MISS BYRON.--IN CONTINUATION
WEDNESDAY NIGHT, APRIL 5.
Miss Grandison, as I told you, took with her my letter of yesterday. As
soon as my cousin Reeves and I entered Sir Charles's house, the two
sisters conducted us into the drawing-room adjoining to the
dining-parlour, and congratulated me on the high compliment their brother
had made me, though in preference to themselves, and his
communicativeness and tender behaviour to me. Lord L---- joined us, and
he, having read the letter, congratulated me also--On what, Lucy?--Why on
the possibility, that if the unhappy Clementina should die; or if she
should be buried for life in a nunnery; or if she should be otherwise
disposed of; why then, that your Harriet may have room given her to hope
for a civil husband in Sir Charles Grandison, and half a heart: Is not
this the sum of these humbling congratulations?
Sir Charles, when we came, was in his study with Mr. Lowther, the surgeon
whom he had engaged to go abroad with him: but he just came out to
welcome us; and then returned.--He had also with him two physicians,
eminent for their knowledge in disorders of the head, to whom he had
before communicated the case of the unhappy Clementina; and who brought
to him in writing their opinions of the manner in which she ought to be
treated, according to the various symptoms of her disorder.
When he joined us, he told us this; and said very high things at the same
time in praise of the English surgeons; and particularly of this
gentleman: and added, that as nervous disorders were more frequent in
England, than in any country in the world, he was willing to hope, that
the English physicians were more skilful than those of any other country
in the management of persons afflicted with such maladies: and as he was
now invited over, he was determined to furnish himself with all the means
he could think of, that were likely to be useful in restoring and healing
friends so dear to him.
Miss Grandison told him, that we were all in some apprehensions, on his
going to ltaly, of that fierce and wrong-headed man the general. Miss
Byron, said she, has told us, that Mrs. Beaumont advises not your going
over.
The young Marquis della Porretta, said he, is hasty; but he is a gallant
man, and loves his sister. His grief on the unhappy situation they are
in demands allowance. It is natural in a heavy calamity to look out of
ourselves for the occasion. I have not any apprehensions from him, or
from any body else. The call upon me is a proper one. The issue must be
left where it ought to be left. If my visit will give comfort to any one
of the family, I shall be rewarded: If to more than one, happy--And,
whatever be the event, shall be easier in myself, than I could be, were I
not to comply with the request of the bishop, were he only to have made
it.
Lord L---- asked Sir Charles, whether he had fixed the day of his setting
out?
I have, said he, within this half hour. Mr. Lowther has told me, that he
shall be ready by the beginning of next week; and on Saturday sennight I
hope to be at Dover, on my way.
We looked upon one another. Miss Grandison told me afterwards, that my
colour went and came several times, and that she was afraid for me. My
heart was indeed a little affected. I believe I must not think of taking
leave of him when he sets out. Ah, Lucy! Nine days hence!--Yet, in less
than nine days after that, I shall be embraced by the tenderest relations
that ever creature had to boast of.
Sir Charles taking his sister aside, I want, said he, to say a few words
to you, Charlotte. They were about half an hour together; and then
returning, I am encouraged to think, said he, that Charlotte will give
her hand to Lord G----. She is a woman of honour, and her heart must
therefore go with it.--I have a request to make to her, before all you
our common friends--The Earl of G----, Lady Gertrude, Lord G----, all
join in one suit: it is, that I may be allowed to give my sister to Lord
G---- before I leave England.
I have told you, brother, that it is impossible, if you go away in nine
or ten days time.
Sir Charles particularly requested my influence. I could have no doubt,
I said, but Miss Grandison would oblige her brother.
She vehemently opposed so early a day.
In a most affectionate manner, yet with an air of seriousness, he urged
his request. He said, that it was very proper for him to make some
dispositions of his affairs before he went abroad. He should leave
England with much more pleasure, if he saw his Charlotte the wife of a
man so worthy as Lord G----: Lord G----, said he, adores you: You
intended to be his: Resolve to oblige your brother, who, though he cannot
be happy himself, wishes to see you so.
O, Sir Charles! said she, you ruin me by your solemnity, and by your
goodness.
The subject is not a light one. I am greatly in earnest, Charlotte. I
have many affairs on my hands. My heart is in this company; yet my
engagements will permit me but few opportunities to enjoy it between this
and Tuesday next. If you deny me now, I must acquiesce: If you have more
than punctilio to plead, say you have; and I will not urge you farther.