2 P.M.
So deeply and sincerely was Sir Charles in love that when Mr. Oldfield 's letter came , appointing the day and hour to sign Miss Somerset 's deed , he was unwilling to go , and wrote back to ask if the deed could not be sent to his house . Mr. Oldfield replied that the parties to the deed and the witnesses must meet , and it would be unadvisable , for several reasons , to irritate the lady 's susceptibility previous to signature ; the appointment having been made at her house , it had better remain so . That day soon came . Sir Charles , being due in Mayfair at 2 P.M. , compensated himself for the less agreeable business to come by going earlier than usual to Portman Square . By this means he caught Miss Bruce and two other young ladies inspecting bridal dresses . Bella blushed and looked ashamed , and , to the surprise of her friends , sent the dresses away , and set herself to talk rationally with Sir Charles -- as rationally as lovers can . The ladies took the cue , and retired in disgust .