MARY BARKER: "A WELSH STORY"
VOLUME 2 SUMMARY
All chapters are numbered in Roman capitals, with a short literary quotation after the chapter number- I have not usually quoted these, but a few quotations do appear, in maroon bold type.
All text in blue bold type is quoted directly from the novel.
NB: For much of volume 2, the name "Margam" is spelled "Margum"; I have corrected it, except in direct quotations.
Chapter navigation
Volume 2, chapter 1 (page 1) Heading by Pope.
Lord Oakley really got on Charlotte's nerves:
He annoyed Charlotte Llewellyn very frequently with his love, as he termed it; but as she merely considered it as his lordship's vehicle for displaying his wit, it never occasioned her a moment's serious thought; nor did the many fine things he said afford her the slghtest gratification, being not subject to that weakness which some young ladies have been charged with- of admiring the greatest nonsense when uttered by a lord.
She was, in fact, one of those insolent creatures who never consider themselves exalted by the praises of a fool; which she soon discovered was his lordship's most distinguishing title.
Charlotte and Mr Greville spoke no more with each other than politeness demanded; at the concert, they only entered the music room when they heard it beginning.
The overture was performed to the satisfaction of all who had ears to hear it: and Lord Oakley's song, to that of all whose understandings permitted them to laugh at it.
Miss Gunnings exhibited quite in stile;
Miss Emma sang- like herself!
At the dance, Lord Margam made sure to check with Euphemia before asking a guest for the first dance; Euphemia danced with Captain Wilson; Charlotte turned down Lord Oakley so he ended up with Miss Gunnings; Dr Morgan with a very out-of-practice Lady Virgilia ap Howel (who nonetheless turned in an admirable, if restrained, performance). Charlotte and Mr Greville sat out the first two dances, but then he invited Lady Virgilia. Gritting her teeth, Charlotte remained seated, but when he next led out Miss Gunnings, she remarkably accepted a renewed invitation from Lord Oakley. Later, she found she could not retire to her room, because Mr Greville and Miss Gunnings were sitting by the ballroom door. Seeing Charlotte, he approached and asked if she intended any more dancing:
"No, Sir, I do not."
"Mr. Carnelly," said he, "asked me to introduce him to a partner--- I should have asked you to dance myself, but indeed I am so much fatigued that I really cannot dance more."
"I am extremely happy that you did not, Sir," replied she, "for I should have been sorry that almost the only time you have done me the honour of asking me to dance since we met, should have been at a time when I should certainly have refused you."
We presume not to say what Mr. Greville felt at that moment, but he determined to assert the dignity of his sex; he therefore merely bowed, walked away from Charlotte Llewellyn, and spoke not to her again that night.
On returning to her room, she found a letter from her father. He was to marry Mrs Gunnings; in addition, he had accepted on Charlotte's behalf a proposal from Lord Oakley. Having noticed that Lord Margam liked Euphemia, but knowing Lord Glendarran's intentions for his son, he insisted that the sisters must leave the Castle on Monday. His intention, for good family reasons, was that Euphemia should marry his "particular friend" Captain Wilson. He himself would not be visiting the castle in the next few days. Charlotte was not to mention the contents of the letter to anybody except Euphemia.
Volume 2, chapter 2 (page 11) Heading by Hurdis.
A night of more complete misery we know not how a human being can experience, than did Charlotte Llewellyn. Her father's last command was perfectly unnecessary, as she found it utterly impossible to mention his letter to any one.
She resolved to keep the news secret even from Euphemia, in hope that Lord Margam, who was of age to marry whom he chose, would forestall the plan. The thought of marrying Lord Oakley, she never seriously considered- but what was she to do about her feelings for Mr Greville? The next morning, she remained in her room, saying she was indisposed. Mr Greville made her a special tea, and sent Euphemia up with it. Charlotte was very glad to receive it, happier still at Euphemia's report that Lord Margam had told his father of his intentions towards her, and had met no opposition.
Charlotte, much relieved, considered that she had not sufficiently applied her reason and fortitude to the problems raised by the letter. She immediately prepared to join the company. She was not cheered by meeting Mrs Gunnings, and when she responded cheerfully to Mr Greville's kind enquiry after her health, he returned to his indifference, returning her to misery. Finally, she applied reason to the situation, and worked out that he was testing her. She was contemptuous:
"I needed nothing but his virtues to engage my affection; and he has not increased it by having had recourse to the despicable arts of his sex, to shew me the extent of it.- He has power to make me miserable, I confess- but it is only the triumph of an hour. Perhaps he sees my weakness, and despises it;- but I see it myself- and can conquer it too! I cannot retain an affection independent of esteem: if he forfeits the claim which I imagined his great merit had to that, my love will die too! but never shall he see that such unworthy experiments have any power over me."
Thus she thought, and she acted consistently.
When the party went for a walk, Mr Greville chatted about love with Miss Gunnings, and confessed that he was in love with a woman he thought loved him, "but she is changed- she is transformed!". Charlotte was within earshot of that and his next reply, to Miss Gunnings' query whether he liked "very sensible women". "No indeed I do not, I never wish to marry a woman with more than a moderate share of understanding." ... "genius is very admirable, but not very necessary n a wife; it is very apt to lead people into errors, and eccentricity; nothing can be so desirable as plain common sense; nor nothing more undesirable than uncommon;" ...
Charlotte found herself pitying him, and hoped never to see him make the regrettable mistake of marrying such a woman. Miss Gunnings replied with a list of people of great genius who had been "most shocking wives and husbands", neither she nor Mr Greville apparently remembering all the shocking spouses who had no genius. Charlotte was drawn into conversation with Miss Gunnings, taking the side of sense and independent thought, comparing the wife's vow to obey with the husband's to worship; surely each was as important as the other. Miss Gunnings tried to explain the logic of wifehood: "A woman must obey, tho' in reality she cannot obey- but, if it is ever so much the contrary to her reason and inclination, she must seem to obey." She quoted Pope in support:
"Rules by submitting; by accepting, sways,
And has her humour most, when she obeys."
"Ah beautiful!" exclaimed Mr. Greville.- a remark Charlotte failed to notice, as she marshalled her objections to Pope's wisdom. "I intend to pay my husband a higher compliment than to think it necessary to rule him- and to preserve too genuine a respect both for him and myself, to wish to deceive him-"
Mr Greville chose to support Miss Gunnings, as did Lady Cecilia, who had been listening to the debate, except she felt that
"certainly men ought to rule- but that really it was very hard upon poor women; ... but I never can obey so very much neither; and I am sure it CANNOT be natural for a woman to lose her spirit and her senses quite when she marries!"
The party arrived at a lake, but when Charlotte stood on the shore, admiring the beauty, Mr Greville warned her not to stand so near. She remained where she was, assuring him that she was not in danger, but when he repeated his warning, adding "you will excuse my freedom- but I beg your pardon for taking the liberty to advise you", she moved. She did not take his proffered arm though, choosing instead her sister's in preference to Lord Oakley's.
Volume 2, chapter 3 (page 34) Heading by Butler.
Mr Greville pondered the character of Miss Llewellyn.
in judging of her opinions and prejudices, like most other people, he forgot to renounce his own. Like the generality of mankind too, Mr. Greville had imbibed his from living much in the world, and imperceptibly adopting those of the wisest people he was acquainted with, without giving himself the trouble of examining whether they had any foundation in truth or not. Many things, therefore, appeared to him very erroneous in a young woman who claimed the privilege of thinking for herself.
In the first moments of love, he imagined he could soon break her of this propensity, and bring her round to reason,- that is,- to think as most people do. But the experiments he had tried of his power over her, had not proved very flattering to his vanity, or quite answered his expectations.
His observations of her behaviour now made him glad she had not hidden her obstinacy. He resolved to abandon his pursuit of her- but did not leave Glendarran.
Miss Llewellyn pondered the character of Mr Greville. She found him confusing, and felt that his opinion of her was mistaken. In an attempt to rectify the latter problem, she resolved to avoid any further childishness of behaviour. Unfortunately, when they next met and she tried behaving in her normal open and friendly way, he turned from her without answering. A second attempt at dinner was more successful, in a sense; recognising that she was treating him in her normal open and friendly way, he responded in kind, and the two behaved as if there were no special feelings between them.
Volume 2, chapter 4 (page 42) Heading by Cowley.
Mr Greville now turned his attention to the potentially interesting Miss Gunnings.
Those who are adepts in flirtation, will imagine how Miss Gunnings acquired this influence over Mr. Greville's judgment; those who are not, may be much puzzled to think how it could be possible- but as their ignorance is, in this case, so truly respectable, we will not display the various mysteries and impenetrable arts which she had employed
Unfortunately, he found it difficult to think in terms of romance without being reminded of Charlotte. He resolved at last to quit Glendarran, and pursue his potential romance back in London. Charlotte continued to be friendly, but quietly avoided being alone in his company.
Volume 2, chapter 5 (page 46) Heading by Daniel:
"Sorrow makes silence her best orator..."
etc.
On Sunday, Mr Greville left Glendarran, almost forgetting to take polite leave of Miss Llewellyn- an embarrassment from which she saved him by calmly extending her hand as he passed. Charlotte, hoping to return to her life of reason, then took a walk, only to be accosted on her return by Lord Oakley:
"Tally ho!--- fine sport by Jove!- Tally ho! my little Charlotte!- the fox is unkenneled- Short chace!- Ha! ha! ha!- Good sport faith!- Devilish good!-- Tally ho!- Yoicks, boys! hark forward!-- Down on your knees, my little dears, and beg your mama's blessing; for d--n me if she is not married as fast as a church and a parson can make her!"
"Good Heavens, Lord Oakley, what do you mean!" exclaimed the whole company.
What he meant, as it turned out, was that Mr Llewellyn was marrying Mrs Gunnings that very morning. Cecilia, after a momentary panic that Mr Henry Llewellyn was the happy groom, rejoiced. Euphemia collapsed in a faint. Charlotte, confessing to her recovering sister that she had known of this plan, discussed with her how they ought to behave. One problem was that they did not know how many of their companions, some of whom were absent that morning, knew the secret.
All were invited to dinner at Glendarran House, and Lady Cecilia rung the Castle bells in celebration. Henry had known of the marriage, and had deliberately chosen to absent himself when Oakley arrived. At the House, the only person who appeared truly unhappy was Miss Gunnings, who hoped her mother might not repent!- &c. &c.
Although Cecilia insisted that the Misses Llewellyn must return to the Castle for more entertainment, their father insisted otherwise- that they must remain at home for some time, so she and the Misses Gunnings left the Llewellyns alone.
Volume 2, chapter 6 (page 59) Heading by Wither.
The next morning, Charlotte's father announced that Lord Oakley wished to have a private conversation with her, and warned her to behave herself with meekness and humility. he also asked whether she had informed Euphemia about the intended marriage to Captain Wilson, and was enraged when she said not; more so when she explained her reason. When she finally described Wilson as "a most detestable little wretch", her father nearly hit her- but remembered that he was a gentleman, and merely demanded to know why she thought so:
"It is impossible, sir, without giving you offence," replied Charlotte, "to express all my motives for disliking Captain Wilson; but I think you would find that no woman of delicacy could possibly like him. He pays the grossest compliments in so impertinent, free a manner, with an air that demands admiration for them so insulting to delicacy and common sense, that he is quite disgusting. Then, he never says what he thinks, and it is impossible to get his sincere opinion of any thing, for he seems to consider it a sin to speak truth, and always to be studying to disguise himself. In short, there is an indiscernible something in him that I never could fathom, for every thing he does and says, wears an appearance of deceit; and, if I am not much mistaken, he is a great gamester."
Mr. Llewellyn blushed, but continued to avail himself of authority and prescription, as most people do in such circumstances;
He insisted that she should not mention her opinion to Euphemia, and she was just indicating that this would probably not be necessary when Lord Oakley arrived. Mr Llewellyn left them together.
Volume 2, chapter 7 (page 68) Heading by Shakespeare.
"Tally ho, my little Charlotte!- what, I've caught you at last, have I!--- Come, come, my jewel, give me a kiss for a beginning. Nothing like coming to the point at once!--- Aye, aye, you ar'nt like Miss Gunnings, or those proud made-up quality girls that give themselves such airs, or else I should never have given a d--n for you!"
"Keep your distance, sir, said Charlotte, or I shall let you know, that neither Miss Gunnings nor any girl in England will sooner teach it you than I shall."
Lord Oakley chose to interpret this as playing hard to get, but when he again asked for a kiss, she asked him to be more gentlemanly. Several excitable compliments and rebuffs later, she asked him plainly: "What do you mean, sir!" said Charlotte, whose patience was nearly exhausted by his lordship's rhetoric.
"Mean!" he exultingly replied,- "why I mean to make you my wife! I mean to give up Jenny Jenkins for you!- to give up all the world for you!- to marry you! and to give to you and your heirs forever Oakley Castle and the estates thereto belonging! to make you Lady Oakley! to introduce you at court! and to shew to all the world that I've got the handsomest woman in England!"
"And, pray, how does your Lordship think I can ever be sufficiently grateful for all these great and manifold honours which you mean to confer on me?" asked Charlotte.
"Why to be sure, my dear," answered his lordship, "it is a great deal to sacrifice- Jenny Jenkins is really devilish handsome- but d--n me if you ar'nt a thousand times handsomer!
"I never had any great relish for matrimony; but as soon as I spied you, I fixed my eye on you- and I'm so devilishly in love with you, that d--n me it does not signify talking, for I must marry you!"
"I am infinitely obliged to you, sir," said she, in a tone which his Lordship did not quite understand the significance of;
She soon explained that she did not love him, and felt no need for titles, as she explained in some detail with reference to Lord Oakley's place in the world. When she clarified this by stating that she despised him, he left the room seeking her father, to whom he said "d--n me, if she does not change her note I'll never marry her at all" before departing abruptly for Oakley Castle and Jenny Jenkins.
Volume 2, chapter 8 (page 79) Heading by Wither.
The furious Mr Llewellyn entered the room to find his daughter laughing, and he too was less than happy to be told that she despised his Lordship. He threatened to turn her out of the house and cut her off from her inheritance- but she pointed out that it was better for her not to marry Oakley than for her to give him a life of matrimonial misery. "None of your d--d sophistry to me, madam, if you please" was his reply, so she announced her willingness to submit to his punishment, and thanked him for providing the education which had "informed me not to expect happiness in any thing but a consciousness of endeavouring to act right". "Very well, madam you will soon have to experience the bitter consequences of your disobedience, if you persist in it; and to live upon those principles which promise you so much consolation in theory."
Volume 2, chapter 9 (page 85) Heading by Euripides (translated).
As Charlotte was regaining her composure, Lord Margam and her brother entered with surprising news: it was urgently necessary for Lord Margam to visit the family estate in Scotland, and Henry had offered to accompany him.
They determined to leave Glendarran on the following day: having both private reasons, perhaps, for wishing the journey as speedily made as possible; therefore they spent the day at Glendarran House, took leave of its inhabitants, and departed with the hope of seeing them again in three weeks. This, it must be confessed, appeared an age to more than one of the party; but the gentlemen resolved to bear it like men, as the ladies did,- like women; which, without meaning any satire on the sex, we beg leave to say, merely implies,- with more acute grief, for it must not be denied that absence is more easily supported by men than women.
The new Mrs Llewellyn was very polite to her new daughters, and Euphemia was inclined to like her, but Charlotte remained suspicious. Captain Wilson devoted much attention to Euphemia in Lord Margam's absence.
Volume 2, chapter 10 (page 89) Heading by Shakespeare.
The author reveals some of Mr Llewellyn's own background as a
GAMESTER
To make others miserable was his trade; and to live by their destruction the business of his life. Although Euphemia had a £10,000 legacy from her godmother (held in trust by her father until she came of age in 3 years' time) Charlotte was entirely dependent on him. Captain Wilson was a better gamester, but his skill at billiards had been critically impaired by over-fondness for the bottle, and after a long losing streak he was seriously in need of a wealthy wife. The available candidates invariably lost no time in humiliating him, until one lucky evening, Mr Llewellyn lost £2,000 to him, and offered Euphemia, with her legacy, as payment.
Though he would have preferred a wealthier wife, he decided to accept the offer, and when Llewellyn told fellow gamester Mrs Gunnings (as she then was), she agreed with the plan and took steps to ensure its success. Noticing Lord Margam's attachment to Euphemia, she informed both fathers. Lord Glendarran certainly wished his son to marry Lord Norfolk's daughter- but his estates were entailed on his son, so he had no lever of potential poverty to change the young man's mind. Nonetheless, Mrs Gunnings reported his disapproval to Mr Llewellyn; and when he thought of removing Euphemia at once from Margam's influence, she advised him not to risk inflaming their love by forced separation, but instead to find a way to get Lord Margam quietly out of the way; it also, of course, seemed prudent to leave Charlotte at the Castle, to give Lord Oakley ample opportunities to meet with her (Mrs Gunnings had also made sure to praise Charlotte to him).
Lord Glendarran had planned the journey for his son and while he was away, Mrs Gunnings hoped to ensure that Charlotte and Euphemia had a pleasant time at the House (while her own daughters remained at the Castle). She was astonished by Charlotte's rejection of Lord Oakley, and revised her plans- the aim must be to disgrace Charlotte before she "contaminated" her sister and ruined that part of the plan.
Volume 2, chapter 11 (page 99) Heading by Shakespeare.
Some days later, just as Charlotte was beginning to think her father had given up the plan to marry her off, he asked again whether she intended to refuse. Mrs Llewellyn had sent Euphemia out of the house on a carriage drive with Miss Gunnings, so Charlotte was alone when, on her refusal, her father ordered her to quit his house. Charlotte warned her father and stepmother that Lord Margam would protect her sister, but:
"Lord Margum!" repeated his wife, smiling, "Lord Margum has other views than to marry your sister, I promise you, miss- so that I'm afraid your philosophy will be put to the trial, when you find that you are deprived of the happy retreat, which I suppose you had pictures with him and your sister, in some cottage." ...
"Aye, d--n you!" exclaimed her father, "quit my house this instant, and for ever!"
"I will obey your orders, sir," replied Charlotte, adding, with dignified solemnity,
"But permit me to say, that the parent who abandons his child, and curses her without a cause, releases her from every moral and religious obligation."
Saying which, she walked out of her father's house, and pursued the road to the castle.
Volume 2, chapter 12 (page 104) Heading by Shakespeare.
Such situations as she was now in, afforded no state of mediocrity for the mind to act in; she must absolutely sink under, or rise superior to all earthly misfortune.
Charlotte had a soul which did not permit her to do the former; and a mind so controlled by reason, that she speedily did the latter.
Feeling positively exalted, she resolved to speak with Lord Glendarran, but the first people she met at the Castle were Lady Cecilia (who informed her that Miss Gunnings and Euphemia were likely to stay away overnight, as they had driven to T----) and Emma Gunnings. She asked to see his Lordship.
Volume 2, chapter 13 (page 109) Heading by Shakespeare.
Charlotte discussed the situation with Lord Glendarran. He advised her that he could not act on her word alone, to which she agreed, asking only for advice as to how she should now act herself. His view was that Charlotte should "obey your father, and not give in to that spirit of rebellion, which threatens destruction to all the states of Europe." As her father had ejected her from his house and protection, Charlotte asked for a more practical suggestion, but Lord Glendarran's reply was grim:
"An attempt to rectify abuses is frequently attended with more danger than individuals are aware of- If there may be found some little injustice in your father's treatment of you, it is certainly better for you to submit to it, than to raise fresh disturbances, by appealing for redress of grievances." ...
"My Lord, I thank you for your advice," said Charlotte, "which I shall value as it deserves."
His Lordship bowed.
Charlotte curtseyed, and was walking out of the room, when he said,
"I hope, madam, that we shall have the honour of your company to dinner."
"I am much obliged to you, my Lord," replied she; "but I cannot possibly stay;"
Volume 2, chapter 14 (page 116) Heading by Young:
"Wisdom, tho' richer than Peruvian mines..." etc.
Avoiding Cecilia, Charlotte walked to the neighbouring village. Of all her friends and relations, only Sir Edwin Lloyd seemed likely to offer a happy refuge- but as he was a bachelor, this seemed most improper, besides which, if he too rejected her reasoning, then she felt all hope would be gone.
At the village shop, she wrote a letter to Euphemia, explaining her situation, and asking her to convey this information to Phoebe, Mrs Barker and the other servants at the House. She also mentioned Mrs Llewellyn's dark hint about Lord Margam's matrimonial intentions, and the intended Captain Wilson betrothal. She urged Euphemia to be strong, and informed her that she was on her way to see her friend Miss Wentworth, in London (happily she had 10 guineas in her purse). She gave the letter to a little boy, with instructions to give it only to Euphemia or Mrs Barker, the housekeeper. While she waited for the next coach, she wrote to Mr Wentworth, to let him know she was on her way.
With her handkerchief over her face in hope of escaping observation, she boarded the coach- and found as she did so that she also needed the handkerchief for her tears. It was only some time later, when the coach suddenly stopped, that she emerged from her reverie of grief and discovered her companions in the coach; an old woman, and a young man:
"Lord, Miss, pray do'nt make yourself so desperate uneasy- it quite petrefies my heart to see you- do look up, pray, and don't spoil those sweet heavenly eyes with crying so." Charlotte however still remained insensible, till, taking her hand, he fervently said,
"Oh, my sweet heavenly love, don't plunge me into despair by this cruel silence!- scatter those dew drops from that lily-white face, and let me look, and adore!"
All her grief could scarcely repel the instantaneous impulse of laughter which this speech occasioned
Somewhat uncomfortable, she asked him to move a little, but he continued his cordial marks of affection. Still, nothing of significance happened on the journey, and she arrived safely at the terminal inn in London, where she sent a note to the Wentworths and waited for them to collect her. Some time later, a richly-dressed servant entered the inn, with letters for her: the first she opened was from Mr. Wentworth, beginning as might be expected from a man of reputed sense and humanity; the legailty of whose title to those epithets will be clearly shewn in the next chapter.
Volume 2, chapter 15 (page 136) Heading by Shakespeare.
Mr Wentworth's letter, from Portland Place, 1 Sep 1790:
"I am extremely concerned that propriety prevents my daughter from having the honour and pleasure of your company at this time.
There is a respect due to appearances, which no person in the world can disregard, without injuring their reputation.
It is my opinion that you have been very cruelly treated; but the world will not be so ready to believe this as I am.- My daughter is a young woman of some little consequence in it; and it is utterly impossible that she can, with prudence and propriety, receive a young lady who has been turned out of doors, and run away from her friends." Thos. Wentworth
- who advised her in a postscript to return immediately to her father.
Louisa Wentworth's letter was more supportive, but she was wholly dependent on her father. However, she had written of introduction to her friend Lady Jane Coutts, who was independently rich- very rich. She urged Charlotte to go to Lady Jane at once.
This letter, which Louisa had not sealed, so Charlotte could read it, explained Charlotte's unusual situation, and her father's attitude. Charlotte went to Lady Jane's superb house (still in the dress she had worn when she was ejected from home) and delivered the letter, but was informed that her Ladyship was not at home. She spent the night at the inn, then returned to Arlington Street the next morning, where Lady Jane had returned, and was found reclining upon a sopha.
Volume 2, chapter 16 (page 147) Heading anonymous:
"What vain, vexatious, useless thing's I've seen..."
etc.
Lady Jane chose to remain in her easeful position as she conversed with Miss Llewellyn:
"I am really surprized that Miss Wentworth should write to me on such an occasion; she must know that my house is continually full, and really if one was to take in all gentlewomen in distress, one might as well keep an hospital at once!"
"Good morning to you, ma'am," said Charlotte, with an air which might have given Lady Jane some idea of the manners of a gentlewoman, if she had possessed any capabilities of understanding the character;
But she did not, and was about to give Charlotte some charitable trifle from her purse, when she was advised that "I do assure you that I despise you too heartily, to be under the smallest obligation to you."-
Her ladyship burst into a fit of laughter; calling out,- "Who waits!- shew this lady down stairs."
Charlotte returned to the inn, to think of some means of salvation. She remembered that the housekeeper Mrs Barker had a brother who lived in Foster Lane. Down to her last guinea after paying the inn bill, she made her way there, and Mr Barker, on finishing his business, welcomed her in. He even offered her money, and to pay for lodgings in a more respectable part of town, such as Westminster. Charlotte was grateful enough for the roof at Foster Lane, and settled down to write her friend Louisa as flattering an account as possible of the events at Arlington Street.
Volume 2, chapter 17 (page 154) Heading by Shakespeare.
Back in Glendarran, the little boy with Charlotte's letter to Euphemia, had unfortunately been greeted not by a servant but by her new mother, who accepted it, read it, and destroyed it. Captain Wilson had decided that Euphemia would make him a good wife- and because a part of his ancestral estate in the north of Ireland, which he had lost some time ago, was up for sale, he was keen for a quick wedding. A licence was sent for, and, as the local Rector was ill, Mr Llewellyn contacted a clergyman, with whose character he was well acquainted, and the wedding was set for the next day.
Llewellyn expected no real oposition from the timid Euphemia, and was resolved to ignore it anyway. Still, on the advice of Mrs Llewellyn, Captain Wilson was not at the House when Miss Gunnings and Euphemia returned from their trip. A father-to-daughter talk resulted in tears for Euphemia, and when Mrs Llewellyn entered the room, she asked where her sister was.
"Enjoying the fruits of her disobedience" replied her stepmother;
"gone to beg her bread!", clarified her father "as you shall do, madam, if I meet with any opposition to my will ... therefore prepare, madam, to-morrow morning, to become the wife of Captain Wilson, for by --- no earthly power shall prevent you!"
He strode from the room, and Euphemia fainted. When she came to and asked where her sister actually was, Mrs Llewellyn advised her that she was probably "walking the streets in London"- and of course, as she knew, Lord Margam and her brother were even further away, for a reason her stepmother now explained:
"Because, my dear, he's gone to marry Miss Norfolk".
Euphemia's instinct in this crisis was to go and help her sister- but Mrs Llewellyn reminded her that she had no power to do so; utterly defeated, she accepted her fate. The woman helped her to her bed, then reported on the evening's success to her husband, and to Captain Wilson when he returned. He at least did assure the bride's parents that he did not resent Euphemia's former attachment to Lord Margam, adding "as I apprehend it is no herculean labour to gain the heart of a woman."
Volume 2, chapter 18 (page 171) Heading by Shakespeare.
The next morning, Euphemia realised that she had probably been told the truth about Lord Margam, for Miss Norfolk did live in Scotland. She still thought of Mrs Llewellyn as basically wishing to help her, so she accepted her assistance in preparing herself, for the day ahead, and went with her down to the breakfast room. When Mr Llewellyn entered, though he spoke with unusual kindness, her face turned deadly white- then to crimson on the entry of her betrothed. She found she could not move when he took her hand to lead her to the breakfast table, and when Mr Llewellyn, seeing the coach arrive, announced that all was ready, she finally said
"I cannot marry him; indeed I cannot!"
"Then, madam," said her father, "walk out of my house this instant!- become a beggar, a wanderer on the face of the earth- follow your proud, disobedient sister, and pursue poverty and infamy, till you return to beg at my door the morsel of bread which I will refuse you."
"Oh! I am lost- for ever lost!" said Euphemia, in a low and solemn tone- "and my sister is lost too, unless I can afford her relief- and I have none!- Oh! take me this instant- I will marry any body- do any thing- what does it signify?- Yes, I am ready, very ready!" added she with a ghastly smile.
As they entered the church, she fainted, but was soon revived, and within a few minutes became a married woman.
Humanity shudders at the picture- and some may hope that it is merely drawn by fancy's pencil- Look in the world, amongst the great, the gay, the admired, ye amiable sceptics!- There behold the originals of such a faint copy. We trust, indeed, that they are few- but while a human being exists, fluttering in the vortex of fashion, and usurping the privilege of virtue, who has inflicted such misery on another, "let them be branded for the public scorn".
Volume 2, chapter 19 (page 178) Heading by Wither.
Captain Wilson had no intention of allowing Charlotte to come to live with her sister, but he permitted Euphemia to take her maid Phoebe to Ireland with her. Mrs Llewellyn wrote a letter to Miss Gunnings and informed Lord Glendarran of the wedding, then she and her husband set out for London. They were miles away when Miss Gunnings read her letter out to Lady Cecilia, who went into a fit of rage, and had herself driven immediately to Glendarran House. There, of course, the remaining servants could tell her nothing of Charlotte's whereabouts, and little of the morning's events except that the new Mrs Wilson, and Phoebe, were gone to Ireland.
Writing a letter to her brother outlining the recent events, Cecilia retired to her room, unwilling to speak with the Misses Gunnings as they reminded her of their mother. She only left her room to say goodbye when her father set off for London on important business. Finally, six days after the wedding, Mrs Barker sent Cecilia a letter which Charlotte had addressed to her (dated 4 September). Charlotte had on that morning received from Miss Wentworth a letter, written in London by Mrs Llewellyn, announcing the marriage of Euphemia. She had decided, with generous help from Mr Barker, to go to Ireland at once. Cecilia, hoping that she had not left immediately, wrote giving her firm opinions of Mrs Llewellyn and Captain Wilson, and urging her,
"Don't go after them, my dear Charlotte, for heaven's sake; for perhaps he may murder you!- you know what a shocking place that Ireland is! ... I have great hopes that we may somehow get poor Euphemia away from him yet- Do stay, however, my dearest Charlotte, till your brother comes; and then all will be right- I expect him every moment."
She enclosed some money, and urged Charlotte if she needed better lodgings to "go to the Duke's house in Pall Mall, and tell my aunt and my cousins of all the wickedness of your father to you- my aunt is a very good woman, though a little queer".
In a long postscript, Cecilia sympathised with Charlotte's defiance of her father, and expressed her gladness that she had an independent fortune, with an income of £6,000 a year due to come her way from next month- particularly as she had heard that her mother left it to her because of her own experience of being persuaded to marry by friends "and that she never really in her heart cared a farthing about him".
Soon afterwards, Henry Llewellyn arrived- deeply distressed, and without Lord Margam. The latter, feeling utterly betrayed, had resolved to remain in Scotland. Cecilia hoped that Henry would go immediately to London and rescue Charlotte, but he said "No; I must go another road." He declined to say exactly where, but smiled as he said so, and did not deny her suggestion that he was going to shoot Captain Wilson. He confirmed, in fact, that "I must go to Ireland", and when she exclaimed, weeping, "Then you'll be killed", it dawned on him that she rather cared about him. Though he loved her, he would not be budged from his intent; still, though he felt she deserved a husband of higher status in society, he asked if he might hope for her hand; her reply: "I'm sure the whole world, nor all the fathers in it, should never make me marry anybody else".
Henry too felt he could not look the Misses Gunning in the eye, though as convinced as Cecilia that the plot was not theirs, so after writing a letter for Charlotte, he set off for his encounter in Ireland, with Captain Wilson. The author's thought on Cecilia's situation:
She was, as may have been discerned, no philosopher; if evil, therefore, should be estimated according to the degree of mental anguish it occasions, no person in this history, excepting the unfortunate Euphemia, has a greater claim to pity for her sufferings, than the gay, the young, the beautiful, the rich, the beloved, the envied Lady Cecilia Margam.
Volume 2, chapter 20 (page 198) Heading by Cotton.
Cecilia received a letter from Charlotte, who observed that,
"My Euphemia was taught to look for felicity beyond this world; and I hope is content to wait patiently for the completion of those hopes of happiness which, though they may be formed, can never be possessed in this state."
She further reported that she had booked passage for Ireland, and that Mr Barker had, without telling her, procured a large quantity of clothing for her. She tried offering him the money Cecilia had sent her, but he turned it down, and insisted on giving her more himself:
"I shall consider it one of my greatest earthly pleasures, if fortune should ever enable me to repay him the smallest part of the debts I owe him."
The next post brought a letter from Henry Llewellyn in Cork. He had found the hotel where Euphemia was, and discovered from Phoebe that she was ill, and confined to bed. Captain Wilson had called a physician, then requested the landlady to take care of her, and left three days ago. Henry had been to see Euphemia, and she had begged him not to leave her, "which you may be certain I shall not do, even if a husband asserts his authority."
Lady Cecilia's answer was rather a novel one for a love-letter, expressing all her nightmare fears for both Henry and Euphemia, but reminding Henry that in four days Glendarran Castle would be hers, and a welcome home for Euphemia. She urged divorce, rather than duelling, as a solution to the immediate problem. She also mentioned, briefly, that Charlotte had gone to Ireland.
Volume 2, chapter 21 (page 211) Heading by Hurdis.
Henry returned to Glendarran Castle a fortnight later, with Euphemia. The day after Henry had left for Ireland, the Misses Gunning had gone to join their mother in town at the Grafton Street house, finding that Cecilia was no longer any fun. The Castle, even with the rescued Euphemia, remained in gloom for, although Henry had waited an extra week in Ireland, hoping to find Charlotte, she had not arrived, and he had also failed to learn anything of Captain Wilson. In the end he had left for Euphemia's sake, as she had fallen into a state of settled melancholy, slowly declining. He explained that she was invited to live with Cecilia, to which she replied only "Lord Margam!", so he further informed her that his Lordship was now settled in Scotland, not realising the depth of the relationship between his sister and Ned. Time spent at the Castle did begin to heal her, then early in October, Mrs Barker came with a letter from her brother, dated 30 September (his first opportunity to write, due to pressure of business). He reported that Charlotte had "embarked for Ireland on the 5th, on board the Jupiter, Captain Graham, bound to Cork, from peculiar circumstances, in his way to the East Indies". He also noted, "I don't wonder at your determination to leave Glendarran. I need not tell you how happy I shall be to see you".
The thought that Charlotte might in reality be on the way to the East Indies brought fresh grief to the household. Henry tried to bring hope that Charlotte's own good sense would be her protector. Meanwhile though, he had to go to London- but that intention was dramatically interrupted by an item in the morning paper:
"Yesterday a duel was fought in Hyde Park between Cap--n W-l--n and Cap--n Curl--g, two well-known gentlemen, in consequence of an altercation which took place at the house of a notorious gambling L--y in Grafton Street; a ball passed through the head of the former gentleman, who instantly expired. Cap--n Curl--g has absconded."
Henry immediately told Cecilia, but suggested breaking the news to Euphemia with care. Joyous, the pair decided to marry as soon as possible, and Cecilia wrote to her father (4 October), asking him to give her away. She advised him that she had overruled Henry's original plan to seek his permission:
"that would be mere nonsense, now I have accepted him- so in spite of all he can say, I insist upon his staying here ... It is of no use to ask your consent, because it is impossible that you can have any objection to Mr Llewellyn- though perhaps you might wish me to marry a man with a title;- though it is of no consequence to me, yet, if you, my dear father, would chuse it, you may purchase one for him immediately, as you know they are very cheap. ... I suppose that you have intirely given up all thoughts of Miss Norfolk, as you see that he never would have married her; and resolved to shut himself up like a hermit, and live in that cold barren place all his life- Thank Heaven! that fellow is now all will be right again- You may depend on it that he will marry Euphemia immediately; for he is a man, and therefore has a right to do what he thinks best- and I'm sure that will be best. ... Poor Euphemia has told me all about the marriage, and how they told her that Ned was married. Henry had found out this, from something that she had said before, therefore charged me not to tell her that he really is not married- But I soon will- Tell Miss Gunnings they may come, if they like- but I am not so very fond of them."
Volume 2, chapter 22 (page 230) Heading by Hurdis.
Henry cautiously and delicately told Euphemia of the death of her husband, intending to tell her the good news about Ned when she had had time to absorb that. Lord Margam beat him to it, by arriving unexpectedly at the Castle, sending Euphemia again into a faint. Henry had her carried to her room, and asked Lord Margam not to speak to her immediately. Instead he asked Cecilia to explain to her about Ned's single status, while he gave his friend the tale of Euphemia's sufferings. Ned was furious at what he heard, but Henry asked him to be as gentle as possible in Euphemia's presence. Cecilia, on her return, announced that Euphemia had asked to be left alone for the rest of the day. The three therefore settled down to plan their next moves, in the light of a letter to Henry from Mr Llewellyn, who on hearing from Lord Glendarran of his son's intended marriage had resolved to sell Glendarran House. Lord Margam calculated that even without his ultimate inheritance from his father, he could afford to buy it.
Volume 2, chapter 23 (page 236) Heading by Shakespeare.
Euphemia was too ill to come down the next morning, but eventually came to see him in the evening:
Their meeting was one of those scenes which baffle the faint efforts of description to depict; but which in every heart where a spark of fancy and sensibility glows will be faithfully pourtrayed, from the mere idea of such characters in such a situation.- Look to thy own heart, reader; and if it is made of similar materials, a laboured description would destroy the delicate picture which thou wilt find there.- Hast thou been unhappy- so miserable as to have been forsaken by hope?- think what joy is!- Hast thou lost every thing dear to thee in this world?- imagine what it would have been, to have had it in one moment restored!- Dost thou know what it is to love?- thou wilt guess also what it is to despair! to be deprived for ever of the object of thy tenderest affections, and to be restored to it!-
If thou hast felt none of this, nor canst imagine what it is, we need not ask thee to shed the tear of virtuous sympathy at the sight of exquisite felicity- for thou canst not weep!
The author continues to the end of the chapter with a celebration of the spirit of love.
Volume 2, chapter 24 (page 240) Heading by Hurdis.
Lord Margam wrote to his father about his plans, and to Mr Llewellyn about Glendarran House. The servants, he re-hired. Lord Glendarran, meanwhile, wrote on 8 October, in reply to Cecilia's letter, bemoaning her upbringing and her wilfulness, and advising her that he would, contrary to his feelings, have been willing as a father to give her away, but that his business prevented him from attending the wedding. Giving her such stern advice as he could, he finished:
"public affairs arrest my attention from these private concerns- You must please yourself; therefore accept my blessing, and believe me
your affectionate father
GLENDARRAN."
The wedding was set for the following Thursday. The next day, Lady Florella Rounceval arrived with her new husband, Sir Robert Stanley, and joined with Cecilia, Ned and Henry in persuading Euphemia that she too should marry as soon as possible:
She knew that custom only forbade her to pursue the dictates of her own heart; but she had suffered too severely, from giving up the sacred right of judging for herself, to retain any great respect for the impositions of others; therefore she at length consented, with only one request,- that the day might be a private one. Lady Cecilia perceived the propriety of her wish, therefore consented; although she had previously determined to have "such a wedding as never was heard of before;"- however, as the day approached, she found her inclination to be merry, decrease; till at length she confessed, that she was "very glad that there was to be nobody to make a fuss on Thursday- for she could not endure to see a creature for the world.
Volume 2, chapter 25 (page ) Heading in Welsh:
"Gnawd ym Morganwg ddiwg ddynion
A gwragedd mewn mawredd a murian gwynion"
and it is given a footnote:
A piece of revenge to those true Britons who quote Latin and Greek to the ladies- being a very bold attempt to rival them.
"Since he that is but able to express
No sense at all in several languages,
Will pass for learneder than she that's known
To speak the strongest reason in her own."
BUTLER
The housekeeper, Mrs Rees, assured Cecilia that whatever her intentions, it would be best to get at least two hundredweight of flour for the plumb puddings, two cows, half a dozen sheep (all based on the portions consumed at her own mother's wedding). Cecilia did not understand.
"Ah! my dear lady, you don't know what it is to be married in Wales!" returned Mrs. Rees- "you must consider your family, my lady!- surely you would not lose the good name of your family, my lady!- all the Margams, ever since the flood, did always keep great weddings! and Lady Jane, and Lady Judy, and my late poor dear Lady, did all keep great weddings! and surely, my lady, you should think of yur family, and your house, and your estate, and your ancestors! and not let your name go to nothing! nor Squire Llewellyn's name!- for he is a sweet, noble young gentleman- and he has a Welsh pedigree!- and a name,- and a family!- and ancestors!" and so on. Cecilia explained the situation of Euphemia, and Mrs Rees, who had had great affection for the girl for many years, reluctantly agreed. A certain amount of female bonding ensued, and Cecilia finally agreed that although the ceremonial should be private, the house would be open to all.
Thursday came and Lady Florella Stanley, who had so lately pronounced the fatal vow, laughed very heartily at her cousin, when, from some unaccountable cause, she wept whilst she declared, that she was the happiest woman in the world.
Euphemia was too happy to express her joy, by any thing but silence: and Lord Margam could bear no comments.
Charlotte was not forgotten by her friends, or rather, most painfully brought to their recollection by their present happiness.
Lady Cecilia's tears flowed afresh, when her image presented itself ... Henry Llewellyn wiped away a tear as he mentioned her name.
As they prepared for the solemn ceremony, Florella chattered about her own nuptials, with her spouse sweetly smiling at her side. In the event, Cecilia cried a lot, and Euphemia, as soon as her part was over, fainted.
Then outside the quiet church, they found the world. The people, the cannons and bells of celebration, the flowers decorating the route to the Castle (along which their carriages were pulled not by horses, but by their neighbours), the flags and triumphal arches, the feast and the four hogsheads of ale shared by all...
Lady Cecilia declared that she was never half so miserable; and protested, before dinner time, that "nothing on earth should ever have made her marry, if she had only had an idea how shocking it was"- No one seemed disposed to pity her, but he who was the cause of all her grief; which he very good naturedly and condescendingly did; notwithstanding that she did not once shew him through the day, that she had actually sworn to love, honour, and obey, him.
Lord Margam's behaviour, and his gentle bride's, was such as may be inferred from the knowledge of their characters. Lady Cecilia's, it must be confessed, was not yet finally decided; and we are compelled to say, that it depended upon the husband she had now chosen, whether she became a very wise- or a very foolish woman.
A few days later, she proposed to spend the winter in London, but her husband was unsurprised when she failed to put the plan in motion. Henry was soon made a baronet- and proved a fine husband. Even Lady Virgilia ap Howel thought that the marriage was a step in the right direction for the young lady.
END OF THE SECOND VOLUME (page 268)
To vol. 3
