Edmund
The sun was shining when Edmund and his father reached Clifton. As they drove through the streets on their way to Sion Hill, Edmund felt happier than he had done for a long time– and yet more apprehensive too.
Asking Mr. Oakley’s permission to address Marianne is a terrifying prospect. I do not know what she might have told her parents about me; would she, for instance, have mentioned my irresponsibility? My lack of purpose and my poor judgement? I tremble to think in what light they regard me. And yet Mr. Oakley was extremely friendly when I met him before– he even said I could be relied upon, did he not?
“Do not look so worried, Edmund,” Lord Templeton said. “Mr. Oakley will give you his blessing– of that I am sure.”
“’Tis by no means certain, Papa,” Edmund said. “I fear I have lived a very superficial life until now, and Mr. Oakley might be rightly cautious.”
“We will see. I say, the views of the Gorge are quite splendid, are they not?”
“They are extraordinary! Might we stop for a minute here, Papa? I would like time to collect my thoughts.”
“Of course, dear boy. I will stay in the carriage. Take all the time you need.”
Edmund looked over the plunging ravine, the turbulent water down below glimmering in the sunshine. He had previously wondered whether he should try to secure Marianne’s affections before talking to her father, but in view of her great losses in the past, he thought the traditional way would be more respectful and proper.
And this is just the beginning of my quest, for I fully realize that even if Mr. Oakley gives his blessing, I still have to win Marianne’s heart. We have much to resolve.
The carriage made the very short journey from the Gorge to the Oakleys’ house, and while Lord Templeton knocked at the door, Edmund looked up at the ironwork balcony on the first floor. He had not taken much notice of this on his previous visit, but now he could see how closely it resembled the balcony Romeo had stood under when he had declared his love for Juliet.
Contemplating Romeo’s fate is making me a trifle uneasy; I must concentrate on the romance of Shakespeare’s great play, not the tragedy.
Betsy showed Edmund and his father into the parlor where the Oakleys were sitting.
“Mr. Templeton! What a pleasant surprise,” Mr. Oakley said.
Once introductions had been made, Edmund expressed how pleased he was to see Mrs. Oakley restored to health.
“Why, thank you. I am fully recovered now and can undertake all my usual activities. This morning I have spent time in my herb garden, which I always enjoy.”
A silence descended upon the room.
This is awkward! The Oakleys must be wondering why on earth we are here. How should we proceed?
Lord Templeton cleared his throat. “Mrs. Oakley, I wonder if you would do me the great honor of showing me your herb garden? I am particularly interested in horticulture– especially herbs– and I believe that Edmund has something he wishes to say privately to Mr. Oakley.”
Mrs. Oakley beamed– and she and Lord Templeton left the room.
Edmund need not have worried, for once he was alone with the man he hoped to call his father-in-law, Mr. Oakley made everything easy. ’Twas almost as if he had longed for this moment. And after a decent interval, Lord Templeton and Mrs. Oakley returned to find Mr. Oakley’s face suffused with joy, and Edmund’s with relief.
“But remember, Mr. Templeton,” Mr. Oakley said, “though I have given my blessing, ’tis absolutely Marianne’s choice whether she accepts you or not.”
“I take nothing for granted,” Edmund said, “and know full well I am not worthy to be accepted by your daughter– for she is perfection. ”
“She is our dear Marianne and the best daughter anyone could ever wish for,” Mrs. Oakley said. “And we are so proud to know you intend to ask her to become your wife.”
“Well,” Lord Templeton said, “once we have the good news we joyfully anticipate, I do hope you will both do us the honor of staying with us in Bath.”
“As it happens, we are going to Bath in a couple of days,” Mr. Oakley said. “Our good friends the Radcliffes are there for the season and have asked us to join them in their lodgings in Norfolk Crescent for a while. We are thrilled, because they have managed to obtain tickets for the ball everyone is talking about.”
“Ah! The one the Prince Regent is to attend,” Lord Templeton said. “We look forward to seeing you there; all our family will be in attendance.”
Well, perhaps not all our family, for if Marianne turns me down, I will not be at the ball. I will instead return to Clifton and, in a fit of melancholy, throw myself into the Gorge– or at least retire to Templeton Park for the rest of my life to nurse my broken heart.
As the Templeton carriage traveled through Bristol on its way to Bath, Edmund spied a particular lady in the street; this caused him to rap on the roof of the carriage with his cane.
“Stop, driver, if you please.”
“What is it?” Lord Templeton asked.
“I have seen Miss Steele,” Edmund said, “and I am keen to have a word with her.”
“Very well,” Lord Templeton said.
“Miss Steele! ’Tis I– Edmund Templeton.”
“I know who you are, sir,” Miss Steele said. “What a surprise to see you here.”
“’Tis a happy coincidence,” Edmund said. “My father and I are travelling back to Bath, and I happened to see you from the carriage. Miss Steele, I simply wish to thank you for traveling to Bath recently to warn Mrs. Pembroke of possible danger. ”
“I felt compelled to do so, sir,” Miss Steele said, “for I did not like to think of a lady in peril. But I know now I was mistaken, for Mr. Teysen did not, after all, wish her harm.”
“Nevertheless, you wanted to help Mrs. Pembroke, and for that I am grateful. I expect you also know that Mr. Teysen intends to live a better life than he lived as Lord Steyne?”
“I do, sir, for the full story, including the tale of your bravery in chasing him across the roof of the Royal Crescent, is well known all over this city.”
“Well, I do not think he will be long in gaol,” Edmund said. “I wonder where he will go next?”
“He is out already, sir. He is here, in Bristol.” Miss Steele blushed deeply, and the rather hideous brooch she was wearing sparkled in the morning light.
Could it be that Miss Steele still has feelings for the old rogue? I see she is wearing the jewelry he gave her and did not sell it after all.
“I wish you well, Miss Steele.” Edmund doffed his hat and returned to the carriage.
She will need all the luck in the world!
Once Edmund arrived home, he wasted no time before going round to Number 4.
“I am afraid Marianne is not at home at the moment,” Lady Barrington said.
“Will she be long?”
I cannot wait to see her and learn my fate.
“She is out on the Crescent Fields with Jane and Nelson. Would you care to join them?”
“I would! Thank you, Lady B.”
Edmund ran to the fields. How glorious the world looked today! The crocuses were all open, and the trees displayed buds with their promise of summer around the corner; verily, the golden late afternoon light was magical in its intensity .
Marianne stood in the very center of the fields by an oak tree, throwing a stick for Nelson. How beauteous she was in her scarlet cloak, with cheeks aglow, sparkling eyes, and radiant visage.
I pray God she will accept me, for I think I will die if I have to live without her.
“I will go back to the house now, if you will excuse me, Mr. Templeton,” Jane said. “Lady Barrington told me earlier that when you arrived, I was to return immediately with Nelson, leaving you and Mrs. Pembroke to sort out the silly tangle. Oh, beg pardon, sir!”
Jane flushed scarlet and ran across the grass with Nelson yapping at her heels.
And so, we are alone at last.
“I must say what is in my heart,” Edmund said. “I cannot wait any longer.”
“But first I must speak,” Marianne said. “Oh, Edmund! I have not been fair towards you.”
“Me neither!”
After a rather topsy-turvy conversation about all the various ways the pair had misunderstood situations, said things they didn’t mean, assumed things that were not true, and made regrettable mistakes, they enfolded each other within an embrace so close ’twas as if they had become one person. Then Edmund declared his love, which was joyfully reciprocated.
And thus it was that in the middle of the Crescent Fields, in the very heart of Bath, Edmund and Marianne exchanged a heavenly series of kisses which felt radically different from all the ones before, for these kisses anticipated the joy they would have in their lives together and celebrated the lifelong commitment they had just made.
“Dash it all!” Edmund said, as they walked back to Number 4. “Can you see what I can?”
Marianne chuckled. “’Tis Lady B with her telescope. We should have expected it. ”
The day of the ball dawned, and the whole of Bath was in a frenzy of excitement to think that the Prince Regent would soon be amongst them in the Upper Rooms. Not for a long time had the ton turned out in such numbers, resplendent in their finery and eager to enjoy the music, dancing, refreshments– and the presence of royalty.
As Edmund enjoyed the first dance with his intended, his heart swelled with pride and love.
“You look more beautiful than any lady here,” he whispered in Marianne’s ear.
“And you look divinely handsome,” she answered. “Even more so than usual. Perchance ’tis a result of all that fence building and ditch digging.”
“I fully intend to carry on with physical work from time to time,” Edmund replied, “for to manage an estate properly, one should not be afraid to get one’s hands dirty. I am changing, dear Marianne.”
“But Edmund, I love you just as you are– and always will.”
“Well, perhaps I have not altered that much,” Edmund said, “for I would still like to swim in the river from time to time at midnight. Will that be acceptable?”
“Yes, as long as you take me with you. I have always wondered what it would be like to bathe by moonlight. But only if ’tis a boiling hot summer night.”
“We have not had a boiling hot summer for quite a few years– but perchance 1817 will surprise us.”
Edmund imagined frolicking with Marianne in the river, holding her gently to protect her from any fierce currents, and smoothing droplets from her divine countenance– until the rules of the dance caused her to link arms with another man and be whisked away.
Ah! Tis Captain Wyndham. ’Tis lucky I no longer feel jealous of this gentleman. He is a decent sort, and I wish him well. And now he is back dancing with his intended, and Marianne is opposite me again in the set.
“I have not told you Charlotte’s good news yet,” Marianne said to Edmund. “I heard this morning she has been brought to bed of a healthy son. All is well– and I am a godmother.”
“How pleased I am! I look forward to visiting the Lake District and admiring your godson in the years to come.”
And one day, God willing, Marianne will hold her own babe in her arms. What a fine life we will have together.
Soon it was time for refreshments, and all went to the tea room, with the Prince Regent leading the way.
“I see Carter on the other side of the room, with Henry and Kitty,” Edmund said to Marianne. “I have an important question for him.”
“Do not be long!” Marianne said. “I will join my parents and the Radcliffes. Ah! There is Selina too, and George. I am so pleased I will soon be able to call Selina my sister.”
Edmund strode over to Carter, who was looking a little ill at ease wearing an exceedingly smart evening suit which Lady Templeton had insisted on having made for him especially for the occasion.
“I am not sure why I am here,” Carter said. “I feel like a tailor’s dummy.”
“You look very elegant,” Kitty said.
“Yes, and you are here because you are part of our family,” Henry said.
“Exactly!” Edmund said. “And now I have something most particular to ask. Will you be best man at my wedding?”
“Why, I thank you,” Carter said, “but I must decline, for what would people say?”
“I care not for tittle-tattle and gossip– you know that,” Edmund replied. “’Tis time you took your rightful place in the family as Mama’s brother in the full gaze of the world, not merely behind closed doors. My wedding will be a good time to make this clear to the ton . And Mama and Papa are in total agreement.”
“As are we,” Henry and Kitty chorused.
“In that case, I would be honored.” Carter raised his glass of Negus. “Edmund– your very good health. I know you and Mrs. Pembroke will be exceedingly happy. ”
When Edmund returned to Marianne’s side, she was chatting to Lady Barrington.
“I will be moving out of Number 4 soon,” Lady Barrington said.
“Moving out? Why?” Edmund said.
“Oh, did you not know?” Lady Barrington said. “Have I spoilt the surprise?”
“Possibly,” Edmund said, “but as I do not know the nature of the surprise, I cannot say for definite. Pray, reveal all.”
“Well, everyone knows that I will relocate to the north this summer. With Augusta and Amabella both expecting blessed events, it makes sense. And ’twill not be long before Aurelia and Alicia follow suit, I am sure. Anyhow, I am selling Number 4 to your dear papa.”
Ah, I think I begin to realize where this is going.
“The seed of this idea was planted a long time ago,” Lady Barrington said, “when we were in the Pump Room, back in January. I told your parents then that I would be spending most of my time in the north once my grandchildren arrived, and your papa was most interested in what I might want to do with Number 4. He thought it might be the ideal home for you and Marianne.”
What! But I had only known Marianne a few days. Papa certainly wasted no time in planning for our union.
“I have found a suitable new home near all four of my daughters– for they live so close to each other ’tis but a five-minute carriage ride between their dwellings. I will be able to offer help and advice, but return to my own house at the end of each day– this will suit us all splendidly. Oh, look! Here is your papa approaching now, Edmund.”
“What a splendid evening, is it not?” Lord Templeton said. “What have you been discussing? Everyone has gone very quiet.”
“I have to apologize,” Lady Barrington said, “for the mention of my imminent move has inadvertently let the cat out of the bag, thus spoiling the wondrous surprise of your wedding gift to the young pair here.”
“’Tis time they knew, so I thank you,” Lord Templeton said. “And Edmund and Marianne, to make it crystal clear, I am presenting you with Number 4 to celebrate your forthcoming nuptials. Will that be acceptable?”
Marianne’s eyes grew large and moist, and Edmund thanked his father profusely.
“Of course, you will both spend time at Templeton Park too,” Lord Templeton said, “but Number 4 will be your home in Bath.”
“And I will continue to live there with Marianne till the very day of your wedding in June, for she must be chaperoned,” Lady Barrington said, “then I will stay for a short time with Lord and Lady Templeton before finally moving to the north to be with my dear daughters.”
“We will miss you, Aunt,” Marianne said, “and Nelson, too.”
“You will not,” Lady Barrington said, “for you will be far too busy filling the house with children for that.”
Marianne blushed as scarlet as a military uniform.
“I insist you stay with us whenever you visit Bath, Lady B,” Edmund said. “You will always be welcome.”
“I thank you– and will take you up on your kind offer.”
Lord Templeton gazed across the room. “There is a crush at the door, and I see the Prince Regent is on the move. Let us return to the ballroom, for the music must be about to begin. Now, where is Lady Templeton? For she has promised me the next dance. Ah! There you are, my dear. Please, take my arm.”
The Prince Regent seemed in good spirits after the refreshment break and spent some time watching the revelry, tapping his foot to the rhythm of the country dances. As Edmund and Marianne twirled past, they were close enough to hear His Highness’s comment to his companion.
“I say– who is that handsome couple? They look very much in love.”