Chapter 48

CHAPTER 48

I t can be imagined the joy with which Margaret and Captain Edwin were received at the Parsonage, at first on hearing the excellent news the Captain had brought with him, guaranteed to gladden Edward and Elinor's disappointed hopes, and secondly on their being the very first to hear the gladder tidings which were not long in being related. Elinor, bouncing little Robbie on her knee, smiled privately to herself, for her suspicion had long been correct, although she had not guessed the name of the gentleman, but only suspected her sister in love.

Soon, the inhabitants of the Great House were also apprised of the good news, and Captain Edwin invited to remain as long as he wished. Therefore, it was a very large and joyous gathering that Colonel Brandon's nephew, arriving only a few hours later, found himself intruding upon. But as his address was more than civil, his gratitude to his uncle everything that it ought to be, his contrite sorrow at his former deception as genuine as could be, and his general aspect of humility and shame over the entire affair sincere, he was forgiven readily by Marianne, welcomed by Colonel Brandon, and accepted on the recommendations of their dear Philip, by the rest of the family.

When the news broke at Norland of Margaret's being engaged to be married to Captain John Edwin, Fanny was again obliged into bitterness, that one more of John's sisters had managed to marry better than she deserved, to the nephew of Lord Melbourne, and even more resentful that it had not, after all her efforts, been Mr Ambrose himself. Her jaundice over the entire affair was effectively relieved however when her husband pointed out the benefits of the union to themselves, and was much consoled by the thought of being able to boast a sister who was now likely to frequent Charlton Park regularly, and that since Mr and Mrs John Edwin would live be living within their country circle, and would no doubt be their intimate friends, that something still might be done to introduce the John Dashwoods at Charlton Park.

Robert Ferrars, on discovering that his youngest nephew had been named after himself, was as condescending as he could have been expected to be by all who knew him, and quickly considered the compliment with the happy astonishment of gratified vanity, smugly remarking to his wife that nothing could be more natural as Edward wishing to show his respect to the heir of their father's estate.

Miss Edwin, upon hearing of her father's engagement, was in a state of astonished joy, for although she had not once considered an attachment between her father and her friend, the idea of having Margaret come to live at Bramley and be always with them, did much to alleviate her shock.

Margaret and her Captain were married three weeks later, upon which event they removed to Bramley, which place Margaret had never been able to approach without admiration and affection, but upon her marriage and subsequent removal there as its mistress, the house soon grew as close to her heart as its dear inhabitants.

The End