'Do her good to meet young people.
We're getting old in this house, Mrs. Batty,' and she guffawed in
anticipation of the usual denial, but for once Mrs. Batty failed. Her
thoughts were at home, at Prospect House, that commodious family
mansion situate in its own grounds, and in one of the most favourable
positions in Upper Radstowe. So the advertisement had read before Mr.
Batty bought the property, and it was all true.
'John,' Mrs. Batty went on, 'is more for sport, though he's in the
sugar business, with an uncle. Not my brother--Mr. Batty's.' She was
anxious to give her husband all the credit. 'They are both good boys,'
she added, 'but Charles--well, you'll see on Sunday. You promise to
come.'
Henrietta promised, and with Mrs. Batty's departure Caroline spoke her
mind. She was convinced that the lawyer and his wife were determined
to secure Henrietta as a daughter-in-law.
'He knows all our affairs, my dear, and James Batty never misses a
chance of improving his position. Good as it is, it would be all the
better for an alliance with our family, but I shall disown you at once
if you marry one of those hobbledehoys. The Batty's, indeed! Why, Mrs.
Batty herself--'
'Caroline, don't!' Sophia pleaded. 'And I'm sure the young men are
very nice young men, and if Henrietta should fall in love--'
'She won't get any of my money!' Caroline said.
'But Henrietta won't be in a hurry,' Sophia announced; and so, over
her head, the two discussed her possible marriage as they had
discussed her clothes, but with less interest and at less length and,
as before, Henrietta had her own ideas.
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