Chapter 8

Five days after Mr Holmes' sudden departure, a letter arrived from London.

Dear Lilian,

You should have told me as soon as Mr Holmes left that something had removed him from Wharton Park. He has written that he is heading home, because of an urgent business; please let me now if any information in that respect has reached you.

We are very alarmed and I think he has done badly to leave you and Mr Barnes alone. I cannot suppose anything, but I am very upset by this movement of his. I hope everything shall be as before very soon.

There is a matter I need to discuss, and that of a great ball that took place on Friday evening. My dearest sister, I have never encountered or imagined such a ball! So many good-looking men and women, and such expensive decorations! And the dance, how wonderful I danced! I must mention that three different young men have asked me to be their partner, and I even joined during two consecutive dances a very handsome officer - Lilian, pray, do not scold me for this - I have quite mistaken their habits. Of course, while maman and papá are away, I cannot make a decision or an approval without their knowing. But I am determined to believe that London has done me good; Mr Holmes' sisters have said that my countenance has never been so spirited! I am very pleased with this place, and I hope my leaving shall not happen very soon.

How are you, my dear Lilian? I have been missing your presence so much, although the two Miss Holmes are very pleasing.

I hope that Mr Barnes is the same amiable gentleman that you have written me about. What does he have to say about Mr Holmes' leaving? Pray, let me now as soon as possible.

Your most affectionate sister,

Emily Barton

This letter brought so many feelings to Lilian - the unconscious conduct of her sister, the sudden inclination to officers, her feelings of reluctance against Mr Holmes - she was surely missing something very important. The past days had gone very smoothly, with long walks in the park and through the shelves, but Lilian seldom asked herself what Mr Holmes' plan was.

Mr Barnes was altogether kind, generous and gentleman-like; his countenance pleased Lilian very much and he seemed to enjoy her presence in the house. It was to be shortened, however, for after only a month of stay at Wharton Park, Lilian received a letter from her mother, who found her stay long enough for a respectable young lady; her own tour in the northern counties had been ended, with a kind invitation from Sir William to his brother-in-law and nephews to visit Barton Hall, and her mother also mentioned a short invitation to Mr Barnes to spend at least one week at their estate in Hertfordshire. Mr Barnes received the invitation, but excused the possibility of a delay in fulfilling it, due to some concerns of his own estate that needed solving. So Lilian left Wharton Park very pleased with its appearance and its owner, hoping to receive the latter at Barton Hall as soon as time would allow it.

Arriving home and seeing her mother again, Lilian was surprised at Emily's absence and demanded to know the reason of her continuance in London. Lady Elizabeth simply answered that Emily was too fond of London to leave it so soon.

The thought of Emily's alteration was soon encountered by Lilian, but she was too eager to meet Mr Holmes and observe his behaviour towards her to give the thought enough importance. Her friend proved himself to be as before, with no change in manners, and that was a relief for Lilian. He even laughed at the sobriety of their former conversation, telling Lilian the stupefaction of hearing her call him 'sir'. Lilian laughed at his surprise and was taken over by the same lively spirits of the previous times.

She met her cousins at last and was exceedingly amazed at their poor manners. Her mother might have mentioned that they were of well-breeding, yet Lilian strongly believed the opposite. Not only that the eldest, Mr George Chester, was very rude especially to her, but he even laughed at her calling him 'Mr Chester'. Lilian did not know what to think and hoped that at least the younger cousin, Mr William Chester, would turn out to act politely. But he did not and their relatively short stay at Barton Hall was a terrible period of time to her.

One week after their leaving she received Emily home, with little alteration, which proved Lilian her deception. She was, indeed, livelier, and that was very pleasing to Lilian, and the new gowns and gifts that she had purchased from London made a great impression on her sister. Emily expressed the wish of meeting Mr Barnes and Lilian sent him a letter renewing her invitation. It was answered within a few days and Mr Barnes was soon to be expected at Barton Hall. He was received in great manners and everyone was pleased with him, especially Emily, which listened to him very attentively. Though the party had enlarged, Mr Barnes and Lilian continued their daily walks, just as they would have at Wharton Park, the only difference being of the change of host. Lilian was very keen on showing him every secret place, every shadowy corner of the domain; Emily joined them for a while, but after some walks she excused herself for being unable of walking so large a distance. Lilian noticed her sister's look while she was saying this and was convinced of Emily's belief of a possible attachment between her and Mr Barnes.

Instead of being pleased with someone's certitude of being so, Lilian began to remove herself from Mr Barnes, afraid of getting too close and giving him hopes of eventual affection. Mr Holmes, observant as always, noticed Lilian's countenance and, one day, while he was invited to tea, told her reservedly that no worries of the kind needed to occur to her. Lilian remained restless and followed Mr Barnes' every movement, until one day, when she failed in the constant reticence and gave up, thinking of her own exaggeration.