The Bird has got wings - стр. 23
Fortunately, Richard did not persist and gave his brother what he asked without question or condition.
The next morning, after a fervent farewell to his nephews, his brother and his wife, Anthony left for London.
Lady Cranford did not come out to say good-bye to her son, but watched with eyes wet with tears of disappointment as the carriage carried him away from the estate.
"Ungrateful! How much suffering I have endured, and all for you, my dear boys! I have had to correct your mistake, but of course you don't know it, my Anthony. And you never will! Do you think I'm a bad mother? Well, that's your right, but that won't make me not worry about you!" – she thought bitterly.
This time the journey took Anthony only a fortnight, for the young, sharp horses lent by Richard easily carried the rather light, latest model carriage with thin wheels. He reached Greenhall late at night, and had to wait about a quarter of an hour for one of the servants to open the front doors for him. Ordered not to unload his suitcases, as Anthony was going to finally find an apartment and leave his father's house the next day, the young man went up to his chambers, threw off his travelling suit, and gladly climbed into his own bed, under his own warm blanket. Having slept fitfully until noon the next day, Anthony summoned his valet, who helped him to dress in an elegant travelling suit, then took a quick lunch, and, full of impatience and delight at seeing Charlotte, ordered his horse to be brought to him.
The horse, on seeing his master, greeted him with a merry neigh.
– Shall I expect you for dinner, Mr. Cranford? – Mr. Brown, the butler, asked courteously as he saw Anthony off.
– I don't think so," said the young man, and, despite his warm, long cloak, designed for the cold, windy November weather, he climbed nimbly onto the shiny back of his horse. – But I need your help, Mr. Brown. Is there no one in your circle who can help me find a cosy, spacious apartment?
– My brother William can help you with that, sir," replied Mr. Brown, without a trace of surprise on his face. He knew it was not in his nature to wonder about the affairs of gentlemen.
– Very well! Tell him I expect him at Greenhall this evening after nine o'clock. Good day, Mr. Brown! – said Anthony and let the horse gallop off at a light trot.
"It's so nice to be back in this city! I never thought I'd miss London so much!" – thought Anthony, enjoying the carriage-laden streets and the pedestrians who were always going about their business.
Young Cranford felt at home in his brother's large, free and lush estate, but it was only when he was back in his hometown, where he had been born and lived all his life, that Anthony could be happy. Happy indeed, for it was here that the beautiful sweet-voiced Miss Salton, to whom he was now on his way, dwelt.
But on the way, deciding that it would be rude of him to turn up at Charlotte's house so suddenly, unannounced, Anthony steered his horse towards Wington Hall to see his cousin and best friend and to congratulate them again, in person, on their marriage.
When he reached the Wingtons' mansion, Anthony dismounted, handed the horse to the stable boy, rode up the tall stone staircase, and knocked firmly on the ornate door. Not a minute later the door was opened, and on entering the house Anthony met the butler in the hall.