Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

20. CHAPTER XX: WILLIAM BELTON DOES NOT GO OUT HUNTING (continued)

Not a word had as yet been said between them about the property which was now his estate. He was now Belton of Belton, and it must be supposed that both he and she had remembered that it was so. But hitherto not a word had been said between them on that point. Now she was compelled to allude to it. 'Cannot she live at the Castle for the present?

'What all alone?'

'Of course she is remaining there now.'

'Yes,' said he, 'of course she is there now. Now! Why, remember what these telegraphic messages are. He died only on yesterday morning. Of course she is there, but I do not think it can be good that she should remain there. There is no one near her where she is but that Mrs Askerton. It can hardly be good for her to have no other female friend at such a time as this.'

'I do not think that Mrs Askerton will hurt her.'

'Mrs Askerton will not hurt her at all and as long as Clara does not know the story, Mrs Askerton may serve as well as another. But yet'

'Can I go to her, Will?'

'No, dearest. The journey would kill you in winter. And he would not like it. We are bound to think of that for her sake cold-hearted, thankless, meagre-minded creature as I know he is.'

'I do not know why he should be so bad.'

'No, nor I. But I know that he is. Never mind. Why should we talk about him? I suppose she'll have to go there to Aylmer Park. I suppose they will send for her, and keep her there till it's all finished. I'll tell you what, Mary I shall give her the place.'

'What Belton Castle?'