“On the contrary,” he replied. “Your conversation is most salutary, Miss Winwood.”
“You are laughing at me,” said Horatia accusingly. “I d-daresay you think I am very stupid, sir, but indeed, it is most serious.”
“I think you are delightful,” said Rule. “But there seems to be some misapprehension. I was under the impression that Miss Winwood was—er—willing to receive my addresses.”
“Yes,” concurred Horatia. “She is w-willing, of course, but it makes her dreadfully unhappy. Th-that’s why I came. I hope you don’t m-mind.”
“Not at all,” said his lordship. “But may I know whether I appear to all the members of your family in this disagreeable light?”
“Oh no!” said Horatia earnestly. “M-mama is excessively pleased with you, and I myself d-don’t find you disagreeable in the least. And if only you would be so v-very obliging as to offer for m-me instead of Lizzie I should like you very well.”
“But why,” asked Rule, “do you want me to offer for you?”
Horatia’s brows drew close over the bridge of her nose. “It must sound very odd,” she admitted. “You see, Lizzie must m-marry Edward Heron. Perhaps you do not know him?”
“I believe I have not the pleasure,” said the Earl.
“W-well, he is a very particular friend of ours, and he loves L-Lizzie. Only you know how it is with younger sons, and poor Edward is not even a Captain yet.”