Her eyes filled with tears; her hand slightly returned the pressure of his before it was withdrawn; and she managed to say something in a suffocated voice, about his kindness, and her own regret. He obliged her to be seated, himself took a chair near to hers, and said: ‘My sentiments have undergone no change: indeed, I believe it to be impossible that they should! But I have been told – I have understood – that yours were never engaged. Believe me, if you cannot return my regard, I honour you for having the courage to say so! That you should be constrained to accept my suit, when your heart is given to another, is a thought wholly repugnant to me! Forgive me! I think you have had to bear a great deal onthishead which I never intended, or indeed, dreamed – But I have said enough! Only let me assure you that I will do all that lies in my power to put an end to such intolerable promptings!’
‘You are all consideration – all goodness!’ Cecilia uttered. ‘I am so sorry that – that expectations which it is not in my power to fulfil should have been raised! If my gratitude for a sensibility which permits you to feel for me in my present predicament, for a chivalry which –’ Her voice became wholly suspended by tears; she could only turn away her face, and make a gesture imploring his understanding.
He took her hand, and kissed it. ‘Say no more! I always thought the prize beyond my reach. Though you deny me that nearer relationship which I so ardently desire, we may continue friends? If there is any way in which I can serve you, will you tell me of it? That would be a happiness indeed!’
‘Oh, do not say so! You are too good!’
The door opened. Mr Rivenhall came into the room, checked an instant on the threshold, when he saw Charlbury, and looked as though he would have retired again. Charlbury rose, however, and said: ‘I am glad you are at home, Charles, for I believe I cansettle this business better with you than with anyone. Your sister and I have agreed that we shall not suit.’
‘I see,’ said Mr Rivenhall, dryly. ‘There seems to be nothing I can profitably say, except that I am sorry. I conclude that you wish me to inform my father that there is to be no engagement?’
‘Lord Charlbury has been everything that is most kind – most magnanimous!’ whispered Cecilia.
‘That I can believe,’ responded Mr Rivenhall.
‘Nonsense!’ Charlbury said, taking her hand. ‘I shall leave you now, but I hope I may still visit this house, on terms of friendship. Your friendship I must always value, you know. Perhaps I may not dance at your wedding, but I shall wish you very happy, upon my honour!’
He pressed her hand, released it, and went out of the room, followed by Mr Rivenhall, who escorted him downstairs to the hall, saying: ‘This is a damnable business, Everard. She is out of her senses! But as for marrying that puppy – no, by God!’
‘Your cousin tells me it is all my fault for having wilfully contracted mumps!’ Charlbury said ruefully.
‘Sophy!’ Mr Rivenhall ejaculated, in anything but loving accents. ‘I do not think we have had day’s peace since that girl entered the house!’
‘I shouldn’t think you would,’ said his lordship, reflectively. ‘She is the oddest female I ever met, but I own I like her! Do you not?’
‘No, I do not!’ said Mr Rivenhall.
He saw Charlbury off the premises, and turned back into the house just as Hubert came down the stairs, in long bounds. ‘Hallo, where are you off to in such haste?’ he enquired.
‘Oh, nowhere!’ Hubert answered. ‘Just out!’
‘When do you go up to Oxford again?’
‘Next week. Why?’
‘Do you care to go with me to Thorpe Grange tomorrow? I must go down, and shall stay a night, I daresay.’
Hubert shook his head. ‘No, I can’t. I’m off to stay with Harpenden for a couple of nights, you know.’
‘I didn’t. Newmarket?’
Hubert flushed. ‘Dash it, why should I not go to Newmarket, if I choose?’
‘There is no reason why you should not, but I could wish that you would choose your company more wisely. Are you set on it? We could ride over from Thorpe, if you liked.’
‘Very good of you, Charles, but I’m promised to Harpenden, and can’t fail now!’ Hubert said gruffly.
‘Very well. Don’t draw the bustle too much!’
Hubert hunched his shoulder. ‘I knew you would say that!’
‘I’ll say something else, and you may believe it! I can’t and I won’t be saddled with your racing debts, so don’t bet beyond your means!’
He waited for no answer, but went upstairs again to the drawing-room, where he found his sister still seated where he had left her, weeping softly into a shred of a handkerchief. He tossed his own into her lap. ‘If you must be a watering-pot, take mine!’ he recommended. ‘Are you satisfied? You should be! It is not every girl who can boast of having rejected a man like Charlbury!’
‘I do not boast of it!’ she retorted, firing up. ‘But I care nothing for wealth and position! Where my affections are not engaged –’
‘You might care for worth of character, however! You could search England without finding a better fellow, Cecilia. Don’t flatter yourself you have found one in your poet! I wish you may not live to regret this day’s work.’
