I arrived at the inn shortly after midday and took a room, then set about making discreet enquiries. I hoped to learn at what time Anne went out for her rides, so that I could happen to meet her and renew our friendship, but instead I learnt that the family were not at home.
I quickly conquered my disappointment and decided to look over the estate. I wanted to cheer myself by imagining my future as its lord and master. All problems of courting her under her mother’s nose I chose, for the moment, to put aside.
I therefore set out, on horseback, and I was soon at the entrance to the park. It was magnificent. As I rode up the drive I could easily see myself as master of such an abode. The grounds would be ideal for house parties, for there would be plenty to do. Boating on the lake, fishing in the river, playing cricket on the lawn… and there was ample scope for children, too, with large trees to climb and all manner of outbuildings to hide in.
Indeed, by the time I had arrived at the door I already felt myself so much master of the house that I had no hesitation in going inside, where the housekeeper welcomed me warmly and said that she would be glad to show me round, for the family were in Bath on account of Miss Anne’s health.
‘It is a very fine house, Sir, the finest in Kent.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Oh, yes, Sir, the very finest, everyone knows it for such hereabouts. The de Bourghs have lived here for five hundred years, the name passing down through sons and daughters, for there is no entailment on the estate and so no difficulty about a female inheriting. The only stipulation is that the husband of any heiress of Rosings should take the family name.’
‘Indeed?’ I said, whilst thinking expansively, I shall be George de Bourgh.
‘Oh, yes, indeed, sir, the family do not want the name to die out, you see.’
She stopped in front of the portraits hanging in the hall.
‘That picture is of the present owner, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The picture was to commemorate her wedding day.’
I looked at the picture of Lady Catherine, looking young and noble, and beside her Sir Lewis, a handsome young man with blue eyes and an amiable expression.
‘And next to them is a portrait of their daughter, Miss Anne.’
I looked at the portrait and I was reminded of Anne as she was before her father’s death, for although her pose was formal, there was laughter round her mouth and in her eyes.
If I could bring that Anne back I would have an amusing as well as a wealthy wife, and why should I not? As Mama was always so fond of saying, I could charm the birds from the trees.
We went into the drawing-room, and I admired its dimensions, which were truly impressive, and looked out onto the park. The view was discussed, and then we went over the rest of the house, or at least, all that was on display to visitors.
‘Well, sir, what do you think of it, is it not the finest house you have seen?’
‘It is excellent,’ I said. ‘I should not mind living here myself.’
She laughed, and I thought, We will laugh together when I return here as the master. It is a story she will tell to my children and grandchildren. When your father first came here, I showed him around the house and he said he should not mind living here himself. His words proved to be prophetic, for he married Miss Anne and now he is living here.
When I had seen all there was to be seen I left the house, well pleased with my visit. I was so eager to have the place for my own that I decided not to wait for Anne to return; I decided to follow her to Bath.