Barford Abbey Part 9

Poh! my Lord, said Lady Allen, we are old-fashion'd people:--you must not talk thus before Gentlemen and Ladies bred in the present age.

Come, come, let me hear Lord Darcey speak to this point, continued his Lordship. He is soon to be _one of us_;--we shall shortly, I am told, salute him _Bened.i.c.k_.

On this Sir James threw down his knife and fork with emotion, crying, This is news, indeed! This is what I never heard before! Upon my word, your Lordship has been very secret! looking full at Lord Darcey. But you are of _age_, my Lord, so I have no _right_ to be consulted; however, I should be glad to know, who it is that runs away with your heart. This was spoke half in jest, half in earnest.

In a moment my neck and face were all over crimson.--I felt the colour rise;--it was not to be suppress'd.--I drew my handkerchief from my pocket;--held it to my face;--hemm'd;--call'd for wine and water;--which, when brought, I could scarcely swallow; spoke in a low voice to Miss Winter;--said she had a poor stomach, or something like it.

Lord Darcey too was confus'd.--Why did I look up to him?--He was pale, instead of red.--I saw his lips move, but could not hear what he said for more than a minute; occasion'd by an uncommon noise which just then rush'd through my head:--at length sounds grew distinct, and I heard this sentence--_every_ word is inscribed where it can _never_ be erazed--

Upon my honour. Lord Allen, I have never made proposals to any woman; and _further_, it is a matter of doubt, whether I ever shall.

By this time I had lost all my colour;--charming cool--and calm,--no perturbation remaining.

Nothing disagreeable now hung on my mind, except a certain thoughtfulness, occasion'd by the recollection of my folly.--

Miss Winter's eyes sparkled, if it is possible for grey ones to sparkle, at the declaration Lord Darcey had just made; and, of a sudden, growing very fond of _me_, laid her hand on mine, speaking as it were aside,--Well, I was never _more_ surprized! I as _much_ believed him engaged to a _certain_ young Lady,--squeezing my thumb,--as I think I am living.--Nay, I would not have credited the contrary, had I not heard him declare off with my _own_ ears.--I see how it is; Sir James must chuse a wife for him.--

To all which I only answered, Lord Darcey, Madam, is certainly the best judge of his actions:--I make no doubt but Sir James will approve his Lordship's choice.

After what I have related, common subjects ensued:--the cloth being removed, I withdrew to the Library, intending to sit with Mr. Watson half an hour, who was confined by a cold. He holds out his hand to take mine the moment he hears my footstep.--I look on him as an angel: his purity, his mildness, his resignation speak him one.--

Lord Darcey entered as I was about to join the company; however, I staid some minutes, that my quitting the room might not seem on _his_ account.

I am glad you are come, my Lord, said Mr. Watson; sitting with such a poor infirm man has made Miss Warley thoughtful.--Upon my word, Sir, returned I, it was only the fear of increasing your head-ach that me silent.--I never was in higher spirits.--I could sing and dance this very moment. Well then, dear Miss Warley, cried his Lordship, let me fetch your _guitarre_.

With all my heart, my Lord; I am _quite_ in tune.--Taking leave of Mr.

Watson, I return'd to the company.--His Lordship soon followed. Again repeating his request, in which every person join'd, I sung and play'd several compositions.

Miss Winter was next call'd upon and the guitarre presented to her by Lord Darcey.--A long time she absolutely refused it; declaring she had not learnt any new music this year.--What does that signify, Miss Winter? said her mother; you know you have a sweet voice.

Bless me! Madam! how can you say so?--To be sure, I should sing to great advantage _now_.

Well, Nancy, you'll oblige _Papa?_--says the old Gentleman; I know you'll oblige _Papa_,--stalking over to her on the tops of his toes.

Here the contest ended; _Miss_ taking the guitarre, condescended to oblige her _Papa_.

She really sings and plays well:--if her manner had been less affected, we should have been more entertain'd.--The company staid supper, after which Lord Darcey came with me home.--I made _no_ objection:--of all things, I would make _none_--after what pa.s.s'd at table. Fortunate event! how I rejoice in my recovered tranquillity!

The thoughts, the pleasing thoughts of freedom have kept me from sleep; I could not think of repose amidst my charming reflections. Happy, happy change!

It is past two o'clock!--At all times and all seasons,

I am, my dear Lady,

Yours invariably,

F. WARLEY.

LETTER XVII.

Miss WARLEY to the same.

_From Mr. Jenkings's_.

Sent for before breakfast!--n.o.body in the coach!--Well, I am glad of that, however.--Something very extraordinary must have happen'd.--I hope Lady Powis is not ill.--No other message but to desire I would come immediately.--I go, my dear Lady; soon as I return will acquaint you what has occasion'd me this _early_ summons.

Eight o'clock at Night.

No ill news! quite the reverse:--I am escaped from the house of festivity to make your Ladyship a partaker.

My spirits are in a flutter.--I know not where to begin.--I have run every step of the way, till I am quite out of breath.--Mr. Powis is coming home,--absolutely coming home to settle;--married _too_, but I cannot tell all at once.--Letters with an account of it have been this morning receiv'd. He does not say _who_ his wife is, only one of the best women in the world.

She will be received with affection;--I know she will.--Lady Powis declares, they shall be folded together in her arms.

It was too much for Sir James, he quite roared again when he held out to me the letter,--I don't believe he has eat a morsel this day.--I never before saw a man so affected with joy.--Thank G.o.d! I left him pure and calm.

The servants were like mad creatures, particularly those who lived in the family before Mr. Powis left England.--He seems, in short, to be considered as one risen from the dead.--

I was in such haste on receiving Lady Powis's message, that I ran down to the coach, my hat and cloak in my hand.--Mr. and Mrs. Jenkings were talking to the coachman.--I soon perceived by them something pleasing had happen'd.--They caught me in their arms, and I thought would have smother'd me in their embraces; crying out, Mr. Powis is coming home, my dear;--Mr. Powis is coming home:--for G.o.d's sake, Madam, make haste up to the Hall.

In getting into the coach, I stepp'd on my ap.r.o.n, and fell against the opposite door.--My right arm was greatly bruis'd, which I did not perceive till I drew on my glove.

The moment I alighted, I ran to the breakfast-parlour; but finding no one there, went directly to her Ladyship's dressing-room.--She open'd the door, when she heard me coming. I flew to her.--I threw my arms about her neck, and all I could say in my hurry was, Joy, Joy, Joy!

I am all joy, my love, she return'd--I am made up of nothing else. I quitted her to run to Sir James, who was sitting in a great chair with a letter held out. I believe I kiss'd him twenty times before I took it;--there could be no harm in that surely.--Such endearments I should have shewn my father, on the like tender occasion. He wept, as I have said, till he quite roared again.--I laid his head on my shoulder, and it was some time before I would mention his son's name.

Lord Darcey held one of Sir James's hands: he was in the room when I enter'd; but I declare I never saw him till he spoke. He is safe _now_,--after what happened yesterday,--safe from any imputation on _my_ account--

Very kind and very civil, upon my word! O! your Ladyship never heard such a fuss as he made about the scratch on my arm.--I affect to look pleased when he speaks to me, that he might not take it into his head I am mortified.

He must be the happiest creature in the world; I honour him for the grateful affection he shews Sir James and Lady Powis.

Breakfast stood on the table: not a soul had broke their fast.--Her Ladyship was here, there, and every where.--I was sadly afraid they would be all sick; at length I prevailed on them to drink a cup of chocolate.--

Mr. Watson, good man notwithstanding his indisposition, got up at eleven.--I met him coming from his apartment, and had the pleasure of leading him to the happy family.--

His congratulations were delivered with such serene joy,--such warmth of affection,--as if he had cull'd the heart-felt satisfaction of both _parents_.

The word _happy_ echoed from every mouth; each sentence began and ended with it.--What the heart feels is seldom to be disguised.--Grief will speak,--if not by the tongue, it will out;--it hangs on the features, sallows the skin, withers the sinews, and is a galling weight that pulls towards the ground.--Why should a thought of grief intrude at this time?--Is not my dear Lady Mary's health returning?--Is not felicity restor'd to this family?--Now will my regret at parting be lessened;--now shall I leave every individual with minds perfectly at ease.

Mr. Powis is expected in less than a month, intending to embark in the next ship after the Packet.--How I long to see him!--But it is very unlikely I should; I shall certainly have taken my leave of this place before he arrives.--By your Ladyship's permission, I hope to look in upon them, at our return to England.

What genteel freedoms men give themselves after _declaring off_, as Miss Winter calls it?--I had never so many fine things said to me before;--I can't tell how many;--quite a superabundance;--and before Sir James _too!_--But no notice is taken; he has cleared himself of all suspicion.--He may go to town as soon as he will.--His business is done;--yes, he did it yesterday.