caulkhead

Lord Gilbert Beaufoyle found keeping up the reputation of a dissipated young fellow quite excessively tedious – had less time than he would have liked to wrestle with the intricacies of the Basque language – but duty called and there was some likelihood that as he went about these exploits might come across some intelligence about this matter of a Society extortionist.

However, had not found out anything of material value, and was spending a quiet hour of self-indulgence at Mulcaster House with Lécluse’s Grammaire Basque, when he was interrupted by the entrance of his younger brother Steenie.

Gillie?

Hmmmm?

You know Bertie – Bertie Fawsley –

Mmmmm. Fawsley was one of Steenie’s versifying set and contributor to that poetical rag Helicon – sure one was amazed that issues ever appeared!

–  Well, Elkington – oh yes, he was Elkington’s younger brother – goes give a party at Vasterlake, and is very desirous that I should prevail upon you to attend.

Gillie yawned. Oh lord. What a horrid bore. I suppose you have no idea who the other guests are like to be?

Though he was fairly confident that at least the Ladies Leah and Inez would be not among their number, since they were both at present assisting the electoral activities of their families by showing civil at balls, handing teacups, &C. Also fancied that Elkington stood rather aloof from the Nuttenford/Offgrange connexion, so they might not have been invited even in less political times.

Steenie shrugged. Said somewhat about Frimleigh, did you not encounter him in Dresden or somewhere like that?

Vienna, said Gillie, with an inward groan. Frimleigh was a young fool, now gazetted in a cavalry regiment, whom he had no desire to re-encounter.

Trelfer – Nottinge – Taskerville – the Coombes – I do not know who else.

Not Blatchett and his leech?

Steenie shook his head. Elkington never could stand Blatchett and Bertie gives him out very pleased at this opportunity to convey the cut.

Gillie sighed. Well, I suppose 'tis only civil to accept.

Steenie left in high spirits.

This was an interesting invitation. Here there were three at least of the victims of the extortionist – Nottinge because of his eccentric dressing habits – Taskerville on account of certain letters from Lady Whibsall – Mrs Coombe, he collected, was the lady obliged to pawn certain family jewels to cover her losses at Lady Venchall’s card-parties –

He fancied the delicate hand of Sir Vernon was in it somewhere. Dared say had been at Winchester with Elkington’s father – or played cricket with him – or some such – mayhap some family connexion –

Well, he should see what he should see.

Perchance it had nothing whatsoever to do with Sir Vernon, he thought, when Elkington came up to him remarking that he had some conceit of himself as a fencer, but would be entire honoured to try a pass or two with such a renowned swordsman as Lord Gilbert.

And really, Elkington was by no means inept with a rapier, but Gillie had a reputation to maintain, though went a little easier on him than he might have done.

Felt obliged to recount the tales of his exploits with Magyar Hussars and Cossacks – Elkington sighed and said had been still quite young when was sent on his Grand Tour – the most tiresome prig of a bear-leader – prosing on about historical sights – entirely tedious –

Over the next couple of days, the conversation took another turn that gave Gillie to suppose Elkington had his own motives for the invitation. That very fine young woman, Lady Isabella. One supposed that His Grace had had approaches –

Gillie grinned and said that having been out of the country since Bella was a chit still in the schoolroom, knew very little about how matters went there. O, yes, she was quite recovered from the chill she took after that very rash endeavour of Blatchett’s – indeed she was a fine healthy creature –

He apprehended that Elkington took his hoyden little sister in considerable admiration, and that this was not just a question of counting up her points of eligibility!

And does not simper and titter –

For as Steenie had gloomily observed on their arrival, there is Trelfer’s giggling ninny of a sister, that has the emptiest head in all of Society. At least we are safe from her wiles – unless she hopes we might establish her interest with Essie –

Gillie, however, wondered about Lady Gabrielle Mallafrey. Did she not somewhat over-act the simpleton? He thought that once or twice he had caught a certain slyness in her expression. But indeed, had one heard the womenfolk in one’s family and friends expatiate upon the Marriage Market, one conceived that a young woman might fly a deceptive flag to catch an offer, since too many men seemed to find silliness in a woman positively charming. When allied to what he supposed were acceptable looks.

Over cards that evening he looked around the table. Frimleigh, that spoke in the affected style common to cavalry officers, and kept his distance from Gillie. Nottinge, with those very splendid whiskers, must make quite the bearded lady when he donned a dress. Phineas Taskerville trying not to gaze in the direction of Lady Whibsall, that was seated at an embroidery frame while Sir Francis was at the card-table. Mrs Coombe was a surprisingly competent player, that gave him to wonder about how straight the play was at Lady Venchall’s little gatherings. Trelfer, that had assured Gillie that he did not blame him for Lady Leah’s defection, could see that Lord Gilbert had done nothing to encourage her, but would then go sigh a great deal over the lady, to whom he was still devoted.

There were others in the company whom he still had to sound out.

Somebody in the party, however, was the extortionist, or in the plot. For Gillie found that those incriminating items with which Sir Vernon had supplied him, had disappeared from the place – concealed, but not too concealed – where they had been amongst his things.

The next move, he supposed, would be the note of ransom.

He was not sure how he could come at seeing how that was placed.

The following afternoon 'twas a fine sunny day and most of the party were about the gardens, that were displaying to great advantage. Several of the gentlemen had repaired to the bowling green, that was in a most excellent state, and there was already money being laid.

Gillie had not precisely sneered at this recreation but had contrived to let the company suppose that for him 'twas a very tame sport.

Tea, he fancied, would shortly be brought out –

He caught, from the corner of his eye, the sight of the edge of a skirt whisking into the concealment of the shrubbery. Casting his eyes about the assembly, he found that was not, as had immediately suspected, Lady Whibsall, seeing her husband entirely engrossed in bowls, at which he had a fine conceit of himself and the twist in his wrist, sneaking off to an assignation with Feckless Phineas. No, Lady Whibsall and Mrs Coombe, that had become quite sworn sisters these past days, were sitting on a rustic seat and deep in gossiping upon their respective nurseries.

Gillie, yawning, drifted into the shrubbery himself and soon came to observe a female figure, moving very surreptitious towards a back door of the house. He followed.

Was that really Lady Gabrielle? Could it be that she was about an assignation? For surely, was it a matter of having the headache or such would have informed the entire company before withdrawing.

He still pursued.

To the wing in which the guests were housed.

The corridor on which his chamber was situated –

And, by God, that was where she was bound.

He silently followed her in and observed her about inserting a note into the place where the quack’s letter and pamphlet had been concealed.

He closed and locked the door, and cleared his throat.

Lady Gabrielle started, turning around, colour rising in her cheeks. Lord Gilbert!

Lady Gabrielle. He strode across the chamber and took the hand with the note in it. A billet-doux? But how charming – I had no suspicion –

He plucked it out of her trembling fingers and unfolded it. Ah.

It was the handwriting familiar from the notes of demand he had already had sight of.

He looked at the lady. All affectation was gone.

Why, he asked, are you doing this? Is somebody making you?

Lady Gabrielle plumped down on the edge of the bed and burst into tears – no matter of pretty beguiling drops but racking sobs and blubbered face. Gillie handed her a handkerchief.

Eventually she handed the sodden thing back, looked up at him and said, for my daughter.

Your daughter?

Another tempest threatened. At length she said, I have a daughter – Fleurette – seven years old – living in Brittany with my former governess, Mme Huguet –

Gillie, feeling as if he had been punched in the stomach, sat down himself.

The tale came out. Some eight years ago, before their father had died, the Mallafreys had been staying with their grandfather Lord Emberry. That in those days had not been quite so much of a recluse as he had latterly become, so there were some several other guests.

And one night there was an old man came into my bed and told me to keep quiet and hurt me – and that I was not to tell. And some months later Mme Huguet noticed things, and informed Mama, and so I went to Brittany with Mme Huguet, give out for my health and so that I could improve my French –

– and before Mama died she arranged to send money to Mme Huguet to keep Fleurette, and I try to go see her when I can but I am penniless, and now she grows such a great girl the expenses are more, and we do not want to put her into an orphanage –

She put her face into her hands. Do I marry I will have a settlement I daresay, but what can I do?

Gillie patted her shoulder and said, he saw that she was in a desperate hard position, but was not confident that putting other people in fear of disclosure of their secrets was a proper course. Let him think upon the matter.

What he thought was, Lady Bexbury.

It was necessary, in the service of this contrivance, to introduce Janey Merrett – la, Vicky could not go be formal over one that was not merely an old schoolfellow of 'Sina’s but her dearest beloved! – to Lady Lucretia so that they might present plausibly as friends when entering the coven around Lady Venchall.

This created some perturbation in Lady Lucretia’s bosom – o dear, one hears she is quite an immense bluestocking – a most learned lady – and the daughter of Lady Jane Knighton that is so exacting –

She wrung her hands.

Fie, have you not seen her in company? Quite the easiest of manners –

And always dressed in the crack of fashion!

Vicky concealed a smirk at this tribute to 'Sina’s skills. Also, she said, very noted for her talents as an actress.

Lady Lucretia sighed.

So came the appointed day for Janey’s call, and they were in the library when Mrs Geoffrey Merrett’s card was sent in, and Lady Lucretia was at home to her, but no other callers to be admitted –

And entered Janey most exceeding stylish, and shook hands, and looked around the room with appreciation, and took in the book that was on the table beside Lady Lucretia’s chair –

Oh, The Count of Monte Cristo! is it not thrilling? – how far have you got? – I will not venture on a discussion lest I reveal some secret you have not yet encountered –

Lady Lucretia’s face lit up – one apprehended she had not anticipated that Mrs Merrett would relish thrilling adventures – and she said indeed one wondered how all would turn out – such mysterious happenings –

Indeed, said Janey, 'tis quite marvellous that the author could keep it all in his head – pray excuse me, do I see a fine library the like of this I am magnetically drawn to examine it – Vicky did not tell me the half –

Lady Lucretia said very self-deprecating that 'twas her brother Peregrine – that now succeeded to the title Talshaw – had previously been in hopes of a fellowship at Oxford – that had selected the volumes –

A very nice taste! And in friends too, I fancy – Geoff – my husband Mr Merrett – is most prepossessed with young Mr Smithers that I apprehend was in his set at college –

Tea and cake-stands showing off Miriam’s abilities arrived.

By now Lady Lucretia was discoursing of the archaeological excavations that were being undertook at Worblewood and one saw that the two ladies were on the road to becoming quite bosom-companions.

In due course and after some divagation into remarks upon Zipsie Rondegate’s latest compositions, matters proceeded to plotting.

Janey confided that it did not matter in the least that Lady Lucretia had no particular skills at cards, indeed, all the better, would make these vultures suppose they had a pigeon for the plucking. Now, she doubted not that when they heard who her own husband was, there would be badgering for the details behind his famous cases, and she fancied letting out what seemed an indiscretion or two would provide distraction.

Vicky grinned. 'Twas all falling into place –

But, said Janey, you are not at present on calling terms with these ladies? That was your sister Lady Iffling?

Vicky cleared her throat. Why, she said, 'twould be entire in order for Her Ladyship to approach her sister and ask her to make an introduction –

Lady Lucretia groaned.

– offering a what they call a douceur.

Because, said Janey, much amuzed, ladies do not give bribes. But say on, Vicky, I fancy you have been studying at the feet of one noted for contrivance.

Vicky blushed. After all, it was very much Lady Bexbury’s intent to take down these harpies.

Now, she went on, as she too is in mourning 'tis hardly the time for her to make a jaunt to Town, though I fear that cannot be forever avoided –

Lady Lucretia sighed. Indeed, mayhap once she is out of black, next year –

– but I have in mind an offer you can make. A fitting at that most crack modiste establishment, Mamzelle Bridgette. Here you are, have a secretary that is own sister to the famed Miss Thomasine –

Vicky! cried Janey, have you spoke of this to 'Sina?

Of course, said Vicky. Has also been approved, with much sarcastic commentary, by Mr Maurice.

One may quite imagine! Now, so as not to look particular, I should go at least leave my card on Zipsie –

She is, said Lady Lucretia, very like to be having a little sleep at this hour –

Ah, said Janey, I understand you. The news has not been generally broadcast.

They parted with mutual civilities, and Lady Lucretia turned to Vicky saying how very amiable a lady was Mrs Merrett – not in the least as she had expected –

The late Admiral Knighton, Vicky responded, had considerable charm – a warmth of nature –

Th next matter was to proceed to writing to Lady Iffling. That, Vicky had been given to understand, should be managed in a very diplomatic fashion. That the letter should commence with the excellent intelligence that Lady Lucretia was able to obtain her sister’s preference to an appointment at Mamzelle Bridgette, something most exceeding sought-after. And only then, after some expatiation on what a very crack modiste establishment that was, mention that Her Ladyship found time hanging heavy, and recalled those genteel card parties Rina used to frequent, that might beguile the hours, especial given the very generous pin-money she commanded, might Rina provide an introduction to those ladies?

So the letter was sent, and Lady Iffling replied with unusual expedition, and shortly after there came a message from Lady Venchall indicating that she would be quite ecstatic to see Lady Lucretia and any friend of her at their little gatherings, when they resumed at the end of summer –

Vicky gave a little snort and said, fleecing country-house parties at present no doubt!

Janey, that was in attendance, said, did Lady Lucretia recall any of the other company at these sabbats? She glanced down, blushed a little, and said, her lawful wedded Geoffrey had in bygone days been somewhat notorious for his consoling of discontented wives. Wondered whether any of 'em might be in that circle.

How embarrassing, cried Lady Lucretia.

Janey gave a little grin. Mayhap, but I think they will fancy that I am now the neglected wife, and pity me, and perchance go be condescending – no, 'tis a role, Cretia – by now they were on first-name terms – and will not suppose the truth.

So that was all under hand, and they were practising play, and occasional had Leda Hacker come to show 'em how they might spot trickery.

Vicky was feeling pleased with herself, but then she was summoned to a convocation with Mr Grigson, that gave her to feel a little anxious.

But he seemed in amiable mood, so far as one might tell. The matter he opened was whether it would be advisable for his wife to go out of Town for a while for the good of her health – had considered Carlefour Castle but heard from his uncle and mother that was still in great turmoil on account of the election. Mayhap she might join the Trembournes and her mother at Worblewood?

Why, that might answer, Vicky agreed, but I understand that now she attains to such a friendship with Mrs Merrett, there is talk that perchance she would care to go rusticate a few weeks at Knighton Hall when Mrs Merrett does so? Will be very quiet – a party of ladies – Lady Jane Knighton would be the hostess – opportunities for riding – also boating –

Mr Grigson looked exceedingly gratified. A most agreeable thing, he said. Could have no objections at all.

He folded his hands on the desk before him and looked at Vicky. Really, Miss Jupp, your advent has been quite the most beneficial thing for my wife –

Vicky blushed and cast down her eyes.

– might I hope that you would consider this post as a permanency? I fancy the library still requires attention – your services as secretary quite invaluable – your understanding of Society and its niceties exemplary – and moreover, I observe that Lady Lucretia has taken to you exceedingly, treats you in the capacity of a, shall we say, confidante?

Leda Hacker had remarked that Grigson was a sharp one! and Vicky quite agreed. She made a little moue and said, why, here was Lady Lucretia had no sisters or female relatives about the household to confide in – went about to make friends but those ladies were oft very took up in their own affairs –

Quite so.

The matter proceeded to business-like discussion of compensation – very generous! – and she perceived that Mr Grigson quite saw the advantage in Vicky pursuing her scholarly acquaintance with Lady Jane and Janey –

Also, sure you reside at no great distance, but I was minded to have a chamber set aside for you, for occasions when you are obliged to work late – or during those times of year when night falls very early and the streets are dark –

Vicky folded her hands in her lap and said, was very prepossessed, but must of course talk it all over with her parents. And also, though she did not voice that, Lady Bexbury!

Opening the matter to her father and Sophy, she could see that they were relieved that she had found a very advantageous occupation, since attending the women’s college, that would at least have delayed consideration of the question, had turned out not to answer.

Lady Bexbury smiled and said, entirely the thing. And advised to convoke a little with dear Leda.

Dear Leda, that was practising card-tricks, looked up and grinned and said, La, must make an introduction to Bert Edwards! That is quite the, what is the word, doyen of social secretaries, at Raxdell House. Up to all the tricks and dodges.

So Leda arranged for her to meet Mr Edwards in a tea-shop that had excellent private nooks where one might hold discreet converse. He was a pretty-faced fellow very neatly dressed, the greatest gentility of manner –

Why, I fancy 'tis somewhat of the same thing that it was with the Raxdells, that were provincial gentry that never supposed they would inherit – here is Grigson, very anxious to do the correct thing – and one hears Lady Lucretia did not obtain the elder-sisterly guidance one might have hoped from Lady Iffling –

La, you may ever call upon my advice.

Leda dug her elbow into his ribs and said, and are you very helpful mayhap she will introduce you to her sister Miss Thomasine.

Mr Edwards blushed.