“I daresay not. He had hoped for better. The Frants were Earls of St. Erth before ever the Austells rose to the dignity of a barony!”
“ Very like my stepmother!” murmured Gervase.
Theo was obliged to laugh, but he said: “However you may disregard the difference you may be sure the Bolderwoods do not! Offer for Marianne before her betrothal to Ulverston is announced, and see what Sir Thomas will say to you!”
“My dear Theo, where have your wits gone begging? It was a case of love at first sight with them both! You must have seen that!”
“Did Martin?”
“Oh, Martin — ! Does he ever see beyond his nose?”
“No, and for that reason I am more than ever sorry for him. I believe he had no suspicion, and the news must have come to him as a severe shock.”
“I am afraid you are right, but he will very soon recover from it. He is at present forswearing women — an excellent sign!”
“Where is he?”
“Unless he did indeed visit his friend Warboys, I don’t know.”