Arabella broke in presently on her mother’s lamentations, exclaiming: “Oh, Mama, you know it is quite decided that you are not going to find London too fatiguing for you this time! I am so happy to be here again! I mean to go to all the balls, and the ridottos, and the masquerades, and the theatres, and—oh, everything! And you know you are to go with me to all the best warehouses to choose the stuffs for my new dresses, for I declare I have not a rag to my back, and no one has such good taste as you, dearest!”
Mrs Ravenscar smiled faintly, but said that she feared her health would break down under the strain.
“Well, if it does, Arabella knows she may count upon me,”, said Lady Mablethorpe bracingly. “Nothing would give me more pleasure than to take the child about a little. I have often been sorry that I had never a daughter.”
This was not strictly true, but it had the effect of making Arabella hug her ruthlessly, and call her darling aunt. Lady Mablethorpe was more than ever convinced that it would be the greatest shame if the sweet child were not to be her daughter-in-law.
This reflection brought to her mind the purpose of her visit, and she cast a glance towards Ravenscar, so fraught with meaning that he could scarcely have remained oblivious of it. He contrived, however, to appear unaware of the silent message thus conveyed to him, and her ladyship was obliged to request the favour of a few words with him.
“Certainly,” he said. “Will you come down to the library, ma’am?”
She accepted this not very cordial invitation, and made her excuses to Mrs Ravenscar, promising to visit her again when she should have had time to settle down.
Ravenscar led the way downstairs, and ushered his aunt into the library. She barely waited for him to close the door before saying: “I would not for the world mention the matter before that dear child! But the most shocking thing has happened, Max!”
“I know it,” he replied. “Miss Grantham has accepted Adrian’s offer.”
“You told me you would see the woman, Max!”