He said nothing to his mother about Lucy the first evening, although there was some conversation respecting the Robarts family.
“I am afraid Mr. Robarts has embarrassed himself,” said Lady Lufton, looking very seriously. “Rumours reach me which are most distressing. I have said nothing to anybody as yet—not even to Fanny; but I can see in her face, and hear in the tones of her voice, that she is suffering some great sorrow.”
“I know all about it,” said Lord Lufton.
“You know all about it, Ludovic?”
“Yes; it is through that precious friend of mine, Mr. Sowerby, of Chaldicotes. He has accepted bills for Sowerby; indeed, he told me so.”
“What business had he at Chaldicotes? What had he to do with such friends as that? I do not know how I am to forgive him.”
“It was through me that he became acquainted with Sowerby. You must remember that, mother.”
“I do not see that that is any excuse. Is he to consider that all your acquaintances must necessarily be his friends also? It is reasonable to suppose that you in your position must live occasionally with a great many people who are altogether unfit companions for him as a parish clergyman. He will not remember this, and he must be taught it. What business had he to go to Gatherum Castle?”
“He got his stall at Barchester by going there.”
“He would be much better without his stall, and Fanny has the sense to know this. What does he want with two houses? Prebendal stalls are for older men than he—for men who have earned them, and who at the end of their lives want some ease. I wish with all my heart that he had never taken it.”