Heir of Redclyffe — 18 - Chapter 13, Part 2
They talked on, with happy silences between, Guy standing all the time with his branch of roses in his hand, and Amy looking up to him, and trying to realize it, and to understand why she was so very, very happy.
No one thought of time till Charlotte rushed in like a whirlwind, crying-- ‘Oh, here you are!
We could not think what had become of you.
There has Deloraine been at the door these ten minutes, and Charlie sent me to find you, for he says if you are too late for Mrs. Henley’s dinner, she will write such an account of you to Philip as you will never get over.
’ Very little of this was heard, there was only the instinctive consternation of being too late.
They started up, Guy threw down his roses, caught Amy’s hand and pressed it, while she bent down her head, hiding the renewed blush; he dashed out of the room, and up to his own, while Mrs. Edmonstone and Charlotte hurried down.
In another second, he was back again, and once more Amy felt the pressure of his hand on hers-- ‘Good-bye!
’ he said; and she whispered another ‘Good-bye!
’ the only words she had spoken.
One moment more he lingered,-- ‘My Verena!
’ said he; but the hurrying sounds in the hall warned him--he sprang down to the drawing-room.
Even Charles was on the alert, standing, leaning against the table, and looking eager; but Guy had not time to let him speak, he only shook hands, and wished good-bye, with a sort of vehement agitated cordiality, concealed by his haste.
‘Where’s Amy?
’ cried Charlotte.
‘Amy!
Is not she coming to wish him good-bye?
’ He said something, of which ‘up-stairs’ was the only audible word; held Mrs. Edmonstone’s hand fast, while she said, in a low voice--‘You shall hear from papa to-morrow,’ then sprung on his horse, and looked up.
Amy was at the window, he saw her head bending forward, under its veil of curls, in the midst of the roses round the lattice; their eyes met once more, he gave one beamy smile, then rode off at full speed, with Bustle racing after him, while Amy threw herself on her knees by her bed, and with hands clasped over her face, prayed that she might be thankful enough, and never be unworthy of him.
Every one wanted to get rid of every one else except Mrs. Edmonstone;
for all but Charlotte guessed at the state of the case, and even she perceived that something was going on.
Lady Eveleen was in a state of great curiosity; but she had mercy, she knew that they must tell each other before it came to her turn, and very good-naturedly she invited Charlotte to come into the garden with her, and kept her out of the way by a full account of her last fancy ball, given with so much spirit and humour that Charlotte could not help attending.
Charles and Laura gained little by this kind manoeuvre, for their mother was gone up again to Amy, and they could only make a few conjectures.
Charles nursed his right hand, and asked Laura how hers felt?
She looked up from her work, to which she had begun to apply herself diligently, and gazed at him inquiringly, as if to see whether he intended anything.
‘For my part,’ he added, ‘I certainly thought he meant to carry off the hands of some of the family.
’ ‘I suppose we shall soon hear it explained,’ said Laura, quietly.
‘Soon!
If I had an many available legs as you, would I wait for other people’s soon?
’ ‘I should think she had rather be left to mamma,’ said Laura, going on with her work.
‘Then you do think there is something in it?
’ said Charles, peering up in her face; but he saw he was teasing her, recollected that she had long seemed out of spirits, and forbore to say any more.
He was, however, too impatient to remain longer quiet, and presently Laura saw him adjusting his crutches.
‘O Charlie!
I am sure it will only be troublesome.
’ ‘I am going to my own room,’ said Charles, hopping off.
‘I presume you don’t wish to forbid that.
’ His room had a door into the dressing-room, so that it was an excellent place for discovering all from which they did not wish to exclude him, and he did not believe he should be unwelcome; for though he might pretend it was all fun and curiosity, he heartily loved his little Amy.
The tap of his crutches, and the slow motion with which he raised himself from step to step, was heard, and Amy, who was leaning against her mother, started up, exclaiming-- ‘O mamma, here comes Charlie!
May I tell him?
I am sure I can’t meet him without.
’ ‘I suspect he has guessed it already,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, going to open the door, just as he reached the head of the stairs, and then leaving them.
‘Well, Amy,’ said he, looking full at her carnation cheeks, ‘are you prepared to see me turn lead-coloured, and fall into convulsions, like the sister with the spine complaint?
’ ‘O Charlie!
You know it.
But how?
’ Amy was helping him to the sofa, laid him down, and sat by him on the old footstool; he put his arm round her neck, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
‘Well, Amy,’ I give you joy, my small woman,’ said he, talking the more nonsense because of the fullness in his throat; ‘and I hope you give me credit for amazing self-denial in so doing.
’ ‘O Charlie--dear Charlie!
’ and she kissed him, she could not blush more, poor little thing, for she had already reached her utmost capability of redness--‘it is no such thing.
’ ‘No such thing?
What has turned you into a turkey-cock all at once or what made him nearly squeeze off my unfortunate fingers?
No such thing, indeed!
’ ‘I mean--I mean, it is not _that_.
We are so very young, and I am so silly.
’ ‘Is that his reason?
’ ‘You must make me so much better and wiser.
Oh, if I could but be good enough!
’ For that matter, I don’t think any one else would be good enough to take care of such a silly little thing.
But what is the that, that it is, or is not?
’ ‘Nothing now, only when we are older.
At least, you know papa has not heard it.
’ ‘Provided my father gives his consent, as the Irish young lady added to all her responses through the marriage service.
But tell me all--all you like, I mean--for you will have lovers’ secrets now, Amy.
’ Mrs. Edmonstone had, meantime, gone down to Laura.
Poor Laura, as soon as her brother had left the room, she allowed the fixed composure of her face to relax into a restless, harassed, almost miserable expression, and walked up and down with agitated steps.
‘O wealth, wealth!
’--her lips formed the words, without uttering them--‘what cruel differences it makes!
All smooth here!
Young, not to be trusted, with strange reserves, discreditable connections,--that family,--that fearful temper, showing itself even to her!
All will be overlooked!
Papa will be delighted, I know he will!
And how is it with us?
Proved, noble, superior, owned as such by all, as Philip is, yet, for that want of hateful money, he would be spurned.
And, for this--for this--the love that has grown up with our lives must be crushed down and hidden--our life is wearing out in wearying self-watching!
’ The lock of the door turned, and Laura had resumed her ordinary expression before it opened, and her mother came in: but there was anything but calmness beneath, for the pang of self-reproach had come--‘Was it thus that she prepared to hear these tidings of her sister?
’ ‘Well, Laura,’ began Mrs. Edmonstone, with the eager smile of one bringing delightful news, and sure of sympathy.
‘It is so, then?
’ said Laura.
‘Dear, dear, little Amy!
I hope--’ and her eyes filled with tears; but she had learnt to dread any outbreak of feeling, conquered it in a minute, and said-- ‘What has happened?
How does it stand?
’ ‘It stands, at least as far as I can say without papa, as the dear Guy very rightly and wisely wished it to stand.
There is no positive engagement, they are both too young; but he thought it was not right to remain here without letting us know his sentiments towards her.
’ A pang shot through Laura; but it was but for a moment.
Guy might doubt where Philip need never do so.
Her mother went on,-- ‘Their frankness and confidence are most beautiful.
We know dear little Amy could not help it; but there was something very sweet, very noble, in his way of telling all.
’ Another pang for Laura.
But no!
it was only poverty that was to blame.
Philip would speak as plainly if his prospects were as fair.
‘Oh, I hope it will do well,’ said she.
‘It must,--it will!
’ cried Mrs. Edmonstone, giving way to her joyful enthusiasm of affection.
‘It is nonsense to doubt, knowing him as we do.
There is not a man in the world with whom I could be so happy to trust her.
’ Laura could not hear Guy set above all men in the world, and she remembered Philip’s warning to her, two years ago.
‘There is much that is very good and very delightful about him,’ she said, hesitatingly.
‘You are thinking of the Morville temper,’ said her mother; ‘but I am not afraid of it.
A naturally hot temper, controlled like his by strong religious principle, is far safer than a cool easy one, without the principle.
’ Laura thought this going too far, but she felt some compensation due to Guy, and acknowledged how strongly he was actuated by principle.
However--and it was well for her--they could not talk long, for Eveleen and Charlotte were approaching, and she hastily asked what was to be done about telling Eva, who could not fail to guess something.
‘We must tell her, and make her promise absolute secrecy,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone.
‘I will speak to her myself; but I must wait till I have seen papa.
There is no doubt of what he will say, but we have been taking quite liberties enough in his absence.
’ Laura did not see her sister till luncheon, when Amy came down, with a glow on her cheeks that made her so much prettier than usual, that Charles wished Guy could have seen her.
She said little, and ran up again as soon as she could.
Laura followed her; and the two sisters threw their arms fondly round each other, and kissed repeatedly.
‘Mamma has told you?
said Amy.
‘Oh, it has made me so very happy; and every one is so kind.
’ ‘Dear, dear Amy!
’ ‘I’m only afraid--’ ‘He has begun so well--’ ‘Oh, nonsense!
You cannot think I could be so foolish as to be afraid for him!
Oh no!
But if he should take me for more than I am worth.
O
Laura, Laura!
What shall I do to be as good and sensible as you!
I must not be silly little Amy any more.
’ ‘Perhaps he likes you best as you are?
’ ‘I don’t mean cleverness: I can’t help that,--and he knows how stupid I am,--but I am afraid he thinks there is more worth in me.
Don’t you know, he has a sort of sunshine in his eyes and mind, that makes all he cares about seem to him brighter and better than it really is.
I am afraid he is only dressing me up with that sunshine.
’ ‘It must be strange sunshine that you want to make you better and brighter than you are,’ said Laura, kissing her.
‘I’ll tell you what it is,’ said Amy folding her hands, and standing with her face raised, ‘it won’t do now, as you told me once, to have no bones in my character.
I must learn to be steady and strong, if I can;
for if this is to be, he will depend on me, I don’t mean, to advise him, for he knows better than anybody, but to be--you know what--if vexation, or trouble was to come!
And Laura, think if he was to depend on me, and I was to fail!
Oh, do help me to have firmness and self-command, like you!
’ ‘It was a long time ago that we talked of your wanting bones.
’ ‘Yes, before he came; but I never forget it.
’ Laura was obliged to go out with Eveleen.
All went their different ways;
and Amy had the garden to herself to cool her cheeks in.
But this was a vain operation, for a fresh access of burning was brought on while Laura was helping her to dress for dinner, when her father’s quick step sounded in the passage.
He knocked at her door, and as she opened it, he kissed her on each cheek; and throwing his arm round her, exclaimed,-- ‘Well, Miss Amy, you have made a fine morning’s work of it!
A pretty thing, for young ladies to be accepting offers while papa is out of the way.
Eh, Laura?
’ Amy knew this was a manifestation of extreme delight; but it was not very pleasant to Laura.
‘So you have made a conquest!
’ proceeded Mr. Edmonstone; ‘and I heartily wish you joy of it, my dear.
He is as amiable and good-natured a youth as I would wish to see; and I should say the same if he had not a shilling in the world.
’ Laura’s heart bounded; but she knew, whatever her father might fancy, the reality would be very different if Guy were as poor as Philip.
‘I shall write to him this very evening,’ he continued, ‘and tell him, if he has the bad taste to like such a silly little white thing, I am not the man to stand in his way.
Eh, Amy?
Shall I tell him so?
’ ‘Tell him what you please, dear papa.
’ ‘Eh?
What I please?
Suppose I say we can’t spare our little one, and he may go about his business?
’ ‘I’m not afraid of you, papa.
’ ‘Come, she’s a good little thing--sha’n’t be teased.
Eh, Laura?
what do you think of it, our beauty, to see your younger sister impertinent enough to set up a lover, while your pink cheeks are left in the lurch?
’ Laura not being wont to make playful repartees, her silence passed unnoticed.
Her feelings were mixed; but perhaps the predominant one was satisfaction that it was not for her pink cheeks that she was valued.
It had occurred to Mrs. Edmonstone that it was a curious thing, after her attempt at scheming for Eveleen, to have to announce to her that Guy was attached to her own daughter; nay, after the willingness Eveleen had manifested to be gratified with any attention Guy showed her, it seemed doubtful for a moment whether the intelligence would be pleasing to her.
However, Eveleen was just the girl to like men better than women, and never to be so happy as when on the verge of flirting; it would probably have been the same with any other youth that came in her, way, and Guy might fully be acquitted of doing more than paying her the civilities which were requisite from him to any young lady visitor.
He had, two years ago, when a mere boy, idled, laughed, and made fun with her, but his fear of trifling away his time had made him draw back, before he had involved himself in what might have led to anything further; and during the present visit, no one could doubt that he was preoccupied with Amy.
At any rate, it was right that Eveleen should know the truth, in confidence, if only to prevent her from talking of any surmises she might have.
Mrs. Edmonstone was set at ease in a moment.
Eveleen was enchanted, danced round and round the room, declared they would be the most charming couple in the world; she had seen it all along; she was so delighted they had come to an understanding at last, poor things, they were so miserable all last week; and she must take credit to herself for having done it all.
Was not her aunt very much obliged to her?
‘My dear Eva,’ exclaimed Mrs. Edmonstone, into whose mind the notion never entered that any one could boast of such a proceeding as hers last night; but the truth was that Eveleen, feeling slightly culpable, was delighted that all had turned out so well, and resolved to carry it off with a high hand.
‘To be sure!
Poor little Amy!
when she looked ready to sink into the earth, she little knew her obligations to me!
Was not it the cleverest thing in the world?
It was just the touch they wanted--the very thing!
’ ‘My dear, I am glad I know that you are sometimes given to talking nonsense,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, laughing.
‘And you won’t believe me serious?
You won’t be grateful to me for my lucky hit’ said Eveleen, looking comically injured.
‘Oh auntie, that is very hard, when I shall believe to my dying day that I did it!
’ ‘Why, Eva, if I thought it had been done by design, I should find it very hard to forgive you for it at all, rather hard even to accept Guy, so you had better not try to disturb my belief that it was only that spirit of mischief that makes you now and then a little mad.
’ ‘Oh dear!
what a desperate scolding you must have given poor little Charlotte!
’ exclaimed Eveleen, quaintly.
Mrs. Edmonstone could not help laughing as she confessed that she had altogether forgotten Charlotte.
‘Then you will.
You’ll go on forgetting her,’ cried Eveleen.
‘She only did what she was told, and did not know the malice of it.
There, you’re relenting!
There’s a good aunt!
And now, if you won’t be grateful, as any other mamma in the world would have been, and as I calculated on, when I pretended to have been a prudent, designing woman, instead of a wild mischievous monkey at least you’ll forgive me enough to invite me to the wedding.
Oh!
what a beauty of a wedding it will be!
I’d come from Kilcoran all the way on my bare knees to see it.
And you’ll let me be bridesmaid, and have a ball after it?
’ ‘There is no saying what I may do, if you’ll only be a good girl, and hold your tongue.
I don’t want to prevent your telling anything to your mamma, of course, but pray don’t let it go any further.
Don’t let Maurice hear it, I have especial reasons for wishing it should not be known.
You know it is not even an engagement, and nothing must be done which can make Guy feel in the least bound?
’
