Part 9 (1/2)
Poh! my Lord, said Lady Allen, we are old-fas.h.i.+on'd people:--you must not talk thus before Gentlemen and Ladies bred in the present age.
Come, come, let me hear Lord Darcey speak to this point, continued his Lords.h.i.+p. He is soon to be _one of us_;--we shall shortly, I am told, salute him _Bened.i.c.k_.
On this Sir James threw down his knife and fork with emotion, crying, This is news, indeed! This is what I never heard before! Upon my word, your Lords.h.i.+p has been very secret! looking full at Lord Darcey. But you are of _age_, my Lord, so I have no _right_ to be consulted; however, I should be glad to know, who it is that runs away with your heart. This was spoke half in jest, half in earnest.
In a moment my neck and face were all over crimson.--I felt the colour rise;--it was not to be suppress'd.--I drew my handkerchief from my pocket;--held it to my face;--hemm'd;--call'd for wine and water;--which, when brought, I could scarcely swallow; spoke in a low voice to Miss Winter;--said she had a poor stomach, or something like it.
Lord Darcey too was confus'd.--Why did I look up to him?--He was pale, instead of red.--I saw his lips move, but could not hear what he said for more than a minute; occasion'd by an uncommon noise which just then rush'd through my head:--at length sounds grew distinct, and I heard this sentence--_every_ word is inscribed where it can _never_ be erazed--
Upon my honour. Lord Allen, I have never made proposals to any woman; and _further_, it is a matter of doubt, whether I ever shall.
By this time I had lost all my colour;--charming cool--and calm,--no perturbation remaining.
Nothing disagreeable now hung on my mind, except a certain thoughtfulness, occasion'd by the recollection of my folly.--
Miss Winter's eyes sparkled, if it is possible for grey ones to sparkle, at the declaration Lord Darcey had just made; and, of a sudden, growing very fond of _me_, laid her hand on mine, speaking as it were aside,--Well, I was never _more_ surprized! I as _much_ believed him engaged to a _certain_ young Lady,--squeezing my thumb,--as I think I am living.--Nay, I would not have credited the contrary, had I not heard him declare off with my _own_ ears.--I see how it is; Sir James must chuse a wife for him.--
To all which I only answered, Lord Darcey, Madam, is certainly the best judge of his actions:--I make no doubt but Sir James will approve his Lords.h.i.+p's choice.
After what I have related, common subjects ensued:--the cloth being removed, I withdrew to the Library, intending to sit with Mr. Watson half an hour, who was confined by a cold. He holds out his hand to take mine the moment he hears my footstep.--I look on him as an angel: his purity, his mildness, his resignation speak him one.--
Lord Darcey entered as I was about to join the company; however, I staid some minutes, that my quitting the room might not seem on _his_ account.
I am glad you are come, my Lord, said Mr. Watson; sitting with such a poor infirm man has made Miss Warley thoughtful.--Upon my word, Sir, returned I, it was only the fear of increasing your head-ach that me silent.--I never was in higher spirits.--I could sing and dance this very moment. Well then, dear Miss Warley, cried his Lords.h.i.+p, let me fetch your _guitarre_.
With all my heart, my Lord; I am _quite_ in tune.--Taking leave of Mr.
Watson, I return'd to the company.--His Lords.h.i.+p soon followed. Again repeating his request, in which every person join'd, I sung and play'd several compositions.
Miss Winter was next call'd upon and the guitarre presented to her by Lord Darcey.--A long time she absolutely refused it; declaring she had not learnt any new music this year.--What does that signify, Miss Winter? said her mother; you know you have a sweet voice.
Bless me! Madam! how can you say so?--To be sure, I should sing to great advantage _now_.
Well, Nancy, you'll oblige _Papa?_--says the old Gentleman; I know you'll oblige _Papa_,--stalking over to her on the tops of his toes.
Here the contest ended; _Miss_ taking the guitarre, condescended to oblige her _Papa_.
She really sings and plays well:--if her manner had been less affected, we should have been more entertain'd.--The company staid supper, after which Lord Darcey came with me home.--I made _no_ objection:--of all things, I would make _none_--after what pa.s.s'd at table. Fortunate event! how I rejoice in my recovered tranquillity!
The thoughts, the pleasing thoughts of freedom have kept me from sleep; I could not think of repose amidst my charming reflections. Happy, happy change!
It is past two o'clock!--At all times and all seasons,
I am, my dear Lady,
Yours invariably,
F. WARLEY.