XIX. WHAT PASSED BETWEEN LORD COURLAND AND MR. CARTERET.
Lord Courland was in the drawing-room after breakfast, amusing himself as well as he could, and hoping Mrs. Calverley would soon make her appearance and dispel his ennui, when Norris brought him a message from Mr. Carteret, who said that, if perfectly convenient to his lordship, he should be glad to see him for a few minutes.
Lord Courland was delighted. He was aware that Mr. Carteret was Mrs. Calverley's lawyer, and was particularly anxious to have a little conversation with him.
“I'll come to him at once,” he said. “Where is he?”
“I'll take your lordship to him,” replied the butler.
And he conducted him to the cabinet, in which, as we have explained, Mrs. Calverley was wont to transact her private business.
Mr. Carteret was alone, and bowed very respectfully as his lordship entered.
After a little preliminary discourse, Lord Courland remarked, in a very easy tone, as if everything was satisfactorily settled:
“I hope we shall be able to complete our arrangements, Mr. Carteret,”
“I hope so, my lord,” replied the solicitor. “But I am desired by Mrs. Calverley to offer you some explanation, as she fears there has been a slight misunderstanding on your lordship's part. It is always better these affairs should be arranged by professional men, who don't hesitate to ask each other questions.”
“I thought there were no questions to ask,” said Lord Courland, rather surprised. “Everything appeared clear.”
“So it seemed. But I find, on conferring with Mrs. Calverley, that she was under a misapprehension as to her power——”
“What do you mean, sir?” cried his lordship, quickly. “If I am rightly informed, she has absolute control over her late husband's property?”
“She has so now, my lord,” replied the solicitor.
“You don't mean to insinuate that she forfeits the property, in case she marries again?” cried his lordship, in dismay.
“That is precisely her position, my lord,” replied Mr. Carteret, calmly. “The property will go to her step-daughter, Miss Mildred Calverley!”
“Why was I not informed of this before?” cried Lord Courland, looking very angry.
“It is on this point that I desire to offer your lordship an explanation,” said the solicitor. “Until Mrs. Calverley conferred with me about the settlement, she was quite unaware of her ability to make one.”
“This is incredible, sir,” cried Lord Courland. “I shall make no remarks, but it is useless to proceed with the business.”
“Your lordship seems to form a very unjust and improper opinion of my client,” said Mr. Carteret. “She was greatly distressed when she made the discovery I have mentioned—but more on your lordship's account than on her own. Though she will lose this large property, she can still settle fifteen hundred a year on your lordship, and has instructed me to say that she will do so.”
“I do not feel inclined to accept it, sir!” replied Lord Courland, haughtily.
“Then I am to understand that the match is broken off?”
“It is,” replied Lord Courland, in the same haughty tone.
“Permit me, then, to remark, on my own part,” said Mr. Carteret, “that I think Mrs. Calverley is much better off with her large property than with a title. I will communicate your decision to her. I have the honour to wish your lordship a good morning.”
And he quitted the cabinet.