“My dear Emily, you do not know what you ask. She will be far too much for you.”
“I’ll take care of that,” said Mrs. Umfraville, smiling.
“And I don’t know about trusting her. I cannot go out, and Jane cannot spare Bartley so early.”
“I will come and fetch her,” said the Colonel.
“And bring her back too. I will send the carriage in the evening, but do not let her come without you,” said Lady Barbara earnestly.
Had they told, or would they tell after she was gone to bed? Kate thought Aunt Barbara was a woman of her word, but did not quite trust her. Consent was given; but would not that stern soldier destroy all the pleasure? And people in sorrow too! Kate thought of Mrs. Lacy, and had no very bright anticipations of her day; yet a holiday was something, and to be out of Aunt Barbara’s way a great deal more.
She had not been long dressed when there was a ring at the bell, and, before she had begun to expect him, the tall man with the dark lip and grey hair stood in her schoolroom. She gave such a start, that he asked, “Did you not expect me so soon?”
“I did not think you would come till after breakfast: but—”
And with an impulse of running away from his dread presence, she darted off to put on her hat, but was arrested on the way by Lady Barbara, at her bedroom door.
“Uncle Giles is come for me,” she said, and would have rushed on, but her aunt detained her to say, “Recollect, Katharine, that wildness and impetuosity, at all times unbecoming, are particularly so where there is affliction. If consideration for others will not influence you, bear in mind that on the impression you make on your uncle and aunt, it depends whether I shall be obliged to tell all that I would willingly forget.”