‘A man though, and a man of Hungerford’s position, an old family in the county, does not like to figure as a warming-pan,’ said the duke, thoughtfully. ‘I think it has been done in a very handsome manner.’
‘And we will show our sense of it,’ said the duchess. ‘The Hungerfords shall feel, when they come here on Thursday, that they are among our best friends.’
‘That is my own Kate! Here is a letter from your brother. They will be here to-morrow. Eskdale cannot come over till Wednesday. He is at home, but detained by a meeting about his new harbour.’
‘I am delighted that they will be here to-morrow,’ said the duchess. ‘I am so anxious that he should see Kate before the castle is full, when he will have a thousand calls upon his time! I feel persuaded that he will love her at first sight. And as for their being cousins, why, we were cousins, and that did not hinder us from loving each other.’
‘If she resemble you as much as you resembled your aunt ——’ said the duke, looking up.
‘She is my perfect image, my very self, Harriet says, in disposition, as well as face and form.’
‘Then our son has a good chance of being a very happy man,’ said the duke.
‘That he should come of age, enter Parliament, and marry in the same year! We ought to be very thankful. What a happy year!’
‘But not one of these events has yet occurred,’ said the duke, smiling.
‘But they all will,’ said the duchess, ‘under Providence.’