Part 59 (1/2)
She returned to her mother, who had sufficiently recovered to come downstairs. The guests had gone into the grounds with the exception of Mr Hastings and General Sampson. The general came hurrying into the drawing-room from the hall, exclaiming--
”A post-chaise is driving up the avenue,” and taking Mr Hastings by the arm, he added, ”I do not know whether you or Miss Castleton should be the first to greet the occupant; I must leave you to decide.”
”Let my future daughter have that happiness,” answered Mr Hastings, by a violent effort calming his evident agitation.
He imprinted a kiss as he spoke on the young lady's brow.
”Go and bring my son to me when you have exchanged greetings. Do not detain him long.”
Julia hastened to the ante-room, scarcely daring to hope that the general was not mistaken. From the window she saw the carriage approaching. She had not long to wait. Captain Headland sprang from it, followed by another person whom her eyes, from the mist which stole over them, failed to recognise. She heard his step in the hall. In another minute he was supporting her and listening to the account she had to give. She led him into the drawing-room, where Mr Hastings was seated alone.
”I require no one to tell me you are my son,” he said, embracing them both.
They spoke for some time. Julia would have retired to leave the father and his son alone, but the former detained her.
”For your sakes alone should I desire to resume my name, and take the t.i.tle which is lawfully mine,” he continued. ”I am your father's elder brother, my dear Julia, but I know that when you become my son Ra.n.a.ld's wife, you will endeavour to console him and your brother Harry for the loss of an empty t.i.tle of which I may be compelled to deprive him. But I am happily able to leave him in possession of a fortune equal to that which he at present enjoys.”
”Believing that you did not desire to hold the baronetcy, I would gladly have resigned my future right to it in favour of Harry,” said Headland.
”As, however, you gave me leave to consult any friend in whom I had confidence, I at once went to my old captain, Admiral Fancourt, who, of all people, as my uncle's brother-in-law, was the most capable of giving me advice. I placed the whole matter before him, and he a.s.sures me that should my uncle desire a baronetcy, Government will readily grant him one for his political services, so that he will consequently not be deprived of the rank he prizes. Having known me from my early days, and being convinced of the truth of the account I gave him, he accompanied me here that he might satisfy my uncle's mind, and a.s.sist in arranging matters.”
As Headland, or rather Captain Castleton, ceased speaking, the door opened, and Admiral Fancourt entered the room. He at once recognised Sir Ra.n.a.ld Castleton, as Mr Hastings was henceforth to be called, and expressed his satisfaction at his return, a.s.suring him that he would have no difficulty in establis.h.i.+ng his claims.
Lady Castleton shortly afterwards joined the party, and having been introduced to her brother-in-law, warmly welcomed her nephew.
Headland received a still more enthusiastic welcome from the old general, who quickly made his appearance.
”And here comes Harry and another gentleman galloping along the avenue as if the fate of the kingdom depended on their speed,” he exclaimed.
Julia and the captain went out to meet them, and in another minute returned accompanied by Harry and the lawyer. Harry could scarcely speak. Julia knew by the way he embraced her and his mother, that his heart was bounding with joy.
”She can no longer be looked upon as unworthy of marrying a Castleton, for she is a Castleton herself, though all my May desires is to bear my name,” he exclaimed at length; ”but Mr Shallard will explain the discovery we have made more clearly than I can. Our good cousins promise to bring her here as soon as a carriage can be obtained.”