At Cecil Place all was confusion, for the mind of its afflicted mistress
was scarcely able to bear up against the weight of misery that pressed
upon it; and Lady Frances Cromwell felt happy and relieved when, about
eight in the morning, she fell into an apparently sound sleep. The
preparations for the wedding devolved entirely upon her; but, like most
persons of an exalted rank, although she knew when things were properly
done, she was ignorant how to do them: she, therefore, contented
herself with directing her women to make all matters in order; while
they, proud and pleased at the commission, gave every body as much
trouble as possible. Sir Robert wandered about the house like a troubled
spirit, anxious, yet dreading, to see his child; while Sir Willmott,
after using every precaution within his power against Zillah's
appearance, endeavoured to find occupation by inspecting the carriages
that were to convey them to his aunt's house in Surrey, where he had
previously determined that they should pass many of the succeeding
days--an object not only of convenience, but of necessity, inasmuch as
he could thus gain time to arrange with his servants and tenantry at his
own dwelling.
Mrs. Claypole had written to Lady Frances, stating that the Protector
did not wish his daughter to accompany her friend to the abode of Sir
Willmott's aunt, and would, therefore, send a suitable escort to conduct
her to Whitehall immediately after the ceremony was concluded. Mrs.
Claypole also added that she had left Hampton Court for the purpose of
meeting her dear sister Frances in London, as her mother had been
indisposed, and could not conveniently do so. The letter prayed for many
blessings on the head of their sweet friend Constantia, adding that,
from what she heard of her decision on the subject, she could hardly
believe contradictory reports--as to her heart being given elsewhere,
inasmuch as she must know it to be less evil to break a contract made in
youth, with which the mind and feelings had no connection, than to
register a solemn pledge of affection and faithfulness before the Lord,
where in fact there could be no affection, and faithfulness must be a
plant of forced and not of natural growth.
"Yet would they all wax marvellously wroth," said Lady Frances, "if I
were to draw my own conclusions from this opinion, and act thereupon. I
wonder, does my being the daughter of his Highness the Lord Protector
make it less necessary for me to be true and upright? and can a woman be
either, yet pledge her hand and faith to one for whom she cares
not?---- Yet--" She paused, for she had perused the letter within the
chamber, and beside the couch on which Constance was still sleeping, and
as her eyes fell upon her friend, she could pronounce no harsh judgment
upon an act performed by one she loved so dearly, and of whose truth
and uprightness there could be no doubt.