Lady Anne Granard/Chapter 74
CHAPTER LXXIV.
"Time," says an old writer, "is so precious a cordial, we can only receive it by drops;" but we may add that, as it never ceases to dispense its restoring influence, four of the brightest months in the year cannot pass over the young, the hopeful, and the healthy, without imparting a most benignant influence, adding brilliance to beauty, and activity to intelligence.
It is the latter end of August, when the weather is settled, the trees in full foliage, the second crop of grass springing green as the emerald, and the waving gold of harvest becoming every hour of a richer tint; when roses and woodbine have succeeded to the May bloom in our hedges, and the gardens are bright with magnolias, acacias, and catalpas. And where can all be seen in more perfection than Meersbrook! standing half way up a gentle eminence, looking round on a small but beautiful park, well stocked with deer, and watered by a meandering stream, seen to glance in silver sheen from point to point, where the thicket opens, or the tall trunk of some bold elm throws off intruding parasites.
This paradise is now fully peopled, for the dear, aged owner has determined on celebrating the double marriage of his grandsons, precisely as his own was exhibited sixty years ago, with the exception, that the brides be permitted to run away, after the ceremony, wheresover they please. Arthur, we beg his pardon, Sir Arthur James Hales, would be miserable, if he could not, as soon as possible, take Georgiana to Portsmouth, where, at this moment, rides the renovated Thetis, in all her glory. We rather think Lord Meersbrook and his bride will make a shorter trip, but in the same direction, as the object in question has great interest for them both.
"It is not in mortals to command success;" but surely,if ever one "deserved it," good Mrs. Margaret Hales did, for her provisions, for feeding, not only "my brother's tenantry," but all others who chose to come, were admirable; and her memory, though she protested " she was but a child when her brother was married," whatever might be its slips since, was undoubtedly accurate now. The church lying at a very little distance from the house, through a gravelled pathway, always used by the family, she caused the whole to be inclosed with green boughs, closed above with garlands of flowers, for which purpose the whole village was astir, with her at the head of them, about five in the morning; after this she had tables spread in the park, barrels placed at proper distances, under the care of old servants and steady farmers, and stacks of loaves distributed in profusion. The pleasures of children were especially cared for, and twelve of the prettiest girls in the parish being selected to strew flowers before the brides, were appointed to be mistresses of the ceremonies, and to "keep them in order, as well as make them merry," in which act of instruction, Arthur declared the dear lady intended him to receive a lesson.
At nine, the good baronet (who breakfasted in bed) came down stairs, in full dress, his flowing white locks being confined by a ribbon behind, and crèpe in front; his ruffles, of fine Dresden, and his embroidered waistcoat, shewing what ladies could do in days past; for, being deemed too precious for use, the vest was still in high preservation, and well became the wearer, whom Georgiana thought she could never admire enough. Mrs. Margaret did not wear any ancient costume; but she was well-dressed, as became her person and her years, and formed, with Mrs. Palmer, a not unpleasing variety to the five fair sisters. Of these, we have only to say, that Lady Allerton's presence being indispensable, in the eyes of both Helen and Georgiana, they had waited until she had presented her lord with an heir, and could "grace their solemnities" with her presence. Mrs. Penrhyn and she were the finest women present, as blondes; but Mrs. Glentworth was allowed, in grace, and form, and intelligence of countenance, to surpass all others, to the evident satisfaction of him who was now their only uncle, Count Riccardini, who called her his own dear Margarita, and seemed almost to believe she was the daughter he had lost. The two fair brides were, of course, the observed and admired of all; and it would have been indeed difficult to find "two fairer roses, growing on one stem," or two such brothers, to pair with them, as Frederic and Arthur; for the latter, after so long a rest from the changing climates and toils of his profession, had become handsomer than he had ever been before.
Many noble families, resident in Kent for the summer, many old families, attached to it as the land of their fathers, came, from far and near, to witness these interesting nuptials; and never had the village church been so crowded, by the great and the gay, as at this double union, which wanted not the crowning honour of being administered by a bishop, two of whose fair daughters, with those of a neighbouring nobleman, officiated as bridesmaids. The good old baronet gave Helen to her bridegroom, and Mr. Glentworth performed the same office for Georgiana, who, on this day, again received the ring, which tied her, in a double sense, for better and worse, to the family she entered, as it was agreed, that she should know no other home during the life of the present possessor. On their return from church, when Sir Edward had taken possession of his great chair, each bridegroom, leading up his bride, knelt before the venerable grandsire, and received his blessing, as he had himself received such benediction; but at this moment, his remembrance of the past was but too vivid, and he was affected even to tears; perhaps the marriage of his son, rather than his own, was uppermost, for, throwing his arms round Lord Meersbrook, he said, in a faltering voice, "Only be like him, Frederic—like him, and you must be happy!"
The wedding party strolled in the park, bidding all welcome, and charming all, by their beauty and their smiles; five such handsome sisters, in such handsome dresses, gave room for diversity of opinions; but not one couple excited so many comments as Mr. and Mrs. Glentworth, it being pretty generally agreed that Isabella had been compelled to marry by her mother, "who was a very austere lady, and ruled her children with a rod of iron." That she was younger than the two brides, was not, however, allowed to be possible; and, in truth, she did not look so, for, with the tact of affection and well-judging propriety, she always contrived to dress to her husband's age, yet, so decidedly with out the parade of doing it, that he was insensible of the compliment, though gratified by the effect, until it was pointed out, on this day, as one of her good qualities, by the Count, who added, "She have more of the abilities of her mothere than any of her sistere; they are all good, I love them moche; but, as say the Bibel, she 'excelleth them all.'"
"I really think she does," said Glentworth, drily; "but not in consequence of her likeness to Lady Anne, of whom the less we say the better."
"Bah! bah! we must not be severe; she leave me one hundred of pounds for my horse, and, what is better, I him get again; so I forgive, in my heart, all the peccadilloes."
"I am glad of that; how did you get him again?"
"I go with the bill in my hand, and say, 'Will you take this for my Hector?' and he say, 'Yes, with all of his heart!'"
"I dare say he spoke the truth; he rode the poor beast six months, pulled him down woefully, and sold him for thirty pounds profit. My dear Count, I give you credit for many things, but not for making a bargain."
The Count shrugged, hummed a few bars of a favourite arietta, and went off, perfectly happy, thinking only, "he did not cheat me, I cheat myself. The best thing of the two, moche. I shall soon forgive myself, I dare to say; but I might be long time in forgive him."
A wedding may be very pleasant to visitors, but it can rarely be called a happy, much less a gay day, to those immediately concerned; for either a sense of the mutability of all human affairs, an extreme solicitude to please the object of our choice, or, perhaps, the impression left by past afflictions, which have threatened to sever us from it, leaves a sense of fear and anxiety, incompatible with present enjoyment. The general cause of depression to a bride, on that most awful day, arises from her leaving the paternal home, withdrawing herself from those dear and tender arms, which have hitherto protected her from every evil, bestowed on her every indulgence, read her wishes in her eyes, and never disappointed them, save to ensure her happiness. No wonder such brides weep and tremble at the unknown world on which they are entering; no wonder they look inquiringly to him, whom they have promised to obey, as if to read how much he will demand.
From emotions of this nature, Lady Anne Granard's daughters were all most happily exempt; and although the sweet seriousness of shrinking modesty, and of devout gratitude to Heaven, overspread their countenances, Helen and Georgiana were truly happy; and each, after rising from their elegant and abundant déjeûné, prepared to set out, with their future partners, in all the confiding hope which is love's most precious gift. If Helen clung to her sister Mary somewhat too long, and poor Georgiana hung round Isabella's neck, till Arthur gently removed the twining arms, and whispered a soft claim in her ear, there was nothing to regret for either, although it is certain that, as they drove off, the feelings of the poor Count were so much excited, that he rushed into the park, and hid himself in the nearest coppice, till he had found the relief of tears and prayers.
All are now comfortably settled. Mr. Glentworth has bought a house in town, and leased one in the country, which pleased his lady's fancy; his débût in parliament was all his friends expected and his lady desired; and, if she has become some what more of a politician than suits her age, let it be remembered, that in her case, it is both wise and affectionate to dress her mind, as well as her person, in autumnal hues. Mr. Penrhyn is now in possession of his paternal estate, and his wife enjoys her carriage, and all other comforts consistent with a fortune on the increase, and a husband whose affections do not decrease. Lady Allerton is the delight of her lord, and a blessing to his tenantry, for her own early wants have taught her how to think and feel for others. Helen has realized that which her mother died in the act of desiring; she has got a beautiful house in Belgrave Square, fitted up after her own excellent taste, and adorned with many little ornaments of her own making, produced by her admiring lord, who, having acknowledged Judy as an old acquaintance, wished to provide for her in his household; but Helen, being of opinion, that a life of movement, which includes the pleasures of gossip, would make her happier, she is allowed a weekly stipend, which renders her richest of the rich, in her own estimation.
Georgiana actually sailed with Sir Arthur the first voyage he made after their marriage, but he would not permit her to brave the blasts of winter; and in Meersbrook she finds not only every comfort and indulgence, but sufficient employment to prevent her from suffering too severely the anxieties inseparable from her situation, as the wife of a sailor. Lord Meersbrook and his lady are so frequently visitors to their aged relatives, and so glad to bring her back with them for a few days, when she can visit Louisa and Isabella, that the affections of the sisters as such are most happily in the same state of delectable exercise that they have been blest with since their childhood. Of late she has become more stationary, from believing that her presence has a happy effect on the dear, aged relatives she loves so entirely, and who are still able to exercise the rites of hospitality, and receive an old friend with a warm welcome. Need we say, with how much especial delight Georgiana receives Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, when the shortness of the journey tempts them to visit those they esteem so highly, and her they love so dearly? Every one of the sisters, and their husbands no less, receive the worthy couple with delight; but it will be concluded that there is a double tie, which unites them to Lady Meersbrook and Lady Hales.
The Countess of Rotheles still continues abroad, but is said to be really in a declining state; and Mr. Palmer frequently prophesies that she will die before Georgiana is of age, thereby sparing her husband's executors trouble. He often chuckles over the idea of Lady Anne's frightening her to death, and wishes heartily he had witnessed the "diamond cut diamond" scene between them. Mr. Glentworth has not long since received an accession of fortune from the death of poor Lady Osmond; and neither himself, nor any other of the husbands we have mentioned, perhaps, (Sir Arthur least of all,) are anxious on the subject of Lord Rotheles's kind and wise provision for their wives; but it is certain every one of the ladies will have great pleasure in presenting their partners with a certain property, for it is sweet to give as well as to receive.
Count Riccardini has a home in a village near Exeter, agreeable to his intention; but, being in perfect health, and capable of great activity, he finds it impossible to remain for any length of time in the village, where there are, nevertheless, a number of inhabitants to whom he is almost an idol. No little party can be happy without the Count; he is the soul of a rural fête, and the leading speaker in every description of charity-meetings; from the humble cottage, where poverty and sickness have established their appalling reign, he is never long absent; and his gifts, ever wisely chosen and kindly given, have restored many a sinking son of industry to his family, and bade a languishing mother behold her children once more rejoicing in her love. Like the man of Ross, in a thousand instances, he "the medicine makes and gives," which relights the languid eye, and fills the falling cheek; and from his peculiar and feminine love for children, often is he enabled to arrest the destroying angel, and restore, as if by miracle, the expiring babe to its transported mother. Having, however, been successful in such a case, it is generally found necessary, to his own feelings, to set out forthwith, and visit the Glentworths, in order to see that "the beloved Bambino," " the noble boy," the distinguished "Castello Riccardini," is in health; on which occasion, every niece, and no less every nephew, lay hold of him by turns, as a prize too precious for escape; and half the year elapses before he can return to his Devonshire home, and the simple, but loving subjects, who hold him as their sovereign.
Courteous reader, farewell! if thou hast not learnt from these pages that "honesty is the best policy," that simplicity and integrity are true wisdom, and affection, love, and tenderness, the sweetest and most hallowed joys of life, (and more especially of woman's life,) it is no fault of ours; and we must resign thee, with a pitying sigh, to that numerous, and, in our opinion, contemptuous class, who follow the example of "Lady Anne Granard;" and with similar pretensions, but inferior powers, live only to "Keep up Appearances."
THE END.
LONDON:
F.SHOBERL, JUN.51, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARKET,
PRINTER TO H. R. H. PRINCE ALBERT.