Philip was used to his work, especially with it being a diversion, being met with disdain, but coming from Eleanor’s father, who would never approve of his fortune or let them marry, it was more painful. “I do not ask the purpose, but I think it to conduct research along the lines of projectile motion for the army and the navy, possibly research into aeronautics.”
General Tilney brought a finger to his parted lips, tapping it a few times. He then nodded and said, “I commend you, Brampton.”
Only Eleanor telling him she intended to marry to escape Northanger had ever surprised him so much as hearing this compliment from the general.
“I think it expedient for every young man to have employment,” he went on, “especially one like you who does not have an estate to manage or a profession. It is not a matter of money, but to beactive,” he said, with emphasis, “that is what is vital. Even a private man such as yourself, as modestly as you live, must have something to do. If not the church or the army or the law, then why not put your talents to use, even if you are not paid for it?”
Philip knew that money was at the very centre of what was of matter to the general, but said only, “Yes, sir,” and enjoyed this brief moment of having the general’s approval.
He thought that now the general would take his leave and that Philip’s heart rate might then have the chance to slow, but General Tilney settled into his chair as much as his rigid bearing would allow. “I was hoping to speak with Dryden, but perhaps you know the answer: what is Sir Charles Sudbury’s situation?”
He cleared his throat before pushing a few papers around on the table. Sir Charles was the absolute last person on earth he wanted to think about. “I only met him last night. I do not, that is... Dryden or Longtown could best speak to—”
“I already asked Longtown, and he satisfied my curiosity. However”—the general’s nostrils flared—“I have come to learn it is not wise to rely on the intelligence of one person when ensuring someone to be an advantageous connexion.”
“Why—” Philip stopped; he already knew the answer. Any father of sense, even a heartless and impatient one like the general, would have noticed the way Eleanor commanded Sir Charles’s attention last night. It had likely continued long after he had fled the drawing room after seeing the woman he loved, but could never marry, be ogled by a braggart.
“I discern a liking toward Eleanor in Sir Charles’s countenance, and must know if it is worth encouraging.”
Liking?Philip slammed closed a book of mathematical tables. Sir Charles was more interested in Eleanor’s breasts than her conversation. Between staring at her low-necked gown and spending a fortune in front of his friends, it was a marvel that Sir Charles managed to string two words together.
“Well, Brampton, what do you know of Sir Charles?” the general barked in a tone that said his politeness and his patience were at an end.
“General, I only met Sir Charles last evening”—and I hate him—“but Vaughan said that he has twelve thousand a year, that he gambles as much as any single young man, he aims to enter politics, and he hardly spends any time at Colborne.”
This satisfied the general, who nodded to himself before rising. “The money is nothing, of course, but I despise idleness, you know. Perhaps family life may settle him, and he will need a wife if he is elected. Yes, I think a married man would spend more time at home. Thank you, Brampton.” He turned on his heel and strode from the room.
Even if I had an income of five thousand pounds rather than five hundred, it would still not be enough to satisfy General Tilney’s ambitions for his children.
Philip scarcely spent half an hour on calculating the height of the copper globe—3.759 miles was the height at which it, after oscillating up and down, would at length rest—when Vaughan came in.
“I need to find another room,” Philip muttered, rubbing his eyes before gathering his papers in defeat.
“What are you working on?”
“I am trying to find the height of yet another balloon, but I think other principles are necessary to know because—never mind. Is it not yet time for breakfast?” He often lost track of time while working, and Vaughan had to remind him to eat.
“No, it is half an hour yet. Or, rather”—Vaughan pulled out his watch—“twenty-three minutes, since we all know the importance of punctuality.”
Philip scoffed. “I cannot wonder at Miss Tilney wanting to escape Northanger.” Realising he had not told Vaughan Eleanor’s intentions, he began, “Miss Tilney has decided—”
“Oh, her intentions were clear. Why else would Miss Tilney turn that pensive, pretty countenance toward a rattle like Sir Charles?” Vaughan laughed. “Of course, your storming from the room was also a hint to me.”
Philip stacked his books and placed his papers in a neat pile. “I cannot abide Sir Charles. Is it possible to hate a man you just met?”
Vaughan shrugged. “He is not the sort of man you would befriend even if Miss Tilney had not settled for him. She needs a husband, that husband cannot be you, so naturally you would dislike him.”
Eleanor does need a husband, and she deserves a better one than Sir Charles.“Vaughan,” Philip said eagerly, sitting near to him, “why do you not marry Eleanor?”
“Me!”
“You have a fortune and a title, and you at least respect Miss Tilney. Indeed, you have known her for years and have only ever been complimentary. And the general would have no objections to being able to address his daughter as ‘Your Ladyship’.”
Vaughan shook his head, but Philip pressed. “You have always said you would marry eventually, for the sake of the title, and Miss Tilney would be a perfect viscountess. She has only been a nominal mistress of Northanger—you know what the general is like—but you cannot doubt her good sense, her abilities.”
“No, no, no,” he said. “Even if I was ready to forsake—even if I was inclined to marry, I could never choose Miss Tilney.”
Philip cocked his head to the side. “How can you say that? She is fashionable, pleasant-looking, intelligent. She says she only needs a man whom her father would approve of, but why not a kinder and more intelligent man than Sir Charles if all she wants is freedom from Northanger?Youonly want a legitimate heir.” He smiled, warming to the idea. “It is actually a clever arrangement.”
