“Pray be seated, Sir Bridgnorth,” said Lady Thicknesse. “I want your advice and assistance.”
“Both are at your ladyship's service,” he replied.
“I expected nothing less from you. You are a real friend. It is a very delicate matter on which I desire to consult you.”
And she paused.
“Does it relate to a matrimonial alliance between Lord Courland and your niece, Miss Barfleur?”
“You have guessed right,” replied Lady Thicknesse. “You can assist me most materially in the affair, if you will. Emmeline, I know, has a very great regard, I may almost say affection, for you, and might possibly speak more freely to you than she would to me. Will you ascertain what her sentiments are respecting Lord Courland?”
“I can give your ladyship the information you desire at once,” replied Sir Bridgnorth, “and shall really be glad to do so. Indeed, I have thought of speaking to you on the subject, but feared you might deem me impertinent. Any expectations your ladyship may have formed of such an alliance must be dismissed. It will never take place.”
“You think so, Sir Bridgnorth?” said her ladyship, looking dreadfully chagrined.
“I am quite sure of it,” he replied. “Miss Barfleur will never accept him.”
“You would not make this assertion so positively without good reason, I am certain, Sir Bridgnorth,” said Lady Thicknesse.