Frederic and Elfrida (Manuscript)/Chapter 3
Chapter the third
In the mean time the parents of Frederic proposed to those of Elfrida, an union between them, which being accepted with pleasure, the wedding cloathes were bought and nothing remained to be settled but the naming of the Day.
As to the lovely Charlotte, being importuned
with eagerness to pay another visit
to her Aunt, she determined to accept the
invitation and in consequence of it walked to
Mrs Fitzroys to take leave of the amiable Rebecca,
whom she found surrounded by
PatchesRouge, Powder, Pomatum and Paint with which she
was vainly endeavouring to remedy the natural
plainness of her face.
"I am come my amiable Rebecca, to take my leave of you for the fortnight I am destined to spend with my aunt. Beleive me this separation is painfull to me, but it is as necessary as the labour which now engages you." "Why to tell you the truth my Love, replied Rebecca, I have lately taken it into my head to think (perhaps with little reason) that my complexion is by no means equal to the rest of my face and have therefore taken, as you see, to white and red paint which I would scorn to use on any other occasion as I hate art."
Charlotte, who perfectly understood the meaning of her freind's speech, was too goodtemper'd and obliging to refuse her, what she knew she wished,—a compliment; and they parted the best freinds in the world.
With a heavy heart and streaming Eyes
did she ascend the lovely vehicle[1] which
bore her from her freinds and home; but
greived as she was, she little thought
of in what a strange and different manner she shouldwould return to it.
On her entrance into the city of London which was the place of Mrs Williamson's abode, the postilion, whose stupidity was amazing, declared and declared even without the least shame or Compunction, that having never been informed he was totally at ignorant of what part of the Town, he was to drive to.
Charlotte, whose nature we have before intimated, was an earnest desire to oblige every one, with the greatest Condescension and Good humour informed him that he was to drive to Portland Place, which he accordingly did and Charlotte soon found herself in the arms of a fond Aunt.
Scarcely were they seated as usual, in the most affectionate manner in one chair, than the Door suddenly opened and an aged gentleman with a sallow face and old pink Coat, partly by intention and partly thro' weakneſs was at the feet of the lovely Charlotte, declaring his attachment to her and beseeching her pity in the most moving manner.
Not being able to resolve to make anyone miserable, she consented to become his wife; where upon the Gentleman left the room and all was quiet.
Their quiet however continued but a short time, for on a second opening of the door a young and Handsome Gentleman with a new blue coat, and entered and intreated from the lovely Charlotte, permission to pay to her, his addresses. There was a something in the appearance of the second Stranger, that influenced Charlotte in his favour, to the full as much as the appearance of the first: she could not account for it, but so it was.
Having therefore agreable to that and the natural turn of her mind to make every one happy, promised to become his Wife the next morning, he took his leave and the two Ladies sat down to Supper on a young Leveret, a brace of Partridges, a leash of Pheasants and a Dozen of Pigeons.
- ↑ a post chaise