Chapter 14

The house in London impressed Lilian with its dimensions and furnishings, though the town seemed too crowdy for her taste. Emily had formed many acquaintances, that were altogether pleasant and joined them every evening to dinner. Lilian found interest in a particular friend of her sister, who was introduced in the evening of their arrival. Her name was Mrs Ford and she proved herself, with very few words, to be of excessive quickness of mind. It was very pleasing to find, through so many, such a person, from whom she could so much learn and know. Mrs Ford had a great variety of domains in which she was very acknowledged, especially the matter of young ladies and gentlemen in town. She seemed delighted to meet her, but soon expressed that her stay in London was to be ended soon, for she had been invited by her sisters-in-law in the countryside. She was a widow, and seemed to be at the age of thirty-six, but her manners convinced Lilian that she was nothing less than a very amiable lady. She was in her presence only for four or five days, and within this short time Mrs Ford taught Lilian so many things about a young lady's conduct in so large a town.

Mr and Mrs Holmes were very eager to acquaint the latter's parents with everyone, while Lilian admired the books that Emily owned. She was sure that her sister found extremely little time to read, and did not wonder at Emily's knowing none of the book titles. Mr Holmes, however, had read them all, and showed Lilian the poems that he considered most delightful.

"Emily is not eager to read them, but she finds so much pleasure in searching for a perfect dress; I should have expected it to happen; and there are so many assemblies throughout in London that it has become her favourite subject. Sometimes, I wish she would stop," Mr Holmes said, while the others were in the other room, serving tea.

"Mr Holmes, I am quite unsure if you are guilty for it. You see, Emily has always been in search of new people and events. Perhaps you should confront it; she will never be able to give up dancing and conversing."

"How true it is, Miss Barton."

"And you cannot expect her to be fond of riding and hunting, as you do," Lilian added. "It is very unlikely that she shall ever stay indoors and listen to your reading out loud. I have been her sister for too long to believe any longer that a change can be made."

"Indeed, indeed; let us return."

By 'the rest of the month', Emily most probably meant the rest of the spring, for her family's stay in London was extended until the first days of June, when Mr Holmes received a letter from his sisters, who were stating that Mr Barnes had sent a note to Barton Hall, expressing his willingness to call on its inhabitants, but had been prevented by their absence. He had asked when they would all return home, and the two young ladies asked the same question; Lady Elizabeth was, therefore, forced to give an answer. She wrote that their continuance at London would not be long; Lilian was eager to go home too, and her wish was fulfilled when, in the first week of summer, the party left for Hertfordshire, promising the Holmeses to return as soon as nothing would keep them at home.

Arriving home, Lilian was very nervous about meeting him again, but it was saddening to her that the more days passed, the less she expected him to come. He did not show up, and no letter was received. Noticing it, she called on the Holmes sisters, from whom she expected information upon the matter.

"Miss Barton, we did not tell you, and yet we should have; he announced," Miss Cassandra said, "that, though being a pity, it would be the last chance to see him as a single man."

At this reply Lilian was very confused. Although she did not notice the mild smile upon Cassandra's face, and the sudden exchange of looks between the two sisters, she could not help but doubt this affirmation; Mr Barnes would not, could not and did not need to get married, unless a matter forced him to. "I shall wish him to be very happy. Miss Cassandra, please tell me, did he give a name of a possible wife?"

"Why, yes, we asked him immediately - you know us very well - and he said that a young woman of great fortune had captured his attention, and that he had spent so long a time in her company, that he was determined to marry her."

"We even asked him whether we knew her, Miss Barton," her sister added, "and he replied that it was probable, for that young lady was one of our brother's acquaintances. Can you believe such a match, Miss Barton?"

"I cannot make an answer, for I have not thought that long upon this business. Pray tell me, where did he leave for after meeting you?"

"He went to London, I believe," Cassandra said, "though I am not quite sure. He did not give any details; he could be gone to Richmond. Indeed, I do not know."

After this short conversation, Lilian left, repeating the account of that lady whom Mr Barnes intended to marry. "Good fortune, so long a time in her company, Mr Holmes' acquaintance, why, is there any doubt? It is a thorough description of no other than, yes, I am sure, it is me!" She broadly smiled and returned back home. Lady Elizabeth saw that her daughter was in unusually high spirits and asked her husband if he knew the reason for Lilian's conduct. He obviously did not know. Lady Elizabeth tried to pierce Lilian's shield of happiness and get a few words at least about her state. Lilian only retired to her chamber and remained there until dinner was served. Her spirits had come back, but no answer was returned to the persistent questions of her mother.

Though no news from Mr Barnes were received, Lilian was in good disposition; the following months passed with no signs either from Mr Barnes or from London. It was a sunny October day when a letter was brought to Lady Elizabeth. After reading it, she was very alarmed and could not say too much. She immediately gave a few orders to the servants and Lilian could glance upon the letter; it was announcing that Emily had given birth to an excessively beautiful son, whom she named Joseph, as his father. Lady Elizabeth left the following morning, after spending the rest of the previous the day in very restless spirits. Lilian heard repeatedly how bad that they had not announced her mother earlier, so that she would have been present at the event. She was delighted to see her mother go at last; but Sir William was very anxious too. She told him far too many times that nothing awful had happened, that this was a very joyful matter, and that he should not have worried in this manner.