Henry Tilney's Diary (9781101559024) by Amanda Grange Page A

would have been amusing to hear such honesty. But she never finished her thought, and Mrs Allen continued to talk of muslins.
    I listened politely, though my eyes kept straying to Miss Morland, delighting in her delight at the novelty of her evening. I have been to Bath so many times I had quite forgotten how delightful it can seem to someone who has never been before. So well did I like Miss Morland that when the dancing recommenced I asked for her hand once more.
    â€˜What are you thinking of so earnestly?’ I asked her as we walked back to the ballroom. ‘Not of your partner, I hope, for, by that shake of the head, your meditations are not satis-factory.’
    She coloured, and said, ‘I was not thinking of anything.’
    â€˜That is artful and deep, to be sure; but I had rather be told at once that you will not tell me.’
    â€˜Well then, I will not.’
    â€˜Thank you; for now we shall soon be acquainted, as I am authorized to tease you on this subject whenever we meet, and nothing in the world advances intimacy so much.’
    She looked delighted at the thought, and was too innocent to disguise it, and my evening was more agreeably spent than I had ever expected.
    â€˜You look very pleased with yourself,’ said Charles, coming up to me.
    â€˜Indeed. I have been thinking that it is company that makes the occasion. The Rooms are often tedious but tonight I found them quite charming.’
    â€˜It is good of you to say so.’
    â€˜My dear Charles, I was not talking of you.’
    â€˜Of course not. Who would be charmed by me when Margaret was by?’
    â€˜I was not thinking of Margaret, either,’ I said. ‘You seemed to dance with her half the evening. It is not done, you know. A man should never pay too much attention to his wife.’
    â€˜I beg you, leave me one of my pleasures. I can no longer scandalize the neighbourhood by stealing apples and so I must make what scandal I can from the means at my disposal.’
    â€˜Very well,’ I conceded. ‘I give you leave to dance with Margaret as much as you like.’
    â€˜You are prodigiously good to me, Henry.’
    â€˜My dear Charles, what are friends for?’
    Margaret then joining us, we went out to the carriage.
    â€˜Who was that young lady you were dancing with?’ asked Margaret. ‘I thought her rather pretty.’
    â€˜I danced with any number of pretty ladies,’ I said, as we climbed into the carriage.
    â€˜She is new to Bath. I have not seen her before.’
    â€˜Ah, that young lady. Her name is Miss Morland. She is newly arrived from the country.’
    â€˜You made a handsome couple. When you return to Bath with your family, I hope you will dance with her again,’ Margaret said.
    â€˜When are you returning?’ asked Charles.
    â€˜Charles! Henry has not even left us yet!’
    â€˜No, but I must do so tomorrow, and I hope to return next week,’ I said.
    â€˜Will Mrs Hughes be coming with you?’ asked Margaret.
    â€˜Yes, she comes to keep Eleanor company.’
    â€˜Good. I will look forward to seeing them both. It seems an age since we met. Eleanor will be astonished to see how much the children have grown.’
    The conversation then naturally reverted to the three Plainter sprigs and their remarkable ability to increase their height and girth without any effort at all.
    Saturday 16 February
    Â 
    An early start, a good journey and arrived at the abbey in time for luncheon. I told my father and sister about the rooms I had taken. My father was pleased with my description of them and said we will occupy them on Thursday. Then it was back to Woodston for me, where I exercised the dogs, thanked Miss Olsen for the pen-wiper she kindly brought round to the parsonage and then put the finishing touches to tomorrow’s sermon.
    Â 
    Â 
    Sunday 17 February
    Â 
    A good turnout at church today. It had nothing to do with the mild weather