Lady Anne’s brother and his family have arrived. Mama was very excited when they arrived, for Lady Anne’s brother is an earl and his coat of arms was emblazoned on the side of the coach. His footmen wore livery and so did the coachman. The whole procession made a splendid sight.
‘Henry is about your age,’ she said to me as she turned away from the window. ‘I want you to make friends with him if you can, George. He is interested in soldiering and he intends to go into the army. If you pretend an interest in the army, too, then perhaps he will invite you to stay when the Darcys go to visit him and his family.’
I pulled a face at this, for I have no interest in the army, and I knew it would be difficult to find something to say to a boy who was determined to become a soldier, but I promised to try.
I went down to the river, knowing that Fitzwilliam intended to take his cousin there, and I was soon one of the party. There were some other boys there, too, and I made the most of the opportunity. I worked my way round next to Henry and introduced the subject of the army, but as it soon became apparent that I knew nothing about the life of a soldier, I thought it would be better not to pretend any longer, so instead I was honest and said that the life would not suit me. Not willing to waste an opportunity, however, I said that I would prefer to go into the church. He did not seem to be interested, and he did not say anything about his family’s livings, as I had hoped he might, but there must be some, and when the time comes, perhaps my words might bear fruit.