“That will do, Foster!” said the Rector. “If you are determined on this course, I will perform the ceremony.”
“Then that’s settled all right and tight,” said Freddy. “They’ll have to stay here till the knot’s tied, but you won’t mind that. Going to drive Kit to Arnside now, but we’ll come over in the morning, and take ’em to Church.”
Miss Charing, blinking at these competent plans, said: “Yes, but, Freddy, where are they to go when they are married? The thing is, you see, that it will take a little time for Hannah’s lawyer to settle everything with Dolph’s Mama, and until it is all quite safe she does not wish Lady Dolphinton to see Dolph, and also they will not have any money, which makes it particularly awkward for them.”
“I shall be happy to offer you the hospitality of my house for as long as you wish to remain here, Miss Plymstock,” said the Rector, untruthfully, but in a very Christian spirit.
“No, that won’t do,” said Freddy, considering the matter. “Aunt Dolphinton’s bound to come after them. Don’t see how you could keep her out. They’ll have to go to Arnside.”
“Arnside?” repeated Kitty blankly. “Freddy, they could not!”
“Yes, they could. I don’t say it’s where I’d choose to spend my honeymoon, but there’s nothing else for it. Thing is, it’s the one place my aunt dashed well can’t get into. Told me yourself the old gentleman had all the doors barred against her!”
“Yes, he did, but you know how much he dislikes to have guests staying with him! He would never permit them to do so!”
“Got a strong notion he will,” said Freddy darkly. “Going to tell him it’ll make Aunt Dolphinton as mad as fire if he does. Lay you odds that card will take the trick! Shouldn’t wonder at it if it put him in high croak, what’s more.”
“Freddy, you are perfectly right!” said Miss Charing, awed. “Nothing ever puts him in such spirits as being disagreeable to Dolph’s Mama! I daresay he will be very much obliged to us for putting him in the way of serving her such a turn!”