Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

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

'He is engaged to her, you know,' said the lawyer, in a low voice.

'What difference does that make with such a fellow as he is a cold-blooded fish of a man, who thinks of nothing in the world but being respectable? Engaged to her! Oh, damn him!'

'I've not the slightest objection. I don't think, however, that you'll find him at Belton before you. No doubt she will have heard from him; and it strikes me as very possible that she may go to Aylmer Park.'

'What should she go there for?'

'Would it not be the best place for her?'

'No. My house would be the best place for her. I am her nearest relative. Why should she not come to us?'

Mr Green turned round his chair and poked the fire, and fidgeted about for some moments before he answered. 'My dear fellow, you must know that that wouldn't do.' He then said, 'You ought to feel that it wouldn't do you ought indeed.'

'Why shouldn't my sister receive Miss Amedroz as well as that old woman down in Yorkshire?'

'If I may tell you, I will.'

'Of course you may tell me.'

'Because Miss Amedroz is engaged to be married to that old woman's son, and is not engaged to be married to your sister's brother. The thing is done, and what is the good of interfering? As far as she is concerned, a great burden is off your hands.'

'What do you mean by a burden?'

'I mean that her engagement to Captain Aylmer makes it unnecessary for you to suppose that she is in want of any pecuniary assistance. You told me once before that you would feel yourself called upon to see that she wanted nothing.'