The Conclusion.
The next morning as soon as I awaked I found my eldest son sitting by
my bedside, who came to encrease my joy with another turn of fortune in
my favour. First having released me from the settlement that I had made
the day before in his favour, he let me know that my merchant who had
failed in town was arrested at Antwerp, and there had given up effects
to a much greater amount than what was due to his creditors. My boy’s
generosity pleased me almost as much as this unlooked for good fortune.
But I had some doubts whether I ought in justice to accept his offer.
While I was pondering upon this, Sir William entered the room, to whom
I communicated my doubts. His opinion was, that as my son was already
possessed of a very affluent fortune by his marriage, I might accept
his offer without any hesitation. His business, however, was to inform
me that as he had the night before sent for the licences, and expected
them every hour, he hoped that I would not refuse my assistance in
making all the company happy that morning. A footman entered while we
were speaking, to tell us that the messenger was returned, and as I was
by this time ready, I went down, where I found the whole company as
merry as affluence and innocence could make them. However, as they were
now preparing for a very solemn ceremony, their laughter entirely
displeased me. I told them of the grave, becoming and sublime
deportment they should assume upon this Mystical occasion, and read
them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, in order to prepare
them. Yet they still seemed perfectly refractory and ungovernable. Even
as we were going along to church, to which I led the way, all gravity
had quite forsaken them, and I was often tempted to turn back in
indignation. In church a new dilemma arose, which promised no easy
solution. This was, which couple should be married first; my son’s
bride warmly insisted, that Lady Thornhill, (that was to be) should
take the lead; but this the other refused with equal ardour, protesting
she would not be guilty of such rudeness for the world. The argument
was supported for some time between both with equal obstinacy and good
breeding. But as I stood all this time with my book ready, I was at
last quite tired of the contest, and shutting it, ‘I perceive,’ cried
I, ‘that none of you have a mind to be married, and I think we had as
good go back again; for I suppose there will be no business done here
to-day.’—This at once reduced them to reason. The Baronet and his Lady
were first married, and then my son and his lovely partner.
I had previously that morning given orders that a coach should be sent
for my honest neighbour Flamborough and his family, by which means,
upon our return to the inn, we had the pleasure of finding the two Miss
Flamboroughs alighted before us. Mr Jenkinson gave his hand to the
eldest, and my son Moses led up the other; (and I have since found that
he has taken a real liking to the girl, and my consent and bounty he
shall have whenever he thinks proper to demand them.) We were no sooner
returned to the inn, but numbers of my parishioners, hearing of my
success, came to congratulate me, but among the rest were those who
rose to rescue me, and whom I formerly rebuked with such sharpness. I
told the story to Sir William, my son-in-law, who went out and reprove
them with great severity; but finding them quite disheartened by his
harsh reproof, he gave them half a guinea a piece to drink his health
and raise their dejected spirits.
Soon after this we were called to a very genteel entertainment, which
was drest by Mr Thornhill’s cook. And it may not be improper to observe
with respect to that gentleman, that he now resides in quality of
companion at a relation’s house, being very well liked and seldom
sitting at the side-table, except when there is no room at the other;
for they make no stranger of him. His time is pretty much taken up in
keeping his relation, who is a little melancholy, in spirits, and in
learning to blow the French-horn. My eldest daughter, however, still
remembers him with regret; and she has even told me, though I make a
great secret of it, that when he reforms she may be brought to relent.
But to return, for I am not apt to digress thus, when we were to sit
down to dinner our ceremonies were going to be renewed. The question
was whether my eldest daughter, as being a matron, should not sit above
the two young brides, but the debate was cut short by my son George,
who proposed, that the company should sit indiscriminately, every
gentleman by his lady. This was received with great approbation by all,
excepting my wife, who I could perceive was not perfectly satisfied, as
she expected to have had the pleasure of sitting at the head of the
table and carving all the meat for all the company. But notwithstanding
this, it is impossible to describe our good humour. I can’t say whether
we had more wit amongst us now than usual; but I am certain we had more
laughing, which answered the end as well. One jest I particularly
remember, old Mr Wilmot drinking to Moses, whose head was turned
another way, my son replied, ‘Madam, I thank you.’ Upon which the old
gentleman, winking upon the rest of the company, observed that he was
thinking of his mistress. At which jest I thought the two miss
Flamboroughs would have died with laughing. As soon as dinner was over,
according to my old custom, I requested that the table might be taken
away, to have the pleasure of seeing all my family assembled once more
by a chearful fireside. My two little ones sat upon each knee, the rest
of the company by their partners. I had nothing now on this side of the
grave to wish for, all my cares were over, my pleasure was unspeakable.
It now only remained that my gratitude in good fortune should exceed my
former submission in adversity.