Chetwynd Calverley by William H. Ainsworth

Chetwynd was pacing to and fro on the lawn, occupied with painful and distracting thoughts, and scarcely knowing what course to pursue, when he was joined by Sir Bridgnorth Charlton, who saw he was greatly disturbed, and kindly inquired what was the matter.

Chetwynd found it somewhat difficult to explain, as he did not desire for the present to enter into details; but he mentioned that his sister had been taken ill during the night, and was still rather seriously indisposed. This was quite sufficient to account for his anxious looks.

However, Chetwynd desired to consult his friend; and, therefore, said to him:

"I have a communication to make to you, dear Sir Bridgnorth, which I am convinced will give you great surprise, and very likely induce you to take a totally different view of certain matters now before you. My sister and myself have hitherto been completely in the dark in regard to a very important provision of my father's will."

"Indeed! " exclaimed the baronet. "I should not have conceived that possible. What is it, pray?"

"From examination of the will, it appears that if Mrs. Calverley marries again, the whole of the property bequeathed her by my father goes to Mildred."

"Now, indeed, you surprise me! " exclaimed the baronet. "And is it possible this very important proviso has only just been discovered? Such negligence is inconceivable!"

"The proviso cannot, I think, have been known to Mrs. Calverley, or she would not have proceeded so far with her present matrimonial arrangements. But, whether known to her or not, it is the fact. Now comes the important question -- does she mean to marry Lord Courland?"

"I have no doubt of it," replied Sir Bridgnorth. "Unless prevented, she will marry him."

"Most assuredly, then, she will forfeit her property. Besides, she can make no settlement upon him."

"Yes; she has property of her own. She can settle that."

"True; but will that be sufficient?"

"I cannot say," replied Sir Bridgnorth. "I am not in Lord Courland's confidence."

"As yet, I don't think his lordship has been let into the secret."

"Nor is it desirable he should be. He must look after his own affairs. It is not your business to prevent the marriage, but to forward it. If Mrs. Calver-ley does not choose to tell her noble suitor how she is circumstanced, that is her own concern. She is a very clever woman, and can take care of herself. I should not have thought her capable of making such a sacrifice as this for any man. But she seems to be really in love with Lord Courland; or, perhaps, she is resolved at whatever cost to make an important match. At any rate, her scheme must not be thwarted."

"Not unless it should turn out to be mischievous," observed Chetwynd.

"It cannot be mischievous to Mildred," said Sir Bridgnorth. "Lord Courland, probably, will be disappointed when he finds the property pass away from him; but that will be the worst that can happen. And if his lordship is a loser, Charles Danvers will be an immense gainer. How oddly things turn out! After all, Charles may become master of Ouselcroft, in right of his wife. Ah! here he comes! " he added, as the captain made his appearance. "I wish I could tell him what a brilliant prospect he has before him; but I musn't."

"Well; are you laying out your plans for the day? " said Captain Danvers, as he came up.

"No; we were talking about you," replied Sir Bridgnorth. "I was wishing you might be able to reside here."

"Ah, that's out of the question now! " rejoined the captain. "It's a charming place, but I fancy both Chetwynd and myself shall soon be shut out of it. Lord Courland is certain to make a great change, and bring in a new set. If I had been master here, my aim would have been to keep my old friends about me. Chetwynd should always have had his room, and old Norris should have remained in his place."