“Easy, Piers, easy. You must obtain the Duke’s consent first.”
“I could hardly select a worse time to ask him for it. I am of full age. I am my own master. I will marry Kate in the face of all opposition.”
“I say you will not. My daughter is not for you, if there is any opposition. The Duke and Duchess are at the head of your house; and Kate cannot enter a house in which she would be unwelcome.”
“Kate will reside at Exham.”
“And be a divider between you and your father and mother. No! In the end she would get the worst of it; and, even if she got the best of it, I am not willing she should begin a life of quarrelling and hatred. You can see the Duke at your convenience, and let me know what he says.”
“I will see him to-day,” he had taken out his watch and was looking at it as he spoke. “Will you excuse me now, Squire?” he asked. “I sent Kate a message early this morning promising to call for her about eleven. I am already late.”
“You may turn back. I will make an excuse for you. You cannot ride with Kate to-day.”
“Squire, I made the offer and the promise. Permit me to honour my word.”
“I will honour it for you. There has been enough, and too much, riding and walking, unless you are to ride and walk all your lives together. Good-morning!”
“Squire, give me one hour?”