Page:Lady Anne Granard 1.pdf/269

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
264
LADY ANNE GRANARD.

was exceedingly attached to him, and had written to Arthur (whilst they were in the Isle of Wight) expressive of his warm admiration, and thankfulness for his preservation of one inestimably dear to him; and on this letter Frederic founded his hopes, that a request would be complied with which he considered likely to make all happy.

Lady Anne readily promised that herself and daughters would accept the invitation of their neighbours; and so much was she pleased with the person and manners of the young nobleman—so well did she remember all the particulars of his mother's dowry, and the estates of his grandfather, that she generously determined to give him every chance of obtaining Georgiana, in the hope that the Marquis of Wentworthdale might turn his attention to Helen, who, as being the elder, was the more suitable. "I cannot," said she, internally, "see that it makes any difference to him which of my daughters he takes, if, as he says, it is my admirable mode of bringing them up which has put matrimony into his head, for it is certain I have brought them up impartially. I have had different views and expectations, but I never indulged any one of them. It would be very desirable he should take Ellen before she is of age, or she may do as Louisa has done: besides, he has no time to lose! he keeps talking of Glentworth, and his happiness in being attached to a young lady, whose good sense overlooked the disparity in their years, never remembering that he is a good