Chapter 5

The following day passed amazingly for Lilian. Not only that Mr Holmes and Mr Barnes were exceedingly agreeable both, but she was shown the surroundings and was highly impressed. When she returned inside, a letter from London was waiting for her. "It must be from Emily, of course." When she was about to close the door of her chamber, Mr Holmes called her downstairs. Lilian had no other choice than go; she had been called to be shown a poetry book that she had asked Mr Barnes to give her. He looked very pleased with his performance and she was very obliged.
 Lilian would have stayed more with them, but she was anxious about Emily's news from London. Though only a day from their parting had passed, they used to send letters to each other almost every day. The letter contained a very joyful account of the time spent hitherto, and went as follows:

 My dearest Lilian,

 Many a time have I said that London is too great a place for one as me; yet I barely see now that my belief is unjust; it is the most amusing places of all! I have spent only a day here, and I am sure already that the time I shall spent here shall be full of surprises and amazement.
 I am sure that you think of my going to a ball - no, unfortunately; there was no circumstance of the kind when we arrived. Yet Mrs Redford - who proved herself to be one of the kindest creatures in the world - announced us that a small gathering was supposed to take place on Saturday. It is all that I can look forward to, at the present moment. I have uet to purchase a gown and many ribbons - my dear Lilian, I am quite undecided about the colour! - when I arrived the other day, I barely glanced at some small shops in my way. I must say that the Holmes sisters are very excited about London! I haven't expected them to be so keen on everything. Well, I am sure you have. You always do, my dearest sister. 

 Let us carry on to your journey. Was it tiresome? I hope you have made a good opinion of Mr Barnes and his estate. How does he look like? I hope he is very agreeable; Miss Cassandra said today that she should be glad to welcome him to Ellsworth Manor as soon as our journeys are over.

 I have, however, another question. Is Mr Holmes well? Please, let me know; and write a detailed account of the surroundings.

        I hope that your health is the same; mine is very little altered. Mrs Redford said that London is a sickly place; one can never tell when a cold can be caught!

 Yours faithfully,

 Emily

"Nothing has happened; that is what I thought from the beginning. The time was too short for anything to happen. Now I shall go downstairs and join the conversation, whatever the kind it may be."

Lilian was surprised at the gentlemen's talking about an approaching event. Mr Barnes intended to invite two of his cousins. Lilian asked for more information about them and he answered:

"They have very lady-like manners. They are my father's nieces and I can remember him saying that I am to marry one of them, of which," said him bursting into laugher, "I cannot think as a possible matter."

"Why is that so?" asked Mr Holmes.

"I have always been a stubborn child; I still think of myself in this manner. There is no possible way of doing what I am told to."

"I cannot think of your cousins as being so unaccomplished that you cannot marry one of them," said Lilian, very fond of the conversation.

"I doubt their accomplishments not; yet I cannot - I will not - marry one of my cousins. What I am saying may leave a negative impression of them to you, but you shall see when they come that they are very amiable and they cannot influence you in a bad manner."

"I am convinced of it," she replied.

"Edward, have I told you about Miss Barton's piano playing? Many compare her to her sister. I am, if I am not mistaken, the single being that thinks her superior to Miss Emily."

"Why, Mr Holmes, it is exaggeration, indeed! I can't say that I am a virtuoso at the pianoforte, nor that my sister equals me; it is hard to form an opinion. Each time we are given new music sheets we compete against each other and she always beats me. And yet, she plays it once and that is with her. I, on the other hand, perform that piece of music until the very last beat of it is correct; but I seldom play in front of an audience. I dare say I am a little shy."

"Miss Barton, why do not you show us your capabilities?", Mr Barnes asked.

"I will, if you wish," said Lilian slowly moving towards the pianoforte.

After Lilian's performance was over, and few positive critics were added by Mr Barnes, Lilian went to the window and contemplated the view. She was joined by Mr Barnes, who suddenly exclaimed:

"Oh, look at those clouds! They shall ruin our afternoon walk! It is such a sad place to live when it rains, Miss Barton. I can't quite use words to describe it. By the look of things, I think you shall be of the same opinion soon."

Mr Barnes' worries were justified. Barely had a quarter of an hour passed, that a thunderstorm began. Their spirits did not lower, however. Mr Barnes took them into the library, where he recommended some books to Miss Barton.

"You have read so many books, Mr Barnes! And you have still more at your disposal, I see."

"Nothing makes me more happy than a well-written book. Though the authors lay too much accent on descriptions."

"Indeed. I am keen on novels; do you have anything by Ann Radcliffe?"

"Yes, I am sure I have some right here. Do you enjoy them, Miss Barton?"

"Very much."

After long walks along the shelves, Mr Barnes asked:

"Will you drink some tea?"