster pain
Ah lull its agonies to rest
Ah let me never be deceivd again
But callous in thy deep repose
Behold in long array the woes
Of the dread future calm and undismayd
Till I may claim the hopethat shall not fade
The feelings of a mind which could dictate such an address appeared to
Emmeline so greatly to be lamented and so unlikely to be relieved that
the tender and painful compassion she had ever been sensible of for her
unhappy friend was if possible augmented Full of ideas almost as
mournful as those by which they had been inspired she went to bed but
not to tranquil sleep Her spirits worn by her journey and oppressed
by her concern for Lady Adelina were yet busy and instead of the
uneasy images which had pursued her while she waked they represented to
her others yet more terrifying She beheld in her dreams Godolphin
wildly seeking vengeance of FitzEdward for the death of his sister
Then instead of FitzEdward Lord Delamere appeared to be the object of
his wrath and mutual fury seemed to animate them against the lives of
each other To them her uncle in all the phrenzy of grief and despair
succeeded overwhelmed her with reproaches for the loss of his only son
and tore her violently away from Godolphin who in vain pursued her
These horrid visions returned so often drest in new forms of terror
that Emmeline having long resisted the impression they made upon her
could at length bear them no longer but shaking off all disposition to
indulge sleep on such terms she arose from her bed and wrapping
herself up in her night gown went to the window The dawn did not yet
appear but she sat down by the window of which she had opened the
shutter to watch its welcome approach
The morning for it was between three and four was mild the declining
stars were obscured by no cloud and served to shew dimly the objects in
the garden beneath her She softly opened the sash listened to the low
hollow murmur of the sea and surveyed the lawn and the hill behind it
which by the faint and uncertain light she could just discern All
breathed a certain solemn and melancholy stillness calculated to inspire
horror Emmelines blood ran cold yet innocence like hers really fears
nothing if free from the prejudices of superstition She endeavoured to
conquer the disagreeable sensations she felt and to shake off the
effects of her dreams but the silence and the gloominess of the scene
assisted but little her efforts and she cast an eye of solicitude
towards the Eastern horizon and wished for the return of the sun
In this disposition of mind she was at once amazed and alarmed by
seeing the figure of a man tall and thin wrapped in a long horsemans
coat as if on purpose to disguise him force himself out from between
the shrubs which bounded one part of the lawn He looked not towards the
windows but with folded arms and his hat over his eyes was poring on
the ground while with slow steps he crossed the lawn and came
immediately under the windows of the house
When she first perceived him she had started back from that where she
sat but tho greatly surprized she could not forbear watching him on
longer observing his figure she fancied it was that of a gentleman and
by his slow walk and manner he did not appear to have any design to
attack the house Her presence of mind never forsook her unless where
her heart was greatly affected and she had now courage enough to
determine that she would still continue for some moments to observe him
and would not alarm the servants till she saw reason to believe he had
ill intentions She sat therefore quite still and saw that instead of
making any attempt to enter the house he traversed the whole side of it
next the lawn with a measured and solemn pace several times then
stopped a moment again went to the end and slowly returned and having
continued to do so near an hour he crossed the grass and disappeared
among the shrubs from whence he had issued
Had not Emmeline been very sure that she not only heard his footsteps
distinctly as he passed over a gravel walk in his way but even heard
him breathe hard and short as if agitated or fatigued she would almost
have persuaded herself that it was a phantom raised by her disordered
spirits The longer she reflected on it the more incomprehensible it
seemed that a man should at such an hour make such an excursion
apparently to so little purpose That it was with a dishonest design
there seemed no likelihood as he made no effort to force his way into
the house which he might easily have done and had he come on a
clandestine visit to any of the servants he would probably have had
some signal by which his confederates would have been informed of his
approach But he seemed rather fearful of disturbing the sleeping
inhabitants his step was slow and light and on perceiving the first
rays of the morning he started like a guilty thing and swiftly
stepped away to his concealment
Emmeline continued some time at the window after his disappearance
believing he might return But it soon grew quite light the gardener
appeared at his work and she was then convinced that he would for that
time come no more
So extraordinary a circumstance however dwelt on her mind nor could
she entirely divest herself of alarm A strange and confused idea that
this visitor might be some one not unknown to her crossed her mind His
height answered almost equally to that of Bellozane Godolphin and
FitzEdward The latter indeed was rather the tallest and to him she
thought the figure bore the greatest resemblance Yet he had taken leave
of her ten days before she left London and told her he was going down
to Mr Percivals in Berkshire where as he was very anxious to hear
of Lady Adelina he had desired Mrs Stafford to write to him who had
done so and had received an answer of thanks dated from thence before
the departure of Emmeline from London That FitzEdward therefore
should be the person seemed improbable yet it was hardly less so that
a night ruffian should be on foot so long without any attempt to
execute mischief or even the appearance of examining how it might be
perpetrated After long consideration she determined that lest the
first conjecture should be true she would speak to nobody of the
stranger she had seen but would watch another night before she either
terrified Lady Adelina with the apprehension of robbers or gave rise to
conjectures in her and the servants of yet more disquieting tendency
Having taken this resolution and argued herself out of all those fears
for her personal safety which might have enfeebled a less rational mind
she met Lady Adelina at breakfast with her usual ease and almost with
her usual chearfulness but she was pale and her eyes were heavy Lady
Adelina remarked it with concern but Emmeline making light of it
imputed it intirely to the fatigue of her journey and when their
breakfast was finished proposed a walk To this her friend assented
and while she went to give some orders and to fetch the crape veil in
which she usually wrapped herself for even her dress partook something
of the mournful cast of her mind Emmeline already equipped went into
the lawn and saw plainly where the stranger had made his way thro the
thick shrubs and where the flexible branches of a young larch were
twisted away a laurel broken and that some deciduous trees behind them
had lost all their lower leaves which having sustained the first
frosts fell on the slightest violence She marked the place with her
eye and determined to observe whether if he came again it was from
thence
Emmeline now desired that Madelon might come with them to wait on little
William rather than his own maid as she understood English so ill
that she would be no interruption to their discourse They then walked
arm in arm together towards the sea and there Lady Adelina who now
enjoyed the opportunity she had so long languished for opened to her
sympathizing friend the sorrows of an heart struggling vainly with a
passion she condemned and sinking under ineffectual efforts to
vindicate her honour and eradicate her love
She knew not that FitzEdward had ever written to her Godolphin well
acquainted with his hand had kept the letter from her She knew not
that he had applied to Emmeline and tho she had torn herself from him
and had vowed never again to write to him to name him to hear from
him she involuntarily felt disposed to accuse him of neglect of
ingratitude of cruelty for having never attempted to write to her or
see her and added the poignant anguish of jealousy to the dreary
horrors of despair That FitzEdward was for ever lost to her she
seemed to be convinced yet that he should forget her or attach himself
to another seemed a torment so entirely insupportable that when her
mind dwelt upon it as it perpetually did her reason was inadequate to
the pain it inflicted and when she touched on that subject Emmeline
too evidently saw symptoms of that derangement of intellect to which she
had once before been a melancholy witness
With a mind thus unsettled and a heart thus oppressed the consequences
of touching on the application of FitzEdward to herself might as
Emmeline believed have the most alarming effect on Lady Adelina And
she dared not therefore name it unless she had the concurrence of
Godolphin She only attempted to soothe and tranquillize her mind
without giving her those assurances of his undiminished attachment
which she thought might in the event only encrease her anguish if her
brother remained inflexible On the other hand she forbore to
remonstrate with her on the necessity there might be to forget him
being too well convinced that the arguments which were to enforce that
doctrine would be useless and perhaps appear cruel to a heart so
deeply wounded as was that of the luckless lovely Adelina
But in pouring her sorrows into the bosom of her friend she appeared to
find consolation The tender pity of Emmeline was a balm to her wounded
mind and growing more composed she began to discourse on the singular
discovery Emmeline had made and to enter with some interest into the
affairs depending between her and the Marquis of Montreville and by
questions aided by the natural frankness of Emmeline at length became
acquainted with the happy prospects which tho distant opened to
Godolphin
This was the only information that seemed to have the power of
suspending for a moment the weight of those afflictions which Lady
Adelina suffered My brother then cried shemy dear Godolphin will
be happy And you my most amiable friend will constitute while you
share his felicity Ah fortunate thrice fortunate for ye both was the
hour of your meeting for heaven and nature surely designed ye for each
other Fortunate too were those circumstances which divided my
Emmeline from Delamere before indissoluble bonds enchained you for
ever Had it been otherwise had _your_ guardian angel slumbered as
_mine did_ you too all lovely and deserving as you are would have
been condemned to the bitterest of all lots and might have discovered
all the excellence and worth of Godolphin when your duty and your
honour allowed you no eyes but for Delamere _Your_ destiny is more
happyyet not happier than you deserve Oh may it quickly be fixed
unalterably and long very long may it endure So shall your Adelina
for the little while she drags on a reluctant existence have something
on which to lean for the alleviation of her sorrows and when she shall
interrupt your felicity no longer by the sight of cureless calamity she
will in full confidence entrust the sole tie she has on earth the
dear and innocent victim of her fatal weakness to the compassionate
bosoms of Godolphin and his Emmeline
The tremulous voice and singular manner in which Lady Adelina uttered
these words made Emmeline tremble She now tried to divert the
attention of her poor friend from dwelling too earnestly either on her
own wretchedness or the promised felicity of her brother but as if
exhausted by the mingled emotions of pain and pleasure she soon
afterwards fell into a deep silence scarce attending to what was said
and after a long pause she suddenly called to Madelon in whose arms
her little boy had fallen asleep and looking at him earnestly a moment
took him from the maid and carried him towards the house Emmeline
more and more convinced of her partial intellectual derangement
followed her dreading lest she should see it encrease without the
power of applying any remedy Before Lady Adelina reached the gate
which opened from the cliffs to the lawn she was fatigued by her lovely
burthen and forced to stop Emmeline would then have taken him but she
said No and sitting down on the ground held him in her lap till
Barret who had seen her from a window came out and took him from her
to which as to a thing usual she consented and then walked calmly
home with Emmeline who extremely discomposed by the wildness of her
manner was fearful of again introducing any interesting topic lest she
should again touch those fine chords which were untuned in the mind of
her unhappy friend and which seemed occasionally to vibrate with an
acuteness that threatened the ruin of the whole fabric Barret who
afterwards came to assist her in dressing told her that within the
last six weeks her lady had often been subject to long fits of absence
sometimes of tears which generally ended in her snatching the child
eagerly to her kissing him with the wildest fondness and that after
having kept him with her some time and wept extremely she usually
became rational and composed for the rest of the day
When Emmeline met Lady Adelina at dinner she had the satisfaction to
find her quite tranquil and easy As the afternoon proved uncommonly
fine and Emmeline was never weary of contemplating the scenery which
surrounded them she willingly consented to Lady Adelinas proposal of
another ramble that she might see some beautiful cliffs a little
farther from the house than she had yet been There she was pleased to
find that her fair friend seemed to call off her mind from its usual
painful occupations to admire the charms which on one side a very
lovely country and on the other an extensive sea view offered to their
sight
You cannot imagine my Emmeline said she how exquisitely beautiful
the prospect is from the point of these rocks where we stand in the
midst of summer now the sun more distant gives it a less glowing and
rich lustre and reflects not his warm rays on the sea and on the white
cliffs that hang over it Here it was that indulging that melancholy
for which I have too much reason I made while my brother was absent
last summer some lines which if it was pleasant to repeat ones own
poetry I would read to you as descriptive at once of the scene and
the state of mind in which I surveyed it
Emmeline now earnestly pressing her to gratify the curiosity she had
thus raised at length prevailed upon her to repeat the following
SONNET
Far on the sands the low retiring tide
In distant murmurs hardly seems to flow
And oer the world of waters blue and wide
The sighing summer wind forgets to blow
As sinks the day star in the rosy West
The silent wave with rich reflection glows
Alas can tranquil nature give _me_ rest
Or scenes of beauty soothe me to repose
Can the soft lustre of the sleeping main
Yon radient heaven or all creations charms
Erase the written troubles of the brain
Which Memory tortures and which Guilt alarms
Or bid a bosom transient quiet prove
That bleeds with vain remorse and unextinguishd love
The season and the scene were brought by this description full on the
mind of Emmeline yet she almost immediately repented having pressed
Adelina to repeat to her what seemed to have led her again into her
usual tract of sad reflection She fell as usual into one of her
reveries and as they walked homewards said very little The rest of the
evening however passed in a sort of mournful tranquillityAdelina
seemed to feel encreasing pleasure as she gazed on her friend and
remembering all her goodness reflected on the happiness of her brother
But this satisfaction was not of that kind which seeks to express itself
in words and Emmeline sensible of great anxiety for her and Godolphin
who would she knew be cruelly hurt by the relapse which he feared
threatened his sister and busied in no pleasant conjectures about the
person whom she had seen in the lawn was in no spirits for
conversation Nor did her thoughts when they wandered to other objects
from those immediately before her bring home much to appease her
anxiety That nothing had yet been heard of Lord and Lady Westhaven was
extremely disquieting She knew not that the Marquis of Montreville had
received a letter for her under cover to him and that having sent it to
Mr Crofts in another in order to be forwarded to her the latter had
exercised his political talents and supposing it related to her claims
on Lord Montreville and probably contained instructions for pursuing
them and that therefore his Lordship would be but little concerned if
it never reached the place of its destination he had very composedly
put it into the fire and undertook should it be enquired for to
account for its failure without suffering the name of Lord Montreville
to be called in question
The Marquis tho his conscience had been so long under the direction of
Sir Richard Crofts that it ought to have acquired insensibility as
callous as his own yet found it sometimes a very troublesome companion
and it often spoke to him so severely on the subject of his niece that
he was more than once on the point of writing to her to say he was
ready to make her the retribution to which his heart told him she had
the clearest pretensions and which his fears whispered that a court of
justice would certainly render her
These qualms and these fears would inevitably have produced a
restoration of the Mowbray estate to its owner had they not been
counteracted by the influence of the Marchioness of Montreville and Sir
Richard Crofts The Marchioness now in declining health felt all the
inefficacy of riches and all the fallacy of ambition yet could she not
determine to relinquish one or to own that the other had but little
power to confer happiness That Emmeline Mowbray whom she had despised
and rejected should suddenly become heiress to a large fortune and
that of that fortune her own children should be deprived that Lord
Westhaven should be the instrument to assist her in this hateful
transition and should interfere for this obscure orphan against the
interest of the illustrious family into which he had married stung her
to the soul and irritated the natural asperity of her temper already
soured by the repeated defection of Delamere and her own continual ill
health till it was grown insupportable to others and injurious to
herself since it aggravated all her complaints and put it out of the
power of medicine to relieve her
Rather than encrease these maladies by opposition his Lordship was
content to yield to delay And while her haughtiness and violence
withheld him on one hand from settling with his niece Sir Richard
assailed him on the other with cool and plausible arguments and
together they obliged him to have recourse to such expedients as gained
time without his having much hope that he could finally detain the
property of his late brother from his daughter who seemed likely to
establish her right to its possession
At once to indulge his avarice and quiet his conscience he would
willingly have consented to pay her a considerable portion and to leave
her right to the whole undecided but of such an accommodation there
seemed no probability unless he could win over Lord Westhaven to his
interest He thought however that there could be little doubt of his
reuniting the Mowbray estate with his own by promoting the marriage
between Emmeline and Lord Delamere which he had hitherto so strenuously
opposed But this he knew must be the last resort not only because he
was ashamed so immediately to avow a change of opinion in regard to
Emmeline which could have happened only from her change of
circumstances but because the dislike which Lady Montreville had
originally conceived towards her now amounted to the most determined
and inveterate hatred
Bent on conversing fully with Lord Westhaven before he took any measures
whatever either to detain or to restore the estate the Marquis was
desirous of seeing him immediately on his arrival in England and to
precede any conversation he might hold with Emmeline For this reason he
kept back all information that related to his soninlaws return and
tho he knew that the indisposition of Lord Delamere and his sister had
kept Lord Westhaven at Paris almost three weeks and that they were
travelling only twenty miles a day from thence to Calais he had
withheld even this intelligence from the anxious Emmeline
Lady Frances Crofts never feeling any great disposition to filial
piety and having lost in the giddy career of dissipation the little
sensibility she ever possessed was soon tired of attending on her
mother at Audley Hall The fretful impatience or irksome lassitude which
devoured a mind without resources and weary of itself in the
melancholy gloom of a sick chamber soon disgusted and fatigued her she
therefore left Audley Hall in October and after staying ten days or a
fortnight in Burlington street where she made an acquaintance with
Bellozane she went to pass the months that yet intervened before it was
fashionable to appear in London at a villa near Richmond which she had
taken in the summer and fitted up with every ornament luxury could
invent or money purchase She retired not thither however to court the
sylvan deities a set of friends of both sexes attended her Bellozane
was very handsome very lively very much a man of fashion Lady
Frances who thought him no bad addition to her train invited him also
Bellozane became the life of the party and was soon so much at his ease
in the family and so great a favourite with her Ladyship at a very
early period of their acquaintance that only her high rank there
exempted her from those censures which in a less elevated condition
would have fallen on her from the grave and sagacious personages who
are so good as to take upon them the regulation of the world
Crofts detained by his office in London heard more than gave him any
pleasure But like a wise and cautious husband he forebore to complain
Besides the fear of his wife which was no inconsiderable motive to
silence he had the additional fear of the martial and fiercelooking
French soldier before his eyes who talked in very bad English of such
encounters and exploits as made the coldblooded politician shudder
When on Friday evenings after the business of his office was over he
went down to Richmond he now always found there this foreign Adonis
and beheld him with mingled hatred and horror tho he concealed both
under the appearance of cringing and servile complaisance And when Lady
Frances compared the narrowspirited and meanlooking Crofts with the
handsome animated gallant Bellozane the poor husband felt all the
disadvantages of the comparison and as certainly suffered for it
Scorning to dissimulate with a man whom she thought infinitely too
fortunate in being allied to her on any terms and superior to the
censures of a world the greater part of whom she considered as beings
of another species from the daughter of the Marquis of Montreville her
Ladyship grew every day fonder of the Chevalier and less solicitous to
conceal her partiality She found too her vanity and inordinate self
love gratified in believing that this elegant foreigner did justice to
her superior attractions and had been won by them from that
inclination for Emmeline which had brought him to England A conquest
snatched from _her_ whom she had always considered at once with envy
and contempt was doubly delightful and Bellozane with all the
volatility of his adopted country saw nothing disloyal or improper in
returning the kind attentions of Lady Frances _en attendant_ the
arrival of Emmeline with whom he was a good deal piqued for her having
left London so abruptly without informing him whither she was gone He
still preferred her to every other person but he was not therefore
insensible to the kindness or blind to the charms of Lady Frances who
was really very handsome and who with a great portion of the beauty
inherited by the Mowbray family possessed the Junolike air as well as
the high spirit of her mother In aid of these natural advantages every
refinement of art was exhausted and by those who preferred its
dazzling effects to the interesting and graceful simplicity of unadorned
beauty Lady Frances dressed for the opera might have been esteemed
more charming than Emmeline in her modest muslin night gown or than
the pensive Madona which in her widows dress was represented by Lady
Adelina
These two friends after having passed a calm afternoon together
retired early to their respective apartments Emmeline who had a
repeating watch given her by Lord Westhaven wound it up carefully and
having bolted her chamber door lay down for a few hours being sure
that the anxiety she felt would awaken her before the return of that on
which the stranger had appeared the preceding night Fatigue and long
watching closed her eyes but her slumber was imperfect and suddenly
awaking at some fancied noise she pressed her repeater and found it
was half past three oclock
This was about the time on which the man had appeared the night before
and tho she felt some fear she had yet more curiosity to know whether
he came again She arose softly therefore and went to the window
which she did not venture to open But she had no occasion to look
towards the shrubbery to watch the coming of the stranger he was
already traversing the length of the house dressed as before and with
his arms folded and his head bent towards the ground he slowly moved
in the same pensive attitude
Emmeline tho now impressed with deeper astonishment summoned
resolution narrowly to observe his air and figure Had not his hat
concealed his face the obscurity would not have allowed her to examine
his features But tho the great coat he wore considerably altered the
outline of his person she still thought she discerned the form of
FitzEdward His height and his walk confirmed this idea and the longer
she observed him the more she was persuaded it was FitzEdward himself
This conviction was not unaccompanied by terror She wished to speak to
him and to represent the indiscretion the madness of his thus risking
the reputation of Lady Adelina and his own life or that of one of her
brothers while the very idea of Godolphins resentment and danger
filled her mind with the most alarming apprehensions She determined
then to open the window and speak to him yet if it should not be
FitzEdward At length she had collected the courage necessary and
knowing that tho the whole family was yet fast asleep she could easily
rouse them if the person to whom she spoke should not be known to her
and gave her any reason for alarm she was on the point of lifting up
the sash when the stranger put an end to her deliberations by hastily
walking away to his former covert among the shrubs and she saw him no
more
Emmeline wearied alike with watchfulness and uneasiness now went to
bed having at length determined to keep Barret on whose silence and
discretion she could rely with her the next night and when the Colonel
appeared for the Colonel she was sure it was to send her to him or at
least make her witness to what she should herself say to him from the
window The anxiety of her mind made her very low on the early part of
the next day and Lady Adelina was still more so They dined however
early and as the evening was clear and they had not been out in the
morning Lady Adelina proposed their taking a short walk to the top of
the hill behind the house which commanded a glorious view that Emmeline
had not seen but as it was cold they agreed to leave little William at
home The grounds of Godolphin behind the house consisted only of a
small paddock divided from the kitchen garden by a dwarf wall and the
copse which partly cloathed the hill and thro which a footpath went
to a village about two miles beyond it The woody ground ceasing about
half way up opened to a down which commanded the view They stood
admiring it a few moments and then Emmeline who could not for an
instant help reflecting on what she had seen for two nights felt
something like alarm at being so far from the house She complained
therefore that it was cold and the evening at this season very short
was already shutting in
The wind blew chill and hollow among the half stripped trees as they
passed thro the wood and the dead leaves rustled in the blast Twas
such a night as Ossian might describe Emmeline recollected the
visionary beings with which his poems abound and involuntarily she
shuddered At the gate that opened into the lawn Lady Adelina stopped
as if she was tired She was talking of something Godolphin had done
and Emmeline who on that subject was never weary of hearing her turned
round and they both leaned for a moment against the gate looking up
the wood walk from which they had just descended The veil of Lady
Adelina was over her face but Emmeline less wrapped up suddenly saw
the figure which had before visited the garden descending in exactly
the same posture down the pathway which was rather steep He seemed
unknowingly to follow it without looking up and was soon so near them
that Emmeline losing at once her presence of mind clasped her hands
and exclaimedGood God who is this
What said Lady Adelina looking towards him
By this time he was within six paces of the gate and sprung forward at
the very moment that she knew him and fell senseless on the ground
Emmeline unable to save her was in a situation but little better
FitzEdward for it was really himself knelt down by her and lifted
her up But she was without any appearance of life and he who had no
intention of rushing thus abruptly into her presence was too much
agitated to be able to speak
Ah why would you do this Sir said Emmeline in a tremulous voice
What can I do with her added she Merciful Heaven what can be done
How _could_ you be so cruel so inconsiderate
Dont talk to me said hedont reproach me I am not able to bear
it I suffer too much already Have you no salts Have you nothing to
give her
Emmeline now with trembling hands searched her pockets for a bottle of
salts which she sometimes carried She luckily had it and in another
pocket some Hungary water with which she bathed the temples of her
friend who still lay apparently dead
She remained some moments in that situation and Emmeline had time to
reflect which she did with the utmost perturbation on what would be
the consequence of this interview when she recovered her recollection
She dreaded lest the sight of FitzEdward should totally unsettle her
reason She dreaded lest Godolphin should know he had clandestinely been
there and she concluded it were better to persuade him to leave them
before the senses of Lady Adelina returned
How fearfully long she continues in this fainting fit cried she and
yet do I dread seeing her recover from it
You dread itand why dread it
Indeed I do When her recollection returns it may yet be worse you
know not how nearly gone her intellects have at times been and the
least emotion may render her for ever a lunatic
It is the cruelty of her brother sternly replied FitzEdward that
has driven her to this His rigid conduct has overwhelmed her spirits
and broken her heart But _now_ since we _have_ met we part not till I
hear from herself whether she prefers driving _me_ to desperation or
quitting in the character I can now offer her the cold and barbarous
Godolphin
Do not ah pray do not attempt to speak to her now Let me try to get
her home and when she is better able to see you indeed I will send to
you
Can you then suppose I will leave her But perhaps she is already gone
She seems to be deadquite dead and cold
Nothing but terror now lent Emmeline strength to continue chafing her
temples and her hands In another moment or two the blood began to
circulate and soon after with a deep sigh Lady Adelina opened her
eyes
For pitys sake said Emmeline in a low voicefor pitys sake do not
speak to her Then addressing herself to her she saidLady Adelina
are you better
Yes
Do you think I can assist you home
She shall not be hurried said FitzEdward
Ah save me save me exclaimed she faintly shriekingsave me and
clasping her arms round Emmeline she attempted to rise
Am I then grown so hateful to you said FitzEdward as he assisted
and supported herthat for one poor moment you will not allow me to
approach you Will no penitence no sufferings obtain your pity
Take me away Emmeline cried she in a hurried mannerah take me
quick away Godolphin will come he will come indeedLet us go
homego home before he finds us here
It is as I said exclaimed FitzEdward her brother has terrified her
into madness But
Emmeline now making an effort to escape falling into a condition as
deplorable as was her friends said with some firmnessMr
FitzEdward I must entreat you to say nothing about her brother It is
a topic of all others least likely to restore her
Adelina still clung to her and putting away FitzEdward with her hand
laid her head on the shoulder of Emmeline who saidI fancy you can
walk Shall we go towards home
Lady Adelina without speaking and still motioning with her hand to
FitzEdward to leave her moved on But so enfeebled was she that in
the very attempt she had again nearly fallen Emmeline being infinitely
too much frightened to lend her much assistance
She cannot walk cried FitzEdward yet will not let me support her
Will _you_ Miss Mowbray accept my arm perhaps it may enable you to
guide better the faultering steps of your friend
Emmeline thought that at all events it was better to get her into the
house and therefore taking in silence the arm that FitzEdward
offered her she proceeded across the lawn Lady Adelina appeared to
exert herself She quickened her pace a little and they were soon at a
small gate which opened in a wire fence near the house to keep the
cattle immediately from the windows Here Emmeline determined to make
another effort on FitzEdward to persuade him to leave them
Now said she we shall do very well Had you not better quit us
He seemed disposed to obey when Mrs Barret who had seen them from the
door where she had been watching the return of her lady advanced
hastily towards them and said to EmmelineDear Maam I am so glad
you and my lady are come in The Captain is quite frightened at your
being out so late
The Captain exclaimed Emmeline
Yes Maam the Captain has been come in about two minutes he is but
just seeing Master Godolphin and then was coming out to meet you
Take hold of your lady Barret cried Emmeline Barret ran forward
But Lady Adelina whom the terror of her brothers return at such a
moment had again entirely overcome was already lifeless in the arms of
FitzEdward and Emmeline whose first idea was to go in and prevent
Godolphin from coming out to meet them could get no farther than the
door where breathless and almost senseless she was only prevented
from falling by leaning against one of the pillars
Your lady is in a fainting fit Mrs Barret said FitzEdward pray
assist her
The woman at once knew his voice and saw the situation of her lady and
terrified both by the one and the other screamed aloud Godolphin
caressing his nephew in the parlour heard not the shriek but a footman
who was crossing the hall ran out and flying by Emmeline ran to the
group beyond her where as Mrs Barret still wildly called for help for
Lady Adelina he proposed to FitzEdward to carry her ladyship into the
house which they together immediately did
This was what Emmeline most dreaded But there was no time for
remonstrance As they passed her at the door she put her hand upon
FitzEdwards arm and criedOh stop for Gods sake stop
Why stop said he No nothing shall now detain me I am determined
and _must_ go on She saw indeed that Godolphins being in the house
only made him more obstinately bent to enter it
The door of the parlour now opened and Godolphin saw with astonishment
inexpressible his sister to all appearance dead in the arms of
FitzEdward and Emmeline as pale and almost as lifeless following
her who silently and with fixed eyes sat down near the door
What can be the meaning of this exclaimed Godolphin Miss
Mowbraymy Emmelinemy Adelina
The child with whom Godolphin had been at play reached out his little
arms to Lady Adelina whom they had placed on a sopha Godolphin sat him
down upon it and not knowing where to fix his own attention he looked
wildly first at his sister and then at Emmeline while FitzEdward
totally regardless of him knelt by the side of Lady Adelina and
surveyed her and the little boy with an expression impossible to be
described
For mercys sake tell me Godolphin as he took the cold and trembling
hands of Emmeline in hisfor mercys sake tell me what all this means
Is my sister my poor Adelina dead
I hope not
You are yourself almost terrified to death Your hands tremble Tell
me I conjure you tell me what you have met with and to what is owing
the extraordinary appearance of Mr FitzEdward here
That or any farther enquiry Mr Godolphin has to make which may
relate to me said FitzEdward sternly I shall be ready at any other
time to answer but now it appears more necessary to attend to this dear
injured creature
Injured Sir cried Godolphin turning angrily towards himDo you
come hither to tell me your crimes or to triumph in their consequence
Oh for the love of heaven said Emmeline with all the strength she
could collect let this proceed no farther Consider added she
lowering her voice the servants are in the room Reflect on the
consequence of what you say
Let every body but Barret go out said Godolphin aloud
The child whose usual hour of going to rest was already past had crept
up to his mother heedless of the people who surrounded her and had
dropped asleep on her bosom
Should I take Master Sir enquired the nursery maid of Godolphin
Leave him answered he fiercely
Excess of terror now operated to restore in some measure to Emmeline
the presence of mind it had deprived her of She found it absolutely
necessary to exert herself and advancing towards Lady Adelina by whose
side FitzEdward still knelt she took one of her handsI hope said
she to Barret your lady is coming to she is less pale and her pulse
is returning Colonel FitzEdward would it not be better for you now to
leave us
I must first speak to Lady Adelina
Impossible you cannot speak to her tonight
Nor can I leave her Madam unless she herself dismisses meLeave
her thus weak and languid to meet perhaps on my account reproach and
unkindness
Reproach and unkindness Mr FitzEdward said Godolphin in a
passionate toneReproach and unkindness Do me the favour to say from
whom you apprehend she may receive such treatment
From the cruel and unrelenting brother who has persisted in wishing
to divide us even after heaven itself has removed the barrier between
us
Sir replied Godolphin with a stern calmnessin this house and in
Miss Mowbrays presence _you_ may say any thing with impunity and _I_
may bear this language even from the faithless destroyer of my sister
FitzEdward now starting from his knees looked the defiance he was
about to utter when Lady Adelina drew a deep and loud sigh and Barret
exclaimedFor Gods sake gentlemen do not go on with these high
words My lady is coming to but this sort of discourse will throw her
again into her fits worse than ever Pray let me entreat of you both to
be pacified
I insist upon it said Emmeline that you are calm or it will not be
in my power to stay I must leave you indeed I must Mr Godolphin if
you would not see _me_ expire with terror and entirely kill your
sister you must be cool She was indeed again deprived nearly of her
breath and recollection by the fear of their instantly flying to
extremities
Lady Adelina now opened her eyes and looked round her But there was
wildness and horror in them and she seemed rather to see the objects
than to have any idea of who were with her
The child however was always present to her My dear boy here cried
she faintly poor fellow he is asleep
Shall I take him from you Maam asked her woman
Oh no I will put him to bed myself She then again reposed her head
as if fatigued and sighed Twas all said she long foreseen But
destiny they say must be fulfilled and fate will have its way I
wish I had not been the cause of his death however
Of whose death dear Madam said Barret Nobody is dead nobody
indeed
Did I not hear him groan and see him die did not he tell me I know
not what of my Lord Westhaven I shall remember it all distinctly
tomorrow
She now rested again profoundly sighing and Emmeline beckoning to
FitzEdward and Godolphin took them to the other end of the room where
the arm of the sopha she reclined on concealed them from her view
Pray said she addressing herself to them both pray leave her
Then recollecting that she dared not trust them together she
addedNo dont both go at once But indeed it is absolutely
necessary to have her kept quite quiet and got to bed as soon as
possible
I believe it is answered Godolphin Poor Adelina her dreadful
malady is returned
It is indeed said Emmeline I have seen it too evidently approaching
for some days and this last shockshe stopped and repented she had
said so much
Mr FitzEdward cried Godolphin will you walk with me into another
room
Certainly
Oh no no exclaimed Emmeline with quickness
They were going out together but taking an arm of each she eagerly
repeated oh no no not together
The imagination of Lady Adelina was now totally disordered She had
risen and carrying the child in her arms walked towards her brother
who in traversing the apartment with uneasy steps was by this time near
the door while FitzEdward was at the other end of the room where
Emmeline was trying to persuade him to quit the house
Lady Adelina supported by her maid and trembling under the weight of
the infant she clasped to her bosom stepped along as quickly as her
weakness would allow and putting her hand on Godolphins arm she
cried in a slow and tremulous mannerStay William I have something
to say to you before you go Lord Westhaven you know is coming and
you have promised that he shall not kill _me_ I may however die and I
rather believe I shall for since this last sight I am strangely ill
You and Emmeline will take care of my poor boy will ye not Had
FitzEdward livednay do not look so angry for now he cannot offend
youhad poor FitzEdward lived he would perhaps have taken him But
now I must depend on Emmeline who has promised to be good to him They
say she will have a great fortune too and therefore I need not fear
that you will find my child burthensome
Burthensome cried Godolphin Good God Adelina
Well well be not offended Only you know when people come to have a
family of their own the child of another may be reckoned an
incumbrance I know that now you love my William dearly but then you
know it will be another thing
Gracious heaven exclaimed Godolphin what can have made her talk in
this manner
Reason in madness said FitzEdward advancing towards her Her son
however shall be an incumbrance to nobody
Emmeline now grasping his hand implored him not to speak to her Lady
Adelina neither heard or noticed him but again addressing herself to
her brother said with a mournful sighAnd now since I have told you
what was upon my mind I will go put my little boy to bed Good night to
you dear William You and Miss Mowbray will remember She then
walked out of the room and calmly took the way to her own attended by
her maid
Emmeline not daring to leave together these two ardent spirits
irritated against each other remained trembling with them hoping by
her presence to prevent their animosity from blazing forth and to
prevail upon them to part They both continued for some time to traverse
the room in gloomy silence At length FitzEdward stopped and saidAt
what hour tomorrow Sir may I have the honour of some conversation
with you
At whatever hour you please Sirthe earlier however the more
agreeable
At seven oclock Sir I will be with you
If you please at that hour I will be ready to receive your commands
FitzEdward then took his hat and bowing to Emmeline wished her a good
night and left the room Starting from her chair she followed him into
the hall and shut the parlour door after her
FitzEdward cried she detaining him and speaking in an half
whisperFitzEdward hear me Do you design to kill me
To kill you replied he No surely
Then do not go till you have heard me
It is unpleasant to me to stay in Godolphins house after what has just
passed But as you please
She led him into a little breakfast room and regardless of being
without light shut the door
Tell me said she before I die with terrortell me with what
intention you come tomorrow
Simply to have a positive answer from Mr Godolphin if he will
together with his brother allow me when the usual mourning is over to
address their sister with proposals of marriage which in fact they have
no right to prevent And if Mr Godolphin refuses
What if he refuses
I shall take my son into my own care and wait till Lady Adelina will
herself exert that freedom which is now hers
Godolphin doats on the child Nothing I am persuaded will induce him
to part with it
Not part with it He must nay he _shall_
Pray be calmpray be quiet Stay yet a few monthsa few weeks
Not a day Not an hour
Good God what _can_ be done Mischief will inevitably happen
I am sorry replied FitzEdward that you are thus made uneasy But I
cannot recede and my life has not been pleasant enough lately to make
me very solicitous about the event of my explanation with Mr Godolphin
Conscious however that he has some reason to complain of me I do not
wish to increase it I mean to keep _my_ temper _if I can_ but if he
suffers _his_ to pass the bounds which one gentleman must observe
towards another I shall not consider myself as the aggressor or as
answerable for the consequences
But why oh why would you come hither Wherefore traverse the garden
of a night and suffer appearances to be so much against you and what
is yet worse against Lady Adelina
Who told you I have done soGodolphin
No He was you well know absent But I saw you myself with terror I
saw you and meditated how to speak to you alone when our unhappy
meeting in the wood this evening put an end to all my contrivances
Yet I had no intention of terrifying you or of abruptly rushing into
the presence of Adelina It is true that for some nights past I have
walked under the window where she and my child sleep for _I_ could not
sleep and it was a sort of melancholy enjoyment to me to be near the
spot which held all I have dear on earth As I pass at the ale house
where I lodge as a person hiding in this island from the pursuit of
creditors my desire of concealment did not appear extraordinary I have
often lingered among the rocks and copses and seen Adelina and my child
with you Last night I came out in the dusk and was approaching to
conceal myself near the house in hopes that as you love walking late
and alone I might have found an opportunity of speaking to you and of
concerting with _you_ the means of introducing myself to _her_ without
too great an alarm
Would to heaven you had But now since all this has happened consent
to put off this meeting with Godolphin Do not meet at least
tomorrow I entreat that you will not
On all subjects but this said he as he opened the dooron all
subjects but this Miss Mowbray knows she may command me But this is a
point from which I cannot without infamy recede and in which she must
forgive me if all my veneration and esteem for her goodness and
tenderness does not induce me to desist
He then went into the hall and by the lamp which burnt there opened
himself the door into the garden and hastily walked away While the
trembling and harrassed Emmeline finding him inflexible went back to
Godolphin with very little hopes that she should with him have better
success
On entering the room Emmeline sat down without speaking
How is Adelina my dearest Miss Mowbray
I know not
You have not then been with her
No
Were it not best to enquire after her
Certainly I will go immediately
But come to me againI have much to say to you
Emmeline then went up stairs She found that the composing medicine
which Barret had been directed to keep always by her had been liberally
administered and that her lady was got into bed and was already
asleep Barret sat by her Deep sighs and convulsive catchings marked
the extreme agitation of her spirits after she was no longer conscious
of it herself With this account Emmeline returned in great uneasiness
to Godolphin
I thank Heaven said he that she is at least for some moments
insensible of pain Now my Emmeline for surely I may be allowed to say
_my_ Emmeline sit down and try to compose yourself I cannot bear to
see you thus pale and trembling
He led her to a seat and placed himself by her gazing with extreme
concern on her face pallid as it was and expressive only of sorrow and
anxiety
Whence is it said she after a pause of some moments that I see you
here Did I not come hither on the assurance you gave me that you would
long be detained in or near London by the business of your sister
I certainly did say so But I could not then foresee what happened on
the Sunday after you left London
Has then any thing happened
The return of Lord and Lady Westhaven with Lord Delamere
Are they all well
Tolerably so But my brother is very anxious to see Adelina and
expects _you_ with little less solicitude He could not think of giving
Lady Westhaven the trouble of such a journey nor could he now leave her
without being unhappy I therefore at his pressing request came myself
to fetch you both to London
And do you mean that we should begin our journey tomorrow
I _meant_ it certainly till the events of this evening made me
doubtful how far my sister herself may be in a situation to bear change
of place and variety of objects or being able whether she may chuse to
leave to me the direction of her actions
Ah impute not to Lady Adelina the meeting with FitzEdward it was
entirely accidental its suddenness overcame her and threw her into
the way in which you saw her
And what has a man to answer for who thus comes to insult his victim
and to rob her of the little tranquillity time may have restored to
her
Indeed I think you injure poor FitzEdward Fondly attached to your
sister he has no other wish or hope than to be allowed to address her
when the time of her mourning for Mr Trelawny is expired For this
permission he intended to apply to you but the severity with which you
ever received his advances discouraged him and he then in the hope of
hearing that such an application would not be rendered ineffectual by
her own refusal and languishing to see his son came hither not with
any intention of forcing himself abruptly into the presence of Lady
Adelina but to see _me_ and induce me to intercede with her for an
interview Accident threw us in his way your sister fell senseless on
the ground and when she did recover endeavoured to avoid him but she
was too weak to walk home without other assistance than mine and I was
compelled to accept for her that which FitzEdward offered On hearing
from Barret that you was returned the terror which has ever pursued
her lest you and FitzEdward should meet as enemies again overcame
her and occasioned the scene you must with so much astonishment have
beheld
Has Adelina had any previous knowledge of the proposals FitzEdward
intends to make
None I believe in the world
Do you know whether they have ever corresponded
I am convinced they have not
There are objections in my mind _insuperable_ objections to this
alliance These however I must talk over with the Colonel himself
Not _hostilely_ I hope Surely you have too much regard for the
unhappy Adelina to give way now to any resentment you may have
conceived against him or if _that_ does not influence you think of
what _I_ must suffer She knew not what she had said hardly what she
intended to say
Enchanting softness exclaimed Godolphin in a transportIs then the
safety of Godolphin so dear to that angelic bosom
You know it but too well But if _my_ quiet is equally dear to _you_
promise me that if this meeting tomorrow _must_ take place you will
receive FitzEdward with civility and hear him with patience Remember
on how many accounts this is necessary Remember how many expressions
there are which his profession will not allow him to hear without
resentment that must end in blood Yours is _no common_ cause of
enmity none of those trifling quarrels which daily send modern beaux
into the field Your characters are both high as military men and as
gentlemen and your former intimacy must I know impress more deeply on
the mind of each the injury or offence that either suppose they receive
Be careful then Godolphin promise me you will be careful
Ah lovely Emmeline more lovely from this generous tenderness than
from your other exquisite perfections can I be insensible of the value
of a life for which _you_ interest yourself and shall I suffer any
other consideration to come in competition with your peace
You promise me then
To be calm with FitzEdward I do And while I remember his offence
for can I forget while I suffer from it I will also recollect that
_you_ who have also suffered on the same account think him worthy of
compassion and I will try to conquer at least to stifle my
resentment But what shall we do with Adelina
That must depend on her situation in the morning I have greatly
apprehended an unhappy turn in her intellects ever since my first
coming The death of Trelawny far from appearing to have relieved her
by removing the impediment to her union with FitzEdward seems rather
to have rendered her more wretched Continually agitated by contending
passions she was long unhappy in the supposition that FitzEdward had
obeyed her when she desired him to forget her Since Trelawnys decease
as she has more fearlessly allowed her thoughts to dwell on him she has
suffered all the anxiety of expecting to hear from him and all the
bitterness of disappointment And I could plainly perceive that she was
still debating with herself whether if he _did_ apply to her she
should accept him or by a violent effort of heroism determine to see
him no more This conflict is yet to come Judge whether in the frame
of mind in which you see her she is equal to it and whether any
additional terror for you and for him will not quite undo her Alas far
from aggravating by pursuing your resentment anguish so poignant try
rather to soothe her sorrows and assist her determination And whatever
that determination may be when it is once made she may perhaps be
restored to health and to tranquillity
Indeed I will do all you dictate my loveliest friend Surely I should
ill deserve the generosity you have shewn to me were I incapable of
feeling for others and particularly for my sister But wherefore that
air of defiance which Mr FitzEdward thought it necessary to assume He
seemed to come more disposed to _insult_ than to conciliate the family
of Lady Adelina
Alas do you make no allowance for the perturbed situation of his mind
when he saw the woman he adores to all appearance dead and for the
first time beheld the poor little boy He looked upon you as one who
desires to tear from him for ever these beloved objects and forgetting
that he was the aggressor thought only of the injury which he supposed
you intended
There is indeed some apology for the asperity of his manner and
perhaps I was in some measure to blame Generous candid considerate
Emmeline how does your excellent heart teach you to excuse those
weaknesses you do not feel and to pity and to forgive errors which
your own perfect mind makes it impossible for you to commit Ah how
heavily is your tenderness perpetually taxed _here_ it is suffering
from the sight of Adelinain town it will have another object in the
unfortunate Delamere
Did you not tell me he was in tolerable health
Alas what is bodily health when the mind is ill at ease The anxiety
of Delamere to see you to hear his destiny from yourself is uneasy
even to me who feel my own exquisite happiness in knowing what that
destiny must be I look with even painful commiseration on this singular
young man Yet from passions so violent and obstinacy so invincible I
must have rejoiced that Miss Mowbray has escaped even tho her
preference of the fortunate Godolphin had not rendered his lot the most
happy that a human being can possess
Since you are so good said Emmeline faintly for she was quite
exhausted to compassionate the situation of mind of Delamere you
will I think see the humanity of concealing from himthat She
could find no term that she liked to express her meaning and stopped
That he has a fortunate rival said Godolphin No dearest Emmeline
I hope I am incapable of such a triumph Till poor Delamere is more at
ease I am content to enjoy the happiness of knowing your favourable
opinion without wishing by an insulting display of it to convince him
he has for ever
Thrown a pearl away richer than all his tribe
Yet I am sure you will think it still more cruel to give him hope I
will tell you all my weakness While I see you here all benignity and
goodness to me I feel for Lord Delamere infinite pity but were you to
receive him with your usual sweetness to give him many of those
enchanting smiles and to look at him with those soft eyes as if you
tenderly felt his sorrows I am not sure whether the most unreasonable
jealousy would not possess me and whether I should not hate him as much
as I now wish him well
That were to be indeed unreasonable and to act very inconsistently
with your natural candour and humanity I will not think so ill of you
as to believe you You know I must of course often see Lord Delamere
but after the avowal you have extorted from me surely I need not repeat
that I shall see him only as my friend
Godolphin then kissed her hands in rapture and for a few moments forgot
even his concern for Lady Adelina Emmeline now wished to break off the
conversation and he at length allowed her to leave him After having
enquired of Barret after her mistress who was happily in a calmer
sleep she retired to her own room where she hoped to have a few hours
of repose but notwithstanding the promises of Godolphin she felt as
the hour of the morning approached on which he was to meet FitzEdward
that anxiety chased away sleep and again made her suffer the cruellest
suspense
The heart of Godolphin glowing with the liveliest sense of his own
happiness yet felt with great keenness the unfortunate situation of his
sister He began to doubt whether he had any right to perpetuate her
wretchedness and whether it were not better to leave it to herself to
decide in regard to FitzEdward The delicacy of his honour made him see
an infinity of objections to their marriage which to common minds might
appear chimerical and romantic To that part of his own family who were
yet ignorant of her former indiscretion as he could not urge his
reasons his opposition of FitzEdward must seem capricious and unjust
Lord Westhaven must therefore either be told that which had hitherto
with so much pains been concealed from him or he must determine to
refer FitzEdward entirely to Lady Adelina herself and on this after
long deliberation he fixed
Exactly as the clock struck seven FitzEdward was at the door and was
introduced into Godolphins study who was already up and waiting for
him Emmeline still full of apprehension had arisen before six and
hearing Lady Adelina was still asleep had gone down stairs and waited
with a palpitating heart in the breakfast room
She was glad to distinguish at their first meeting the usual
salutations of the morning She listened but tho the rest of the house
was profoundly silent she could not hear their conversation or even the
tone in which it was carried on It was not however loud and she drew
from thence a favourable omen Near two hours passed during which
breakfast was carried in to them and as the servant passed backwards
and forwards she heard parts of sentences which assured her that then
at least they were conversing on indifferent subjects
Now therefore the agitation of her spirits began to subside and she
dared even to hope that this meeting would prove the means of
reconciliation rather than of producing those fatal effects she had
dreaded
In about a quarter of an hour however after they had finished their
breakfast they went out and crossed the lawn together Then again her
heart failed her and without knowing exactly what she intended she
took the little boy whom the maid had just brought to her and walked
as quickly as possible after them Before she could overtake them they
had reached the gate and in turning to shut it after him Godolphin saw
her and both together came hastily back to meet her At the same
moment the child putting out his hands to Godolphin called him papa
as he had been used to do and FitzEdward snatching him up kissed him
tenderly while his eyes were filled with tears
Godolphin took the hand of Emmeline Why this terror why this haste
said he observing her to be almost breathless
I thoughtI imaginedI was afraid answered she not knowing what
she said
Be not alarmed said GodolphinWe go together as friends
And Godolphin interrupted FitzEdward is again the same noble
minded Godolphin I once knew and have always loved
Let us say then cried Emmeline no more of the pastLet us look
forward only to the future
And the happiness of that future at least as far as it relates to me
depends dearest Miss Mowbray on you
On me
Godolphin wishes me not now to see his sister I have acquiesced He
wishes me even to refrain from seeing her till she has been six months a
widow With this also I have complied But as it is not in my power to
remain thus long in a suspence so agonizing as that I now endure he
allows me to write to her and refers wholly to herself my hopes and my
despair Ah generous lovely Emmeline _you_ can influence the mind of
your friend When she is calm give her the letter I will send to you
and if you would save me from a life of lingering anguish to which death
is preferable procure for me a favourable answer
Emmeline could not refuse a request made by FitzEdward which Godolphin
seemed not to oppose She therefore acquiesced and saw him after he
had again tenderly caressed the child depart with Godolphin who
desired her to return to the house in order to await Lady Adelinas
rising where he would soon join her With an heart lightened of half
the concern she had felt on this melancholy subject she now went to the
apartment of her poor friend who was just awakened from the stupor
rather than the sleep into which the soporifics she had taken had thrown
her With an heavy and reluctant eye she looked round her as if
hopeless of seeing the image now always present to her imagination
Emmeline approached her with the child She seemed happy to see them
and desiring her to sit down by the bed side saidTell me truly what
has happened Have I taken any medicine that has confused my head or
how happens it that I appear to have been in a long and most uneasy
dream Wild and half formed images still seem to float before my eyes
and when I attempt to make them distinct I am but the more bewildered
and uneasy
Think not about it then till the heaviness you complain of is gone
off
Tell me Emmeline have I really only dreamed or was a stranger here
yesterday I thought that suddenly I saw FitzEdward thin pale
emaciated looking as if he were unhappy and then as it has of late
often happened I lost at once all traces of him and in his place
Godolphin came and I know not what else it is all confusion and
terror
Emmeline now considered a moment and then concluded that it would be
better to relate distinctly to her since she now seemed capable of
hearing it all that had really passed the preceding evening than to
let her fatigue her mind by conjectures and enfeeble it by fears She
therefore gave her a concise detail of what had happened from the
accidental meeting with FitzEdward to the parting she had herself just
had with him in the garden She carefully watched the countenance of
Lady Adelina while she was speaking and saw with pleasure that tho
excessively agitated she melted into tears and heard with a calmer
joy than she had dared to hope the certainty of FitzEdwards tender
attachment and the unhoped for reconciliation between him and her
brother Having indulged her tears some time she tenderly pressed the
hand of Emmeline and said in a faint voice that she found herself
unable to rise and meet Godolphin till she had recovered a little more
strength of mind and that she wished to be left alone Emmeline
rejoiced to find her so tranquil left her and rejoined Godolphin who
was by this time returned and who read in the animated countenance of
Emmeline that she had favourable news to relate to him of his sister
While they enjoyed together the prospect of Lady Adelinas return to
health and peace of which they had both despaired the natural
chearfulness of Emmeline which anxiety and affection had so long
obscured seemed in some degree to return and feeling that she loved
Godolphin better than ever for that generous placability of spirit he
had shewn to the repentant FitzEdward she no longer attempted to
conceal her tenderness or withhold her confidence from her deserving
lover They breakfasted together and afterwards as Lady Adelina still
wished to be alone they walked over the little estate which lay round
the house and Emmeline allowed him to talk of the improvements he
meditated when she should become its mistress The pleasure however
which lightened in her eyes and glowed in her bosom was checked and
diminished when the image of Delamere in jealousy and despair intruded
itself And she could look forward to no future happiness for herself
undashed with sorrow while he remained in a state of mind so
deplorable When they returned into the house Barret brought to
Godolphin the following note
Dearest and most generous Godolphin I find myself unequal to
the task of _speaking_ on what has passed within these last twenty
four hours I wish still to see you But let our conversation turn
wholly on Lord Westhaven of whom I am anxious to hear and spare
me for the present on the subject which now blinds with tears
your weak but grateful and affectionate
ADELINA
Godolphin now assured her by Emmeline that he would mention nothing
that should give her a moments pain and that she should herself lead
the conversation
He soon after went up to her and Emmeline in her dressing room and
found her still calm tho very low and languid The name of FitzEdward
was carefully avoided But in the short time they were together
Godolphin observed that the eyes of Lady Adelina seemed on the entrance
of any one into the room fearfully and anxiously to examine whether
they brought the letter she had been taught to expect from FitzEdward
It was easy to see that she deeply meditated on the answer which she
must give and that she felt an internal struggle which Godolphin
feared might again unsettle her understanding She was too faint to sit
up long and desirous of being left entirely alone Godolphin had for
the rest of the day the happiness of entertaining Emmeline apart He
failed not to avail himself of it and drew from her a confession of her
partiality towards him even from the first day of their acquaintance
and long before she dared trust her heart to enquire into the nature of
those sentiments with which it was impressed
Late in the evening a messenger arrived with the expected letter from
FitzEdward To convince Godolphin of the perfect integrity with which
he acted he sent him a copy of it adding that he was then on his road
to London where he should await in painful solicitude the decision of
Lady Adelina It was determined that Emmeline should give her the letter
the next morning and that if after reading it she retained the same
languid composure which she had before shewn they should go in the
evening to Southampton and from thence proceed the following day to
London where Lord and Lady Westhaven so anxiously expected their
arrival
When Emmeline delivered the letter Lady Adelina turned pale and
trembled She left her to read it and on returning to her in about half
an hour Emmeline found her drowned in tears She seemed altogether
unwilling to speak of the contents of the letter but assured Emmeline
that she was very well able to undertake the journey her brother
proposed and she believed it would be rather useful than prejudicial to
her As to the letter added she with a deep sigh it will not for
some days be in my power to answer it
Every thing was by the diligence of Godolphin soon prepared for their
departure Lady Adelina her little boy Emmeline and Godolphin
attended by their servants went the same evening to Southampton from
whence they began their journey the next day and resting one night at
Farnham arrived early on the following at the house Lord Westhaven had
taken in Grosvenor street
The transports with which Lord Westhaven received his sister were
considerably checked by her melancholy air and faded form The beauty
and vivacity which she possessed when he last saw her were quite gone
tho she was now only in her twenty second year and tears and sighs
were the only language by which she could express the pleasure she felt
at again seeing him Imputing however this dejection entirely to her
late unfortunate marriage his Lordship expressed rather sorrow than
wonder He admired the little boy whom he believed to be the son of
Godolphin and he met Emmeline with that unreserved and generous
kindness he had ever shewn her
Lady Westhaven with the truest pleasure again embraced the friend of
her heart and with delight Emmeline met her but it was soon abated by
the sanguine hopes she expressed that nothing would now long delay the
happiness of Lord Delamere
My Emmeline said she will now be indeed my sister Lord Montreville
and my mother can no longer oppose a marriage so extremely advantageous
to their son _She_ will forgive them for their long blindness and
pardoning poor Delamere for the involuntary error into which he was
forced will constitute the happiness of him and of his family
To this Emmeline could only answer that she had not the least intention
of marrying Lady Westhaven laughed at that assertion And she foresaw a
persecution preparing for her on behalf of Delamere which was likely
to give her greater uneasiness than she had yet suffered from any event
of her life
Lord Westhaven as soon as they grew a little composed took an
opportunity of leaving the rest of the party and went into his dressing
room where he sent for Emmeline
Well my lovely cousin said he when she was seated I have seen
Lord Montreville on your business I cannot say that his Lordship
received me with pleasure But some allowances must be made for a man
who loves money on finding himself obliged to relinquish so large an
estate and to refund so large a sum as he holds of yours
I hope however you my Lord have had no dispute on my account with
the Marquis
Oh none in the world What he _thought_ I had no business to enquire
what he said was not much as he committed the arguments against you to
Sir Richard Crofts who talked very long and as far as I know very
learnedly He spoke like a lawyer and a politician I cut the matter
short by telling him that I should attend to nothing but from an honest
man and a gentleman
That was severe my Lord
Oh he did not feel it Wrapped in his own selfsufficiency and too
rich to recollect the necessity of being honest he still persisted in
trying to persuade me that nothing should be done in regard to restoring
your estate till all the deeds had been examined as he had his doubts
whether allowing your fathers marriage to be established great part
of the landed property is not entailed on the heirs male In short he
only seemed desirous of gaining time and giving trouble But the first
I was determined not to allow him and to shorten the second I took Mr
Newton with me the next day and desired Sir Richard if he could prove
any entail to produce his proofs For that he had an evasion readyhe
had not had _time_ to examine the deeds which I find are all in his
hands _We_ however were better prepared Mr Newton produced the
papers that authenticate your birth he offered to bring a witness who
was present when Mr Mowbray was married to Miss Stavordale nay even
the clergyman who performed the ceremony at Paris and who is found to
be actually living in Westmoreland The hand writing of your father is
easily proved and Mr Newton summing up briefly all the corroborating
testimonies that exist of your right to the Mowbray estate concluded by
telling Lord Montreville that at the end of two days he should wait
upon his Lordship for his determination whether he would dispute it in
a court of law or settle it amicably with me on behalf of his niece
Newton then left us and I desired your uncle to allow me a few moments
private conversation which as he could not refuse it obliged old
Crofts and that formal blockhead his son to leave us alone together I
then represented to him how greatly his character must suffer should the
affair become public That tho I believed myself he was really ignorant
of the circumstances which gave you from the moment of your fathers
death an undoubted claim to the whole of his fortune yet that the
world will not believe it but will consider him as a man so cruelly
insatiable so shamefully unjust as to take advantage of a defenceless
orphan to accumulate riches he did not want and had no right to enjoy
I added that if notwithstanding he chose to go into court he must
excuse me if I forgot the near connection I had with him and appeared
publicly as the assertor of your claim and of course as his enemy
The Marquis seemed very much hurt at the peremptory style in which I
thought myself obliged to speak He declined giving any positive answer
saying only that he must consult his wife and his son What the former
said I know not but the latter generous in his nature and adoring
_you_ protested to his father that he would himself as your next
nearest relation join in the suit against him if the estate was not
immediately given up This spirited resolution of Lord Delamere and the
opinions of several eminent lawyers whom Sir Richard was sent to
consult at length brought Lord Montreville to a resolution before the
expiration of the two days and last night I received a letter from him
to say that he would on Monday next account with you and put you in
possession of your estate the management of which however and the
care of your person he should reserve to himself till you were of
age
Good God exclaimed Emmeline trembling am I to meet my uncle on
Monday on this business
Yes and wherefore are you terrified
At the idea of his angerhis hatred and of being compelled to live
with the Marchioness who always disliked me and now must detest me
Lord Westhaven then assured her that he would be there to support her
spirits That her uncle whatever might be his feelings would not
express them by rudeness and asperity but would more probably be
desirous of shewing kindness and seeking reconciliation Yet that it was
improbable he should propose her residing with Lady Montreville whose
present state of health said he makes her incapable of leaving her
room and for whose life the most serious apprehensions are entertained
by her physicians
Emmeline thus reassured by Lord Westhaven on that subject and
extremely glad to hear there would be no necessity for proceedings at
law against her uncle returned with some chearfulness to the company
where it was not encreased by the entrance of Lord Delamere which
happened soon afterwards
The very ill state of health indicated by his appearance extremely hurt
her Nor was she less affected by his address to her so expressive of
the deepest anguish and regret She could not bear to receive him with
haughtiness and coldness but mildly and with smiles returned the
questions he put to her on common subjects His chagrin seemed to wear
off and hope which Emmeline as little wished to give again reanimated
in some degree his melancholy countenance
The next day and again the next he came to Lord Westhavens but
Emmeline cautiously avoided any conversation with him to which the whole
company were not witnesses Godolphin too was there her behaviour to
him was the same and she would suffer neither to treat her with any
degree of particularity Godolphin who knew her reason for being
reserved towards _him_ was content and Delamere who suspected not how
dangerous a rival he had was compelled to remain on the footing only of
a relation still hoping that time and perseverance might restore him to
the happiness he had lost
Monday now arrived and Emmeline was to wait on her uncle in
Berkleysquare At twelve oclock Lord Westhaven was ready Emmeline was
led by him into the coach They took up Mr Newton in Lincolnsinn and
then went to their rendezvous Emmeline trembled as Lord Westhaven took
her up stairs she remembered the terror she had once before suffered in
the same house and when she entered the drawingroom could hardly
support herself
The Marquis Sir Richard Crofts his eldest son and Lord Delamere with
two stewards and a lawyer were already there Lord Montreville coldly
and gravely returned his nieces compliments Sir Richard malignantly
eyed her from the corners of his eyes obscured by fat and Crofts put
on a look of pompous sagacity and consequential knowledge while Lord
Delamere who would willingly have parted with the whole of his paternal
fortune rather than with her seemed eager only to see a business
concluded by which she was to receive benefit
The lawyer in a set speech opened the business and expatiated largely
on Lord Montrevilles great generosity
Lord Westhaven looked over the accounts they appeared to have been made
out right The title deeds of the estate were then produced the usual
forms gone thro and papers signed which put Emmeline in possession of
them All passed with much silence and solemnity Lord Montreville said
very little and ineffectually struggled to conceal the extreme
reluctance with which he made this resignation When the business was
completed Emmeline advanced to kiss the hand of her uncle he saluted
her but without any appearance of affection and coldly enquired how
she intended to dispose of herself
I propose my Lord wholly to refer myself to your Lordship as to my
present residence or any other part of my conduct in which you will
honour me with your advice
I am sorry Miss Mowbray that the ill state of health of the
Marchioness prevents my having the pleasure of your company here
However my daughter Lady Westhaven will of course be happy to have you
remain with her till you have fixed on some plan of life or till you
are of age
Not only till Miss Mowbray is of age my Lord but ever both Lady
Westhaven and myself should be gratified by having her with us said
Lord Westhaven
To this no answer was given and a long silence ensued
Emmeline felt distressed and at length saidI believe my Lord Lady
Westhaven will expect us
They then rose and taking a formal leave of the Marquis were allowed
to leave the room Lord Delamere however took Emmelines hand and as
he led her to the coach implored her to indulge him with one moments
conversation at any hour when they might not be interrupted But with
great firmness yet with great sweetness she told him that she must be
forgiven if she adhered to a resolution she had made to give no audience
on the topic he wished to speak upon for many months to come
Almost two years exclaimed healmost two long years must I wait
without knowing whether at the end of that time you will hear and pity
me Ah can you Emmeline persist in such cruelty
A good morning to your Lordship said she as she got into the coach
Will you dine with us Delamere asked Lord Westhaven
Yes and will go home with you now and dress in Grosvenor street He
then gave some orders to his servants and stepped into the coach
I never was less disposed in my life said he to rejoin a party
than I am to go back to those grave personages up stairs it is with the
utmost difficulty I command my temper to meet those Crofts on the most
necessary business My blood boils my soul recoils at them
Pooh pooh cried Lord Westhaven you are always taking unreasonable
aversions Your blood is always boiling at some body or other I tell
you the Crofts are good necessary plodding people Not too refined
perhaps in points of honour nor too strict in those of honesty but
excellent at the main chance as you may see by what they have done for
themselves
Delamere then uttered against them a dreadful execration and went on to
describe the whole family with great severity and with great truth
till he at length talked himself into a violent passion and Lord
Westhaven with difficulty brought him to be calm by the time they had
set down Mr Newton and stopped at his own door At the same instant
Lord Westhavens coach arrived there a splendid chariot most elegantly
decorated came up also Delamere struck with its brilliancy examined
the arms and saw his own looking into it he changed countenance and
said to Lord WesthavenUpon my word Crofts wife and your Swiss
relation de Bellozane
Crofts wife
Aye I mean the woman who was once Fanny Delamere my sister
Come Delamere forget these heartburnings and remember that she is
your sister still
I should be glad to know if it were worth my while to enquire what
business Bellozane has with _her_
By this time they were in the house where Lady Frances and the
Chevalier arrived also
Lord Westhaven met them with his usual politeness but Delamere only
slightly touched his hat to Bellozane and sternly saluted his sister
with your servant Lady Frances Crofts He then passed them and went
into Lord Westhavens dressing room while her Ladyship regardless of
his displeasure and affecting the utmost gaity talked and laughed with
Lord Westhaven as she went up stairs Emmeline followed them listening
to the whispered compliments of Bellozane with great coldness and Lady
Frances entering with a fashionable flounce the drawing room where her
sister was criedWell child how are you I beg your pardon for not
coming to enquire after you sooner but I have had such crowds of
company at Belleville Lodge that it was impossible to escape And
heres this animal here this relation of your Lords really haunts me
so I was forced at last to bring him with me This speech was
accompanied by a significant smile directed to Bellozane
Lady Westhaven checked by such an address from flying into the arms of
her sister now expressed without any great warmth that she was glad
to see her Something like general conversation was attempted But Lady
Frances who hoped to hide under the affectation of extravagant
spirits the envy and mortification with which she contemplated the
superior happiness of her sister soon engrossed the discourse entirely
She talked only of men of the first rank or of _beaux esprits_ their
associates who had been down in parties to Belleville Lodge the name
she had given to her villa near Richmond and she repeated compliments
which both the Lords and the wits had made to her figure and her
understanding When she seemed almost to have exhausted this interesting
topic Lady Westhaven said as if merely for the sake of saying
somethingMr Crofts has been so obliging as to call here twice since
we came to London but unluckily was not let in Pray how does he do
Mr Crofts Oh I know very little of him At this time of the year we
never meet _He_ lives you know in Burlington street and _I_ live at
Belleville and if he comes thither as he sometimes does of a Friday or
Saturday he finds me too much engaged to know whether he is there or
not I believe tho he is very well and I think the last time I saw
him he was nearly as lively and amusing as he usually is Dont you
think he was Bellozane
_O assurement oui_ replied the Chevalier sneeringly _Monsieur
Croff a toujours beaucoup de vivacité__Cest un homme fort amusant ce
Monsieur Croff43
Lady Westhaven disgusted shocked and amazed had no power to take any
share in such a dialogue and Lady Frances went on
Well but now I assure you Augusta Im going to be most uncommonly
good and am coming tho tis a terrible heavy undertaking to pass a
whole week without company with _mon tres cher Mari_ in
Burlingtonstreet Nay I will go still farther and make a family party
with you to the play which I generally detest of all things
That is being really very kind said Lady Westhaven But since you
are so tenderly disposed towards your own family would it not be well
if you were to enquire after my mother You know I suppose how very
ill she is how much worse tis feared she may be
Yes I shall certainly call replied Lady Frances with the utmost
_sang froid_ before I go home But as to her illness you are
frightened at nothing she has only her old complaints
Her old complaints And are not they enough If _I_ were in a situation
to be useful to her or even as it is if Lord Westhaven would permit
me I should certainly think it my duty constantly to attend her
Probably you might And it is equally probable that it would be of no
use if you did She has Brackley and all her own people about her and
no more _could_ be done for her even tho you were to hazard your
_precious_ life or if _I_ who you know would not risk by it that of
an heir to an Earldom should sacrifice _my_ ease and _my_ friends to
attend her
The unfeeling malignity of this speech was so extremely distressing to
Lady Westhaven that she could hardly command her tears
Lord Westhaven saw her emotion and said Augusta my love your sister
is too brilliant for you You have not acquired that last polish of high
life which quite effaces all other feelings nor will you perhaps
ever arrive at it
God forbid that I ever should cried Lady Westhaven unable to conceal
her indignation
Poor thing said Lady Frances with the most unblushing
assuranceYou have curious ideas of domestic felicity and its a
thousand pities that instead of being what you are destiny had not
made you the snug notable wife of a country parson with three or four
hundred a yearYou would have been pure and happy to drive about in a
one horse chaise make custards walk tame about the house and bring
the good man a baby every year but really you are now quite out of
your element She then rang the bell for her carriage which being soon
ready she gaily wished her sister good day and the Chevalier handed
her down stairs where as she descended she said loud enough to be
heard _Sil ya une chose au monde que je deteste plus quun notre
cest la tristesse dune societé comme cela_44 The Chevalier assented
with his lips but his heart and his wishes were fled towards Emmeline
He was however so engaged with her proud and insolent rival that he
no longer dared openly to avow his predilection for her and Lady
Frances seemed so sure of the strength of that attachment which was her
disgrace that she brought him on purpose where Emmeline was to shew
how little she apprehended his defection
Lord Westhaven after pausing a second ran down stairs after them and
just as Bellozane was stepping into the chariot took him by the arm
and begged to speak to him for two minutes
He apologized to Lady Frances and they went together into a room where
Lord Westhaven with all the warmth which his relationship authorized
remonstrated against his stay in England represented the expence and
uneasiness it must occasion to the good old Baron and above all
exhorted him to fly immediately from the dangerous society of Lady
Frances Crofts
Bellozane received this advice from his cousin with a very ill grace He
said that he could not discover why his Lordship assumed an authority
over him or pretended either to blame his past conduct or dictate his
future That he came to England a stranger brought thither by his
honourable passion for Miss Mowbray which he had a right to pursue but
that Mr Godolphin who was his only relation then in England had
either from accident or design shewn him very little attention while
Lady Frances had with the most winning _honeteté_ invited him to her
house and supplied the want of _that_ hospitality which his own family
had not afforded him And that infinitely obliged as he was to her he
should ill brook any reflection on a woman of honour who was his friend
But my Lord added he if your Lordship will allow me to visit here
as Miss Mowbrays favoured lover I will not only drop the acquaintance
of Lady Frances but will put myself entirely under your Lordships
direction
Lord Westhaven piqued and provoked answeredthat he had no power
whatever to direct Miss Mowbray and if he had should never advise her
to receive him Be assured Monsieur le Chevalier that you have no
chance of ever being acceptable to her and you must think no more of
her
Bellozane equally impatient of advice and contradiction burst from
him and went back to Lady Frances in a very ill humour
Delamere who had been dressing while his eldest sister remained now
joined Lady Westhaven and Emmeline in the drawing room Thither also
came Lady Adelina who during the five days they had been in town had
not been well enough till this day to dine below
She was now languid and faint and obliged to retire as soon as the
cloth was removed to her own room Emmeline attended her and when they
were alone together she complained of finding herself every day more
indisposed The air of London said she is not good for my child I
cannot help fancying he droops already And the noise of a house where
there are unavoidably so many visitors and such a multitude of
servants is too much for my spirits As Lord Westhaven is desirous of
my staying in London till my sister Clancarryl arrives that we may meet
all together after being so many years divided I will not press my
return to East Cliff but I wish he would allow me to go to some village
near London where I may occasionally enjoy solitude and silence for I
have that upon my heart Emmeline that demands both
Emmeline communicated her wish to Godolphin the same evening who
undertook to settle it with Lord Westhaven as his sister desired and
the next day Lady Adelina and her little boy removed to Highgate where
her brother had procured her a handsome lodging and he quitting those
he usually occupied in town went to reside with her
After having been there a few days she sent to Emmeline the following
letter which she desired might be delivered by her own hand
_To the Honourable George FitzEdward
I have thus long forborne to answer your letter because I have
not till now been able to collect that strength of mind which is
necessary when I am to obey the inexorable duty that tears me from
you for ever
That you yet _love_ me well enough to solicit my hand is I own
most soothing and consolatory but where FitzEdward is the
Lethean cup without which you cannot _esteem_ mewithout which I
cannot esteem myself No I am not worthy the honour of being your
wife It is fit my fault be punishedpunished by the cruel
obligation it lays me under of renouncing the man I love
FitzEdward I will not dissemble I cannot if I would My
affection for you is become a part of my existence and can end
but in the grave Under the dread of your infidelity or your
danger my reason was too weak to support me now that I have no
longer any apprehensions of either my reason is returnedit is
returned to shew me all my wretchedness and to afford me that
light by which I must plunge a dagger into my own bosom
Had I however no objections on my own account there is one
that on another appears insuperable Were the marriage you solicit
to take place and to be followed by a family could I bear that my
William the delight and support of my life should be as an alien
in his fathers house and either appear as the son of Godolphin or
learn to blush for his mother
We must part FitzEdward Indeed we must Or if we are obliged
to meet do you at least forget that we ever met before
I know that the daughter of Lord Westhaven in youth beauty and
innocence would not have been however portionless unworthy of
you But what would you receive in the widow of Trelawny A mind
unsettled by guilt and sorrow spirits which have lost all relish
for felicity a blemished if not a ruined reputation a faded
person and an exhausted heartexhausted of almost every sentiment
but that so fatally predominant which now forces me to blot my
paper with tears as I write this last farewel
Farewel most beloved FitzEdwardAh try if it be possible to
be happy Be assured I wish it even tho it be necessary for that
end to drive from your memory for ever the lost
ADELINA TRELAWNY
Emmeline to whom this letter was sent open could not but approve the
sentiments it contained while her heart bled for the pain it must have
cost Lady Adelina and for that which it must inflict on FitzEdward
When she had dispatched a note to his lodgings to name an early hour
the next day for speaking to him she went down into the drawing room
where a large party of company were already assembled Emmeline to
avoid a particular conversation with Lord Delamere which he incessantly
solicited placed herself near one of the card tables when at a late
hour of the evening dressed in the utmost exuberance of fashion
blazing in jewels and blooming in rouge entered Mrs James Crofts
followed by the two eldest of her daughters one drest in the character
of Charlotte in the Sorrows of Werter and the other as Emma the nut
brown maid Their air and manner were adapted as they believed to the
figures of those characters as they appear in the print shops and their
excessive affectation together with the gaudy appearance of their mama
nearly conquered the gravity of Emmeline and of many others of the
company
While Mrs Crofts paid her compliments to Lady Westhaven and Emmeline
and gave herself all those airs which she believed put her upon an
equality with the circle she was in the two Misses anxiously watched
the impression which they concluded their charms must make on the
gentlemen present Their mama had told them that most likely all of them
were Lords or Lords sons at least and the girls were not without
hopes that among them there might be some of that species of men of
quality whom modern novelists describe as being in the habit of
carrying forcibly away beautiful young creatures with whom perchance
they become enamoured and marrying them in despite of all opposition
They longed above all things to meet with such adventures and to be
carried off by a Lord or a Baronet at least whose letters afterwards
to some dear Charles or Harry could not fail to edify the world After
Mrs Crofts had displayed her dress and convinced the company of her
being quite in a good style of life and when her daughters had
committed hostilities for near an hour upon the hearts of the gentlemen
they sailed out in the same state as they entered nor could all
Emmelines good humour prevent her smiling at the satyrical remarks made
on them by some of the company nothing more strongly exciting the
ridicule and contempt of people of real fashion than awkward and
impotent efforts to imitate them
The next day FitzEdward attended at the hour Emmeline appointed and
received from her the letter of Lady Adelina with a degree of anguish
which gave great pain to Emmeline and Godolphin Still however he was
not quite deprived of hope but flattered himself that the persuasions
of her sister Lady Clancarryl who was now every day expected with her
husband and family to pass the rest of the winter in London added to
those of Lord Westhaven and the good offices of Emmeline would
together prevail on Lady Adelina to alter a resolution which rendered
them both wretched
Some weeks however passed and she still adhered to it while the
melancholy conversation which Emmeline frequently had with FitzEdward
and the importunity and unhappiness of Delamere deprived her of much of
that tranquillity she might otherwise have enjoyed particularly after
the recovery of Lady Westhaven who presented her Lord with a son and
the arrival of Mrs Stafford and her family from France
Lord Westhaven who held a promise particularly sacred when made to the
unfortunate had procured for Mr Stafford a lucrative employment in the
West Indies Thither he immediately went and his wife whose spirits
and health were greatly hurt was happy to accept the offer Emmeline
made her of going down with her children to Mowbray Castle The Marquis
of Montreville had presented his niece with the furniture he had sent
thither being in truth ashamed to charge it there was therefore every
thing necessary and there Emmeline intended Mrs Stafford should reside
till she should be established in some residence agreeable to her
which she intended to fix if possible near her own and she now felt all
the advantages of that fortune which enabled her to repay the
obligations she owed to her earliest friend
Footnote 43 Oh certainly Mr Crofts is always very sprightly A most
entertaining personage
Footnote 44 If there is any thing in the world I utterly detest tis
such dismal society as that
The rank and extensive connections of Lady Westhaven led her
unavoidably into a good deal of company but it was among persons as
respectable for their virtues as their station Emmeline of course
often accompanied her but almost all her mornings and frequently her
evenings were dedicated to Lady Adelina who hardly saw any body but
her Lady Westhaven her brothers and her sister and never went out
but for the air
Godolphin passed with her much of his time to the love and pity he had
before felt for her was added veneration and esteem excited by the
heroism of her conduct At her lodgings too he could see Emmeline
without the restraint they were under in other places There he could
talk to her of his love and there she consented to hear him
Lady Westhaven went constantly every morning to visit her mother who
had lately been rather better and whose health her physicians
entertained some hopes of reestablishing Her own unhappy temper seemed
to be the chief impediment to her recovery her violent passions
unsubdued by sickness and disappointment and her immeasurable pride
which even the approach of death could not conquer kept her nerves
continually on the stretch and allowed her no repose of mind even when
her bodily sufferings were suspended That her favourite project of
uniting the only surviving branches of her own family by the marriage
of Lord Delamere and Miss Otley was now for ever at an end was a
perpetual source of murmuring and discontent And tho Emmeline had as
splendid a fortune with a person and a mind infinitely more lovely her
Ladyship could not yet prevail upon herself to desire that the name for
which she felt such proud veneration and the fortune of her own
illustrious ancestors should be enjoyed or carried down to posterity
by her who had become the object of her capricious but inveterate
dislike
Emmeline was very glad that the Marchioness thro prejudice and her
uncle thro shame forbore to persecute her in favour of their son but
tho perfectly aware of the antipathy Lady Montreville entertained
towards her she yet shewed her all the attention she would receive and
would even constantly have waited on her had she not expressed more
pain than pleasure in her presence
Lady Frances Crofts by this time fixed in Burlington street for the
winter called now and then on her mother but her visits were short and
cold It unfortunately happened that the Marchioness whose amusement
was now almost solely confined to reading the daily prints had found in
one of them a paragraph evidently pointed at the intimacy subsisting
between Lady Frances and the Chevalier de Bellozane which had long been
the topic of public scandal
Lady Frances called upon her while her mind was under the first
impression of this disgraceful circumstance and she spoke to her
daughter of her improper attachment to that young foreigner with more
than her usual severity Lady Frances far from hearing her remonstrance
with calmness retorted with rudeness and asperity what she termed
unjust reproaches and asserted her own right to associate with whom she
pleased The Marchioness grew more enraged and they parted in great
wrath in consequence of which Lady Montreville in the inconsiderate
excess of her anger sent for her husband and her son and exclaiming
with all her natural acrimony against the shameful conduct of Lady
Frances insisted upon their obliging Crofts to separate his wife from
her dangerous and improper acquaintance and forcing her immediately
into the country
Lord Montreville who had already heard too much of his daughters
general light conduct and her particular partiality to Bellozane now
saw new evils gathering round him from which he knew not how to escape
The fiery and impatient Delamere already irritated against Bellozane
for his pretensions to Emmeline broke forth in menace and invective
and nothing but his fathers anguish and even tears prevented his
flying directly to him to execute that vengeance which his mother had
dictated She herself in the violence of her passion had overlooked
the consequence of putting this affair into the hands of the
inconsiderate and headlong Delamere but when she saw him thus inflamed
terror for _him_ was added to resentment against her daughter and
altogether produced such an effect on her broken constitution that in a
few days afterwards her complaints returned with great violence and all
remedies proving ineffectual she expired in less than a fortnight Lady
Westhaven and Emmeline attended on her themselves for the last four or
five days but she was insensible and knew neither of them Delamere
very fond of his mother and whose feelings were painfully acute
suffered for many days the most violent paroxysms of grief yet it was a
considerable alleviation to reflect that he had not finally been the
cause of her death Lord Montreville bore it with more composure and
the softer tho deep sorrow of Lady Westhaven found relief in the
constant and tender attention of her Lord and the sympathy of Emmeline
Lady Frances Crofts not insensible to remorse but resolutely stifling
it affected to hear the news with proper concern yet as what had been
for many months expected She sent constantly to enquire after her
father and the Marquis hoping that while her mind was softened by such
a mournful event his remonstrance might make a deeper impression
determined to go to her therefore the day after the remains of the
Marchioness had been carried to the family vault of the Delameres he
took his chair and went to Burlington street
On entering the house the servants who concluded he came to Mr
Crofts were taking him into those apartments below which their master
occupied but his Lordship told them he must speak to their lady Her
own footman said her Ladyship had given orders to be denied
To her father puppysaid Lord Montreville Where is she
In her dressing room my Lord
He then passed alone up stairsAs he went he heard the voice of
laughter and gaiety and was more shocked than surprised when on
opening the door he saw Lady Frances in a morning dishabille and the
Chevalier de Bellozane making her tea At the entrance of her father
thus unexpectedly she changed colour but soon assuming her usual
assured manner said she was glad to see his Lordship well enough to
come out
Dismiss this young man said he sternly I must speak to you alone
_Va mon ami_ cried Lady Frances with the utmost ease _pour
quelques moments_
Bellozane left the room and then Lord Montreville with paternal
affection tried to move her But she had conquered her feelings and
answered with great calmnessThat conscious of her own innocence she
was quite indifferent to the opinion of the world And that tho she
certainly wished to be upon good terms with her own family yet if any
part of it chose to think ill of her they must do so entirely from
prejudice which it was little worth her while to attempt removing
Lord Montreville now provoked beyond all endurance gave way to the
indignation with which he was inflamed and denounced his malediction
against her if she did not immediately dismiss Bellozane and regulate
her manner of life She heard him with the most callous insensibility
and let him depart without making any attempt to appease his anger or
calm his apprehensions From her he went down to Crofts to whom he
forcibly represented the necessity there was for putting an immediate
stop to the scandal which the conduct of his wife occasioned
Pusillanimous and meanspirited Crofts chose neither to risk his
personal safety with the Chevalier nor the diminution of his fortune by
attempting to procure a divorce which would compel him to return what
he loved much better than honour
He saw many others do extremely well and mightily respected whose
wives were yet gayer than his own and convinced that while he had money
he should always obtain as much regard as he desired he rather excused
to Lord Montreville the conduct of Lady Frances than shewed any
disposition to resent it The Marquis left him with contempt and
ordered his chair to Lord Westhavens As he went he could not forbear
reflecting on the contrast between his eldest and youngest daughter and
between his eldest daughter and his niece He grew extremely anxious for
Lord Delameres marriage with Emmeline sure of finding in her an
honour to his family which might console him for his present
misfortunes and he deeply regretted that infatuation which had blinded
him to her superior merit and hazarded losing her for ever Disgusted
already with the Crofts he remembered that it had been in a great
measure owing to them and he thought of them only with repentance and
dislike
He saw Lord Westhaven alone and relating to him all that had passed
that morning besought him to consider what could be done to divide
Bellozane from Lady Frances Crofts
Lord Westhaven had seen and heard too much of the intimacy between them
He was extremely hurt that so near a relation of his own should occasion
such uneasiness in the family of his wife but as he had not invited him
over and always discouraged his stay he had on that head nothing with
which to reproach himself And all he could now do was to promise that
he would speak again to Bellozane and write to the Baron de St Alpin
entreating him to press the return of his son to Switzerland His
Lordship entered warmly into the apprehensions of Lord Montreville and
undertook to use all his influence with Delamere to prevent his running
rashly into a quarrel with a young man as passionate and as violent as
himself
Lord Montreville then spoke of Emmeline and expressed his wishes that
the union between her and his son might speedily be accomplished but on
this subject Lord Westhaven gave him very little hopes Tho Emmeline
had done her utmost to conceal even from Lord and Lady Westhaven the
true state of her heart his Lordship had in their frequent conferences
on her affairs clearly perceived what were her sentiments But since
they were in favour of his brother he could not think of attempting to
alter them however sorry for Delamere and could only determine to
observe an absolute neutrality
He did not communicate to the Marquis all he thought but told him in
general that Emmeline seemed at present averse to every proposal of
marriage and firm in the resolution she had made to remain single
till she had completed her twentyfirst year Lord Westhaven sent for
Bellozane who had lately been less frequent in his visits at
Grosvenorstreet and who seemed to resent the coldness with which his
cousins received him and to have conceived great anger at the reserve
and even aversion with which Emmeline treated him The servant whom his
Lordship dispatched with a note to Bellozane returned in about ten
minutes and said that the Chevalier was gone to Bath Lord Westhaven
now hoped that for some time the intercourse which had given such
offence and occasioned such misery would be at an end in the
afternoon however Crofts came in and on Lady Westhavens enquiry
after her sister he told her that she was going that afternoon to
Speenhamland in her way to Bath Conduct so glaringly improper and
unfeeling a defiance so bold to the opinions of the world and the
common decencies of society extremely hurt both her Ladyship and her
Lord The latter however found some satisfaction in reflecting that at
least Delamere and Bellozane could not immediately meet
Above a month now passed with as much tranquillity as the ardent
supplications of Delamere to Emmeline would admit Lord and Lady
Clancarryl with their family arrived in London to pass the rest of the
winter and Lady Adelina insensibly won from her retirement by the
pleasure of meeting at once her sister and her two brothers seemed to
be in better health and sometimes in better spirits As she was now
frequently induced to join these charming family parties she was
obliged to see FitzEdward among them and he entertained new hopes that
she would at length conquer her scruples and accept his hand she
carefully however avoided all conversation with him but in mixed
company and Emmeline being continually with her they were equally
prevented from hearing with any degree of particularity Godolphin or
FitzEdward
The Marchioness of Montreville had now been dead almost two months and
Lady Westhaven who from respect to her memory had hitherto forborne to
appear in public was prevailed upon to go to a new play for the author
of which a nobleman one of her friends being particularly interested
he prevailed on all the people of fashion and taste whom he knew to
attend on the third night of its representation Lady Westhaven Lady
Clancarryl and Emmeline were by his earnest entreaties induced to be
among them but as Lord Westhaven Lord Clancarryl Godolphin and
FitzEdward were absent being gone all together to the seat of the
former in Kent for a few days they foresaw but little pleasure in the
party and Lady Westhaven expressed even a reluctance for which she knew
not how to account The eagerness of Lordto serve his friend at
length overruled her objections his Lordship himself and Lord Delamere
were to attend them and they were to be joined by some other ladies
there The stage box had been retained for them and they proceeded to
the playhouse where they were hardly seated before Lady Westhaven saw
with infinite mortification and alarm her sister Lady Frances Crofts
enter the next box handed by the Chevalier de Bellozane and
accompanied by a lady of fashion indeed but of very equivocal
character with whom she had lately contracted a great intimacy All
attention to the play was now at an end Incapable of receiving
amusement Lady Westhaven would instantly have returned home and
Emmeline who saw rage and fierceness in the countenance of Lord
Delamere was equally anxious to do so but they knew not how to account
for such a wish to their party without making their fears public and
while they deliberated how to act the play went on Lady Frances as if
quite unconscious of any impropriety in her conduct spoke to them and
to Delamere They forced themselves to answer her with civility but her
brother turning from her darted an angry look at Bellozane and went
to the other side of the house He from thence watched with indignation
the familiar whispers which passed between her and the Chevalier and
reflecting on the recent death of his mother which had been hastened if
not occasioned by this connection remembering how greatly the
sufferings of her last hours had been embittered by it and recalling to
his memory a thousand other causes of anger against Bellozane he heated
his imagination with the review of these injuries till he raised
himself into an agony of passion which it was soon impossible for him
had he been so disposed to restrain
A very few minutes after the play ended Lady Westhaven impatient to
get away before her sister beckoned to Delamere and finding her
servants ready told her party she was too much tired to stay the
entertainment and rose with Emmeline to go Lordled her Ladyship
and Delamere took the hand of Emmeline the two former walked hastily
thro the lobby but as the two latter followed they were suddenly
stopped by Rochely who making one of his solemn bows advanced close
to Emmeline and with great composure congratulated her in his usual
slow and monotonous manner on her late acquisitions assured her of his
great respect and esteem and added that as he understood she would
when she came of age be possessed of a large sum of money he flattered
himself she would allow him to manage it for her as Lord Montreville at
present did declaring that nobody could be more attentive to the
interest of his customers The profound gravity with which in such a
place he made such a request the sordid meanness of spirit which
could induce a man already so very rich to solicit custom with the
avidity of a mechanic beginning business and the uncouth and formal
figure of the person himself would have excited in Emmeline ridicule as
well as contempt at any other time but now distrest at the delay this
meeting occasioned she hurried over some answer she hardly knew what
and hastened towards the door Just however before they reached it
Bellozane with Lady Frances Crofts hanging on his arm overtook and
passed them the Chevalier slightly touched his hat to Emmeline and
Lady Frances nodding familiarly saidGood night good night Lady
Frances and Bellozane went on and Emmeline who saw fury in the eyes of
Delamere now wished as much to linger behind as she had before done to
hurry forward But Delamere quickening his pace overtook them as they
descended the steps and rushed so closely and with so much intended
rudeness by Bellozane that it was with the utmost difficulty he could
avoid falling and dragging his fair associate with him The fiery
Frenchman recovering his footing turned fiercely to Delamere and
asked in French what he meant Lord Delamere in the same language
replied that he meant to tell him he was a scoundrel Instantly a
mutual blow was exchanged the shrieks of Emmeline brought the
sentinels who together with the croud which immediately gathered
forced them from each other
Lordwho had taken care of Lady Westhaven to her coach alarmed at
Emmelines not joining them and at the noise he heard now came back to
see what was the matter He met her more dead than alive coming
towards him attended by a stranger and she had just breath enough to
implore him not to think of _her_ but to find Lord Delamere and try to
prevent the fatal consequence of what had just happened
Leaving her to the care of the gentleman he had found her with who
almost supported her to the coach his Lordship went forward in quest
of Delamere whom he met with two or three other gentlemen Bellozane
after stating to them the affront he had received and giving Lord
Delamere a card had returned back into the lobby with Lady Frances and
her friend from whence it was supposed he had gone out with them across
the stage as Lady Frances appeared in great alarm Lordnow
entreated Delamere to go with him to the coach where he told him his
sister was in the utmost terror for his safety But enquiring eagerly
whether Miss Mowbray was safe with her and hearing she was he said he
would be in Grosvenorstreet to supper and desired they would go home
Lordthen very warmly remonstrated on the cruelty of terrifying his
sister and insisted on his going with him to the coach but they were
by this time among the croud at the door where people began to go out
fast and Delamere whose passions were now inflamed to a degree of
madness broke violently away from his Lordship and rushing into the
street instantly disappeared Every attempt which himself his
servants or some gentlemen who were witnesses to the transaction made
to find him being ineffectual Lordnow returned to the coach
where Lady Westhaven was fainting in the arms of Emmeline who equally
alarmed and hardly able to support herself was trying to assist and
console her Lord instead of returning to his own family now sent
a footman to desire they would go home without him and remaining in
Lady Westhavens carriage directed it to be driven with the utmost
speed to Grosvenor street As they went he attempted to appease the
agonizing fears of them both by persuading them that they might find
Lord Delamere at home before them but they knew too well the ferocity
with which he was capable of pursuing his vengeance when it was once
awakened and arrived at home in such disorder that neither could
speakThe coach however no sooner stopped than somebody ran out
They had no power to ask who but the voice was that of Godolphin who
finding his brother likely to be detained two days longer and existing
only while he could see Emmeline every hour had returned alone to town
and now waited their arrival from the play He was astonished at the
situation he found them in as he assisted them out of the carriage He
received however a brief account of the cause from Lord while
Lady Westhaven a little recovered by the sight of Godolphin and the
hartshorn and water she had taken found her voice
For Gods sake dear Godolphin lose not a moment but go after my
brother We dread lest he went immediately in search of BellozaneOh
fly and endeavour to prevent the horrid effects that may be expected
from their meeting
Pray go said Emmeline Pray go instantly
Godolphin needed not entreaty He took his hat and ran away directly
without knowing whither to go He thought however that it was possible
Delamere might go to Berkley square and send from thence an appointment
to Bellozane Thither therefore he hastened but heard that Lord
Delamere had not been at home since he dressed to dine in Grosvenor
street and that the Marquis was gone to Lord Dornocks where he was to
stay some days news which encreased the alarm of Godolphin who had
hoped that his influence might be used to prevent the rashness of his
son He ordered Millefleur and Delameres coachman footmen and
grooms to run different ways in search of their master while he went
himself to the lodgings of Bellozane Bellozane he learnt came from
Bath only that morning and had dressed at his lodgings but had not
been there since
He now flew to the house of Lady Frances Crofts Mr Crofts was gone
down to his fathers and Lady Frances who had come from Bath the same
day had dined with her friend and was to be set down by her carriage
after supper Eagerly asking the name of this friend he was directed to
Charlotte street Oxford street where on hastening he found Lady
Frances who was vainly attempting to conquer the terrors that possessed
her Bellozane he heard had procured chairs for her and the lady with
her at the stage door and had there wished them a good night tho
they had both intreated of him to go home with them They added that
they had refused to let him look for their carriage which was driven
off in the croud lest he should meet with Delamere but were greatly
afraid he had gone back to the avenues of the playhouse with that
design Godolphin however unpromising his search yet appeared
determined not to relinquish it But while he continued running from
place to place Lady Westhaven and Emmeline sat listening to every noise
and terrifying themselves with conjectures the most dreadful Almost as
soon as Godolphin was gone they had conjured Lordto go on the same
search but he returned not and of Godolphin they heard nothing Even
the late hours when fashionable parties break up now passed by Every
coach that approached made them tremble between hope and fear but it
rolled away to a distance Another and another passed and their
dreadful suspence still continued Emmeline would have persuaded Lady
Westhaven to go to bed but nothing could induce her to think of it She
sometimes traversed the room with hurried steps sometimes sat listening
at the window and sometimes ran out to the stair case where all the
servants except those who had been dispatched in pursuit of Lord
Delamere were assembled
The streets were now quiet the watch called a quarter past five and
convinced that if something fatal had not happened some body would have
returned to them by this time their terror grew insupportable A quick
rap was now heard at the door Emmeline flew to the stairsIs it Lord
Delamere No Madam replied a servant it is Captain Godolphin
Afraid of asking yet unable to bear another moment of suspence she
flew down part of the stairs Godolphin with a countenance paler than
death caught her in his armsWhither would you go cried he
trembling as he spoke
Have you foundDelamere
I have
Alive and well
Alivebut
Oh Godbut what
Wounded I fear to death Keep his sister from knowing it too
suddenly
That was almost impossible Lady Westhaven had at first sat down in the
drawing room in that breathless agony which precluded the power of
enquiry then losing her weakness in desperation she ran down
determined to know the worst and was already on the stairs
Emmeline white and faint leaned on GodolphinWhere is he where is
my brother cried Lady Westhaven
Godolphin beckoned to the servants to assist him in getting her up
stairs After a moment they were all in the drawing room
Tell me cried she with an accent and look of despairTell me for I
will know You have seen my brother he is killed I know he is killed
He is alive answered Godolphin hardly bearing to wound her ears
with such intelligence as he had to deliverat least he _was_ alive
when I left him
_Was_ alive He is wounded thenand dying
It were useless and cruel to deceive you I greatly fear he is
Uttering a faint shriek Lady Westhaven now sprung towards the door and
protested she would go to him wherever he was Emmeline clung about her
and besought her to be patientto be pacified
Perhaps cried she his situation may not be so desperate Let us
rather enquire what can be done for him than indulge the extravagance
of our own despair
Ah tell me then wherehow Lady Westhaven could say no more
Godolphin thought it best to satisfy her
I will not relate the first part of my search It was fruitless At
length I saw a croud before the door of the Bedford I asked what was
the matter and heard that two gentlemen had fought a duel by
candlelight with swords that one was killed and the other had escaped
This was too much like what I expected to hear I forced my way into the
room Lord Delamere was bleeding on the ground Two surgeons were with
him I cleared the room of all but them and the necessary attendants I
saw him carefully conveyed to bed I left them with him and came to
tell you Now I must hasten back to him I will not flatter you the
surgeons gave me very littleindeed no hope of his life
Oh my father my father exclaimed Lady Westhaven what will become
of him when he hears this
I would go to him said Godolphin but that I must return to poor
Delamere What little he said was to request that I would stay with
him
Go then said Emmelinewe must do without you Let him not miss the
comfort of your presence
Yes answered he I must indeed go Emmeline leaving Lady Westhaven
a moment to her woman followed him out and he said to herTry I
conjure you my Emmeline to exert yourself for the sake of your poor
friend Keep her as tranquil as you can and may ye both acquire
fortitude to bear what is I fear inevitable
Oh my father loudly exclaimed Lady Westhaven with a dreadful
shriekWho shall dare to announce these tidings to you
Send continued Godolphin an express to Lord Montreville He is at
Lord Dornocks and dispatch another to my brother Pray take care of
your own health It is now impossible for me to staythe poor
languishing Delamere expects me He then ran hastily away and
Emmeline struggling with all her power against her own anguish was
obliged to commit her friend to the care of her servants while she sat
down to write to Lord Montreville Her letter contained only two lines
My dear Lord
Your son is very ill We are much alarmed and Lady Westhaven
begs you will immediately come hither Do not go to Berkleysquare
EMMELINE MOWBRAY
_Grosvenorstreet
April 5th
This note short as it was she had the utmost difficulty to make
legible A servant was sent off with it who was ordered to answer no
questions and in another short and incoherent note she told to Lord
Westhaven the melancholy truth and sent it by express into Kent
Having thus obeyed Godolphin as well as she could she returned to Lady
Westhaven who could not be prevailed upon to go to bed but insisted on
being allowed to see her brother Emmeline dreadfully terrified by her
obstinacy now sent for the two physicians who usually attended the
family One of them had been taken by Godolphin to Delamere but the
other instantly attended the summons Every argument he could use
failing entirely of effect he was obliged to administer to her a
remedy which soon acting on her fatigued and exhausted spirits threw
her for a short time into insensibility While poor Emmeline who
expected soon the arrival of the unhappy father and who waited with
torturing anxiety for news from Godolphin could not even sit down but
wandered about the house and walked from room to room as if change of
place could shorten or lessen her dreadful suspence
No news however came from Godolphin But a little before eight
oclock the Marquiss chaise stopped at the door
He got out asked faulteringly of the servants for his son Their looks
imported sad tidings but they were ordered to profess ignorance and it
was the excruciating task allotted to Emmeline to inform this wretched
parent that his only son the pride and support of his life had
fallen and what made it still more horrid by the hand of his
daughters paramour Lord Montreville entered the drawing room and the
wild and pallid looks of his niece struck him with such horror that he
could only pronounce with trembling lips the name of Delamere and then
throwing himself into a chair seemed to expect she should tell him what
he was unable to ask
She approached him but words failed her
Delameremy son cried he in a voice hollow and tremulous
He is not dead my Lord
Not dead wherefore is it then that you look thus Oh what is it I am
to know
Emmeline then briefly related his situation as she had heard it from
Godolphin She had only said that tho desperately wounded he yet
lived when Lord Montreville gazing on her with eyes that bespoke the
agony of his soul and seizing her violently by the hand saidCome
then with me come to him with me now this instant
He then burst out of the room still taking her with him She knew not
why he wished her to follow but went unequal to resistance or enquiry
His chariot was at the door They both got in and just as it was
driving away Millefleur ran up to it
Your masteryour master said Lord Montreville
Ah my Lord he isyet living
_Yet_ living
And Captain Godolphin sent me to see if you was come in hopes that you
might see him
Go on cried Lord Montreville with a degree of fierceness that made
Emmeline shudder The horses flew He continued in dreadful and gloomy
silence interrupted only by deep groans Emmeline had no comfort to
offer and dared not speak to him At length they arrived at the place
The servants assisted their lord to leave the chariot Just as he got
out of it Dr Gardner came out but too much shocked to be able to
speak he waved his hand to say that all was over and almost instantly
Godolphin with a countenance most expressive of what he felt came out
to him also
My dear Lord your going up will be of no use spare yourself so great
a shock and suffer me to attend you home
He is dead then
Deep and mournful silence told him it was so
I will see him however said he pushing by those who would have
detained him
No no cried Emmeline Pray my Lord pray my dear uncle
Uncle exclaimed he Have I deserved to be your uncle But I am
punisheddreadfully dreadfully punished
A croud was now gathering and Godolphin was compelled to let him
proceed while he himself approached Emmeline who was left half dead in
the chariot
Ah attend not to me said she Go I beg of you with my poor
uncle
Dreadful was the scene when the miserable father beheld the body of his
son In that bitter anguish which is incapable of tears he reproached
himself for the obstinacy with which even against his own judgment he
had opposed his marriage with EmmelineInstead of seeing thus my
hopes blasted for ever I might have grown old among his children and
the children of my brothers daughter But I drove her to France and in
consequence of that the scourge the dreadful scourge has fallen upon
me I and my house are low in the dust Weak and wretched infatuation
Dreadful sacrifice to vain and empty ambition Oh my poor murdered
boy Then after a moments pause he turned suddenly to Godolphin
whose manly countenance was covered with tears Tell me Sir did he
not wish to see his misjudging father did he leave me nothingnot even
his forgiveness
Lord Delamere said Godolphin was wounded in the lungs and every
effort to speak threatened his immediate dissolution He expressed a
wish to see you and Miss Mowbray but said very little else
I brought her because I knew he must wish to see her But he will see
her no more A deep and hollow groan now burst from him his sorrow
began to choak him and exclamation was at an end yet struggling a
moment with it he said quickly to GodolphinDo you think he suffered
great pain
I believe very little my Lord
And he had every assistance
He had instantly every assistance that skill could offer Two surgeons
of eminence were at supper with company in the house and they were with
him before I was which was not ten minutes after the accident I never
left him afterwards but to run to Lady Westhaven
Excellent young man you will still I know remain with him and do
what _I_ cannot do He then paused a moment and his anguish seemed to
gather strengthwhile with a look of deep and gloomy despair he
approached the bed slowly and sternly invoked the vengeance of heaven
on his eldest daughter and then continued with glazed and motionless
eyes to gaze on the body From this dreadful torpor it was necessary to
rouse him and to remove him from the room The united efforts of
Godolphin and the surgeons with difficulty effected it He was however
at length placed in the chariot and with Emmeline who was more dead
than alive was conveyed to Grosvenorstreet Godolphin dreading the
scene he was to encounter when they got thither followed them on foot
and assisted Lord Montreville to his chamber where he entreated the
servants not to allow him to see Lady Westhaven till they were both
better able to bear the interview He then returned to Emmeline who
quite overcome by excessive terror and fatigue had hardly strength to
speak to him and unable to support herself longer retired to bed
where a violent fever seized her and for near a week she was so
alarmingly ill that Godolphin in the wildest distraction believed he
saw her snatched from him by the inexorable hands of death Lady Adelina
came to her the evening after Delameres decease and never left her bed
side while there was the least appearance of danger Godolphin continued
whole days in the little dressing room that adjoined to it and
FitzEdward who insisted on attending him during these hours of
torturing suspence was unavoidably frequently in the presence of Lady
Adelina whose every sentiment was for the time absorbed in her fear for
a life so dear to them all
At length Emmeline tho yet too ill to leave her room was no longer in
danger and Lord Westhaven who returned instantly to town on hearing
the mournful news helped to appease the violent grief of his wife But
on the more settled and silent anguish of her wretched father his good
offices made not the least impression He seemed to abhor all thoughts
of consolation and when the remains of poor Delamere were carried to be
deposited with those of his mother he shut himself up in total
darkness and refused to admit even Lady Westhaven to participate his
sorrows When she was allowed to pay her duty to him he conjured her to
keep from him the sight of any of the Crofts and that she would
prevent even their name being repeated in his presence With their
visits there was no danger of his Lordships being offended for as he
had in consequence of this family calamity resigned all the places he
held Sir Richard and his two sons were already eagerly paying their
court to his successor and had entered into new views and formed new
political connections with an avidity which made them equally forgetful
of their patrons personal afflictions and of that favour to which they
owed their sudden and unmerited elevation Amidst all the misery which
the guilty and scandalous conduct of his wife had brought upon the
family of his benefactor the point on which Mr Crofts felt the most
solicitude was to know what portion of the Delamere estate was
irrevocably settled in equal divisions on the daughters if the Marquis
of Montreville died without a son The physicians now advised Lord
Westhaven to carry the Marquis into the country as soon as possible
where he might enjoy the solitude he so much desired without being
excluded from the air as he was in town by being confined entirely to
his bed chamber and dressing room The sight of any of his own seats
places which he had so lavishly embellished for the residence of him who
was now no more he could not yet endure and Lord Westhaven with some
difficulty prevailed upon him to remove to _his_ house in Kent Thither
therefore the Marquis and Lord Westhavens family removed at the end
of a fortnight but Emmeline tho pretty well recovered desired Lady
Westhaven not to insist on her being of the party being convinced that
tho he tried to see her with fortitude and to behave to her with
tenderness the sight of her was painful to her uncle and perpetually
brought to his mind his own fatal misconduct in regard to his son
Lady Westhaven yielded reluctantly to her reasons and departed without
her but as her health made her immediate departure from London
necessary she went with Lady Adelina to Highgate who now remained
there only for the purpose of taking leave of Lord and Lady Clancarryl
as they were within a fortnight to return to Ireland
In this interval they heard that Lady Frances Crofts infatuated still
with her passion for Bellozane had followed him to Paris whither he
had fled after his fatal encounter with her brother Bellozane stung
with guilt and pursued by remorse hurried from her with detestation
and concealing himself in Switzerland saw her no more For some time
she continued to live in France in a style the most disgraceful to her
family and herself Nobody dared name her to her unhappy father But
Lord Westhaven at length interposed with Crofts who influenced by his
authority and still more by his own desire to lessen her expences went
over and found no great difficulty in procuring a _lettre de cachet_
which confined her during pleasure to a convent
To fix some plan for her future life Emmeline now thought absolutely
and immediately necessary To go to Mowbray Castle seemed the properest
measure she could adopt and on that she appeared to determine But tho
she still meant to adhere to her resolution of remaining single until
she became of age the tender importunity of her lover the pressing
entreaties of her friends and her own wishes to make them happy were
every hour more powerfully undermining it Her mind softened by grief
for the death of poor Delamere and more fondly attached than ever to
the generous Godolphin whose noble qualities that unhappy event had
served to call forth anew was rendered less capable than ever of
resisting his prayers and Delamere on whose account her determination
had been originally made could now no longer suffer by her breaking it
Still however she insisted upon it that a term little short of what
she had named should elapse before her marriage should take place as a
compliment to the memory of her unfortunate lover and to the deep
sorrow of her uncle and Lady Westhaven
Here then she rested her last defence And when their encreasing
solicitations obliged her to consent to shorten the term to three
months Godolphin undertook to make it the particular request of Lord
Montreville and his daughter that their marriage should take place
within three weeks Animated by the hopes of hastening the period he
went himself into Kent where he pleaded so successfully to Lady
Westhaven that she not only wrote pressingly to Emmeline but prevailed
on the Marquis to give him a letter also in which after deploring in
terms expressive of anguish and regret that unfortunate infatuation
which had eventually robbed him of his son he told her that he had
very little more now to wish dead as he was to the world than to see
her happily married That the tender attention of the generous Godolphin
to that beloved son in the last hours of his life had endeared him to
him above all other men that his character connections and conduct
were unexceptionable and therefore his Lordship added that tho he
did not know that he could himself bear to see it he wished she would
not hesitate to complete his happiness observing that if she thought
it too early after the loss of so near a relation she might have the
ceremony performed with such privacy that only the respective families
need know of its celebration Emmeline having now no longer a
subterfuge was obliged to let Godolphin take his own way He exerted
himself so anxiously to get the deeds completed that before the end of
three weeks they were finished Lord and Lady Clancarryl prolonged their
stay on purpose and they together with Lady Adelina and FitzEdward
were present at the ceremony When it was over Lord and Lady Clancarryl
took an affectionate leave of the bride and bridegroom and set out for
Ireland accompanied by FitzEdward who with the most painful
reluctance tearing himself from Lady Adelina by her express desire was
yet allowed to carry with him the hope that at the end of her mourning
she would relent and accede to the entreaties of all her family
Godolphin his Emmeline his sister and her little boy took immediately
afterwards the road to East Cliff They continued there the months of
May and June where about six weeks after their marriage they were
visited by Lord and Lady Westhaven the latter having never left her
father till then and being impatient to return to him tho she
assured Mrs Godolphin that he was much calmer and more composed than
they had at first expected In the filial attention of his youngest
daughter he found all the consolation his misfortunes would admit of on
this side the grave and Emmeline who had deeply lamented the lingering
and hopeless anguish to which her uncle was condemned heard with
satisfaction that resignation was however slowly blunting the anguish
he had endured and that having relinquished for ever all those
ambitious pursuits to which he had sacrificed solid happiness he
thought only of rewarding the piety and tenderness of his youngest
daughter and heard of the happiness of his niece with pleasure When
Lord and Lady Westhaven left East Cliff Mr and Mrs Godolphin and
Lady Adelina went to Mowbray Castle where Mrs Stafford received them
with transport and where they were surrounded by numberless tenants and
dependants who blessed the hour of its restoration to its benevolent
and lovely mistress as well as that which had given her to a man who
had a heart as nobly enlarged and a spirit generously liberal as her
own
The comfortable establishment of Mrs Stafford at Woodfield was a point
which Emmeline had much at heart and Godolphin who knew it was now
almost her first wish took his measures with so much success that it
was soon accomplished Mrs Stafford however at their united request
consented to stay with them while they remained at Mowbray Castle and
Emmeline had the delightful assurances of having made her happy as well
as of having greatly contributed to the restored tranquillity of Lady
Adelina
Mowbray Castle ever so peculiarly dear to Mrs Godolphin and where she
was now blessed with her beloved husband and her charming friends
brought however to her mind the mournful remembrance of poor Delamere
and the tears of rapture with which the greatness of her own happiness
sometimes filled her eyes were mingled with those of sorrow for his
untimely death She considered him as the victim of his mothers fatal
fondness and his fathers ambition yet that his early death was not
immediately owing to his violent passion for her was a great
consolation and with only the one source of regret which his premature
fate occasioned and which being without remedy yielded inevitably to
time she saw an infinite deal for which to be grateful and failed not
to offer her humble acknowledgments to that Providence who from
dependance and indigence had raised her to the highest affluence given
her in the tenderest of husbands the best the most generous and most
amiable of men and had bestowed on her the means and the inclination to
deserve by virtue and beneficence that heaven where only she can
enjoy more perfect and lasting felicity