The Duke looked quite horrified. “But it cannot be! I have never offered never said a word to Harriet, or given anyone the least reason to suppose that my affections had become fixed!”
“My dear boy, in our world these affairs are generally known. Ampleforth has refused one offer for Harriet’s hand already, and I have little doubt that her ladyship will have dropped a hint or two abroad. It would be a great piece of folly to pretend that you are not a splendid matrimonial prize, Gilly, so we will not indulge ourselves with any humbug about that. In fact, except for Devonshire, who must be nearing thirty by now and seems to be a settled bachelor—besides he is extremely deaf—I do not know of one to equal you. Depend upon it, Augusta Ampleforth will not have been able to resist the temptation of telling her friends—in the strictest confidence, of course!—that she has such large expectations for her daughter. She must be the envy of her acquaintance!”
The Duke passed a hand through his fair locks. “I had no idea of this! Do you tell me that the Ampleforths—Harriet—have been expecting me to declare myself?”
“Oh, well, no, I do not say that,” replied Lord Lionel. “In fact, I told Ampleforth I would not have you established too early in life. Your health was too uncertain, and I wished you to have time to look about you before making your choice.”
“My choice!” Gilly ejaculated. “It seems I have none at all, sir!”
“Yon have certainly made none,” said his uncle dryly.
There was a defeated silence. After a few moments, Gilly said: “I do not know what to say. I must see Ampleforth, and—and Harriet too. Until I am persuaded that she does indeed expect me to offer—Well, I must see her!”
“Not before you have spoken with her father!” exclaimed Lord Lionel.
“Oh, no!” Gilly said wearily.
“There is no need for you to be in a hurry,” said Lord Lionel. “I believe the Ampleforths are in London at present, but they will be removing into the country at any moment now, I should suppose. Ampleforth is bound to invite you to one of his battues, and you may then—”