Upon her arrival at Heathdale, Lady Linton was considerably surprised to find that Sir William had engaged the services of a professional decorator to prepare his home for the reception of his bride, and great improvements had been made in many of the rooms. The suite over the library, and looking out upon the river, had been exquisitely fitted up in blue and white, and gold for his wife’s special use, while several new pictures and pieces of statuary had been added to the already choice collection which the old mansion possessed.
Still, with all this added elegance, it needed the touch of a tasteful woman’s hand to make it really home-like, and both Lady Linton and her daughter exerted themselves to make everything as attractive as possible.
Her ladyship realized that perhaps she was presuming a little beyond her jurisdiction in arranging, unauthorized, for a dinner-party, but she was determined to do honor to the new mistress of Heathdale, and to show her brother her entire approval of the step he had taken. She was bound, too, that no funereal gloom should hang over their first evening at home, but that all things should wear a joyous and inviting aspect; so she sent invitations to a select few to come and welcome the baronet and his bride upon their arrival.
The eventful day at length dawned—a bright, beautiful winter’s day, yet mild for the season, and, at an early hour, the household at Heathdale was all astir, and preparations for the grand event went briskly forward; for everyone, down to the lowest servant, loved the master, and was eager to show him honor on this unlooked-for occasion, while all were on the alert to learn what manner of a wife he was about to bring home.
The state dining-room was handsomely decorated for the grand event; the best plate had been polished to the last degree of brightness, the finest linen bleached and pressed, and a most sumptuous dinner was in preparation.
There were flowers, choice and rare, everywhere, and every room was fragrant with their perfume and bright with their beauty.
A glowing fire was built in the great hall, while over the carved mantle above the huge fire-place, Lady Linton had caused to be placed a beautiful shield, representing the crest of her family, and composed of lilies and roses, with the word “Welcome,” in immortelles, surmounting it.
At seven o’clock the guests began to gather; there were the Hon. Mr. Capron with his wife and daughter, from an adjoining estate. The rector and his genial helpmate; Lord Alfred Hartington, and his sister; Percy Linton and his charming fiancée; Mrs. Farnum with Lord and Lady Royalston. Rupert had of course been included in the list, but, not having yet arrived, was looked for on the train from London, that was due a few minutes before the one from the west.
Lady Linton was magnificent in garnet velvet, point lace, and diamonds. She had spared neither time nor money for the occasion, and really had never looked so well as now.
Lillian wore simple white silk, with crimson roses, in which she was brilliantly handsome.