It was from Lady Thicknesse, of Belgrave Square, of whom mention has been previously made. Lady Thicknesse, it may be stated, was a sister of Lady Barfleur, though several years her junior, and, consequently, aunt to Emmeline.

The letter, which had an enormous black border, and was sealed with black wax, was to the following effect:

“It will give me great pleasure, my dearest niece, if you will come and spend a few weeks with me in Belgrave Square – quite quietly, of course. I think the change will do you good, and I shall be very glad of your society, for I have been rather triste of late. Poor Sir Leycester’s death affected me a great deal. I don’t ask my sister to accompany you, for I know she won’t stir from Brackley, but I shall be very glad if you will bring with you your friend, Mildred Calverley. I remember her as a very charming girl, and know you are much attached to her. She must not expect any gaiety. You will be as quiet here as you are in the country. Adieu, dearest Emmeline! Come as soon as you can, and don’t fail to bring Mildred with you. I write separately to your mamma.”

Emmeline was in Mildred’s room when Lady Thicknesse’s letter was delivered to her. She read it aloud to her friend, and, on finishing it, exclaimed:

“Now, Mildred, what do you say? Will you go to town with me? I am sure my aunt, Lady Thicknesse, will be very glad to see you, and she is most agreeable and kind-hearted – but I needn’t describe her, since you have seen her.”

“Yes; I know her slightly, and am persuaded I shall like her much when I know her better.”

“Then you will go?”

“Certainly, since you wish me to accompany you. I confess I don’t feel happy here just now. It will be an escape.”

“Mrs. Calverley won’t object, I suppose?”

“On the contrary,” replied Mildred, with a singular smile. “I think she will be glad to get rid of me for a time.”

“I’m sure there will be no difficulty on mamma’s part,” observed Emmeline. “Why, here is a note from her that I have not read! As I expected!” she cried. “She urges me to accept the invitation, and hopes you will accompany me. Let us go downstairs, and settle the matter at once.”

They found Mrs. Calverley seated with Captain Danvers in the drawing-room, engaged in a very interesting tête-à-tête, and the discovery increased Mildred’s desire to be gone.

The captain rose, and bowed to her, and she made him a very freezing salute in return. It appeared that he had brought the letters from Brackley, and, having heard of the invitation from Lady Barfleur, had mentioned it to Mrs. Calverley, so that she was fully prepared.

“I know what you are come to tell me,” she said. “Captain Danvers has already informed me of Lady Thicknesse’s invitation, and I sincerely hope you intend to accept it.”

“Since the plan is agreeable to you, we shall do so,” replied Emmeline.

“And we propose to go soon,” said Mildred.

“As soon as you please, my love,” said Mrs. Calverley, smiling. “I won’t delay you. You can set out to-morrow, if your preparations can be made in time.”

“We have very few preparations to make,” remarked Emmeline. “We are not going to any parties. I will write to Lady Thicknesse to prepare her for our arrival to-morrow evening.”

“You will want some one to take charge of you,” observed Mrs. Calverley. “You can’t travel alone.”

Captain Danvers was about to offer himself, but a look from Mrs. Calverley checked him.

“Chetwynd will take charge of them,” she said.

This proposition was very agreeable to the two young ladies, and when Chetwynd made his appearance a few minutes afterwards, he readily agreed to it.

So the matter was settled.

Later on, Emmeline and Mildred went to Brackley, in order to spend the evening with Lady Barfleur. Captain Danvers remained to dine with Mrs. Calverley – so they saw nothing of him.

Next morning, Chetwynd came over, fully prepared for the journey; and Mrs. Calverley was with him, wishing to see them off.

With praiseworthy punctuality, all the boxes and portmanteaux were ready at the appointed time, having been packed by the young ladies themselves, as they did not mean to take a lady’s-maid with them.

Lady Barfleur took leave of her daughter in private, and bedewed her cheek with tears when she embraced her at parting; but not many tears were shed on either side when Mildred bade her step-mother adieu.

Captain Danvers offered his hand to the offended damsel as she stepped into the carriage, but she declined the assistance.

Accompanied by Chetwynd, the two girls drove in the large, old-fashioned carriage to Chester, whence they proceeded by rail to London, arriving at Kensington about six o’clock.

Having conducted them to Lady Thicknesse’s residence in Belgrave Square, Chetwynd took leave, promising to call on the morrow.

He then drove to the Grosvenor Hotel, where he engaged a room, and ordered dinner.

END OF THE FOURTH BOOK

BOOK THE FIFTH – LADY THICKNESSE

I. IN WHICH CHETWYND LEARNS HOW A QUARREL HAS TAKEN PLACE BETWEEN ROSE AND HARRY NETTERVILLE

|After he had dined, Chetwynd took a hansom cab and drove to Lambeth

Alighting at the foot of the bridge, he walked to Hartley’s house in Spencer’s Rents, wondering whether he should find any one at home.

He knocked, but not very loudly, and the summons was presently answered by Mrs. Hartley, who came from the kitchen with a light.

“Why, bless me! if it ain’t Mr. Walter Liddel – or rather I ought to say Mr. Chetwynd Calverley!” she exclaimed, very nearly letting the candle drop in her surprise. “Who would have thought of seeing you here to-night, sir?”

“I’ve just come to town, Mrs. Hartley,” he replied, “and I couldn’t help calling to inquire how you all are. How is your worthy husband? – and how is Rose?”

“Both are well, sir,” she replied, in a tone that did not sound very cheerful, “But pray come in, sir,” she added, leading him to the little parlour, with which he was so familiar.

When another candle was lighted, and he had taken his seat, she remarked: “A good deal has happened since you went away, sir.”

“Nothing unpleasant, I hope?” he inquired.

“You’ll be sorry to hear that Rose’s engagement with Harry Netterville is broken off.”

“Broken off!” he exclaimed. “That is bad news indeed! On what account?”

“I was going to say on your account, sir; but that wouldn’t be right,” she replied. “However, this is what has taken place. An anonymous letter has been sent to Harry Netterville making reflections upon Rose’s conduct with you; and as Harry is very jealous, he believed what was said, and reproached her; and Rose being very hasty, a quarrel ensued, and they both declare they won’t make it up, but I hope they will, for I’m sure they’re very much attached to each other.”

“I’m surprised as well as grieved by what you tell me, Mrs. Hartley,” replied Chetwynd. “I thought Harry Netterville had more sense than to be influenced by an anonymous slanderer. He ought to have treated the letter with scorn. He knows Rose too well to doubt her for a moment.

“Yes; and that’s what makes her so angry with him. ‘Harry has never had the slightest reason to complain of me,’ she says; and now he gets this false, wicked letter, which is only written to make mischief, he thinks it all true!”

“I fancy I can give a guess at the writer,” said Chetwynd. “The villain had a double motive for sending the letter! But I will see Harry Netterville myself to-morrow, and talk to him.”

“I fear you’ll only make matters worse, sir. He is very prejudiced and stupid.”

“But the affair cannot be allowed to remain in this state. I owe it to myself to set it right.”

“Well, you must talk to Rose, sir. I expect her back shortly. She’s gone about a place.”

“A place?” exclaimed Chetwynd.

“Yes; since her quarrel with Harry, she has determined to go into service, and our good friend Mr. Tankard has got her a situation as lady’s maid. She is gone this evening to Belgrave Square to see Lady Thicknesse, who has engaged her.”

“Now, indeed, you surprise me!” cried Chetwynd. “This is a strange coincidence!”

“Yes; I thought you’d be surprised when I mentioned the name, as you recollect that was the house – But here she comes!” she exclaimed, as a knock was heard at the door. “Rose, my dear,” she added, “here’s some one waiting to see you.”

“I know who it is,” replied her daughter. “I expected to find Mr. Chetwynd Calverley here.”

In another moment she had taken off her hat and cloak, and came into the room, looking as pretty as ever, and, what could hardly have been expected under the circumstances, in very good spirits.

“I felt almost certain I should find you here, Mr. Calverley,” she said, after salutations rather more distant than formerly had passed between them. “You will understand why I say so when I tell you I have just seen your sister and Miss Barfleur, and two more charming, amiable young ladies I never beheld. It will be quite a pleasure to me to attend upon them. And I must say they appeared equally well pleased with me. They seemed to know all about me.”

“Yes; I had described you to them,” remarked Chetwynd.

“So they told me,” said Rose. “It’s a curious thing altogether; but what makes it more singular is that I should go to the house at the very time of their arrival. I believe I was engaged by Lady Thicknesse expressly to attend to them.”

Mrs. Hartley had uttered a great many exclamations as her daughter went on, and she now said:

“And how do you like Lady Thicknesse, Rose?”

“Very much indeed,” was the reply. “She is a middle-aged lady, perhaps turned fifty, but still goodlooking, and has a fine tall figure, and dresses very richly. I should have thought more of her if I hadn’t been so much taken up with the young ladies. She received me very graciously, and said I should suit her perfectly, especially as her niece, Miss Barfleur, and Miss Calverley seemed pleased with me.”

“Nothing was said to her ladyship in reference to any previous matter?” inquired Chetwynd.

“Nothing whatever, sir,” replied Rose. “The young ladies spoke to me in private. I had likewise some conversation with Mr. Higgins, who cautioned me; but I told him I should never breathe a word on the subject. You needn’t feel the slightest uneasiness, sir. To-morrow I enter upon my duties, and am sure I shall be very happy.”

“I sincerely hope so, Rose,” said Chetwynd. “I am very sorry for the misunderstanding that has occurred – ”

“I’ve told Mr. Calverley all about the quarrel, my dear,” remarked Mrs. Hartley.

“I’m very angry indeed with Harry,” cried Rose, “and don’t feel at all inclined to make it up with him.”

“You’ll think differently by-and-by, I dare say,” observed Chetwynd. “My belief is that the writer of that mischievous letter to Harry is no other than the scoundrel who annoyed you in the steam-boat, and whom I chastised for his insolence.”

“The same idea occurred to me,” said Rose: “and I should have mentioned my suspicions to Harry, but he would listen to no explanations. Knowing his jealous temper, I never told him of that occurrence, as I fancied it would put him out. I also blame myself for not mentioning one or two circumstances that have occurred since your departure; but I really felt frightened.”

“Has Romney made an attempt to see you again?” asked Chetwynd.

“More than once,” she replied. “He annoys me dreadfully. When my father is with me, he keeps out of the way; but I cannot always have a protector at my side. This is one reason why I have resolved to go into service. I shall be secure from my tormentor.”

“I hope he won’t trouble you much longer,” remarked Chetwynd.

Just then a knock was heard at the door. It was rather sharp, and surprised the hearers.

“Who can that be?” cried Rose, uneasily.

“I’ll go and see,” replied her mother.

The person at the door was no other than Tom Tankard. He inquired for Rose, and Mrs. Hartley begged him to come in, and ushered him at once into the little parlour.

Tom, who was dressed in evening attire, appeared very much surprised at the sight of Chetwynd, and would have retreated, if he could have done so with a good grace.

Declining to take a seat, he addressed himself to Rose, and said:

“I hope you will excuse this intrusion, Miss Hartley, but I am the bearer of a message to you from my friend, Mr. Harry Netterville. He wishes to know whether you will grant him an interview?”

“Shall I?” said Rose, in a low voice.

“Nay, don’t appeal to me,” replied Chetwynd. “Exercise your own discretion.”

“I ought to say that Mr. Netterville is without,” observed Tom; “so that he requires an immediate answer. When I inform him who his here, I don’t feel quite sure that he will come in.”

“He can please himself,” said Rose. “Tell him, in reply to his message, that I will see him, but not alone.”

“Have the goodness, also, to tell him from me, Mr. Tom,” observed Chetwynd, “that I have a few words to say to him. I intended to call on him to-morrow.”

“I will do your bidding, sir,” replied Tom, “But I remark – ”

“Pray, don’t make any remarks at present, sir,” interrupted Chetwynd. “Just convey my message.” Tom bowed, and left the room.

He was attended to the street-door by Mrs. Hartley, who waited to see whether he would return.

II. HARRY NETTERVILLE’S JEALOUS RAGE

Some persuasion on Tom Tankard’s part was evidently required to induce Harry Netterville to enter the house; but, at length, he reluctantly consented to do so, and followed Mrs. Hartley into the parlour.

As soon as he saw Chetwynd, he could no longer control himself, but flew into a transport of jealous rage, and would certainly have made a scene if Tom, who was close behind, had not checked him.

A sort of calm being restored, Chetwynd remarked, “Allow me, Mr. Netterville, before anything more is said, to offer a word of explanation. My presence here this evening is purely accidental. I have just arrived in town, and came to inquire after my good friends. It grieved me to learn that a misunderstanding has arisen between you and Rose; but I am sure it can be easily set right. The anonymous letter you have received was from a great reprobate, who, for purposes of his own, wished to destroy your confidence in this good and truthful girl, who is sincerely-attached to you, and, unfortunately, he has succeeded in his object.”

“Your explanation, though plausible, has very little weight with me, sir,” replied Netterville. “I only consented to enter the house to convince myself by ocular demonstration that you are here. Having done that, I shall depart. Farewell, deceitful girl – farewell, for ever!”

“Stay, Harry!” cried Rose, rushing towards him, and seizing his arm. “I cannot allow you to depart thus! Listen to the explanation Mr. Calverley desires to give you. You have been made a dupe.”

“I know it!” rejoined Netterville, bitterly; “but I will be duped no longer! It is idle to say how much I have loved you, faithless girl! I now tear you from my heart for ever!”

“Oh, don’t say so, dearest Harry!” she cried. “It is all a mistake. You will be sorry when you find out your error. You have been very foolish.”

“Foolish!” he exclaimed, in a tremendous voice. “Your conduct has been enough to drive me mad! If you really love me, as you pretend, come away with me now.”

“No; I can’t do that, dear Harry.”

“You shall, whether you like it or not!” he said, seizing her arm.

Frightened by his violence, she uttered a cry, rushed back, and flung herself into Chetwynd’s arms, who was coming forward to assist her.

As may be imagined, this occurrence inflamed the jealous lover to the highest pitch, and Tom Tankard had some difficulty in holding him back.

“Let me go!” cried Netterville, struggling with his friend. “My worst suspicions are now confirmed, Let me go, I say! I’ll punish him!”

“No you sha’n’t,” cried Tom, who could scarcely refrain from laughing at the absurdity of the scene. “You’ve committed folly enough already. Come along.”

And he dragged him out of the house.

“I didn’t believe Harry could behave in such an extraordinary manner,” said Rose, as soon as he was gone. “He terrified me so much that I scarcely knew what I was about. I hope you’ll excuse me, sir.”

“There’s nothing to excuse,” replied Chetwynd; “but you must judge your lover as leniently as you can. His violence only proves the strength of his affection for you.”

“I would rather he didn’t show his affection in this way,” she rejoined.

“Certainly he allowed his passion to carry him a great deal too far,” said Chetwynd. “But he will be very sorry to-morrow.”

“When he comes here again, he will find me gone; and I sha’n’t write to him,” said Rose.

“Don’t make resolutions you are sure to break,” said Chetwynd. “And now, adieu. Possibly I may see you to-morrow in Belgrave Square.”

Bidding good night to Mrs. Hartley, and leaving a kindly message for her husband, he then quitted the house.

III. LORD COURLAND

Lady Thicknesse, widow of Sir Thomas Thicknesse, of Haslemere, Cheshire, was some four or five years younger than her sister, Lady Barfleur. In her day she had been considered a great beauty, and was still attractive, for her manners were extremely agreeable. She habitually resided in Belgrave Square, and not being fond of the country, seldom spent more than a couple of months in the autumn at Haslemere.

She still had a large establishment, much larger than she required, for the state of her health did not allow her to keep much company, and she no longer gave any of those grand parties that had once made her the fashion.

Lady Thicknesse had no children, but she was proud and ambitious, and her great desire was that Emmeline should marry a person of rank.

During Sir Leycester’s lifetime she despaired of accomplishing her purpose, for he would allow no interference on her part. His demise, however, left the stage clear; and as Emmeline had now become a great heiress, the matter seemed quite simple and easy. The noble husband had only to be chosen.

After a little consideration, she fixed upon Lord Courland, the eldest son of the Earl of Lymington, who seemed to possess all the requisites, and in whom she herself felt an interest. Besides, he was a great friend of her nephew, Scrope Danvers, a circumstance that seemed very favourable to her design.

Lord Courland was about four-and-twenty, very much liked generally on account of his agreeable manners, and sufficiently good-looking. She had never heard him express an opinion on the subject, but she fancied he was just the man who would desire to marry an heiress. The real question was whether Emmeline would accept him. On this point Lady Thicknesse had no misgiving, having perfect reliance on her own powers of persuasion.

Her plan settled, she wrote the letter we have seen to her niece. It quite answered its purpose, and excited no suspicion. All the rest followed as narrated.

On their arrival in Belgrave Square, Lady Thicknesse received the two girls with every demonstration of delight, and she appeared so amiable and affectionate, that they were charmed with her.

She was told that Chetwynd Calverley had brought them to town; but she attached no importance to the circumstance, not conceiving it possible that Emmeline could care for him.

Until now, she had never seen Mildred, and was quite surprised by her beauty. Had she known she was so good-looking, she didn’t feel sure she should have asked her. She might outshine her niece.

Next morning the two girls, who were both in very good spirits, and looking very well after their journey, were seated in the large and splendidly furnished drawing-room, when Lady Thicknesse began to open her plan.

“By-the-by, Emmeline,” she said, “I ought to mention that your cousin, Scrope Danvers, is in town, and will very likely call this morning, for he knows you will be here. I hope he may, and bring with him his friend, Lord Courland. I needn’t tell you that Lord Courland is the eldest son of the Earl of Lymington; but I may say he is very agreeable, and singularly unaffected for a person of his rank, and I am persuaded you will like him.”

“I dare say I shall,” replied Emmeline. “I have heard Charles Danvers speak of him as a very nice fellow.”

“He is a great favourite of mine, I own,” said Lady Thicknesse. “His father is in very bad health; so it cannot be long before he becomes Earl of Lymington and master of Guilsborough Castle, one of the finest places in Hampshire. But I won’t say any more about him. You’ll see him presently, and judge for yourself.”

The opportunity soon offered. Scarcely had Lady Thicknesse done singing the young lord’s praises, than he and Scrope Danvers were announced.

Decidedly, he produced a favourable impression. Tall, and slight of figure, with features agreeable in expression, if not handsome, he was easy and refined in manner, and seemed to possess great tact. He had light-brown hair, a beard of the same hue, and very good teeth.

Both girls were pleased with him, and he was evidently struck by their beauty; but he paid no exclusive attention to Emmeline, and talked quite as much to Mildred as to her. His sole aim seemed to be to amuse them, and his chat being very lively, and some of his stories very diverting, he perfectly succeeded. When he and Scrope rose to depart, after a visit of half an hour, during which there was no pause in the conversation, Lady Thicknesse asked them both to dinner, and the invitation was accepted – much to the delight of the girls.

“Well, what do you think of Lord Courland?” observed Lady Thicknesse, who thought the affair had commenced capitally. “Have I said too much in his praise?”

“Not at all,” replied Emmeline. “I never spent half an hour more agreeably.”

“Nor I,” added Mildred. “I feel quite ashamed of myself for laughing so much, but I really couldn’t help it. He is an excellent talker!”

“I hope you will see a great deal more of him during your stay in town,” said Lady Thicknesse.

“I hope we shall,” rejoined Emmeline. “He promises to be a very agreeable acquaintance.”

“He may possibly be something more than a mere acquaintance, my love!” remarked her ladyship, significantly. “I think you have made a conquest. He seemed quite captivated!”

“Not by me, my dear aunt. If he was captivated by either of us, it was by Mildred. She has made the conquest!”

“Quite unintentionally,” replied Mildred. “But I agree with Lady Thicknesse; you were the chief attraction.”

Emmeline smiled, and shook her head.

“Well, whoever wins him will have good reason to congratulate herself,” said Lady Thicknesse.

“We shan’t quarrel about him, that’s certain,” said Emmeline. “I’m quite ready to retire from the field in your favour.” she added to Mildred. “I should like nothing better than to see you Lady Courland!”

“I fear we are getting on a little too fast, dear girls,” said Lady Thicknesse, who was not pleased by the turn things seemed taking. “I have raised expectations that may never be realised. I really don’t think Lord Courland is a marrying man.”

“I entertain quite a different opinion, aunt,” said Emmeline. “Within a week I feel sure he will have proposed to Mildred.”

“I hope Miss Calverley won’t take what you say seriously,” observed Lady Thicknesse. “She may be disappointed.”

“No, indeed, I shan’t,” said Mildred. “I have no idea of catching this young lord. I am not dazzled by his rank, though not insensible to it. I am charmed with his affability and good nature, but that is all. You won’t find a rival in me, dearest Emmeline.”

“Never mind me, Mildred,” said Emmeline. “You know very well I am out of the question. I ask you plainly, wouldn’t you like to be Lady Courland?”

“I can’t tell,” replied the other. “I haven’t thought about it.”

“Then we’ll talk it over, and I’ll give you my reasons,” said Emmeline.

“You’d better hear mine first,” remarked Lady Thicknesse. “But tell me what you meant by bidding Miss Calverley ‘not to mind you,’ and adding ‘she knew very well you are out of the question?’ That is an ambiguous phrase.”

“It is intelligible enough to Mildred, my dear aunt, and only means that I have no idea of marrying at present.”

“But how came you to form such a silly resolution?”

“You mustn’t ask me, my dear aunt,”

“Not now; but at some more suitable time I shall think it my duty to require an explanation.”

Rather fortunately, the discourse was interrupted just at that moment by Chetwynd, who was ushered into the room by Higgins.

Lady Thicknesse had never seen him before, and was very much struck by his appearance. She had no idea he was so handsome, and a suspicion of the truth then crossed her.

Could he be engaged to Emmeline? But she dismissed the notion as soon as formed.

She had been prejudiced against him by the accounts she had heard of his follies, extravagance, and impetuous temper; but his good looks and quiet deportment operated strongly in his favour, and he had not been in the room five minutes before she felt disposed to like him, and evinced her friendly feeling by asking him to dinner.

On his part, Chetwynd was very much pleased with her ladyship, and could not help smiling as he thought to himself what might have been the consequence if his original plan had been carried out.