Read Online Henry Tilney's Diary (9781101559024) by Amanda Grange - Free Book Online Page B

letter addressed to Emilia, which contained the following words:
    â€˜ “Adieu, dear Emilia; never more will you see your wretched sister, who flies from the cruel fate now prepared for her, certain that she can never meet one more dreadful. In happiness or misery – in hope or despair – whatever may be your situation – still remember me with pity and affection. Dear Emilia, adieu! You will always be the sister of my heart – may you never be the partner of my misfortunes!” ’
    He read well, and we were both engrossed.
    â€˜I am very glad that Julia escaped,’ I said.
    â€˜And so am I,’ he agreed. ‘I did not want to see her condemned to marry the duke. A woman should marry for love.’
    â€˜Do you really think so?’ asked Eleanor.
    â€˜I can think of no other reason,’ he said.
    â€˜And a man?’ asked Eleanor.
    â€˜The same, or what else is the point of it?’
    I liked him more and more.
    â€˜Do you think the marquis will be content to let her go?’ Julia asked.
    He glanced down at the book again and shook his head, saying, ‘I fear not, for it says: It was agreed to pursue Julia with united, and indefatigable search; and that whenever she should be found, the nuptials should be solemnized without further delay. With—’
    The sound of the dressing gong stopped him.
    â€˜Oh! I cannot bear it!’ said Eleanor in pleasurable horror. ‘I hope the marquis does not capture her, or I am sure he will do something terrible to her.’
    â€˜But not as terrible as whatever the general will do if we are late for dinner,’ I said. I turned to Mr Morris. ‘I am sorry, but my father is very particular about timekeeping. We will have to continue with this later.’
    â€˜By all means,’ he said, looking much happier than he had done half an hour before.
    We went inside and dressed quickly, but I was delayed by my cravat and so by the time I arrived downstairs my father was pacing the drawing room, his watch in his hand. On the very instant of my entering, he pulled the bell with violence and ordered, ‘Dinner to be on table directly!’
    As luck would have it, Eleanor was seated between Mr Courteney and Mr Morris. Whilst Courteney talked of nothing but his horses and his dogs, Mr Morris evidently talked of more interesting things, for Eleanor was absorbed and on several occasions I saw her smile.
    Frederick had been instructed to take the sweet and innocent Miss Dacres in to dinner and I was pleased to see that he treated her with courtesy. It was a relief that he was still able to value goodness and propriety. But he took little interest in her and responded to her comments with scant enjoyment.
    My father had ensured that I took Miss Barton in to dinner, whereupon she flirted outrageously with every wealthy man at the table. After dinner she flirted with Frederick in the drawing room and he was in a mood to indulge her, but if she thinks she will catch him, she is mistaken. She is just the sort of woman he has no time for. He said as much when we retired for the night.
    â€˜If she chooses to make a fool of herself, that is her concern,’ he said. ‘Women are fools, all of them.’
    â€˜Eleanor is not a fool.’
    â€˜Eleanor is a sister,’ he returned.
    â€˜There are other sisters in the world, are there not? Perhaps one amongst them will be worthy of your love.’
    He looked at me pityingly and said only, ‘You will learn.’
    I was not happy with this reply.
    â€˜I wish you would not always see things in such a dark light,’ I said impatiently.
    â€˜Worried for my heart, little brother?’ he asked mockingly.
    â€˜That, and my own well-being. If you marry, Papa will stop pestering me to do so. With an heir in the cradle he will be content to let me take my time, instead of introducing me to every wealthy or well-connected young woman he knows.’
    â€˜And