Belmour: A Modern Edition

Chapter 41

✦ 316 ✦ promise of my living from my diocesan,—know, too, that on his preferment depends his marriage with an amiable, accomplished , and virtuous young woman, to whom his heart has long been engaged; and that prudence alone, from the state of their circumstances, too contracted even for their moderate wishes, has hitherto prevented their union—for them, therefore , by retiring, I prepare happiness, which long may Heaven continue to them!—and for myself, I secure that quiet scene of ease and comfort, which, at the close of life, is most grateful . To you and Emily I am willing to owe much more than would be sufficient for my support.—Have I made my cause good? and is my request granted?” continued he.—Emily, still unable to speak, hung on his neck, and bathed him with her tears—and Belmour, scarcely less affected, left him no doubt how he felt this last kind mark of real confidence and friendship , which, by adding to his society a man whom he loved, honoured, and admired, relieved him from the painful idea of having caused one single sensation of regret, anxiety, or uneasiness to Emily, in the completion of his own happiness. Chapter 41 the next day Emily, Belmour, and the rest of the party, took their evening walk in the park, following the road by which Lady Clementina was expected, and accordingly ere long the carriage appeared.—Scarcely would Lady Clementina allow it to stop, and the door to be opened, before she flew out, and in an instant was in Emily’s arms.—“I hardly know which way to turn,” she then said, “but my new cousin claims my first attentions .—Caroline,” she continued, tenderly embracing her ✦ 317 ✦ cousin, “how I rejoice to see you! and looking, I protest, better than I ever recollect to have seen you—no more running away from us! you shall stay now with this will o’ the wisp,” looking towards Emily, “whom at last we have caught!—Well, I hope you will none of you grow tired of me, for,” turning to Belmour, “I am come to stay the whole summer with you.—Aunt Eliza is following me with my little boy, and will be here tomorrow or the next day, for I travelled too fast for him, poor dear little fellow! and she is as good a nurse as she was a chaperon.—You see what liberties I take with you, but Melford’s regiment is quartered near, and I was so glad, so delighted to come, that I am sure you cannot be sorry to see me.—Melford,” she continued , “would not come with me; he said, that we should all be so foolish, so ridiculous, and so fond of each other, that he would stay till the first nonsensical days were over.—You know he always laughs at one, but I never mind him, for ’tis only that he hates the trouble himself of being either very glad, or very sorry—but Aunt Eliza, I can tell you, will be quite disappointed , if you have not saved her a bit of wedding cake—she thinks it’s lucky, and I know not what, and has talked of nothing but on which side of her pillow she should put it ever since we heard of your marriage, and of my bringing her here.”—“I trust,” said Belmour, casting a significant look towards Lady Caroline, that we may find her a bit of fresh cakes, should none of ours remain.”—“No, you don’t say so! well, I am so glad!” exclaimed Lady Clementina, flying again up to Lady Caroline, who, colouring violently, turned her head the other way.—“Is it really all settled? for I guess—poor dear Mr. Mortimer!—well he does deserve this, for never, surely, was there so constant an admirer!—you’re nothing to him, Belmour, and then he used to be so melancholy, and so respectful and so hopeless!—now do tell me, Caroline, how long is it since he has been dying for you? for the years are beyond my counting!”—“How can you be so ridiculous,” replied Lady Caroline, affecting to laugh— ✦ 318 ✦ then with a more serious look, turning to Belmour, “upon my word, brother,” said she, “this is too much—and I don’t guess what you mean!—not a word has passed, and”—“Come, come, sister,” said Belmour, “do not let us...