"I don't suppose it signifies much,"
continued Arabella, "but of course it would have been something to
me that Lord Rufford should have known that the Duke was anxious
for my welfare. He was quite prepared to have assured my uncle of
his intentions."
"Then why didn't he speak himself?"
"Because the Duke is not my father. Really, aunt, when I hear you
talk of his running away I do feel it to be unkind. As if we didn't
all know that a man like that goes and comes as he pleases. It was
just before dinner that he got the message, and was he to run round
and wish everybody good-bye like a schoolgirl going to bed?"
The Duchess was almost certain that no message had come, and from
various little things which she had observed and from tidings which
had reached her, very much doubted whether Arabella had known
anything of his intended going. She too had a maid of her own who
on occasions could bring information. But she had nothing further
to say on the subject. If Arabella should ever become Lady Rufford
she would of course among other visitors be occasionally received
at Mistletoe. She could never be a favourite, but things would to a
certain degree have rectified themselves. But if, as the Duchess
expected, no such marriage took place, then this ill-conducted
niece should never be admitted within the house again.
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