Chapter 24
In the corridor, Mr Brownlow had lingered only to sort through his mail. He had a few account letters, a letter from a relative who had taken their chances in the continent of Spain and a letter from his dear friend Mr Grimwig. Putting all other letters aside, he broke the seal and carefully extracted Mr Grimwig's letter from the envelope and unfolded it.
Dear Mr Brownlow,
I can't tell you how grateful I was at receiving your letter. It makes a change from hearing Mrs Grimwig's mumbles about her goings on with the ladies from the church which can be utterly boring for a man entirely disinterested in how the new fashion has not found it into the wardrobe of Mrs Small! As you perhaps may tell I have been housebound for a number of weeks due to the leg but I am on the mend now and soon hope to be getting up and out the house for some well-deserved fresh air.
So my dear friend, becoming a guardian, that should keep you occupied. I do remember them; the boy had eyes the same colour as your niece, they matched the portrait perfectly I recall. The girl I seem to remember was a little too headstrong for her own good but nevertheless I'm sure you have and can fix that little problem. If not marriage ought to do it.
And on that subject, I have the delight in informing you that my nephew has yet to find a suitable wife. I am sure that we can come to some arrangement on that part: meetings and so forth. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to be visiting shortly.
Yours faithfully,
Grimwig
Mr Brownlow scrunched the envelope in his left hand. He managed to control his anger in his right hand merely ripping the edge with his finger nail. Everything he had planned; the marriage arrangement, the meetings, he and his friend sharing in the joy that they become kinsman through the marriage of the respective relatives. It was all gone.
How could he marry Alice off now? It wouldn't be right. He couldn't expect Mr Grimwig's nephew to take on the responsibility that she now bore. Mr Brownlow was so frustrated at this knowledge, she had let down not only him but Mr Grimwig and his nephew who had been promised a wife. Disappointment filled his heart as he folded the ripped, crumpled letter back up and placed it on the sideboard along with his other unopened letters.
He had to rethink. What would be the most logical thing to do now? How was he supposed to deal with the situation that lay before him? With his mind up in the air with options, he needed guidance. Something to give him direction and lead him into a decision. Yet what could possibly give him the guidance he needed?
Look how quick that was! Plan to dedicate as much time as I can to this story for now on, so hope you appreciate it!