Chapter 17

Eight weeks after Mr Barnes' departure, an invitation which brought infinite joy to Lilian was received. Mr Barnes was writing to invite her and her parents to Wharton Park, and he mentioned the reason as being 'an unexpected feeling of regret towards his leaving, for their presence was far too necessary for him to stay without for too long'.

"Maman, what should we do? Of course, we must answer the letter positively; I have been so dearly longing for this letter!", Lilian said, careful not to let too much of her feelings possess her tone.

"Yes, Lilian, I believe so," her mother responded, with a distracted look, "you should really go -"

"Maman, why, are you staying here? You must join me! Please, he has invited us all to go; you cannot refuse him!"

"Lilian, had his parents been alive, we should have kept them company, and you two should have walked all day long, talking about your own affairs; but since none of them are alive, I am afraid that Mr Barnes will be too busy to accompany us all, and he shall soon forget your ever being around."

"Maman, this is nonsense! Does father want to stay at home as well?", she said, hopeful.

"I do not know it; will you do me the favor of asking him?"

Sir William answered negatively; he believed as well that his daughter and Mr Barnes' approach would be most possible if neither he or his wife stood in their way. With this remark, Lilian began writing a letter of response; she used the most eligible excuses she could find and hoped for a positive reply.

Dear Mr Barnes,

 

I have received your letter with great joy, and the invitation was more than I had expected; yet my liveliness was plummeted when my parents affirmed that they could not make the journey due to some recent news heard from London. I wish to tell you the matter, though it might seem excessively exaggerated.

My sister Emily wrote this week that my nephew, little Joseph, had made his first steps and that his grandparents were urgently needed in town. I could not believe my ears when I first heard this news. It was a very joyous business indeed; but at receiving your letter, I realized that the world was far too large to remain either at home or in London.

My mother especially considers this a concern of utmost importance; and I can quite see why. Having raised only two daughters, any new happy addition to the important events of the family are welcome.

I, however, have raised no children and I find it an ordinary accomplishment. I was too little when my own sister walked by herself. Therefore, I wish to accompany you at Wharton Park, as long as both time and my mother permit.

In your last letter you asked whether Mr Taylor had arrived at Ellsworth Manor. Despite Miss Holmeses' stupefaction, this gentleman has not come, even after two whole months after his engagement to do so. It is your opinion of him that has made me not wonder at it; you have said that, despite his delightful charms, he is very easily distracted and often forgets about his duties. I cannot agree with you more at present.

However, Miss Cassandra has been continuously praising his virtues and I dare say that I am pleased with the thought of an upcoming departure from her side. I guess that her sister is more than exhausted and full of Mr Taylor, but I think it an unimportant concern for your attention.

I sincerely hope that your health is uninterruptedly good, and that your cousins, Miss Welfield and Captain and Mrs Downey are in a good state. My whole family greets you and my parents secretly apologize for not joining me to Richmond. I remain,

Yours ever,

Lilian Barton

This letter brought doubt into Lilian's mind; she knew not whether to sign it as 'Mr Barnes' friend' or to keep the cordial distance between them. The latter choice appeared more appropriate and she became very keen on the visit.

The second morning, however, the London party arrived unexpectedly, bringing little Joseph to Lilian for the first time. She was very pleased with the child and agreed that his features and virtues are unique, glancing at Lady Elizabeth every now and then. Her mother's reaction was positive and she repeatedly affirmed that she had known that the little one's accomplishments would impress Lilian, right after seeing him. Lilian was however struck by the sight of one of Emily's faults in Joseph's countenance. He refused to play with any of the toys Lady Elizabeth had provided for him; neither Emily, nor the eldest Joseph noticed it, although Lilian trusted the latter's quick eye and impartiality upon everything. It was not so accurate an observation, for the child was barely a year old; alas, this can be of no further importance.

Mr Barnes' response came very soon after Lilian's letter had been sent. Her departure was settled to be at the beginning of February, because Lady Elizabeth considered it to be the best time of the year, being not so wet and cold as December or January.

"It would be, however, better if you left in March, or perhaps in April, Lilian," she said.

"No, it is very well as it has been settled, mother; Mr Barnes would think very ill of me if he knew that I postponed the journey."

"But consider it, Lilian, Emily has just come; think of little Joseph! Would it not be very sad if his only aunt left him?"

"My nephew is very sweet and playful, yet I believe that his company in the present state is enough for him."

"Very well, you are leaving next month."

This particular month passed slowly to Lilian, for she was very eager to see Mr Barnes and his estate again. Emily's concerns were all about little Joseph; her husband barely talked about anything else, and only to Sir William. Lady Elizabeth's attention was undoubtedly aimed towards the child, therefore Lilian found entertainment in watching her nephew from time to time. When the waiting was over, she suddenly felt a need to leave Barton Hall. No sooner had this need faded, than she was entering the missed fields of Wharton Park.