Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

19. CHAPTER XI: MISS AMEDROZ HAS ANOTHER CHANCE (continued)

'I am glad there is to be no secret between us, Frederic. You know how I dislike secrets in families.' As she said this she took the letter out of her son's hands with an eagerness that was almost greedy. As she read it, he stood over her, watching her eyes, as they made their way down the first page and on to the second, and across to the third, and so, gradually on, till the whole reading was accomplished. What Clara had written about her Cousin Will, Lady Aylmer did not quite understand; and on this point now she was so little anxious that she passed over that portion of the letter readily. But when she came to Mrs Askerton and the allusions to herself, she took care to comprehend the meaning and weight of every word. 'Divide your words and mine! Why should we want to divide them? Not agree with me about Mrs Askerton! How is it possible that any decent young woman should not agree with me! It is a matter in which there is no room for a doubt. True the story true! Of course it is true. Does she not know that it would not have reached her from Aylmer Park if it were not true? Provocation! Badly treated! Went away! Married to Colonel Askerton as soon as Captain Berdmore died! Why, Frederic, she cannot have been taught to understand the first principle of morals in life! And she that was so much with my poor sister! Well, well!' The reader should understand that the late Mrs Winterfield and Lady Aylmer had never been able to agree with each other on religious subjects. 'Remember that they are married. Why should we remember anything of the kind? It does not make an atom of difference to the woman's character. Repented! How can Clara say whether she has repented or not? But that has nothing to do with it. Not quarrel with her as she calls it! Not give her up! Then, Frederic, of course it must be all over, as far as you are concerned.' When she had finished her reading, she returned the letter, still open, to her son, shaking her head almost triumphantly. As far as I am a judge of a young woman's character, I can only give you one counsel,' said Lady Aylmer solemnly.

'I think that she should have another chance,' said Captain Aylmer.

'What other chance can you give her? It seems to me that she is obstinately bent on her own destruction.'