Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of March 6, 2002
Jump to new as of March 10, 2002
Jump to new as of March 12, 2002
Chapter 21
Robert stayed in his study for a while. He wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Since last evening he was absolutely sure that Harriet Smith was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life.
But he also knew that it would be the most inappropriate moment if he told her so now. Not after all that had happened. She would not believe that he really loved her. She would not believe that men could love at all.
And I cannot blame her for it, he thought. The best thing to do is to leave her alone for a while. I do not want to spoil everything by choosing the wrong moment.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
Elizabeth entered the room. "I just wanted to tell you that Mr. Perry left a few minutes ago," she said.
Robert looked at his sister anxiously. "What did he say?"
"Well, he said that he could not find any symptoms of a serious illness."
"Thank God!"
"He said her condition might have been caused by some great distress. All she needs is peace and quiet and enough sleep. Rob?"
"Yes?"
"What happened yesterday evening? Does Edward Mason have anything to do with it?"
Robert was surprised. "Liz..."
"I am not stupid, you know. Mr. Mason comes into the drawing room and tells us that Edward Mason had to leave, because he remembered an appointment. Then he goes to Cathy and tells her that Harriet has fainted. All I had to do was use my head! What happened?"
"Liz, I do not want to talk about it."
"I am right, then."
"Liz, if you want to know what has happened, do not ask me. I cannot tell you. I promised not to."
"To Edward Mason?"
"I promised Miss Smith that I would not tell anybody, and I am going to keep my word."
"I will ask Harriet as soon as she feels better."
"Please do not."
"Why not?"
"Wait until she chooses to tell you. I am sure she will, one day. If you ask her now, it will upset her again."
Elizabeth nodded. "Do you want to see her, Rob?"
" I do not think that would be a good idea. I will wait until she is well enough to leave her room."
"I will go back to her room, then. I just wanted to tell you that she is not very ill. No fever, just a headache. She will get better soon."
Elizabeth turned to go.
"Liz? Tell Miss Smith I send my best wishes."
Elizabeth smiled and nodded.
Elizabeth came into Harriet's room with a tray.
"Harriet, it is time for you to eat something. You have not had anything since yesterday!"
"I cannot, Elizabeth. The thought of eating makes me sick."
"Harriet! You must! How are you going to get better? Come, I will help you."
Harriet sobbed. "I am so sorry, Elizabeth! I hate being a nuisance to you!"
"Harriet! For shame! You must not talk like that! You a nuisance? Who said so?"
"Nobody, but you have so much trouble just because of me, I am quite ashamed of myself."
"Harriet, there is no reason for you to feel like that. We are all very fond of you, you are our friend. What sort of friends would we be if we did not do everything for you gladly? Now, come and eat something. Do me the favour. Please."
Harriet sat up in her bed, closing her eyes because she felt a flash of pain in her head again.
"Very well, I will try to."
Elizabeth smiled. "That's a good girl!"
Harriet ate a little, but then she put the tray aside. "Thank you very much, but I cannot eat any more."
"Fair enough. But I will leave the tray here, just in case. By the way, my brother sends his best wishes and hopes you will soon be better."
"Your brother?"
"He was very worried about you."
"Really?" Harriet smiled faintly. "Tell him I am already feeling a bit better."
Harriet stayed in her room for two more days. Her headache had ceased, but she had still been very weak and tired. When she woke up in the morning of the third day, she felt fresh and rested. She got up and dressed herself.
How wonderful, she thought. It is like being born again!
She entered the dining room and found that the Martins were already there. Mr. Martin rose, smiling radiantly.
"Miss Smith! Good morning! I am so glad to see you are well again!" Harriet looked at him anxiously, but his face expressed nothing but genuine pleasure to see her.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Martin."
Elizabeth smiled at her. "Good morning, Harriet! You look much better today. Will you do me the favour of walking with me after breakfast?"
Robert looked at his sister reproachfully. "Liz, you cannot be serious about that. You cannot expect Miss Smith to walk with you on the first day she is feeling better. It would not do her good!"
"On the contrary, Rob! I think fresh air and exercise will do Harriet good."
Catherine intervened. "Why do you not let Harriet decide for herself? I am sure she will know best what is good for her."
They all looked at Harriet, who was quite perplexed. She did not know what to do.
Finally she said, "Oh, I , erm ... I think ... a short walk will do no harm."
Elizabeth smiled at her brother triumphantly.
"We will not walk very far, Harriet. I promise you to go back as soon as you want me to. Do not hesitate to tell me."
So, half an hour later, they went for a walk. Harriet soon felt that she had not yet recovered her full strength.
"Can we sit down somewhere, Elizabeth? I am afraid I am already tired."
"Certainly, Harriet."
They sat down at the riverbank.
"Is this not a beautiful spot, Harriet? My brother and I used to go fishing here when we were little."
"Were you allowed to fish here?"
"Not really," Elizabeth laughed. "But nobody really cared. Robert never wanted me to go with him. I was his little sister and he always tried to get rid of me. So I always followed him secretly."
She grinned. " He never had the heart to send me back home again, so I was allowed to stay, provided that I did not bother him. I had a special way of looking at him that never failed. Somehow it does not work that well now."
"What about your sister? Did she come with you, too?"
"No, Cathy was much more girl-like than I was. She still is. She is more like our mother, while Robert and I are much like our father. Robert, especially. Well, shall we go back?"
"Can we stay a few more minutes?"
"Sure. Look who is coming over there."
Elizabeth pointed to the wood. Harriet turned and saw Davey Harris walking towards them.
He had his hands in his trouser pockets and was whistling a song. When he noticed the two ladies, he grinned, waved frantically and shouted, "Hey, Miss Martin, Miss Smith! What the ... I mean, what are you doin' here?"
Harriet smiled at him and said," We are going for a walk. What about you?"
"I am lookin' for stones. Flat stones."
Elizabeth frowned. "What do you need them for? "
"Erm ... nothing."
"Davey Harris," Elizabeth said severely, "you have not got a catapult, have you?"
"No, Miss."
"Do not lie to me, I know perfectly well what sort of stones you are looking for."
Harriet looked at the boy earnestly. "You know these catapults can be dangerous."
Davey looked at them with a sheepish grin. Then he pulled a catapult out of his pocket and gave it to Harriet.
"Here, Miss. Take it."
Harriet was surprised. "What for?"
"If you do not want me to use it, I do not need it."
Elizabeth laughed. "Spoken like a true gentleman! Say, Davey, would you like to accompany us on our walk?"
Davey nodded. All the way home, he was talking and talking to Harriet. He told her about the sheep and the dogs, his father and mother and his three little sisters. Harriet was very much amused by the boy's stories. He had such a droll way of expressing himself, she could not help laughing. She was still laughing when they entered the drawing room.
"Harriet," Elizabeth said, "You have a new admirer. He'd make you an offer of marriage if it was not for the difference in age."
Robert, who was sitting in his chair and reading his newspaper, raised his eyebrows in surprise and said," And who is that gentleman, Miss Smith?"
The two ladies looked at each other and started to laugh again.
"It is Davey Harris, Rob," Elizabeth cried. "Harriet has completely charmed him. He has even given her his catapult!"
Now Robert laughed, too. "Oh dear, poor boy! Miss Smith, you should hold it in honour. Such a present from a boy like Davey Harris is like an engagement ring."
"How do you know, Rob?"
"Well, Liz, how do I know? I used to be a boy, too, and I used to have a catapult as well."
His eyes sparkled merrily. "And I would never have given it to a girl. In fact, it must still be around somewhere."
Elizabeth looked at her brother mischievously. "No girl? Not even..."
Robert laughed. "Shh, Liz! Miss Smith does not have to know all my secrets, does she?"
Chapter 22
In the evening, they were all sitting in the drawing room. Robert was reading to them, and the ladies were doing their needlework. Robert glanced at Harriet now and then. She was still pale, but looked as pretty as always.
I hate to trouble her again, he thought. But I promised George to give her that damn letter. And Edward Mason will come here tomorrow. That means I will have to give her that letter either tonight or tomorrow morning.
He could not think of an inconspicuous way of giving her the letter now, so he decided to wait for her in the hall in the morning.
When Harriet descended the stairs the next morning, she found that Robert Martin was waiting for her.
"Miss Smith? May I have a word with you? It will only take a couple of minutes."
Oh no, Harriet thought. Now he is going to tell me that I am no longer welcome in his house.
Robert looked at her inquiringly. "Miss Smith? Are you unwell?"
"No, Mr. Martin, no... I am ... very well, thank you."
Robert led Harriet into the study. "Take a seat, Miss Smith."
He opened a drawer and took a letter out of it.
"Miss Smith, there are a couple of things I have to tell you. You may already have noticed that I am referring to ... Edward Mason."
Harriet turned pale.
"Miss Smith, I do not want to worry you. Mr. George Mason visited me on the day after your birthday, and he gave me this letter for you. It is from his brother, Edward Mason. As far as I know, it is a written apology for what he has done."
He gave Harriet the letter and she put it into her pocket.
"Another thing, Miss Smith. Mr. Edward Mason is going to leave his home tomorrow. He is going to visit a friend in Norwich. Today he is going to pay a visit to my family." He sighed. "I am telling you this, Miss Smith, because I do not want you to be unprepared. Do you think you can meet Edward Mason, or would it be too distressing for you?"
"I do not know, Mr. Martin. Do you think I ought to meet him?"
Robert thought for a while. Then he said, "I think so, yes. It might rouse suspicion if you did not. Of course, it will be a different situation. You will be with us all, so he will not dare..." He stopped.
Harriet sighed. "Very well then. Thank you for your help, Mr. Martin."
"Miss Smith, you can always rely on me."
After breakfast, Harriet retired to her room. She wanted to read Edward Mason's letter, and she needed a quiet place to do so.
Donwell, June 24th, 18_____
Dear Madam,Forgive me my boldness in writing you this letter, but I have to tell you how sorry I feel for what I have done yesterday. The more I think of it, the more I realise that I have treated you in an unpardonable and disgusting manner. I have decided to leave on next Monday. I am going to visit a friend. I am doing this for one reason. I want to spare you the humiliation of seeing me again.
I know you will not be able to forgive me now, because I can hardly forgive myself. But I sincerely hope you will forgive me one day.
I wish you all the best for your future.
Yours etc.,
Edward Mason
Harriet threw the letter on the dressing table. Mr. Mason was right. She could not forgive him, and she still could not understand why he had tried to kiss her. It hadn't been love, to be sure. For the first time in her life, Harriet hated somebody. She had never liked Edward Mason very much, but now she hated him.
"How on earth can he presume that he only has to write a letter to make me forgive and forget everything that has happened? He is going to Norwich? I would not even care if he went to Hell!" Then she calmed herself down.
Very well, Harriet, she thought. He is coming today to take his leave from the Martins. All you have to do is be there, talk when you are spoken to, and wish him a pleasant journey. I think you can manage that. And you will not have to see him ever again. That's a relief! She cast a short glance at the mirror to check on her appearance, and went to the drawing room.
Edward Mason's visit was short and not very pleasant. It did not last more than ten minutes, in which he was desperately trying to keep up a cheerful conversation. However, no one was interested in what he said except Mrs. Martin. Robert was polite, but in a very cold and reserved manner. Harriet noticed his eyes. They looked like steel. Catherine and Elizabeth were talking to George Mason, who had accompanied his brother. And Harriet kept her eyes to her needlework most of the time and tried to concentrate on it. After the two gentlemen had left, she was relieved.
I hope that was the last time I've seen Edward Mason, she thought. She noticed the cheerful smile Robert Martin gave her.
He is so nice, she thought. He still treats me with respect after all that has happened. A real gentleman!
Chapter 23
The harvest season had begun. Robert Martin left the house early every morning and did not return until dinner.
Naturally, he was tired after a long day's work, and, as Elizabeth remarked, "not the best company one can get".
Harriet passed most of her time with Elizabeth and Catherine. They went for long walks, and sometimes they went down to the river. The air was always cool and fresh near the water, and they enjoyed just sitting there, watching the water and talking.
Sometimes Davey Harris joined them, told them a new anecdote or showed them how to throw stones to make them skip over the surface of the water for several times. Especially Elizabeth delighted in those games.
Harriet was very happy in these days. There was just something wrong. She missed Robert Martin. She knew he would like to be with them, but she also knew that this was not possible. She liked him even more because of his diligence and responsibility.
Harriet liked to be with him now, even in those evenings when he was so tired that he nearly fell asleep in his chair. He always had a kind word for her, and he seemed to be interested in all her concerns.
One evening, Elizabeth went over to her brother and said, "All work and no play isn't good for you, Rob. You've turned into a rather boring fellow, you know."
Robert looked up. "And how are you going to change me into my old self again, dearest sister," he asked ironically.
Elizabeth laughed. "What do you think of a picnic on next Sunday?"
She turned to Harriet. "What do you think, Harriet?"
"That is a wonderful idea, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth looked at Robert pleadingly. "Please!"
Robert laughed. "Who could resist you, Liz? You know I never could. Very well, a picnic on Sunday. Where are we going? Box Hill?"
"No, not Box Hill. I do not really like that place."
"Any other suggestions, then?"
"What about that lovely spot near Donwell? The one by the lake?"
"Good idea. I have not been there for quite some time."
"Do you think the Masons will go with us?"
"If you invite them I am sure they will."
The days went by very fast. Even Mrs. Martin was enthusiastic about the idea of a picnic and so she was very busy with the preparations. The ladies were busy with their work and Robert with his. The Masons were invited, and gladly accepted the invitation. So did Mr. and Mrs. Charles, who were invited too. Elizabeth thought that her mother would like to have some company, too.
The menu was an important question. For Mrs. Martin it was a question of honour to serve only the best things. She wanted her guests to be comfortable and enjoy their meal.
"Well, Harriet," Elizabeth said on the evening before the planned picnic, "I hope the weather will be good tomorrow. Who is going to eat all those good things if the weather is bad?"
Robert overheard this remark, and said, "Do not worry Liz, it looks as if it is going to be a fine day tomorrow."
"Very good, Rob. Harriet, the place where we are going to go tomorrow is a very romantic one. I am sure you will like it. There is a small lake, with water lilies all over it. Whenever I go there, I cannot help thinking of Ophelia..."
Robert burst out laughing.
"Rob! You are making fun of me!"
"Sorry Liz. But the only time I saw someone swimming in that lake..." He grinned. "No, I will not tell you."
Harriet looked at him curiously. "Mr. Martin, why do not you tell us? I am sure it is amusing."
Robert smiled. "So it is, Miss Smith. But the story involves a friend of mine. I do not want to expose his misfortune to you." He glanced at Catherine. "Especially not in the presence of his fiancée."
He grinned. "Perhaps he will tell you tomorrow. Just one thing. The mishap did not remind me of Ophelia at all. And it was not in the least romantic."
When Harriet looked out of her bedroom window the next morning, she saw that the weather was simply lovely. She was as happy as a little child on seeing this. She had been looking forward to the planned picnic, and the thought of having to give it up because of bad weather had worried her. Now that she saw that everything would take place as it was planned, she was greatly relieved and danced around in her room while getting dressed.
However, she did not quite know what made her happier: the picnic or the idea of spending a whole day in the company of Robert Martin.
Soon there was a knock at her door. It was Elizabeth, who wanted to talk with her.
"Harriet! You are already finished! Good! You look so pretty", she said. "I wish I was as pretty as you are."
Harriet blushed at this praise. "But you are pretty, Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth laughed. "Did my brother ask you to say that, Harriet? He always says I am pretty, but I know I am not."
Harriet shook her head. "You should not talk like that, Elizabeth. Believe me, you are pretty, and much livelier than I will ever be." She smiled. "I am sure you will break many a poor man's heart."
Elizabeth sighed. "I have no intention of breaking any heart, Harriet. I should be glad if a decent man turns up who is willing to take me as his wife with all the faults I've got. I can tell you, there is a lot of them."
But Elizabeth could not be serious for long. "Come, Harriet, I need your help! I must find out what my brother was talking about yesterday. I will tease him until he tells me."
"And what am I supposed to do?"
Elizabeth grinned mischievously. "Tease him, too."
After breakfast they set off to church. They were to meet the rest of the party after the service. Harriet found it hard to concentrate on the sermon; she was impatient to leave the church. Then she noticed that George Mason was looking at her. He smiled and winked. Harriet blushed and turned away.
What must he think of me, she thought. Not paying attention in church! I must pull myself together.
After the service, they all gathered outside the church. There was a lively discussion about who was going to go in which carriage. George Mason and Robert Martin were going on horseback. Mrs. Charles wanted "her dear Elizabeth" to go with her, and Harriet was to go with Mrs. Martin and Catherine.
Elizabeth came over to Harriet and said, "Do not forget, Harriet! Tease him!"
"I do not know how, Elizabeth. I am not as witty as you are!"
"I am sure you will find a way."
On their journey, Mrs. Martin entertained Harriet by pointing out several landmarks. She could tell so many interesting stories, that both Harriet and Catherine were fascinated.
And then, from a hill, they had the first view of their picnic site. The lake was lovely, just as Elizabeth had described it. The water was clear and blue, and there were green spots where the water lilies grew. A small wood was on one side of it, and a stream was winding through the meadows towards the lake.
When they arrived, everything was already prepared. Mrs. Simms and Mrs. Mason's housekeeper had outdone themselves. It was astonishing to see what these two women had managed to prepare in only a few days. There was everything one could possibly wish for.
Harriet was particularly delighted to see a small glass bowl of...
"Walnuts! I love walnuts!" And she smiled happily.
"Do you know what is the best thing about those walnuts, Miss Smith," Robert Martin asked.
"No, I do not, Mr. Martin. What is it?"
"They are all yours, Miss Smith. Take them as a late birthday present from me."
At that moment, Harriet would have hugged him, had it not been for etiquette. She beamed.
"Such a wonderful surprise, Mr. Martin! I do not know how to thank you! So lovely! But how did you know that I like them?"
"You told me so yourself, Miss Smith, do not you remember?"
"I am afraid I cannot remember, Mr. Martin."
"Well, you did not tell me, but my sisters. I just happened to be in the same room. And when I came across that tree in our neighbourhood, I thought it would be a nice surprise for Miss Smith if I brought her some walnuts."
"Oh, it was indeed. Thank you so much, Mr. Martin!"
Catherine had overheard their conversation and frowned. "Where did you get these walnuts, Rob? I cannot remember a walnut tree in our neighbourhood."
"The Grants have got one in their garden."
"The Grants? Do you mean to tell me that you have gone five miles over the country just to get some walnuts?"
Robert laughed. "Do not exaggerate, Cathy, it was only three miles."
Harriet looked at him, all astonishment. " Three miles? And all just for me? Oh, Mr. Martin, you shouldn't have. I feel ... quite guilty for causing you so much trouble."
"It was no trouble at all, on the contrary. Now try them, Miss Smith, or I shall be really hurt."
Harriet took the bowl. "But only if you eat some, too, Mr. Martin. Take as much as you want."
Robert watched Harriet as she walked over to Elizabeth to offer her some walnuts, too. She looked very happy.
And if I'd had to walk a hundred miles for those walnuts, he thought, seeing her like this would have made it worth while.
Chapter 24
After lunch, George Mason suggested a walk around the lake. All the young people were happy to join in, while Mrs. Martin, the Masons and the Charles decided to stay where they were.
"But stay away from the water, George," Robert said, grinning. "I will not have any time to save you from drowning today."
George began to laugh, then he bowed to his friend and said, mockingly, "I will do my best, sir. But I'd rather not talk about that episode."
"Too late, Mr. Mason," Elizabeth cried. "I want to know what happened! Rob did not tell me."
George smiled. "I am glad he did not. It is rather embarrassing, you know."
"Mr. Mason, that's not fair," Elizabeth said. "You cannot mention it and then leave us to our curiosity. It is a most cruel thing to do, isn't it, Harriet?"
"Well, Elizabeth..."
"Cathy, what do you say? You are going to marry that gentleman, do not you think you have a right to know?"
Catherine smiled. "Why do you not tell us about your dark secret, George?"
"Because I do not want to."
"Really, George? " She smiled and looked into his eyes.
"Robert, could you please tell your sister not to look at me like that? I cannot resist her much longer!"
Robert laughed. "I am afraid she is out of my command. She can look at you in every way she chooses."
George sighed and tried to look serious, but his eyes sparkled merrily.
"What is to become of this world, if not even my best friend wants to help me? Well, I will tell you as soon as we get to that particular spot."
They walked on for a while. George and Catherine were walking in front, and Robert followed them with Elizabeth and Harriet. Harriet enjoyed this walk very much. The scenery was so beautiful; she thought that she had never seen anything like that. Finally they reached the place where George's "accident" had been.
"Robert, we'd better tell them our story now, what do you think?"
Robert nodded.
"Ladies, I am going to tell you a sad story. Do you actually know that this man, who calls himself my best friend, has deserted me in an abominable way?"
Robert laughed. "I can never forgive myself, George. I wonder why you are still my friend."
"It happened some years ago. I think I was nineteen then. Yes, I think so, it was after my first University year. I had just come home for my summer vacation, when Robert invited me to go to Kingston with him. He had to go there on business for his father, and wanted a companion. I did not want to disappoint him, so I went with him."
"Oh yes, and very unwillingly indeed! I think I needed two minutes at least to persuade you. It was hard work, really."
The two friends looked at each other and laughed.
Harriet was amazed. This was a completely different side of Robert Martin, and a side that she liked very much. She did not know that the Robert Martin she knew was a product of his father's early and sudden death. Being forced into the responsibility for his family's welfare from one minute to the other had changed him into a very serious, earnest sort of person. Too earnest, sometimes, his family and friends thought.
Today, however, he slipped back into his old ways a bit. Everyone but Harriet knew that, and George encouraged it by telling his story. It was good to see the "old Robert" back again, he thought. And he was grateful to Harriet Smith, because somehow he knew that her presence had something to do with it.
You do not know it, Miss Smith, he thought, but I think you would be good for Robert. You'd cheer him up a bit, you know.
He went on with his story.
"It was a fine afternoon, nearly as fine as today, and on our way home we passed this place. I wanted to see if there were any fish in this lake, and so we went down to the water."
George paused, then continued in a theatrical manner.
"Now ladies, please help me. Perhaps Mr. Martin will admit today that he caused that horrible accident."
Harriet smiled. "Did you, Mr. Martin?"
"Miss Smith, honestly, I do not know what he is talking about." And, turning to George, he said, "But perhaps Mr. Mason will explain his accusation in a minute?"
"You should have warned me! Miss Smith, I tripped over a stone and fell into the lake."
Robert laughed. "Oh yes, those nasty stones. " He looked around. "I wonder where they are today. Moved into a better neighbourhood, perhaps? Or did Davey Harris take them all with him for his catapult, Miss Smith? I must admit the ground looks deceptively flat and even to me George, but you had better stay away from the water. Maybe some evil stone is still lurking somewhere, waiting for your return?"
Both men laughed heartily, and the ladies could not help laughing too.
"So why did you laugh yesterday, Rob," Elizabeth asked.
"Well, why? I think I will have to describe what I saw. And George, I think I will have to destroy your stone legend."
"Very well. Tell your story."
"That day was a very fine day, to be sure, but when we rode home it started to get very windy. George wanted to see the lake, so we came here. And just when he was near the water, the wind blew off his hat and it fell into the water. George tried to get it out, but he did not want to ruin his new boots. And the hat was floating in the water, slightly out of reach."
George grinned. "You weren't much help, Robert, do you remember?"
"Who suggested that you should use a stick, George? Why did not you listen to me?"
George laughed. "We live to learn. Now I know I should listen to your advice."
"Oh yes. You learned it the hard way, but you learned it. Ladies, seeing George standing there trying to get at his hat was a sight to be seen, but suddenly he lost his balance and SPLASH!"
George laughed. "I wish I could have seen that!"
"Why did not you tell us the truth, George," Catherine asked.
"I thought it was too embarrassing. I am sorry."
Elizabeth laughed. "I can understand that perfectly, Mr. Mason!"
Robert grinned. "But then, when he stood up in the water, full of mud, his hat was actually just where it belonged. On his head. I could not help it, I laughed until there were tears in my eyes, and I am sure, George, that you would have done the same thing, had you been in my place."
"I am sure I would. Well, I forgive you, you are my friend. Now you know my dark secret, Catherine. Do you still want to marry me?"
Catherine laughed. "If you promise me to stay away from the water, yes."
They walked back to the rest of the party, and an hour later they went back home.
In the evening, Harriet was tired but happy. It had been such a pleasant day. And Mr. Martin! Who would have thought that he could be so lively? That had been a delightful surprise!
The better I know him, the more I like him, she thought.
Chapter 25
Before Harriet had left Highbury in June, she had agreed with Mrs. Goddard that she would return on the 15th of August. But when this day drew nearer, Harriet felt miserable. She had been so happy here, and she did not want to go back to Mrs. Goddard's and live in the same house with Miss Nash again. There would be no Elizabeth to make her laugh, no friendly and helpful Catherine, no motherly Mrs. Martin, who had always treated her so kindly. And, most of all, no Mr. Martin. No Robert ... Harriet knew that she would miss him most of all the family.
A week before her departure, a letter from Mrs. Goddard arrived, containing all the directions for her return. It was to be the 15th, there was no way out of it. This made the remaining days of her visit even more precious to Harriet, and she decided to make the most of them.
Harriet was not the only one who dreaded the day of her return to Highbury. Robert thought very much of it, too. The idea of Harriet leaving Abbey Mill made him feel desperate. He was sure of his feelings for Harriet, but he could not find the courage to talk to her, and to ask her to become his wife. He was not sure of her feelings, and dreaded a negative answer. And then, would it be wise to marry so early in his life? Harriet was even younger, would she want to marry so early?
Finally he decided to do nothing in that matter before he had asked Mr. Knightley's advice. Mr. Knightley was a good friend, and had always been there for him if he had needed him. Surely Mr. Knightley would know what to do. But Mr. Knightley was in London at the moment, visiting his brother. As far as Robert knew, he would not be back until September.
She seems to like me, Robert thought. But does she like me enough to marry me?
He went to the window and looked out. It was raining, and the gloomy weather seemed to reflect his own mood. Again, his father came into his mind. "You think too much, Robert....son, there cannot be a guarantee for everything in life..."
Robert sighed. Enough thinking for the moment, Rob, he thought. Get some company, that will help. George will arrive any minute.
George ... maybe he should talk to him, ask for his opinion? No, he already knew what George would answer.
"Robert, if you love her, what is the problem?"
Robert grinned. He could imagine George saying that, as a reminder of what he had told George on a very similar occasion two months ago. Now he understood what George had felt then. George would be amused, to be sure, but he'd also try to help him, Robert was convinced of that.
Still, asking for George's advice did not look like a good idea. George was too romantic in cases like that.
I will wait for Mr. Knightley, Robert thought. Two more weeks will not make a difference, will they?
When Robert entered the drawing room, he saw that George was already there.
"Robert, I am glad you are here at last. I got rather scared, all alone with the ladies, you know."
Robert laughed. "There's nothing to be afraid of, George. My mother and sisters are quite peaceful after dinner. I cannot answer for Miss Smith, though." He turned to Harriet.
"But I do not think you would harm my friend, would you, Miss Smith?"
Harriet blushed. "Erm, no, I do not think so," she said bashfully.
Robert smiled and winked at her, then he said to George, "See? You were perfectly safe."
Now Harriet could not help laughing, and Elizabeth and Catherine laughed too.
George looked at Harriet, and then he said to Robert, "Do you not think that Miss Smith has grown this summer?"
Robert looked at her, too. "I am afraid I cannot tell."
George turned to Catherine. "What do you think? I think Miss Smith is taller than she was in June."
Catherine laughed. "She is taller than I am, at least."
"No, I am not, Catherine."
"Yes you are."
George laughed. "Come, ladies, this quarrel can be settled very easily. Do you happen to have a pencil somewhere, Robert?"
"Sure. There must be one in my desk. What are you up to, George?"
"We will use a scientific method to find out which of the ladies is right. And you are to be the judge. Ladies, will you just stand there by the window? You too, Miss Elizabeth. Have you got the pencil, Robert?"
Robert nodded.
"Well, get started then."
Robert went over and marked the girls' height on the wainscot. Harriet was the last one. Robert drew a line with his pencil, then he looked at her, smiling.
"Looks like my sister is right, Miss Smith. You are taller, see?"
He pointed to the mark. Harriet nodded.
"You know what, Rob?", Elizabeth said. "We'll leave those marks where they are. And when Harriet comes to visit us next time, we will see whether she has grown or not."
Everybody agreed, and so the marks were left for future reference.
It was Harriet's last evening on Abbey Mill Farm. She had spent most of the day saying goodbye to everybody and everything. Elizabeth and Catherine had gone for a long walk with her, and Harriet had taken leave of Harris and his son Davey. While walking home, she had even cried a bit, and her friends had done everything to cheer her up.
"Harriet, do not cry," Catherine had said. "I am sure you will visit us again soon. And we will visit you at Mrs. Goddard's. You will not be alone."
Now Harriet was in the drawing room, feeling melancholy. She went over to the window seat and sat down. Normally this seat was Mr. Martin's place when he was reading. There were even some books. Harriet took a closer look at them, but they were not the sort of books she liked.
The door opened, and Robert Martin entered the room.
"Miss Smith? You are reading?"
"No, Mr. Martin, I just had a look at those books. I guess it would be rather too late if I started reading them now, do not you think?"
"Not at all, Miss Smith. You are welcome to have any of my books that you like."
Harriet blushed. "Thank you, Mr. Martin, but these are not the books I normally read. I am not clever enough to understand them, I am afraid."
"Miss Smith, do not think so lowly of yourself. I am sure you are clever enough to read those books."
Harriet smiled. "Well, I think I am not."
"What sort of books do you read, Miss Smith?"
"Novels, mostly. The Romance of the Forest, or the Children of the Abbey, that sort of thing. Did you ever read these?"
"No, I have never heard of these books before. Are they good?"
"I enjoyed them very much."
"Well, I think I will get these books as soon as I can. I promise you to read them." He smiled at her. "That will give us something to talk about when we meet next, Miss Smith."
When we meet next...
Harriet sighed. Then she looked at him. "Mr. Martin, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. You were so friendly, helpful and generous. I will never forget you, as long as I live, and I am happy to have a friend like you."
A friend....
Robert looked at Harriet earnestly. "Miss Smith, everything I did for you was gladly done, I assure you. And if you enjoyed your visit here, I am happy to hear it."
The door opened, and Elizabeth and Catherine came in. The evening passed with lively conversation and card games, but Harriet and Robert took part in them only half-heartedly. They both had their own thoughts to attend to.
Harriet retired to her room early because she wanted to get enough sleep. Robert stayed in the drawing room with his sisters. For a while, nobody spoke.
Then Elizabeth said, "Did you talk to Harriet, Rob?"
"What do you mean? Of course I talked to Miss Smith."
"Rob, what I meant to say was, did you tell her that you love her?"
Robert was surprised. "How do you know, Liz?"
"We are not blind, Rob. It is obvious that you feel more for Harriet than friendship."
Robert sighed. "I did not tell her about it, no."
"Why not?"
Robert glared at Elizabeth angrily. Then he said in his calmest, most dangerous voice,
"I do not have to tell you about my reasons, do I?"
"No you do not. Come, Cathy, we will leave Mr. Martin alone."
They both left the room, and Robert felt guilty for being angry with Elizabeth. After all, it was not her fault that Harriet had to leave tomorrow and that he hadn't declared himself.
Elizabeth had just asked him the wrong questions at the wrong time.
He decided to apologise the next morning.
It was the moment to say goodbye. Harriet was just about to get into the carriage that was to bring her back to Highbury, and the whole Martin family were around her. Catherine and Elizabeth embraced her and promised to visit her soon.
Mrs. Martin was very friendly, told her to give her regards to Mrs. Goddard and promised to send Mrs. Goddard a present.
"And, Miss Smith, I hope you will visit us again soon," she said. "You will be welcome here at any time you like."
Robert kept in the background until his mother and sisters had said goodbye. Then he went to Harriet to assist her in getting into the carriage.
"Miss Smith, I wish you a pleasant journey. Get home safely and ... take care of yourself."
Harriet was surprised to see so much sadness in his look, although he was smiling.
"We are very sorry to lose you, Miss Smith. But I hope it will not be for long."
With these words, he kissed her hand, a thing he had never done before. It made her feel strange.
Harriet got into the carriage, and her journey began. Soon the Martins were out of sight, and Harriet felt like leaving home. It was an incredibly sad feeling.
Robert waited until he could not see the carriage any more. Then he went back into the house.
One or two weeks, he thought, and I will have the chance to talk to Mr. Knightley. Two weeks do not really matter in a lifetime, do they?