Daisy Ashford: Her Book Part 38

Mulberry opened the door and he and Gladys betook themselves from the study.

Alone in the beautiful drawing room with the light from the tall standing lamp falling on her fair features, Mulberry Beaufort became entranced with Gladys's beauty.

He stood gazing into her lovely blue eyes with his own black ones, till he could contain himself no longer.

"Gladys darling" he exclaimed pa.s.sionately seizing her small white hand "I love you."

Gladys blushed and tried to hide her face but Mulberry caught her other hand and kept his eyes full on her.

"Answer me Gladys" cried the lover "I love you so much and if you will only be my wife my happiness will be complete."

"Oh Lord Beaufort" cried Gladys "this is so unexpected."

"Call me Mulberry!" he almost whispered.

"Well Mulberry" murmured Gladys "I really dont know what to say."

"Think darling" cried Mulberry, "surely you dont wish to crush all hope and happiness out of my life, my heart beats only for you Gladys, you dont wish to stop it do you?"

"Oh no" earnestly replied Gladys.

"Then may I take that as your acceptation of me?" enquired Mulberry.

"I think you may" replied Gladys softly.

Mulberry was too overpowered with joy to say a word, he merely clasped her in his arms and drew her head on to his shoulder, where it lay in a state of bliss for the s.p.a.ce of three minutes.

At length she slowly raised it and Mulberry taking one of her hands pressed it tight saying, "then darling, we may consider ourselves engaged?"

"Yes Mulberry!" murmered Gladys.

"Then dear accept this as a token" said Mulberry and as he spoke he slipped a handsome diamond and saphire ring on her finger.

She had scarcely recovered her astonishment and pleasure when the butler entered announcing Mr. and Mrs. Vermont.

CHAPTER 29

THE DINNER PARTY

The Hon: Mr. and Mrs. Vermont were only the first of great numbers who flocked to Lord Beaufort's house that evening. By the time the dinner gong sounded the large drawing room was filled with ladies and gentlemen many of whom had brought instruments to play, as Mulberry intended it to be a musical evening.

Mulberry eyed Gladys lovingly as he gave his arm to Mrs. Murry and escorted her to the dining room.

The dinner table was a sight to behold!

Pink was the colour chosen for the evening.

The daintily arranged menus were set in white porcelain frames on which pink roses were beautifully painted. In the centre of the table stood a valuable vase in which large pink roses were arranged. The numerous wax candles were covered with pink shades, and among the ferns and plants which adorned the room hung little pink electric lights; and everything that could be was ornemented with pink satin ribbon and bunches of roses.

It may here be said that owing to Helen's illness Lord Beaufort had not had late dinner so the sight was quite new to Gladys.

Three footmen with powdered hair and chocolate and drab livery were in attendance.

"Oh Mulberry what is this?" asked Gladys, pointing to one of the menus.

"Oh that is the menu of my table d'hote" replied Mulberry carelessly, "this is of nightly recurrence."

"How delightful!" cried Gladys and sitting down she carefully studied her menu:

MENU DU DINER.

Wednesday, October 20th ---------- Hors d'[oe]vres.

Consomme Parsanne.

Creme d'asperges.

Sole normande.

Selle de mouton a l'anglaise.

Jambon de York a la Zingara.

Pommes maitre d'hotel.

Poularde a la broche.

Salade de saison.

Glace marigan.

or Gateaux Mignons.

Fromage.

Dessert.

THE SECOND ENTReE MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR MACARONI.

As can be imagined the dinner took a good time, but when at length it drew to a close the company proceeded to the drawing room where they settled down for some good music. Mr. Vermont was the first to contribute to the entertainment. He played "Intermezzo" as a solo violin, and the beautiful melody only added to both Mulberry's and Gladys's happiness. Many others also played and sang, and at last by dint of great persuasion Gladys consented to sing. She had a magnificent clear soprano voice and as he listened Mulberry Beaufort fairly trembled for joy.

In the midst of the proceedings the dowegar Lady Beaufort entered (Mulberry's mother). She looked a great deal older than she was but she was still very handsome.

Her hair was silvery white, but her eyes and complexion were very dark, and she very much resembled her son. She was attired entirely in black silk and white lace.

The reader may think it strange that Lady Beaufort did not make her appearance at the table d'hote but to tell the truth she considered herself rather too old for such things, her age being 75. She generally partook of a plate of frica.s.sed ham and a gla.s.s of sherry, by her own fireside, but the last two nights she had partaken of her meal with Helen.

During her repast she usually read Household Hints and then on coming into the drawing room she had plenty to talk about. She had given her son a great deal of hints as to how he should propose and now hearing that he was accepted she made her way to where Gladys was sitting and proceeded to give her some advice as to her future housekeeping. It rather bored Gladys but being so far very high in Lady Beauforts estimation, she tried her best to look interested.

At about 10-30, Lady Beaufort got up and played G.o.d save the queen on the piano and several of guests joined in the chorus on their violins and harps, soon after which, the people began to depart.

"Shall you have guests tomorrow night Mulberry?" enquired Gladys as soon as the last visitor had strayed from the drawing room.

"No dear I dont think so, they tire me if I have them every night"

replied Mulberry.