CHAPTER SIX

Progress

During the next four months, I did not enter Mrs Graham's house, nor did she enter mine. But still, we continued to be friends.

Sometimes, I saw her when she was walking with her son. I rather liked to see Mrs Graham, and to talk to her son. At first, Mrs Graham was rather cold when I would approach her on the hill, but after some time, she began to trust me as a good friend. Arthur would run to meet me, excited to see his new friend. I enjoyed the boy, as well. He was quite friendly and entertaining. I believe Mrs Graham enjoyed our conversations.

One February morning, we sat together talking, and discovered that we shared the same views on many subjects. I went home quite charmed with the woman, and started to think that perhaps I would enjoy spending time with Mrs Graham, rather than Eliza Millward. But then, I felt guilty for such thoughts.

I returned home to find Eliza sitting with Rose. In the past, the surprise would have delighted me, but I was bored with Eliza's conversation, in comparison with the mature and honest Mrs Graham. I began visiting Wildfell Hall quite frequently.

One evening, I went for a visit, and found Mrs Graham and Arthur sitting outside. She was drawing while he sat playing. I watched her draw, but it seemed to upset her, so I suggested that I take Arthur around the fields on my horse. She agreed. This was the first time she let me take him away from her. We returned after some time; she seemed rather annoyed that it took such a long time. She said they must return home. As we came near the house, she stopped walking and turned to me to say goodbye.

As I began to walk home, I saw Mr Lawrence riding towards me on his horse. I went to speak to him, for we had not met for some time.

"Was that Mrs Graham you were speaking to just now?" he asked.

"Yes."

"I thought so," he said, looking a bit upset.

"Well! What?"

"Oh, nothing," replied he. "I thought you didn't like her," he added.

"I didn't, but my opinion has changed."

He looked at me closer, "So your opinion has changed."

"Lawrence," said I, calmly looking him in the face, "are you in love with Mrs Graham?"

Instead of looking shocked, he laughed, looking quite amused.

"I'm in love with her!" he said as he laughed, "What a silly question!"

"You seem to be quite interested in my changing opinion on the fair lady. Perhaps you envy me."

"Envy you! No, but I thought you were going to marry Eliza Millward."

"You thought wrong then; I am not going to marry Eliza nor Mrs Graham," I told him, "Are you going to marry Jane Wilson?"

"No, I think not."

We then said goodbye.

(end of section)