The departure of the Earl of Delville's family shortly succeeded that of Lord Belmour and his bride. Louisa extremely regretted the company of Lady Adelina, for whom she felt the sincerest attachment. During the illness of Mr. Howard, she had several times, accompanied by Miss Stanley, paid her a visit at the Manor House: her conversation was so mild and endearing, so free from/ every vestige of ill-nature, or narrow-minded pride, that she stole irresistibly on the affections. Louisa felt her esteem every day increasing: ‘Walter Stanley,’ thought she, ‘must love so much goodness and virtue; he would not, I am convinced, sacrifice his affections for the mere adventitious circumstance of riches and title: the noble independence of his character forbids me to entertain an idea so injurious to him. But when those advantages are rendered truly valuable by the possessor being blessed with every amiable quality that adorns human nature, and gives additional splendour to the lustre of a noble name, he cannot surely avoid returning the affection of such a woman!’

Miss Stanley had confirmed the intelligence obtained from Miss Freeman, respecting the affection of Lady Adelina for her brother: but at the same time she had informed Louisa, that she much/ feared the attachment was not reciprocal; indeed her brother had declared to Sir Walter (who had recommended his cultivating her ladyship's good opinion), that he was convinced he could never entertain a warmer sentiment for Lady Adelina than he did at present: he said, he respected her many amiable qualities, and esteemed the goodness of her heart; but he could never consider her in any other light than as a friend, or feel for her any other sentiment than that which the relationship now existing between the two families warranted.