Part 31: No Inconsiderable Emotion

There was so much to do, a vast many things to consider: he must get to London as soon as possible, speak with the solicitors, ensure all was in order.

Decisions pressed upon him: see his mother first, or write from town? Visit the house or send instructions for it?

It still felt surreal despite the time elapsed, as if he were making plans for someone else. Indeed, he caught himself worrying about the stage's cost, and nearly laughed aloud. Why, he owned a carriage now—or would very shortly—that would help a great deal with everything!

These concerns were welcome distractions from the little bird of hope fairly beating to escape the cage buried deep in his heart. He did not quite trust circumstances enough to loose it yet.

Once all the formalities were over, though, nothing would stop the new viscount from daring to ask for Eleanor Tilney's hand.

Title from Chapter 15 of Northanger Abbey: "The agitation which she had herself experienced on first learning her brother’s engagement made her expect to raise no inconsiderable emotion in Mr. and Mrs. Allen, by the communication of the wonderful event."