Chapter 4

Lady Elizabeth and Sir William expressed their adieus while their two daughters were waving back, each one beginning a distinct journey. In the carriage, Mr Holmes never ceased to tease Lilian with enquiries about her sudden interest in Mr Barnes. It seemed that his jokes would accompany her all the way to Richmond, but Lilian certainly knew better.

"Oh, Mr Holmes, why cannot you understand that nor me, nor Emily knew the littlest thing about your friend? I thought that your understanding of women was superior to this."

"I believe you say a true fact. Indeed, it is common that a young lady that is going to meet a charming and rich gentleman may be alarmed and excited. It is more of an exciting thing, I dare say, is it not?"

"Mr Holmes, I can no longer see the point of this conversation," said Lilian, with a mild smile on her face, though wishing

"Then I shall no longer mention my friend", he said; after a pause, he added, "I do hope that Sir and Lady Barton are excited about their trip in the north of the country. Though I am not sure about the uncertainty of their reaching us at a point. It is amusing how all of you have been determined to leave your home, with such different goals! Your parents, away to meet new relations, your sister, sent to London to renew her wardrobe and acquaintance - also looking forward to meeting dashing officers, I believe!', at this, Lilian frowned in disapproval, for she cared too much for her sister's image not to, 'and you, here, locked in a carriage with my boring speeches and insipid laughter... Yes, your state, Miss Barton, is quite a laugh, and by far the most mortifying."

"So you are quite entertained. It is, however, a matter that can awake only compassion; my sister, you see. May I say that she has been watching people passing by our house, and each time asking questions to herself about their names and stories? That is what I find entertaining. Indeed, I have always said that our entertainment choices are far too different; but there can always be common points, though they are very rare."
Mr Holmes, as ever vain and a little predisposed to selfishness, changed the subject.

"Nevertheless, I believe that Richmond will do you good. Catherine, my sister, has recently heard that a lady - however, I think the example is inappropriate, for that lady is far too older than you, and does not possess your high spirits - well, that lady has recently gone thither to visit her relatives and found the air and people very satisfying."

"I hope so - but I shall be alarmed if Mr or Mrs Barnes will consider me too much of a burden."

"Mrs Barnes? Indeed, what a creative mind! My dear Miss Barton, I hope that you do not consider an existing Mrs Barnes. And if there is one, I shall be eager to hear her story. But for the time present, Mr Barnes is single."

"Oh, I do not know what made me believe this. Please, trust me when I say that I was quite convinced that your friend was married."

Mr Holmes laughed heartily, but it only made Lilian smile and think further of her mistake. Seeing her expression, Mr Holmes added, with a warm look, "Miss Barton, forgive me if I have made you endure shame. It is exaggerated that a young lady should feel immediate disgust at her own feelings or thoughts. I sometimes think of this inequality of gender as a useless one; but I believe it is beyond our control."

"If everyone thought as you do, Mr Holmes!"

The following five hours passed slowly and when they were finished, the carriage stopped. A quick change of horses was made and they went on. After some very long hours, they were finally accommodated at an inn in York.

The following morning, they set off for Richmond and reached Mr Barnes' estate within the following seven hours.

From the first sight, the park which surrounded the building was much more than pleasing; its several trees, each performing a unique role in the view, filled Lilian with amazement. But it was the house that really made the strongest impression on her. Although it seemed very lonely through the hills of the park, its French style made Lilian think of Barton Hall as something insignificant. It only lasted until Lilian was taken into the house. The furnishings were spectacular, and the paintings told a different story. "A good fortune, indeed! With this income he can afford so many impressing objects! I wish Emily were here! She is probably at present in a shop, looking for ribbons and gowns; I am convinced." Lilian continued walking through the large hall that would perhaps bring them to the sitting-room.

"Are you impressed, Miss Barton?" said Mr Holmes, who noticed her amazement.

"The answer is obvious, I am sure," she replied smiling.

They were taken into a sitting-room, indeed, and Lilian's expectations were as high as they should have been. There was a white, open pianoforte in a corner; expensive chairs were spread all over the room; the windows were high and they seemed to hide a great view of the park. Lilian turned her eyes to the other half of the room, where a tall, dark-haired young man was sitting by a window. He suddenly turned to them and a white smile brightened his face.

"Holmes! How glad I am that you are here! If you knew how long I have waited for company!"

"My dear friend, I am sorry that I have left you so long waiting. Let me introduce Miss Lilian Barton. She has come with me because I thought you would want to freshen up your acquaintance."

"I am delighted to meet you," he said, bowing.

"I feel a pleasure of the same kind, Mr Barnes," Lilian said, adding a smile to her countenance.

They were soon better acquainted, and Mr Barnes was discovered to ride outstandingly, he read poetry, and was intrigued about the easiness of writing that others had. It was a sure matter that Mr Barnes and Lilian possessed the love of reading, and many other aspects were to come. Mr Barnes expressed his unwillingness to sit indoors for more than two days, and he loved to walk daily on his property. Lilian considered it a good start and began to write a letter to Emily. She mentioned how well-bred Mr Barnes was and how kindly he behaved to both her and Mr Holmes, who felt very pleased that he had come. She also wrote to Emily that it seemed that her stay at Wharton Park (for this is what Mr Barnes' estate was called) would be a great one; she asked about her sister's opinion of London and she hoped that the Holmes sisters were well.