Mrs. Atheling was standing at the Dukes side; and she went directly to her, taking note, as she did so, of the beauty, style, and physical grace that distinguished the lady. She saw that she wore a gownnot of bluebut of heavy black satin, that it fell away from her fine throat and shoulders, and showed her arms in all their exquisite form and colour. She saw also that her dark hair was dressed well on the top of the head in bouillonés curls, and that the only ornament she wore was among them,a comb of wrought gold set with diamonds,and that otherwise neither brooch nor bracelet, pendant nor ruffle of lace broke the noble lines of her figure or the rich folds of her gown. And the Duchess was both astonished and pleased with a toilet so distinguished; she assured herself in this passing investigation that Mrs. Atheling was quite presentable, and also probably desirable.
The favourable impression was strengthened in that hour after dinner when ladies left to their own devices either become disagreeable or confidential. The Duchess and Mrs. Atheling fell into the latter mood, and their early removal to London was the first topic of conversation.
We have no house in town, said Mrs. Atheling; but the Squire has rented one that belonged to the late General Vyner. It is in very good condition, I hear, though we may have to stay a few days at The Clarendon.
How strange! I mean that it is strange you should have rented the Generals house. Did you make the arrangement with the Duke?
No, indeed; with a Mr. Pownell who is a large house agent.
Mr. Pownell attends to the Dukes London property. I am sure he will be delighted to know his old friends home is in such good hands. I wonder if you have heard that the Duke is General Vyners executor and the guardian of his daughter?
Mrs. Atheling made a motion indicative of her ignorance and her astonishment, and the Duchess continued, It is quite a charge everyway; but there was a life-long friendship between the two men, and Annabel will come to us almost like a daughter.
A great charge though, answered Mrs. Atheling, especially if she is yet to educate.
Her education is finished. She is twenty-two years of age. It is her wealth which will make my position an anxious one. It is not an easy thing to chaperon a great heiress.
And if she is beautiful, that will add to the difficulty, said Mrs. Atheling.
I have never seen Miss Vyner. I cannot tell you whether she is beautiful or not so. She joins us in London, and my first duty will be to present her at the next drawing-room.
A little sensitive pause followed this statement,a pause so sensitive that the Duchess divined the desire in Mrs. Athelings heart; and Mrs. Atheling felt the hesitancy and wavering inclination weighing her wish in the thoughts of the Duchess. A sudden, straight glance from Mrs. Athelings eyes decided the question.
I should like to present Miss Atheling at the same time, if you have no objection, she added. And Mrs. Athelings pleasure was so great, and her thanks so candid and positive, that the Duchess accepted the situation she had placed herself in with apparent satisfaction. Yet she wondered why she had made the offer. She felt as if the favour had been obtained against her will. She was half afraid in the very moment of the proposal that she was doing an imprudent thing. But when she had done it, she never thought of withdrawing from a position she must have taken voluntarily. On the contrary, she affected a great interest in the event, and talked of the ceremonies Miss Atheling must make herself familiar with, of the probable date at which the function would take place, and of the dress and ornaments fitting for the occasion. And the young people must meet each other as soon as possible, she continued.