caulkhead

Cretia was somewhat daunted at the prospect of going a visit to Lady Jane Knighton in Hampshire – one heard a deal of how exacting a lady she was! – that she was somewhat of a martinet among the philanthropic set –

But here was Vicky, that had also been invited, looked upon the excursion as quite the greatest treat – she and Lady Jane already had tremendous plans for reading the classics together – and she has that exceptional fine library that was her great-uncle’s there, the renowned scholar that corresponded with Mrs Carter –

It was quite the most agreeable thing that Mr Grigson had proposed that Vicky’s position in the household should be made a permanency. Sure she did not know how she should do without Vicky! For quite apart from how meticulous she was about keeping Cretia’s diary and her correspondence in order, and advising her as to what she might read, she was exceptional well-informed about the intricacies of the society Cretia was now moving in.

This was most useful, for although Cretia came about to make friends, there were sometimes questions she hesitated to ask. But Vicky’s Ma was the famed Sophy that was Lady Bexbury’s personal maid, and her sister was Miss Thomasine at Mamzelle Bridgette, and la, said Vicky, one will hear all the stories! And my sister Gertie has connexions with the horsey set. Then we have antient schoolfellows – and some make their debut, and others go out be governesses &C –

And Cretia was coming about on considerable terms of friendship with Janey Merrett, now that they were confederates in this plot of Lady Bexbury’s to unmask those sharping vipers Lady Venchall and Mrs Bramby. Janey’s dearest friend was Miss Thomasine, that had been at school with, Cretia heard so much about that school that she was quite in envy.

O, but Miss Thomasine – 'Sina – was also a less daunting figure than she had feared. Did not look one up and down and appraise one’s dress and sigh, but was ever agreeable to giving little hints on style. And so pretty – Vicky was well-looking enough, but 'Sina was, was there not a verse in the Bible, thou are black but comely?

Both the Jupp girls were magnificent equestriennes – fie, we was about stables from babies! –

She dared say that Rina would sneer and pout and make comments but really, they also had very polished manners – a very refined way of speaking –

She remarked on this to Janey, saying supposed it was the effect of that very fine school?

Janey shook her head. Fie, Sophy was ever very particular – just because they were brought up above the stables was no reason to show vulgar – though I daresay at necessity Gert can give fellows quite a tongue-lashing! – that is the middle sister, the one that shows an interest in helping Mr Jupp with the business –

Cretia sighed.

A footman came in with the post.

How delightful! a letter from Zipsie –

Janey looked up from her own letters. I say, Cretia, is there any likelihood that Iffling looks about for a governess for his children? I know several young women that are looking out for places –

Cretia made some calculations of the ages of the Iffling offspring and indeed, it must be coming about schoolroom years for 'em – has not said aught to me, yet, and neither has Rina – but may be in some concern that governesses would not wish to take a post at Anclewer.

Janey snorted. Why, one apprehends these days His Grace is carefully attended and minded, and that anyway, the way his affliction takes him is not towards any violence – sure there are establishments where the head of the house is in his right mind, or supposed so, and one would think twice about sending a young girl there –

Oh, entirely! Would not even molest a rose-bush, but address it very civil. I fancy my sister might be more of a problem, though she takes very little interest in the children. Still, do I have the chance, I will mention the matter to Iffling.

Janey suddenly jumped up, the letters in her lap fluttering to the floor as she went to the window. I would say, why, who is this comes? But I will hazard I know, though 'tis somewhat earlier than anticipated.

Cretia went to stand by Janey. She could see Lady Jane and Vicky, that had been sitting on the terrace with their books, stand up and move towards the portico.

The carriage halted. A footman ran forward with the step, and opened the door.

Oh.

Oh. This was not just an arrival. This was making an entrance, as Miss Addington emerged from the conveyance, paused for a moment, smiled radiantly at the approaching Lady Jane, and stepped down.

The two women clasped hands and kissed cheeks in greeting. One apprehended that they were quite the oldest of friends – Lady Jane an admirer of Miss Addington’s thespian art these many years.

It was ever surprizing to meet Miss Addington off-stage and find her by no means a large person – Janey had explained that she was able to command a compelling stage presence – and one noted this in particular beside the tall Lady Jane.

She turned to greet the rest of the company, and informed Janey and Cretia that she was entire apprized of the plot respecting those harpies and was very happy to assist in their designs. Murmured to 'Sina that did she know of any seamstress that cared to change her position for that of dresser in the theatre, Maggy had finally come about to concede that she should have some assistant – Heard that Vicky had been essaying her hand at translating certain Greek plays but they did not sound like to be agreeable to the Lord Chamberlain?

Vicky grinned and said that there were certain fine strong women’s parts but indeed she confided the like!

Miss Addington took a few days to recruit – la, you cannot imagine what 'tis like, getting a theatre company off on its travels round Lady Ollifaunt’s fine establishments! – as dear Lady Bexbury has remarked, would that one might breed or train sheepdogs to the task of herding actors! – but very shortly braced herself to the task of providing a little instruction to Janey and Cretia for their masquerade.

She sat 'em down at a card-table and they all engaged in play for a little while.

Ah, Lady Lucretia, 'twill serve very well that you seem a little hesitant – unfamiliar with the various games they are like to propose – perchance fumble somewhat with your cards – for one dares say they remember you sitting mumchance in a corner whilst they rooked your sister – So you will not require to act a part, whereas Janey –

O, indeed! cried Janey. Here am I, a bored young woman with an older husband, that has dragged me to live in the desert of Bloomsbury because 'tis so very handy for the Inns of Court – never discusses his cases with me, so I can convey no fine gossip about 'em – I do not think Venchall or Bramby ever had knowledge of him in bygone days but there may be ladies who did, or know ladies who did, and will titter behind their hands –

Cretia blushed.

Miss Addington nodded. That is your character, she said, And mayhap you have quite a conceit of your ability with the cards?

Oh, yes, they may have heard something of my mathematical studies, so I will – oh, not boast precisely, but indicate that there are principles that one may apply does one have that knowledge –

Exactly so!

So they practised, and got on, but there were also fine rides, and Janey took her sailing a time or two in her little boat Hypatia, and a deal of amiable conversation, and sitting on the terrace – for the weather was very fine and 'twas a pity to lurk indoors – reading and writing letters.

They also remembered to go feed the chickens, for the Samuels were visiting Tetterdene, where Sir Jacob was advising the Bexburys on forest management, and Lady Samuels had left very detailed instructions about the care of her beloved hens.

Cretia paused daily to admire what was quite a shrine to the late Admiral in the hall: a fine portrait of him in his uniform – his medals – various commissions and letters of commendation – watercolours of several of his ships –

A flying visit from Janey’s husband, 'twixt doing the family dutiful at Monks Garrowby and going to Sir Godfrey Allder’s philosophical convocation at Wallesfern. How very charming he was – one no longer wondered at his reputation – after a conversation in which he had led her to talk a good deal about herself she also no longer wondered at the revelations he elicited in the witness box!

So they were a happy little company all upon the most amiable terms – Lady Jane opened to Cretia about possible philanthropic matters she might interest herself in, that was very gratifying – in the evenings after dinner there was some reading of Shakspeare –

And then, one day, when they were taking tea upon the lawn, came one of the footmen to say, was a carriage coming up the drive –

Lady Jane frowned, and said, had not been in any anticipation of company. She looked about 'em. And they all shook their heads.

– with a crest upon it, cannot yet make it out.

Lady Jane rose from her chair. Will go see what’s ado –

This unexpected intrusion put 'em all in somewhat of an agitation – who could it be?

A little while later, came back Lady Jane, with the Dowager Lady Bexbury, clad in unusually sombre fashion.

Miss Addington started up, a hand to her mouth. Is it – is it – ?

Lady Bexbury sighed and went to put her arms about the actress. Yes, my dear. Hywel died quite sudden – no long-drawn-out deathbed scene – we must consider it a happy release –

The lovely voice quivered.

– I did not want you to learn the news from the morning papers so came quite directly.

Lady Jane rested a hand on Miss Addington’s shoulder, that was shaking with sobs. I know what an old friend he was –

Gave me my first chance when I was a very unformed little actress – we acted together so well for so long –

– And to you too, Clorinda.

For one perceived that she, too, had tears on her cheeks.

This was largely an entertaining, though also instructive and mayhap profitable, excursion for Jessamy Wilson. The Gopal spice importers had been so very prepossessed by Aunt Seraphine’s receipts for a tiffin party, published in the Ladies’ What-Not, and so very popular that they had been reprinted as a pamphlet, in which she had mentioned Gopals’ products as being of particular merit, that they had invited her to come visit their warehouse nearby the East India Dock. Adding that perchance Roberts and Wilson might have some interest in an arrangement of supplies for their pickles and condiments.

Indeed that was a consideration!

So here were Jessamy and Mr Simcox, that had a later meeting in the City, along with Seraphine, that had her daughter Hannah with her –

Hannah fell back a little as Seraphine was greeted with great effusiveness and remarked to Jessamy that as a lady of the press fancied she might find a story or so in this – she lifted up her head and sniffed the air – the exotic fragrances of the Indies –

Ah!

For indeed there was a story, it turned out, that was being recounted quite in antiphon 'twixt Seraphine and her hosts.

La, the chap that had first give Aunt Seraphine her receipts for curries and kebabs &C had been the grandfather of young Mr Gopal – had been the cook of a retired General in the Madras Army – had been left a snug pension when the General died – decided not to return to Madras but to open an eating-house for those of his compatriots about the Docks – had been in some bother over the quality of the spices he could obtain – went about to acquire 'em from his connexion at home – his son came about to set this importation on a more regular basis and to go into the wholesale trade –

There was Aunt Seraphine quite tearful over the story – the good old General Yeomans – finest of fellows –

Yeomans? murmured Jessamy to Hannah, knowing that the fine Surrey estate where she resided with Flora Ferraby and a pack of orphans was called Yeomans –

Oh, indeed, 'twas his estate – was called somewhat different, after some battle he was in during the Mysore Wars, but the neighbours could not get their tongues around it, so referred to it as Yeomans, that has come to be its name – that he left to Her Ladyship.

Jessamy nodded. Sure these Gopals were almost family! Indeed, there was the elder Mr Gopal mentioning that his father had spoke of Her Ladyship’s kindness to the old General –

The younger Mr Gopal fell back from what had become an exchange of reminiscence to talk a little of business matters with Mr Simcox and Jessamy.

A very well-looking fellow, she thought. For there was no harm in looking at fellows and appreciating 'em! Had no intention of going be foolish. Would, in due course, some several years hence, make a prudent business-like marriage that would be advantageous to their own enterprize.

One did not live in a fairy-tale or in the pages of a silly novel. One might greatly enjoy the company of a very pretty-spoken young man that was by no means ill-looking, while quite understanding that he was quite out of her sphere. As, she suspected, for different reasons, so was Mr Gopal, that very like still practised ancestral beliefs.

For they were now overhearing the romantical tales of how grandfather and father had found very proper Hindu wives, that had been unfortunate ayahs abandoned after having been brought as maidservants to these shores. Sure there were fine charitable ladies endeavoured rescue the poor creatures from destitution, but often had the intention of saving their souls and preaching over 'em &C.

But at last this fine convocation was beginning to wind up its proceedings, just as Mr Simcox was looking in some anxiety at his watch, and there was parting with assurances of mutual esteem and the likelihood of beneficial mutual business. As well as certain matters of being presented with packets of prime spices! La, her ma Euphemia would be exceeding pleased!

So they got back into the carriage they had hired from Jupps, and Joey Smith was driving 'em, as a family favour. Had grinned at the prospect and said, sounded to be a fine day out! for Joey, she fancied, while by no means the idle apprentice, did not manifest that ambition that one saw in his brothers and was quite happy a-driving the fine Jupp conveyances.

Had a very nice hand at it! For here they were coming into the City, very bustling, 'twould be very easy to get into some accident, but there was none of that, and they arrived at the offices of the Knowles enterprizes in good order.

Sure Jessamy had been daunted the first time she attended a business meeting here! but really, nobody could be more civil than Mr Knowles, and of course Her Ladyship was a partner, and there was usually one or other of the Ferraby connexion – today 'twas Lady Ollifaunt, remarking that was entire glad to get away from the turmoil of a county election.

And there was a splendid nuncheon laid on in the boardroom – she perceived that Bodgett’s Piggeries, that they sent their waste to, had presented not only a most excellent ham, but that there were sizzling in a chafing dish their prime sausages.

So she set about making up a plate to be sent down to Joey, along with a bottle of ale.

Once that was despatched by one of the porters, she might turn to preparing a plate for herself!

But, what, who was that young man in mourning being interrogated by Lady Ollifaunt? Could it be –

Her Ladyship tapped Lady Ollifaunt on the shoulder – the young man turned away with a certain air of relief – and caught sight of Jessamy. A delighted expression dawned on his face.

He was pleased to see her. Jessamy caught her breath, as she could not refrain from smiling back, and reminded herself, out of your sphere, as she went over to shake his hand and make civil.

I suppose one must say Lord Talshaw now?

He groaned. I suppose so – does anyone address me thus I still look over my shoulder for my late brother –

She murmured sympathetically, and enquired whether he was residing in Town these days? – no – only up for a few days about certain business matters – staying with his brother-in-law Mr Grigson – otherwise living in the country, Worblewood, one of his other brother-in-law, Trembourne’s, estates – they were engaged in archaeological diggings –

He must find that very interesting? she hazarded.

Indeed so, and Mr Chilfer, that came to give 'em the benefits of his knowledge, an entire prime fellow.

Their attention was recalled to that matter of food, indeed she had quite an appetite after the morning’s excursion, as her mother came over saying, what was this story that her aunt Seraphine was telling Her Ladyship about these Gopals?

So she was obliged to recount the tale, and Euphemia sighed and said, had not known the late General’s cook herself, but Seraphine had shared the receipts she had had of him, that were ever highly praised – Jessamy minded to hand over the packets of spices, at which her mother exclaimed exceedingly.

They went over to the table and were helped to the good things there, and convoked a little over the matter of Gopal’s spices, though there would be further time for that.

In due course there was the business meeting, and matters were very satisfactory, for the thing about jams and pickles is, her mother would say, that even when times are hard, they are a little treat that people will spend upon, 'tis hardly an extravagance. Do you make good things, you will have the preference.

Work was proceeding very satisfactory over the new premises – the old warehouse entirely pulled down, foundations being dug –

Her Ladyship remarked that she should quite desire to go look at it, the day being so fine and bright –

There could be entirely no objection to that! Jessamy fancied that Her Ladyship had observed the rather wistful expression on Lord Peregrine – Lord Talshaw’s – face, and that one must guess that he would like to look upon this plot that he had been left by his godfather that was now coming to such good use.

So they got into Lady Bexbury’s own carriage, with Nick Jupp on the box, and went back through the bustling streets of the City – Her Ladyship enquiring whether His Lordship had had much opportunity to look about it – many fine sights – that she pointed out as they passed – across the bridge – and here they were in the somewhat different bustle of the Borough.

On a hot summer’s afternoon 'twas not the most fragrant of spots! But their manufactory was a deal more pleasant-smelling than many of the businesses that flourished hereabouts.

She could observe that Mr Simcox considered it somewhat improper that she should look upon the toiling workmen that, most understandable, had stripped off their shirts as they bent to their task, but could hardly say somewhat as Lady Bexbury displayed no qualmishness at the sight. Asked sound sensible questions about how the work proceeded – did they turn up anything of interest in their excavations –

Lord Talshaw looked very interested and enquired whether that was a common thing.

Why, these parts have been inhabited time out of mind, there will be this and that turned up, though 'tis very seldom buried treasure – old shoes – broken crockery – mayhap a coin or so of a previous reign – but becomes somewhat oppressive out here, let us go in and refresh ourselves.

Also, she added as they walked towards the door that would lead to the offices, I cannot like to stand spectating upon men at work as if they were beasts in a menagerie – 'twould be a different matter was one an artist for could make a fine composition –

They went in, where it was a little cooler and shaded.

Ale for the gentlemen, tea for the ladies –

His Lordship ventured shyly to ask whether 'twould be possible to have an assortment of jams and pickles for his family at Worblewood?

There could be entirely no difficulty with that! Jessamy advized that they might put up a fine crateful and dispatch it by rail – 'twould be an inconvenient matter for you to take yourself.

One could get very attached to that look of admiration.

Rosalind Richardson, that took her father’s name of Dalrymple as a stage-name to avoid comparison with her mother, that was only slightly less esteemed than Miss Addington, that Second Siddons, was sitting by the open window in her lodging in Heggleton, engaged in the womanly task of tending to her wardrobe. For an actress in her position, that was only sharing a dresser, was obliged to turn her hand to such matters herself.

Sunday afternoon. Perchance she should not be working upon the Sabbath, but reading the Bible or some improving work of literature, but there was little enough time to give to such cares!

She fancied she had already proved her vocation: there had been some supposition in her family, when she had run away from school to seek a place in one of Lady Ollifaunt’s companies, that 'twas a girlish whim that she would soon grow tired of. But sure, the theatre was in her blood: before darling Mama, there had been great-uncle Elias, that she could just remember, the famed comedic actor, that they had a painting of in the character of Bottom.

O, she knew that 'twould take some time before she was thought fit for the really important parts! But Amanda, in The Rivalrous Ladies, was by no means a part to sneer at: while the Rivalrous Ladies themselves were better, Amanda was not the vapid doll some innocent heroines that the hero married were – no, had spirit, and wit of her own, one could show well there.

But she was learning: not just the matters of her art, but all the matters of backstage intrigue and rivalry and how to make and keep friends and avoid making enemies….

There was a tap on the door, and Poppy, the maid, put her head round. There’s a gentleman wishes to see you – Mrs Matten has put him in her own parlour, says he wishes to talk to you in private – is in an invalid chair –

Rosalind felt her spine straighten. Sir Oliver Brumpage, she doubted not, come to look over this minx that his grandson the Honble Mr Oliver Parry-Lloyd had been dancing attendance upon.

I will be down directly, she said, getting up to look in the mirror to see whether her hair was tidy, her garments all in order –

She went downstairs, wishing her heart did not beat so.

As she entered the parlour, her guest said, Miss Dalrymple? Sir Oliver Brumpage – pray excuse me from standing up – do be seated –

She disposed herself in the easy chair placed vis-à-vis, and clasped her hands in her lap.

Mrs Matten brought tea herself. Sir Oliver desired Rosalind to do the honours. Was sure her grandmama had taught her well –

Rosalind blushed a little, and apprehended that he knew quite enough about her family situation.

She cleared her throat and said, Sir Oliver, I confide you suppose I have designs upon your grandson, but indeed, 'tis not so. I have no doubt you consider me a shameless creature already –

He raised his eyebrows.

– so I will immediately proceed to telling you that I am in no desire of obtaining either a wedding ring or an establishment from him.

She handed him his teacup. But it has been – most agreeable – to spend a little time with someone who reminds me of happy occasions of my younger days –

Sir Olive frowned a little.

The Raxdell House New Year parties.

Ah.

That had been darling Dadda’s kind thought – that they did not get invited to the parties that his old friends held for their children, because of their equivocal birth – so they did not go to the revels at Bexbury House or Osberton Hall, or the houses of others in his set – so Dadda had spoke to Lord Raxdell, and Lord Raxdell had spoke to the Ferrabys, and Dadda had come in brandishing the invitations –

And oh, they had been quite magical experiences! Everything so wonderful – such a fine house – such beautiful decorations – the marvellous food – the games and the dancing – the company –

We loved them so much, she said, and found herself quite unexpected choking a little and her eyes dampening. La, anyone would suppose she was The Little Matchgirl, rather than brought up very comfortable by doating prosperous parents.

I see. So that was all?

Rosalind tossed her head, desirous of casting off this weakness. O, I daresay I have been also endeavouring to refine my arts of flirtation by practising upon him.

Sir Olive guffawed. You are a minx, he said, but there is no harm in that. My mind is quite set at rest.

I am not sure it should be, said Rosalind, very taken by this amiable response. He talks a good deal of Lady Theodora Saxorby –

I was in some puzzlement as to whether he still had that yearning.

I fancy he has. But takes it as hopeless.

They both sighed.

Sir Oliver turned the conversation to his visits to the theatre, and showed a very nice judgement in theatrical matters.

***

Ollie – the Honble Oliver Parry-Lloyd – had discovered a most congenial recreation during this residence in Heggleton. Had noted, on his visit to St Oswald’s, that it boasted a very fine organ, and an organist of some accomplishment. So he continued to attend the services there, mostly for that reason, but also – o, mayhap 'twas foolish – but to find some sort of sympathy with Thea. Had no doubt that she would prefer these services to the austere Evangelical practices of the Pockinford household.

But the organ was the principal attraction! And since Ollie went about a good deal in the musical set of the town, his own talents on bassoon, bass fiddle and pianoforte being in considerable demand, in due course met Mr Edgell, the organist, that was scraping up a living giving lessons &C. Fell into a conversable friendship over musical matters, amiable brangling over the rival merits of Handel and Bach, and Ollie had come round to opening his desire to try his hand on that organ.

Had had some experience, but had not had a deal of opportunities to practise –

Did he think of it, one was astonished that with all its other appurtenances, Bexbury House did not sport an organ! One must suppose that the former Marquesses had been no more than fashionably interested in music.

– Edgell had declared that was the vicar agreeable – and he could not imagine why he should not be, let Parry-Lloyd come along on the evening when he himself rehearsed the music for the forthcoming Sunday, and he might try his hand. And a compliment to the organ-blower would be well-received.

Very civil! thought Ollie, and since then had made a habit of going along and trying his hand under the benign supervision and instruction of Edgell. 'Twas an act of friendship – he fancied Edgell would be offended did he offer money – but he should find some way of making recompense. So went about advancing his interest – wondered whether one might find some way to provide an organ at the Institute, for concerts –

One evening he came in from a very agreeable organ-playing followed by a mug or so of ale in a local tavern with Edgell, to find his grandfather waiting for him, looking somewhat serious.

Was this ominous?

Sir Oliver picked up a letter that was lying on the arm of his chair and waved it at Ollie. Here is a letter of complaint, signed by Brump, Folly, Lotty, Gianna and Georgie, that you are not doing your share in preparing this cantata of Zipsie’s for your mother’s birthday – puts a deal of a strain on Zipsie, that should be taking matters a little easy at present –

I have, said Ollie, been rehearsing my part – Fox in the henhouse! Fox in the henhouse! –

But you are not working with the ensemble, are you?

Ollie conceded that that was so. But did not like to leave his grandfather –

Sir Oliver snorted. Why, I fancy I can fadge as necessary, with Barton to aid me – but now the election here is happily concluded, very satisfactory, and business matters doing entire well, I daresay I can be spared to return to Town, with Charley’s birthday impending –

And, he went on, seems to me that 'twould be entirely prudent for you to cease dilly-dallying about these parts –

Ollie blushed. It dawned upon him that Granda was entirely apprized that he had been seeing a good deal of Rosalind Dalrymple – a considerable deal, when one thought of how much of her time was took up with the business of her profession – the performances, the rehearsals, various matters of fitting of costumes &C – even among his other recreations about the town.

But she was such entertaining company! He did not have any fears that he had fallen in love – no, while they might act somewhat flirtatious to one another, that was what it was, acting, he did not deceive himself that Miss Dalrymple had any serious intentions towards him, whether that was for matrimony or a snug establishment.

He sighed.

Have nothing against that little minx of an actress – she knows which side her bread is buttered on – and one must admire that she desires to make her own way upon the boards, as they say, without drawing upon her mother’s reputation and influence.

Quite so, said Ollie. But I have not been spending all my time in such dalliance – he disclosed his recent studies upon the organ –

Sir Oliver gave him a vulpine grin. Fie, have I not heard that Hughie Lucas has a fine organ at St Wilfrid’s? Might you not, from antient friendship, desire the opportunity to practise upon it?

Ollie groaned. Hughie will doubtless bargain for me to undertake work with the young men of his parish – teach 'em cricket, perchance – mayhap pugilism, fighting clean –

And will that not look exceeding well with Lady Theodora?

Ollie minded that his grandfather had the reputation of being a shrewd businessman.

But it was the faintest glimmer of hope –

Oh, Thea. How was she doing, at Pockinford Hall, subjected to her parents’ Evangelical practices? At least her noxious brother Simon was on his way to Peru – Artie and Rachel would be there – mayhap 'twould not be entire martyrdom.