THE
EXCLUSIVES.
VOL. III.
THE
EXCLUSIVES.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
VOL. III.
SECOND EDITION.
LONDON:
HENRY COLBURN AND RICHARD BENTLEY,
NEW BURLINGTON STREET.
1830.
LONDON:
Printed by J. L. Cox, Great Queen Street,
Lincoln's-Inn Fields.
THE EXCLUSIVES.
CHAPTER I.
THOUGHTS FOR COUNSEL.
When Lady Delamere returned with her niece, and the latter had been
left in a state of comparative composure to the best of all earthly
restoratives, sleep, Lady Dunmelraise listened with anxious interest
to the relation of her daughter's sudden indisposition, which Lady
Delamere did not hesitate to attribute to her having witnessed Lord
Albert's attentions to Lady Hamlet Vernon during the whole evening, in
the very box opposite to them at the Opera.
"I observed her," said Lady Delamere, "for some time struggling with
her feelings, and hesitated whether it were best to take notice of,
or allow them to subside uncommented upon: seeing, however, that at
length all her efforts were unavailing, and that her agitation rather
increased than the reverse, I judged it necessary to propose our
returning home. At that instant, Adeline fainted; and now, dear sister,
I think that, for Adeline's sake, it is my duty to speak to you without
reserve on the subject of Lord Albert D'Esterre. The state of your
health, on your arrival in London, and the fear of agitating you, have
alone prevented my touching on this subject sooner; but I hope you
will forgive me, and feel that I was right, when I acknowledge that I
have already spoken generally to Adeline herself upon the prospects
attendant on her engagement.
"You will also readily believe, I trust, that, knowing your sentiments
and principles, I could not say any thing that you would disapprove,
nor that I would assume to myself any parental authority, which is
alone your right, in what I said; but at the same time I ventured
upon what I conceived to be Lord Albert's very culpable neglect;
and, although I fear much more might have been said with truth, yet
my counsel went merely to impress on Adeline's mind a sense of the
seriousness of married life, and of the necessity of both parties
examining thoroughly the grounds on which they rest their hopes of
happiness, before they become bound indissolubly together. I also
expatiated upon the propriety of her mixing in the great world
during your stay in London, which would afford her an opportunity of
judging many things which she could not do in a life of retirement.
I added, that the same person is too often not the same, when placed
in different scenes, and with different objects of attraction and
temptation around him; for I wished to open Adeline's eyes to a clear
discernment of whatever might be necessary for her to know; and, having
done this, leave it to her own excellent understanding to draw the
salutary conclusion."
"You are right, my dear sister, and I thank you; but it is strange that
Adeline should never have mentioned this conversation to me. She never
had a secret from me before in her lifetime."
"Do not blame Adeline, I entreat you. If there be any blame any where,
it must rest with me; for dreading the effect which my suspicions might
have produced on your mind, while still suffering from your recent
increase of malady, I could not at that time bring myself to enter upon
a subject which I knew must harass you; and, acquainted as I am with
Adeline's superior prudence and rectitude of conduct,--qualities which
she possesses, indeed, beyond most persons of her age,--I deemed it
quite sufficient to give her that species of warning which would make
her look warily to certain points, respecting the observation of which
her very purity might have blinded her, but yet without saying any
thing sufficiently decided for her to deem it a breach of duty not to
repeat the conversation to you. Having explained this affair, I trust I
have absolved the dear, ingenuous Adeline from the least blame, which
might otherwise have attached to her concealing any thing of importance
from you, her mother."
"Oh certainly, my dear sister; entirely so; and it is needless to dwell
on this longer. The matter of great moment, which I wish to discuss
with you, is, what steps should now be taken in regard to Lord Albert
D'Esterre, for some active measure does appear necessary after this
night's occurrence?"
"Indeed it is a delicate business, and one on which I feel very
diffident in giving advice; but since you ask my opinion, I will not
conceal from you, that Lord Albert's character appears to me to be
much changed since his last visit to you, immediately after his return
from the continent: indeed, how should it be otherwise, when, by
all I can learn, he has associated only with those persons who form
a distinct circle; and amongst whom he must have imbibed, at least
superficially, all those habits and prejudices which are directly
opposed to his former life.
"You knew, my dear sister, that our opinion of that coterie is pretty
much the same; and I believe it to be impossible for a young man to
become entangled in such a society, and not lose all correct principle.
This in itself would be a reason which would make me anxious for our
Adeline's happiness, if she were so connected; for to what dangers
would she not be exposed as a married woman, living in that class of
persons! Notwithstanding her firmness of character, I could not but
dread the contamination of perpetual bad example; and the more so, as
it does not appear in its own appalling form, but wears the semblance
of elegance and innocent pleasure. Thinking of these things, and
knowing, as I do, besides, that not only Lord Albert attaches himself
in particular to one of the circle, (I mean Lady Hamlet Vernon) but
that the world are beginning to talk openly on the subject, I really
think it is time some decision on your part should be taken."
"All that you say makes me very sorrowful, my dear sister," replied
Lady Dunmelraise; "and I see too clearly the truth of your advice not
to follow it; but then, you know, we must consider the dear Adeline's
feelings; we must endeavour to spare her present pain, so far as we
consistently can with future and lasting happiness. But I fear, let the
blow come as it may, it will fall heavily on her. I have myself not
been without my suspicions, as I already told you, of Lord Albert's
change of sentiments in respect to my daughter; but knowing her deep
attachment to him, and dreading the effects of a hasty overthrow of
all her long-cherished hopes, having at the same time no positive
proof of Lord Albert's delinquency, I could do no more, hitherto,
than you have done; that is, speak in general terms of the very great
importance of a strict examination of oneself, and the object of one's
attachment, previously to marriage, not only in regard to the more
weighty considerations of principle and temper, but also in respect to
those habits and pursuits, which either cement the delights of daily
communication, or, if dissimilar, produce at first estrangement, and
in time, it may be, indifference or disgust. Of all these, and such
as these, I spoke minutely, and even ventured to throw out doubts
respecting Lord Albert's occupations and recreations continuing to be
of a nature that accorded with her own. I then hinted at a change of
associates naturally leading to a change of feelings; 'but,' I added,
'you are the only person, my dearest child, after all, who can decide
upon the truth of these observations in this instance; and what I
recommend to you is, to look narrowly yourself to these points, and
employ the interval before your final decision in determining this
momentous question for yourself.'
"Thus far I have spoken to her. Since, however, the scene of to-night
seems to have precipitated matters to a climax,--to the necessity, at
least, of a disclosure of the extent of our fears,--I must endeavour to
break them to her to-morrow in such a manner as will be least likely to
shock her feelings; but, alas! I much fear that the shock has already
been felt, has come to her in its worst and keenest guise, and on such
a heart as hers I dread the consequences. At her years the blight of a
cherished hope is often physically fatal; the frame is not strengthened
to bear the crush of sorrow, and life itself yields to the pressure."
Lady Dunmelraise's voice faltered, and her sister felt an answering
pang to that which she so touchingly expressed. "Still," resumed Lady
Dunmelraise, after a moment's pause, "it will be kinder and wiser, in
as far as respects addressing myself to Lord Albert, to let the matter
take its own course, and end itself. The time when a final decision
must be made is now very short; I shall then have a right to demand an
explicit avowal of his intentions, or to put a final termination to my
daughter's engagement with him.
"Meanwhile, I shall speak unreservedly to her. Now that she has (poor
dear! my heart bleeds for her!) witnessed, at least once, a scene
that confirms all my worst fears, she will be alive to the justice
of my representations, and with her own quickness of perception and
delicacy of feeling, will judge for herself on similar occasions,
should such recur; in which case, the dignity of her offended affection
will strengthen her for the trial: for what we take upon ourselves to
bear is always a burden more easily endured than that imposed upon
us by another. If, however, we should be mistaken; if, haply, we do
Lord Albert injustice; if appearances are deceptive, and that he is
in fact unchanged; we shall have spared much unnecessary pain, and
all self-accusation for undue precipitation." The sisters having thus
settled the point which involved the happiness of one so dear to them,
separated for the night.
Lord Albert D'Esterre, on his part, when he reached home from the
Opera, became the victim of those baffling feelings which had more
than once torn his heart in pieces; for although he felt that he had
stronger grounds than ever to suspect Lady Adeline of a preference
for another, yet so long and so deeply rooted had been his dream of
attachment for her, that at intervals a tide of tenderness returned,
and he involuntarily dwelt on the idea, that one who had been
considered by him as his own, one who professed to feel herself bound
to him, could not, without some fault on his part, prove false to
herself and him. And was he without fault in respect to his treatment
of her? It was a question he did not dare to answer; but he felt sure,
that whatever fancy played on the surface of his heart, Adeline _alone_
was enshrined there; and this assurance came to him with greater power,
as the excitement he experienced while he had been in the society of
Lady Hamlet Vernon gradually died away when no longer in her presence.
The next morning he wavered for a considerable time, whether to go in
person to inquire for Lady Adeline, or merely send; and his feelings
of wounded pride and genuine affection, which latter surpasses all
pride, alternately rose and fell in his breast. "I would not betray
displeasure," he said to himself; "for, if the offence is real,
displeasure would be too weak a feeling for so deep an injury, and,
to a coquette, the knowledge that she gives pain is a triumph: I will
not go, therefore; I will write." And he decided on despatching a
note, pleading important business as the cause of his not attending
personally to inquire for her, which excuse was in part true. After
having so far satisfied himself by doing what he thought best under all
circumstances, he went to Lord Glenmore's, to lose, if possible, the
sense of his sorrow, in matters of so high and engrossing a nature,
that he knew, could any thing prove a cure for love, they must.
Far different, however, from the feelings and thoughts which had
agitated the breast of Adeline, her affectionate relatives, and Lord
Albert himself, were those which agitated Lady Hamlet Vernon. She had
but one thought, one intense interest, and she cared not by what means
she followed up its success. In recalling the last scene in which she
had been an actor, she was not likely to lose sight for a moment of
the advantage she perceived that she had obtained over the object of
her pursuit; and although entertaining little doubt as to the cause of
Lady Adeline's indisposition, she was still anxious to assure herself
that her surmises were right in regard to it, and also to learn the
visible effect which had been produced when Lord Albert hastened to her
in the Opera House; for although she thought she could not be at a loss
to unravel the clue, yet, for a thousand reasons, she was most anxious
to be acquainted, beyond all possibility of doubt, with every thing
respecting the occurrence.
For this purpose, she sent a note, early in the morning, to Mr. Foley,
requesting him to lose no time in calling upon her. He was not tardy in
obeying her summons, and when he came, she cautiously avoided at first
entering upon the subject nearest her heart, and turned his attention
to the circumstance of a change of ministry, asking him if he had heard
any thing decisive on the subject. He repeated what had been reported
the preceding evening, namely, that Lord Glenmore had certainly
accepted office, and Lord Albert D'Esterre a post under him. This led
to the subject of Lady Adeline's indisposition, and the question,
whether the marriage between her and Lord Albert would ever take
place. Mr. Foley replied, that he thought the thing very unlikely. A
man engaged as Lord Albert now was, required, he conceived, a different
sort of wife, if any wife were not _de trop_.
"But what occasioned the scene she made last night?" asked Lady Hamlet
Vernon.
Mr. Foley replied, he thought there could be little doubt as to the
cause; adding, courteously, "You know Lord Albert was in your box all
the evening; and it could hardly be supposed, that any person at all
attached to him could see him engaged in earnest conversation with you
so long a time, without apprehension as to the consequences."
Lady Hamlet Vernon endeavoured to suppress, at least to conceal, the
agitation of pleasure which she felt; and said, smiling, he was always
a flatterer, but that there could be no foundation for the uneasiness
ascribed to Lady Adeline's feelings, and that she was sure there was
some other cause; but really, she added,
"My great interest was to ascertain that _your interests_ were safe in
this ministerial change; and if Lord Albert be really in power, I feel
certain you _have_ nothing to apprehend. As to Lady Adeline Seymour, I
am quite of your opinion; she is not at all calculated to be his wife.
From the interest which Lord Albert has shown in my welfare, I really
have a feeling of regard for him, and I should be sorry to see him
united to a woman who I am certain would not promote his happiness. Now
do _you_ think she would?"
"To confess the truth, I do not believe it. Lady Adeline is very
amiable, very sweet, very simple-minded, but not at all fitted to
play a part in the busy world. I could not imagine her the wife of a
minister, or throwing any degree of lustre round an exalted station.
Elegant and endearing in private life as she certainly is; depend upon
it _that_ is her sphere; take her thence, and she would be nothing."
Lady Hamlet Vernon seemed busy in thought, was silent for a few
moments, then turned to Mr. Foley, and fixing her eyes on his, asked
pointedly,
"But do you think she is fond of Lord Albert?"
"Fond! yes, perhaps so; the fondness of a child that has been told it
ought to love something, and has never made any comparisons whereby to
know what it likes."
"That will _not_ do for Lord Albert D'Esterre, I am certain, and it
would be madness in him to persevere in forming such a union. You, dear
Mr. Foley, are intimate with her mother, Lady Dunmelraise; does she
ever speak to you on the subject?" Then, without waiting for an answer,
Lady Hamlet Vernon went on to say, "If an opportunity _should occur_,
do you not think that, as a friend of the families, you ought to state
your opinion of this unpropitious marriage; I mean without prejudice
to Lord Albert D'Esterre, for I would not for the world be supposed to
say any thing which could be offensive or undervaluing in regard to
him. If you knew him intimately, which I hope you will do, you would, I
feel confident, not only like, but esteem him. It is from my doing so,
who have had opportunities of reading his real character, that I think
it a duty in any friend of Lady Dunmelraise to make her aware that
her daughter is not suited to him, from an opposition of tastes and
pursuits, different habits, and different ends in life, all which would
render a union between them destructive of mutual happiness."
During Lady Hamlet Vernon's conversation, Mr. Foley's countenance
underwent many changes, of which she was at first doubtful how to read
the meaning. At length, after a considerable pause, he replied--"Lady
Dunmelraise has never spoken to me on the business, and I do not see
how I could, with any propriety, touch on any part of the subject on
which we have been conversing, unless, indeed, she were first to open
the matter to me; besides," (he added, with increasing agitation,) "an
attempt of the kind, on my part, would most probably defeat the end, as
Lady Dunmelraise might suppose such advice, coming from me, was perhaps
influenced by wishes and views of my own, and I would not----."
"You would not," interrupted Lady Hamlet Vernon, "so far confess the
truth, for I see plainly that you yourself love Lady Adeline," keeping
her eyes on him as she spoke. Mr. Foley hesitated; he seemed to wish to
answer her, but knew not how.
"Now do not, my dear Mr. George Foley, from any false delicacy, be
desirous of concealing the truth from me: you do love Lady Adeline
Seymour; and if so, why should you not urge your suit? For _you_, I
conceive this alliance to be very desirable; it is quite different with
regard to Lord Albert D'Esterre. A quiet, simple, domestic companion,
such as you pourtray Lady Adeline to be, would prove exactly consonant
with your wishes; her fortune is vast; and the general tenor of her
education and life were well adapted to form her character to that
sort of tranquil obedience which I know you deem a prime requisite in
a wife. Lady Dunmelraise's interest in you is a great step in your
favour; fortune to you is a _great object_; and the marriage would be
such as would, I think, contribute to your wishes and your welfare."
Lady Hamlet Vernon saw that she had touched a theme in which Mr.
Foley's interests were deeply involved; for as she proceeded to
expatiate on the various advantages which would attend Mr. Foley's
adopting her advice, he listened with more and more attention, and even
betrayed the greatest apparent pleasure. Lady Hamlet Vernon marked
the progress she had made, and felt sure that the discovery at which
she had now arrived, of the coincidence of his feelings with her own,
laid a sure foundation for the accomplishment of her plans, while, at
the same time, it removed from herself, in a great measure, the danger
of being thought to be the principal mover in a matter which required
so much tact and delicacy to carry it through successfully: she saw
clearly, that it was only requisite, by following up her counsel to
Mr. Foley (which was in fact to confirm him in his own wishes), to
overcome any scruples which he might have entertained, from the fear
of appearing to act on selfish motives alone; and Lady Hamlet Vernon
was confident, from this conversation, that she had already made very
great progress. It had required only a spark to set the train on fire;
and she felt certain that every word she uttered would render him more
alive to the true state of his feelings, and consequently more apt to
betray them in his conduct towards Lady Adeline.
Lady Hamlet Vernon had too much knowledge of the world, and of human
nature, to press the matter further at the present moment, or to
attempt to bind, by any direct promise, a person who only required the
spring of his desires to be set in action, in order to play his own
part. Mr. Foley, too, seemed little inclined, at the present moment, to
enter any further on the subject, and by tacit consent it was suffered
to drop; but when he took leave of Lady Hamlet Vernon, it was only a
natural consequence of the counsel she had given him, that he should
bend his steps towards South Audley-street, to make his inquiries for
Lady Adeline. How easy is it for the stronger to direct the weaker mind
to good or evil, without exciting any suspicion in the latter that it
is assuming the mastery, or doing any thing but what it meant to do of
its own proper movement; and what small occurrences sometimes determine
a line of conduct either virtuously or the reverse!
Thus it was with Mr. George Foley in the present instance. It certainly
had crossed his mind more than once, that Lady Adeline Seymour would
make him a very eligible wife, and his affections (such at least as he
could have entertained for any object, _blazé_ and apathetic as he had
become from a long course of idleness and dissipation) had undoubtedly
been directed towards her; but the knowledge of the existing engagement
between Lord Albert D'Esterre and herself, and a certain apprehension,
frequent in timid minds that are neither quite good nor quite bad, lest
he should forfeit Lady Dunmelraise's protection, had always checked
his hopes, and kept these aspirations in subjection: but it required
only the suggestions of one somewhat less timid than himself on this
head, to direct his views to a determined pursuit of the object; and he
resolved, with proper caution, to feel his way, but, at the same time,
to lose no opportunity of following up Lady Hamlet Vernon's advice.