"I am a man,
So weary with disasters, tugg'd with fortune,
That I would set my life on any chance,
To mend it, or be rid on't."
Chapter 1 of The romance of the forest
by Mrs Ann Ward Radcliffe
Chapter 3
Monsieur Armand was lost deep in thought as he tied a knot out of his master's cravat. It would seem that Sir Arden was in a rush to leave. Though he patiently stood yet there was impatience in his eye.
He had known him for a decade past and he had seen the boy, his master was, evolve into the man he was now. He had suffered through his misfortunes, indeed. Losing both his parents at a young age, bearing the burden of the title, while other men of his age could be found frolicking and lost in utter foolery, and striving to raise a financial empire for an heir who may or may not ever exist could have been enough to break any young gentlman of leisure and luxury. The truth stood; Sir Arden had fought hard to not let the dark side of reality break him.
Sir Arden was a handsome fellow, no doubt, and coming from a frenchman that was a praise indeed, Armand thought. Not only his facial good looks but his tall, muscled self also convinced Armand that Sir Arden would wear his clothing to perfection. Always a patient young fellow he was, yet, impatient today and he made fuss over his coat. The fact was that Sir Michael Arden was neither a country bumpkin nor a powdered and frill suited lord.
Hmm... Maybe Ashbury manor shall have a mistress at last. The master just had to set his life on a chance that came next his way.
................................................................................................................................
In person, Emily resembled her mother; having the same elegant symmetry of form, the same delicacy of features, and the same blue eyes, full of tender sweetness. But, lovely as was her person, it was the varied expression of her countenance, as conversation awakened the nicer emotions of her mind, that threw such a captivating grace around her:
Those tend'rer tints, that shun the careless eye,
And, in the world's contagious circle, die...
"Good morning, Miss Bennet."
Mary looked up from her book in time to see Sir Arden bowing as he stood a respectable distance near her. She snapped her book shut, got up from the bench she was sitting on in the Pemberly grounds and curtsied on her turn.
"Sir Arden! Good morning to you as well. It is a lovely day is it not..." Mary awkwardly and hurriedly went through the words which would be appropriate in such circumstances; not that she rejoiced in them.
Sir Arden's head tilted a little to the side but with maximum discretion and he answered, " Yes, it is Miss Bennet. What, may I inquire, were you reading? You were quite absorbed when I approached. I fear, I disrupted your peace and allow me to apologize....."
"No! Please, Sir, that is of no consequence. I should have been more attentive. I was reading... the Fordyce's sermon!" Inwardly Mary frowned with the thought about the world from such a lie had come from, though no one could guess the book's real contents from the plain cover, as she added, "Our cousin, Mr Collins, suggested it."
One brow went up with amusement Sir Arden answered, " I am acquainted with both; the sermon and Mr Collins. Though I have nothing against sermons, I confess, I do not comprehend the need for a such a young lady to read them. But, otherwise, they can be adequate, I suppose, for the purpose of passing time."
Focusing his attention entirely on Mary he gravely said, "I think, I shall leave you now, Miss Bennet. I need a word with my friend." Fixing a smile on his face he added, "Good day, Miss Bennet." With that SIr Arden turned towards the direction of Pemberly but then he turned towards Mary and asked in a low and hurried tone, "What think you of THE MYSTERIES OF UDOLPHO?"
"I have read it with great pleasure." Came the enthusiastic reply. "When I had once begun it, I could not lay down again; I remember finishing it in two days the first time, my hair standing on end the whole time. Even now...!" The words died as Mary realized what she had let loose in her excitement and she guiltily looked up at Sir Arden, who she found was smiling at her with pure merriment.
"Yes, Miss Bennet, I thought so too and, may I add, your words completely suited my thoughts." He leaned a little closer and whispered, " Do not worry, Miss Bennet. Your secret of the sermons is safe with me."
SIr Arden turned away and moved towards the other Miss Bennet, who was occupied in playing with the Gardiner's children, a little further away. Mary saw him bid her sister, as well, and talk to the children for a while and then moviing towards Pemberly's main door. She could almost make out a smile on his face from this distance.
................................................................................................................................
