Walter looked dubious and Mary cried triumphantly, 'There, you cannot. You are as proud of her as I am.'
'I admit to falling under the spell of our Maria. She has returned from France even more delightful than when she went.'
'Even the King of France was delighted by her.'
'Oh, those sugar plums. He would have behaved so to any child.'
'I don't agree. He saw her, was enchanted by her, and wished to make her a present.'
'I do not like to think of that man's making gifts to our daughter ... even though he thought of her as a child.'
Mary nodded. 'A sad state of affairs. No wonder the French are displeased with their king. Maria was telling me that he never goes to Paris at all because the people dislike him so much. They feel differently towards the Dauphin and his young Austrian wife. At least our King leads a good life, although there have been rumours about his early indiscretions. Did you know, I heard the other day that he had kept a Quakeress before his marriage and had even gone through a ceremony of marriage with her.'
'Rumours, Mary, to which it is unwise to listen and more unwise still to repeat.'
'Well, here's a more pleasant rumour. I have heard that he is inclined to be tolerant to religious minorities. The Quakers for one.'
'So here we are back to the Quaker rumour.' 'Well, is it not important to us? If he is lenient towards Quakers why not to Catholics? I think we are lucky to have such a king and he will do something for us. Oh, Walter, it infuriates me to think we have to go almost stealthily to Mass and lock the door of the chapel.'
Walter checked this flow by bringing the subject back to Maria.
'Our beautiful daughter is seventeen. Is it not time that we looked for a husband for her?'
Mary sighed. 'It's true, of course, but I wish it were not so. I should love to keep her with me for a little longer.'
'Well, there is no hurry, but we have our duty to her, you know. She will not have a big dowry.'
'Her dowry will be her beauty and her charm, and have you noticed Mr. Smythe that she has in addition to these the sweetest of natures?'
'Your daughter is a paragon, I doubt not, Madam. Therefore, in spite of her small dowry I am sure she will make a most satisfactory marriage.'
'But who is there here in Brambridge?'
'No one worthy of her, I agree. That is why I have come to
discuss with you the possibility of sending her to your rich brother at Red Rice for a visit. I am sure he will be eager to do all that is possible for his charming niece/
Maria's parents were right when they said that Henry Errington would be delighted to welcome his charming niece to his mansion in Red Rice. He had heard accounts of her beauty and when he saw her he was impressed.
He would invite some wealthy and eligible young men to the house if he could find them. That was the problem. He had wealthy neighbours with eligible young sons, but they were Protestants and the most important quality the bridegroom must have was that he must be of the approved religion.
Still, he would do the best he could and he would invite his old friend Edward Weld to come and stay that he might ask his advice. Edward's first wife had been a daughter of Lord Petre, and although unfortunately she was dead, Edward did entertain now and then at Lulworth Castle. Henry knew he would be pleased to help.
In due course Edward Weld arrived at Red Rice and Henry took him to his study to discuss the problem.
'My niece is a delightful creature, educated as few girls are today and in addition lovely to look at and of an engaging disposition. I don't feel it will be difficult to find a husband for her in spite of her lack of dowry.'
'How old is she?' Edward Weld wanted to know.
'Seventeen.'
'Very young.'
'Yes, but my sister has another daughter and she would like to see Maria suitably placed. I wondered, my dear friend, whether you could help me in this matter.'
'I'll do everything I can, of course. What do you suggest?'
'Perhaps you could invite me to Lulworth and include my niece in the invitation?'
'Easily done. You and your niece are invited.'
'We have great pleasure in accepting.'
'Without consulting the young lady?'
'Maria is the most obliging of young women. I only have to
say that I wish to go and her to accompany mc and she will wish to please me.'
'I must say you make me eager to see this charming creature.'
'I love the girl although I have only just made her acquaintance so to speak; she's been in Paris so long and was only a child when I knew her before she went to France. I am not so sure that I'm all that eager for her to marry. I'd like to adopt her and keep her with me.'
4 Her parents would never agree to that, I'm sure.'
'And I'm equally sure of it. But come into the gardens. I think we shall find Maria there.'
Maria was picking roses and her uncle was delighted with the impression she made on his friend, for he had seen that Edward had dismissed his praise of his niece as avuncular pride.
'Maria, my dear, come and meet Mr. Edward Weld.'
She looked up from the rose bush and the flowers, thought her uncle fondly, were not more lovely than she was, as setting down her basket she dropped an enchanting curtsey.
'Mr. Weld has invited me to Lulworth Castle, Maria, and has suggested that you accompany me. How would you like that?'
'It sounds delightful and I shall be most happy to go with you, Uncle.'
'There, Edward,' said Henry Errington, 'Your invitation is accepted.'
Edward Weld smiled, well pleased, and Henry noticed with
pleasure that his friend found it difficult to take his eyes from
Maria.
• • •
Before Edward Weld left the house he told Henry Errington that he wished to speak to him confidentially and Henry asked him to come with him into his library for this purpose.
As soon as they were alone Edward burst out: 'You may have noticed how I feel about Maria. Henry, what chance do you think I should have if I asked her to marry me?'
'You ...Edward!'
'Oh come, Henry, I'm not as old as all that, I am forty-four years of age. Maria is almost eighteen. A disparity I admit, but
I cannot help but love her and I—and you too—can assure her parents that I will cherish her and give her everything that— and more than perhaps—she has been accustomed to.'
'I am sure you would, Edward. Have you spoken to Maria?' 'Certainly not. I have spoken to you first. I should want Maria's family's permission before I spoke to her. Well, Henry?'
Henry was thinking: Edward Weld, a Catholic, a good living man, a rich man, the owner of Lulworth Castle, a widower who had enjoyed one happy marriage with a wife who had been the daughter of a lord. He was sure that Maria's parents could find no fault with such a match.
"There is one thing,' said Henry, 'my sister and brother-in-law dote on the girl. I doubt they would force her into marriage. The answer would depend on her.'
'Perhaps she would be so delighted with the Castle ...'
*I doubt it. Maria would never be tempted by material gain.'
Edward looked a little uneasy. His health was not good; he
was not of an age to shine in courting a young girl; he had
hoped to dazzle her family with his wealth, but if that was of
no account his chances would be small.
His friend laid a hand on his arm. 'Maria is fond of you^I am sure, but I think though that she regards you in the light of an ... uncle, which is natural considering you are my friend. Perhaps that will change. I should not declare your intentions immediately, but I will write to her parents and let them know what they are. In the meantime we will go to Lulworth as arranged.'