Beechcroft at Rockstone | Page 3

Charlotte Mary Yonge
I have no doubt that Primrose will be a delight to her aunt Alethea,
poor little dear! Yes, that makes it all easy, for in the holidays I know
the boys are sure of a welcome at the dear old home, or Hal might have
one or two of them at his Curacy.'
The gong sounded for the melancholy dinner that had to go on all the
same, and in the midst all were startled by the arrival of a telegram,
which Macrae, looking awestruck, actually delivered to Harry instead
of to his mistress; but it was not from Ceylon. It was from Colonel
Mohun, from Beechcroft: 'Coming 6.30. Going with you. Send children
here.'
Never were twenty words, including addresses, more satisfactory. The
tears came, for the first time, to Lady Merrifield's eyes at the kindness
of her brothers, and Harry was quite satisfied that his uncle would be a
far better escort than himself or Macrae. Aunt Jane went off to send her
telegram home and write some needful letters, and Lady Merrifield
announced her arrangements to those whom they concerned.
'Oh! mamma, don't,' exclaimed Valetta; 'all the guinea-pigs will die.'
'I thought,' said Gillian, 'that we might stay here with Miss Vincent to
look after us.'
'That will not do in her mother's state. Mrs. Vincent cannot be moved
up here, and I could not lay such a burthen on them.'
'We would be very good,' said Val.

'That, I hope, you will be any way; but I think it will be easier at
Rockstone, and I am quite sure that papa and I shall be better satisfied
about you.'
'Mayn't we take Quiz!' asked Fergus.
'And Rigdum Funnidos?' cried Valetta.
'And Ruff and Ring?' chimed in Mysie.
'My dear children, I don't see how Aunt Jane can be troubled with any
more animals than your four selves. You must ask her, only do not be
surprised or put out if she refuses, for I don't believe you can keep
anything there.'
Off the three younger ones went, Gillian observing, 'I don't see how
they can, unless it was Quiz; but, mamma, don't you think I might go to
Beechcroft with Primrose? I should be so much quieter working for the
examination there, and I could send my exercises to Miss Vincent; and
then I should keep up Prim's lessons.'
'Your aunt Alethea will, I know, like doing that, my dear; and I am
afraid to turn those creatures loose on the aunts without some one to
look after them and their clothes. Fanny will be very helpful; but it will
not do to throw too much on her.'
'Oh! I thought they would have Lois---'
'There would not be room for her; besides that, I don't think it would
suit your aunts. You and Mysie ought to do all the mending for
yourselves and Fergus, and what Valetta cannot manage. I know you
would rather be at Beechcroft, my dear; but in this distress and
difficulty, some individual likings must be given up.'
'Yes, mamma.'
Lady Merrifield looked rather dubiously at her daughter. She had very
little time, and did not want to have an argument, nor to elicit murmurs,

yet it might be better to see what was in Gillian's mind before it was too
late. Mothers, very fond of their own sisters, cannot always understand
why it is not the same with their daughters, who inherit another element
of inherited character, and of another generation, and who have not
been welded together with the aunts in childhood. 'My dear,' she said,
'you know I am quite ready to hear if you have any real reasonable
objection to this arrangement.'
'No, mamma, I don't think I have,' said Gillian thoughtfully. 'The not
liking always meeting a lot of strangers, nor the general bustle, is all
nonsense, I know quite well. I see it is best for the children, but I
should like to know exactly who is to be in authority over them.'
'Certainly Aunt Jane,' replied Lady Merrifield. 'She must be the
ultimate authority. Of course you will check the younger ones in
anything going wrong, as you would here, and very likely there will be
more restrictions. Aunt Ada has to be considered, and it will be a town
life; but remember that your aunt is mistress of the house, and that even
if you do think her arrangements uncalled for, it is your duty to help the
others to submit cheerfully. Say anything you please fully and freely in
your letters to me, but don't let there be any collisions of authority. Jane
will listen kindly, I know, in private to any representation you may like
to make, but to say before the children, "Mamma always lets them,"
would be most mischievous.'
'I see,'
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