“From my cousin Henry—from our cousin Henry”—cry both the ladies in a breath.
“I have not the honour of knowing the gentleman. I thought that my Lord Castlewood had no brother: and that on your ladyship's side there were no nephews.”
“From our cousin, Colonel Henry Esmond, my lord,” says Beatrix, taking the colonel's hand very bravely—“who was left guardian to us by our father, and who has a hundred times shown his love and friendship for our family.”
“The Duchess of Hamilton receives no diamonds but from her husband, madam,” says the duke—“may I pray you to restore these to Mr. Esmond?”
“Beatrix Esmond may receive a present from our kinsman and benefactor, my lord duke,” says Lady Castlewood, with an air of great dignity. “She is my daughter yet: [pg 367] and if her mother sanctions the gift—no one else hath the right to question it.”
“Kinsman and benefactor!” says the duke. “I know of no kinsman: and I do not choose that my wife should have for benefactor a——”
“My lord,” says Colonel Esmond.
“I am not here to bandy words,” says his grace: “frankly I tell you that your visits to this house are too frequent, and that I choose no presents for the Duchess of Hamilton from gentlemen that bear a name they have no right to.”
“My lord!” breaks out Lady Castlewood, “Mr. Esmond hath the best right to that name of any man in the world: and 'tis as old and as honourable as your grace's.”
My lord duke smiled, and looked as if Lady Castlewood was mad, that was so talking to him.