|When Chetwynd and Captain Danvers were about half a mile from Brackley
Park, they saw Sir Bridgnorth and Lady Thicknesse coming slowly along in
the phaeton.
The pair looked so happy, and so completely engrossed by each other,
that the two young men scarcely liked to interrupt them. However, Sir
Bridgnorth pulled up, and then the others stopped likewise.
After a few words had passed, her ladyship signed to Chetwynd to come
close to her, and said, in a low voice:
“I have had some talk with Lady Barfleur this morning, and I think
she has consented that your marriage with Emmeline shall take place
immediately. Sir Bridgnorth, who was present at the time, lent his aid,
and spoke so urgently, that I think he decided the point.”
“I am infinitely indebted to you both,” said Chet-wynd, glancing at Sir
Bridgnorth.
“You will find Emmeline in the garden,” said Lady Thicknesse; “and by
the time we come back from our drive, I hope all will be satisfactorily
settled.”
“This day week, mind!--not later!” added Sir Bridgnorth, leaning towards
him. “All is ready for us at Charlton.”
The baronet then moved on, while the others rode off in the opposite
direction.
Arrived at Brackley, our friends ascertained that both young ladies were
in the garden, and immediately went in quest of them, and found them
seated near the bowling-green.
This being the first time we have seen them since their deliverance from
Teresa, we are bound to say they were both looking charmingly, and
in capital spirits. Mildred's illness hadn't left a trace on her fair
countenance. On the contrary, she seemed prettier than ever.
No sooner did their lovers appear than they arose, and flew to meet
them; and a very lover-like meeting took place.
But the couples then separated, and Chetwynd and Emmeline, whom we shall
accompany, moved off to a short distance.
“Emmeline,” said Chetwynd, “I had resolved not to ask you to fulfil your
promise to me till I had gone through a year's probation; nor should
I have done so had I not been placed by circumstances in a totally
different position from what I was at that time. If you have confidence
in my reformation--if you think I have proved myself worthy of you--if
you can trust me--I will beg you to abridge my term, and give yourself
to me now. But if you have any doubt remaining--if you deem it better to
wait till the appointed time--I pray you to do so! Your happiness is
my chief concern; and, however irksome the delay may be, I shall not
complain!”
“I have entire faith in you, dear Chetwynd,” she replied, in a voice of
much emotion. “In every respect you have proved yourself worthy of my
love, and I am prepared to give you my hand whenever you claim it.”
“I claim it at once,” he said, eagerly. “And as there is now no
obstacle--for Lady Thicknesse tells me your mother has given her
consent--I pray that our union may take place on the same day as the
marriage of her ladyship with Sir Bridgnorth.”
“Be it so,” said Emmeline; “and I hope another marriage will take place
at the same time.”
Just then, the voice of Captain Danvers was heard at a little distance,
and he called out:
“Don't let me interrupt you; but Mildred won't fix the day till she is
satisfied you are agreed.”
“Then tell her we _are_ agreed,” replied Emmeline. “Will this day week
suit?”
“It will suit her perfectly,” replied the captain.
“You answer for me!” said Mildred, laughing; “but, though you speak
without authority, it is really the day I should choose.”
“I felt certain of it, or I should not have ventured to say so,”
observed the captain. “But, since all private arrangements are made,
and we are to be wedded at the same time, won't it be more convenient to
talk matters over together?”
“I am quite of that opinion,” said Chetwynd.
No dissentient voice was raised. So they all came together, and began to
discuss the general arrangements.
Ere long they were joined by Lady Barfleur, who gave her formal consent
to her daughter's union with Chetwynd, and then took part in the
discussion.
It was agreed they should be married in the private chapel belonging to
the Hall, and that the Reverend Mr. Massey should perform the ceremony.
This was the chief matter, but they had a good deal to talk over
besides, and they were still engaged in the discussion when Lady
Thicknesse and Sir Bridgnorth returned from their drive.
Having already decided upon the private chapel of Mr. Massey, the
last-mentioned pair had only to express their satisfaction that their
own plans had been adopted, but they had many congratulations to offer
to Chetwynd and Emmeline.