Barford Abbey | Page 5

when the coach-door open'd,
and a servant conducted me to the drawing-room,--where, I was
receiv'd by Sir James and Lady Powis with an air of polite
tenderness;--a kind of unreserve, that not only supports the timid mind,
but dignifies every word,--every action,--and gives to education and
address their highest polish.
Lord Darcey was sitting in the window, a book in his hand;--he came
forward as Sir James introduc'd me, who said, Now, my Lord, the

company of this young Lady will make your Lordship's time pass more
agreeably, than it could have done in the conversation of two old
people.--My spirits were flutter'd; I really don't recollect his reply; only
that it shew'd him master of the great art, to make every one pleas'd
with themselves.
Shall I tell you, my dear Lady, what are my thoughts of this Lord
Darcey?--To confess then, though his person is amazingly elegant, his
manners are still more engaging.--This I look upon to be the natural
consequence of a mind illumin'd with uncommon understanding,
sweetness, and refinement.
A short time before dinner the chaplain made his appearance,--a
venerable old man, with hair white as snow:--what renders his figure to
be completely venerated, is the loss of sight.--Her Ladyship rising from
her seat, led me towards him: Mr. Watson, said she, I am going to
introduce a lady whose brightest charms will soon be visible to
you.--The best man in the world! whisper'd she, putting my hand in
his;--which hand I could not avoid putting to my lips.--Thank you, Miss
Warley, said her Ladyship, we all revere this gentleman.--Mr. Watson
was affected, some drops stole from their dark prisons, and he bless'd
me as if I had been his daughter:--my pleasure was exquisite,--it seem'd
as if I had receiv'd the benediction of an angel.
Our subjects turn'd more on the celestial than the terrestrial, till dinner
was serv'd up,--when I found that good knight which has been so long
banish'd to the side-board, replac'd in his original station.
How different this table from many others! where genteel sprightly
conversations are shut out; where such as cannot feast their senses on
the genius of a cook, must rise unsatisfied.
A similitude of manners between your Ladyship and Lady Powis,
particularly in doing the honours of the table, struck me so much, that I
once or twice call'd her Lady Mary.--Pray, Miss Warley, ask'd she, who
is this Lady Mary?
What could occasion her confusion!--what could occasion the

confusion of Sir James!--Never did I see any thing equal it, when I said
it was Lady Mary Sutton!--The significant looks that were interchang'd,
spoke some mystery;--a mystery it would be presumption in me to dive
after. Her Ladyship made no reply,--Sir James was eager to vary the
subject,--and the conversation became general.
Though autumn is far advanc'd, every thing here wears the face of
spring.--The afternoon being remarkably fine Lady Powis, Lord Darcey,
and myself, strolled out amongst the sweets.--We walk'd a considerable
time; his Lordship was all gaiety, talk'd with raptures of the
improvements; declar'd every thing he had seen abroad fell short of this
delightful spot; and now, my dear Lady Powis, added he, with an air of
gallantry, I can see nothing wanting.
Nothing wanting! return'd her Ladyship, sighing:--Ah! my Lord, you
are not a parent!--you feel nothing of a parent's woe!--you do not
hourly regret the absence of a beloved and only son! Don't look serious,
my dear Lord, seeing him somewhat abash'd, you have hitherto
tenderly loved me.--Perhaps I had a mind to augment your affection, by
bringing to your recollection I was not happy.--His Lordship made no
reply, but, taking her hand, lifted it respectfully to his lips.
Mr. Jenkings is this moment coming up the lawn. I see him from
window;--excuse me, my dear Lady, whilst I step to ask him how he
does.
I have been accounting to Mr. Jenkings for not coming home last night.
Good man! every mark of favour I receive, enlightens his
countenance.--The reasons I have given him, I shall now proceed to
give your Ladyship.
I said we were walking;--I have said the conversation was
interesting;--but I have not said it was interrupted by Sir James and Mr.
Watson, who join'd us just as Lord Darcey had quitted the hand of Lady
Powis.--A visit was propos'd to the Dairy-house, which is about a mile
from the Abbey.--In our way thither, I was full of curiosity, full of
inquiries about the neighbourhood, and whose seats such and such were,
that enrich'd adjacent hills?--The neighbourhood, reply'd her Ladyship,

is in general polite and hospitable.--Yes, said Sir James, and more smart
young men, Miss Warley, than are to be met with in every
county.--Yonder, continued he, live Mr. and Mrs. Finch,--very
rich,--very prudent, and very worthy;--they have one son, a discreet