Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

12. CHAPTER XII: MISS AMEDROZ RETURNS HOME (continued)

In writing to her father from Perivale, she had merely told him of Mrs Winterfield's death and of her own intended return. At the Taunton station she met the well-known old fly and the well-known old driver, and was taken home in the accustomed manner. As she drew nearer to Belton the sense of her distress became stronger and stronger, till at last she almost feared to meet her father. What could she say to him when he should repeat to her, as be would be sure to do, his lamentation as to her future poverty?

On arriving at the house she learned that he was upstairs in his bedroom. He had been ill, the servant said, and though he was not now in bed, he had not come down-stairs. So she ran up to his room, and finding him seated in an old arm-chair by the fire-side, knelt down at his feet, as she took his hand and asked him as to his health.

'What has Mrs Winterfield done for you in her will?' These were the first words he spoke to her.

'Never mind about wills now, papa. I want you to tell me of yourself.'

'Nonsense, Clara. Answer my question.'

'Oh, papa, I wish you would not think so much about money for me.'

'Not think about it? Why am I not to think about it? What else have I got to think of? Tell me at once, Clara, what she has done. You ought to have written to me directly the will was made known.'

There was no help for her, and the terrible word must be spoken. 'She has left her property to Captain Aylmer, papa; and I must say that I think she is right.'

'You do not mean everything?'

'She has provided for her servants.'

'And has made no provision for you?'