“I don’t think you’ll find Ford nearly so difficult when you get back to Squires.”
She noticed that he was taking her return for granted, but it did not vex her.
“The fact is, I heard a piece of news from him yesterday. They’re probably waiting to tell you till they see you—but I’m going to forestall them, as I’m an old friend, and they must forgive me. Ford Aviolet is going to be married.”
X
Rose opened her brown eyes very wide. “The great Ford! I can guess who it is, can’t I?”
“I expect so,” said Charlesbury, smiling.
“The Grierson-Amberly girl? I thought so. Aren’t the Aviolets delighted about it?”
“I think they are. She’s a distant cousin, you know, and it’s very suitable in every way. I know Lady Aviolet has been hoping for something of the kind; I believe they’ve been rather afraid that Ford would never marry.”
“I suppose they thought no one would ever be good enough for him. I’m certain he thought so himself.”
Lord Charlesbury shook his head. “I wish I knew why you’re so hard on my friend Ford. I grant you that he’s been spoilt, and he has some irritating mannerisms, but he’s all right if you take him the right way. And he has brains, too, which ought to appeal to you.”