CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

An Unexpected Incident

One cold day during December, I was walking home when I saw Eliza Millward walking towards my home. We walked along together, although I said little to her, as I was still quite upset with her behaviour towards my dear Helen.

"I was just coming to see your sister, Mr Markham," she said. After a pause, she continued, "I have some news for your sister," she said with a smile, "Do you know why Mr Lawrence has left?"

"Is he gone?" I asked, quite surprised.

"His sister is going to be married next Thursday."

"No, Eliza, that's not true!"

"Mr Markham, are you alright? You look ill."

I immediately left her, to go see Mr Lawrence. He had, indeed, left for Grassdale! At that moment, I decided I must leave for Grassdale. She must not marry anyone but myself. I quickly explained to my mother that I must leave to do business. The journey was long, and I thought of nothing but my dear Helen. The driver informed me that the wedding was taking place at the Grove, the home of the Hargraves. As I arrived, however, I saw the bride and groom step out of the house, married. I walked closer. But wait, the groom was Mr Lawrence! And the bride—a lovely beauty, indeed.

"Is that you, Markham?" he asked, looking confused.

"Yes, Lawrence—is that you?"

"Please meet my new wife. Esther, this is Mr Markham. Markham, this is Mrs Lawrence," he said with a smile, "Did you receive my letter?"

"What letter?"

"The one announcing my wedding."

He soon informed me that Helen was with her aunt at Staningley. I quickly departed, leaving for Staningley.

(end of section)