Belmour: A Modern Edition

Chapter 36

✦ 277 ✦ not much excited by anything she had heard of its society or amusements, and she despised that vanity arising from indiscriminate admiration, which, from her extreme beauty, she could not but know, that she might everywhere command;— on such admiration she knew happiness depended not—that happiness, or rather content, she was determined to seek within herself, and, if denied her to enjoy, at least to deserve. Chapter 36 settlements were, by Mr. Courtenay’s direction, immediately drawn up by Mr. Enstine, and shown to Dr. Stanmore for his approbation. The provision for Emily appeared uncommonly handsome; and it is not to be supposed, that Dr. Stanmore, in such a case, inquired narrowly into the powers of the estate with an eye of suspicion: he could have no doubt of their validity , and Emily had nothing. Soon after their marriage, which immediately took place, Emily set out with her husband for Dean Abbey, his family seat. She had to the utmost endeavoured to support her spirits ; yet her parting with Dr. Stanmore was a heavy trial—the mutual promises, which had passed between Dr. Stanmore and Mr. Courtenay, of meeting from time to time at their respective habitations, were little calculated, by imposing on her mind, to afford so consoling a hope. Dr. Stanmore’s duty she knew seldom, indeed, allowed him to leave the parsonage, and of Mr. Courtenay’s predilection and design uninterruptedly to reside at Dean Abbey, she was aware. During the journey, Mr. Courtenay attempted, not foolishly to comfort or console Emily, but rather appeared to pity and re- ✦ 278 ✦ spect her distress; and by every expression in his power, endeavoured to convince her, that such marks of the tenderness and affection of her heart were by no means displeasing to him. When they arrived at Dean Abbey, it was already late, the distance from the parsonage being nearly a hundred miles.—On alighting, Emily perceived evident signs of confusion among the servants; some ran one way, some another, and no preparations seemed made for their reception. Mr. Courtenay led Emily on through an immense Gothic hall, from the opposite end of which they saw the fat housekeeper come waddling towards them with a candle in her hand, the only light, two halfextinguished lamps excepted, in the place. “Warner,” said Mr. Courtenay, as she came up to them, “I believe all the servants have lost their senses—none of them appear to attend us—here is your lady.”—“And a sweet one, I am sure,” said Mrs. Warner, holding up the candle, which she had in her hand, to Emily’s face as she spoke,—“God bless her! say I, and your honour.”—Saying this, she curtsied low, Emily smiled, then turning to Mr. Courtenay,—“Do not be distressed,” said she, “the servants probably did not expect us after it was so late; Mrs. Warner will, I am sure, take sufficient care of us.”—As she spoke, Emily accidentally laid her hand on Mr. Courtenay’s arm; she felt that he trembled, as it seemed with vexation. He then drew Mrs. Warner on one side, and said something to her in a low voice, which she answered in the same tone. Afterward collecting himself, and turning towards Emily—“The servants,” said he, “as Warner informs me, have all been quarrelling together today, a damned set of rascals !—but she has, however, prepared our room, and some supper for us.” Saying this, he made the housekeeper a sign to advance, and they followed her through the hall to the bottom of a stair-case—all was dark.—“Your honour,” said the housekeeper, stopping, “would it not be better, if you and my lady would come into your honour’s study? there is a good fire ✦ 279 ✦ there, and I can bring your honour and my lady the things for supper, while the maids are getting all ready above?”—To this Emily begged they might assent.—“We shall,” said she mildly, and with perfect composure of countenance, “I have no doubt, I will find the room extremely comfortable, and all will be perfectly set right tomorrow.—I have not, you know,” continued she, addressing herself to Mr. Courtenay, “been accustomed to many servants, and be assured, that your feeling for a moment disturbed at this little accident can alone even in the slightest degree distress me.”—Mr. Courtenay gently pressed her hand, casting towards her...