metaphortunate son

Well, said Amelia, dabbing at her own eyes, one can hardly ask poor Hattie to undertake it!

Clorinda sighed. Poor Hattie indeed, she said, one wonders whether she may leave Nixon to his own devices at Margate for the while so that she may even attend the obsequies. Sure the old fellow has shown exemplary understanding of the situation these many years –

That was one problem. But here she found that one of their frets was entirely resolved, as she opened the envelope sealed with an episcopal seal, and discovered that dear Bishop Tanton – + Edgar Wyreminstre – was positive eagerly volunteering to conduct the service. Very proper – was one of the patrons of the Helena Fund – had writ on the elevating power of the theatre – known a scholar of the religious drama of the Middle Ages – entirely suitable.

And here was a letter from dearest Bess, saying all that was proper, but also conveyed that here was Beth in a tremendous fret that she had overtired Mr Jenkins when she visited him and desired to hear Friends, Romans and countrymen – and bore a responsibility for his demise.

O, poo poo, murmured Clorinda, was quite the happiest thing for dear Hywel. Though indeed, one hears of sudden rallying that is a precursor to death – but that was not to be laid to her account.

Came in Hector with a most particular severe expression, bearing a telegram on the silver tray.

He stood by while she read it, with the air of being ready to spring into whatever action was necessary at this latest contingency.

O, really, Hector, do not gloom at me like that! 'Tis quite excellent news – Sandy informs me that that excellent young man Oxton is safely on board ship and departed for Nova Scotia.

Hector broke into a grin. Indeed good news, he said, a most deserving young fellow.

So he was, they might reasonably confide, safe from any malign designs of Blatchett’s, since one did not suppose Blatchett the kind of Gothic villain that had the determination – and the abilities – to pursue his victims to the ends of the Earth. Sent off with a well-provided box, a purse, and letters of recommendation. Just in case it would not suit for him to go work for the Collinses and Arbuthnot Wallace.

So, that was one matter resolved.

And while one could not deem it exactly resolved, for it presented certain further problems, at least Gillie had discovered that this matter of finding out secrets and extorting for money was precisely that – there was no deep plot in play as there had been with the Rathe business. Sir Vernon had been quite cock-a-hoop when disclosing this. So I need not fear that one wished Nottinge to steal state secrets – will advize caution and discretion in pursuing his odd pleasure –

She turned to composing replies to her letters.

Really, she thought, looking at the young man sat vis-à-vis to her in the parlour, sure I wonder should I go be worried about my reputation? For while I know the entire inwardnesses of the matter, here is Lord Gilbert given out a very wild and dissipated young fellow, comes call upon me –

He did not look wild and dissipated at the moment, but concerned, as he recounted to her what he had learnt and had not revealed in full detail to Sir Vernon.

Clorinda got up and stalked about the room, trying to cool her furious emotions. Infamous! she said. I wonder who the scoundrel can be –

But, she went on, seating herself, that is a problem for further contemplation. What we have more immediate upon hand is the plight of Lady Gabrielle.

Exactly.

Hmmmm. Had neither he nor Sir Vernon seen the obvious thing here? That the lady displayed certain talents that could be useful to their purposes? That she regularly travelled to France, where the Mallafrey connexion had relatives, quite aside from the matter of her former governess and the child?

Have advized her that she should talk to you – said Gillie.

Indeed that is a wise course! But alas, I must defer any such conversation until I have buried Hywel Jenkins – and sure, while I have you here, Gillie, is a question might address to you. Do you have any knowledge of Welsh?

Gillie looked a little affronted, responding that had spent several summers in Wales in his schooldays.

Why, then, you might say whether this inscription, that Hywel desired for his tombstone, is correctly writ?

Gillie took the piece of paper she handed him and scanned it. It looks entire correct to me – 'tis the Welsh form, from the service for the Burial of the Dead, let light perpetual shine upon him –

Clorinda suppressed a grin inappropriate to the solemnity of the proceeding, for 'twas an invocation well-suited to an actor.

– and entirely correctly spelt.

Thank you. We may go take it to the monumental mason, then. And to return to the matter of Lady Gabrielle, mayhap she might give it out that she comes to Town to consult some physician.

Gillie raised his eyebrows but did not interrogate further.

But all that business had to be put aside – at this season one could not long delay a funeral! – while they put the matter of laying Hywel to rest in fit order.

O, she could not help but recall that very different occasion: when he had so fetchingly expired as Romeo whilst she, a bouncing young creature running around backstage in her salad days, was helping him with his lines, and she had – not fallen backwards but fallen forwards into an amorous entanglement that had concluded with the gift of her virgin treasure.

But la, what was this! Came in Hector to say, Mrs Nixon was at the door.

Hattie!

Oh, send her in at once! Desire good strong hot tea from Euphemia and – whatever other refreshment she has upon hand – and you might also bring up a bottle of brandy.

Came in Hattie Nixon, dressed very sober was she not in actual mourning. The two women kissed.

But my dear, did you abandon Mr Nixon in Margate!

You will not believe it, said Hattie, commencing to weep, the dear good creature quite urged me to come. Said, there was Mr Jenkins had always behaved very proper – never urged me to fly – never any conduct that would lead to an expectation of crim.con. – apprehends that in France these matters are quite understood – prosed on somewhat of that – I never failed in my duties to him – so, dear Lady Bexbury, here I am.

Came Euphemia with tea, a very well provided cake stand, and the brandy bottle, as Clorinda was revealing to Hattie the Bishop’s very generous offer – the church all arranged with the verger and the sexton &C all on hand – several of his fellow-players will be pallbearers – Amelia and I purposed go to the mason about the headstone this very afternoon as is –

And here, indeed, came the Second Siddons apt upon the moment!

Fell sobbing into her friend’s arms – all very affecting, but indeed, 'twas all very well, but they should get on –

Clorinda heard a faint whisper of memory: Abby’s wicked grin through tears, la, Miss Clo goes bustle about disposing of matters – had that not been when they had been obliged to take on all the business of burying Madame Zelide, under her proper name of Johanna Gowing?

She should let 'em have their cry out, dared say 'twould leave 'em in calmer spirits for all the business they would have to manage –

So there they were, mopping their faces and blowing their noses and putting themselves to rights. She poured them tea, and added brandy, 'twas quite entire medicinal, and said that they should eat somewhat, fasting would do no good –

And Hattie was entire welcome to stay here, would just ring for Dorcas about making up the guest bedchamber –

Whereupon Amelia pouted somewhat and said of course dearest Hattie would be coming spent the night with her, that was, Clorinda admitted to herself, somewhat of a relief, as she was in expectation of Bess’s arrival.

Once they had finished sustaining themselves, and all had tidied up after their excesses of emotion, they departed in her carriage, first to the undertakers, so that Hattie might view the departed, and Clorinda herself might ensure that all was in order for the morrow, and thence to the mason’s yard.

The fellow was entirely agreeable to putting the inscription in Welsh – hah, have had fellows that desire some matter in Greek, at least this is in our usual alphabet – and a very superior headstone was chose, and there was somewhat of sniffling but no breaking down into sobs –

She conveyed Hattie and Amelia to the latter’s very agreeable lodgings – where doubtless Maggy was quite bursting to recount antient theatre tales of Hywel –

That minded her, that Maggy had determined to die in harness, but had now conceded the wisdom of bringing on an apprentice in her trade – But that was business for another day!

She returned home to find that dearest Bess had already arrived and had been took up to the dressing-room so that Sophy could provide her with water to wash away the dust of travel and then brush out her hair.

Dear Bess, said Clorinda, going over to kiss her, I hope the journey was not disagreeable?

Bess snorted. First-class – a railway company in which we hold shares – la, they could not do too much for me!

Excellent well!

Over a light supper they spoke of general family matters – one could not in the least object to this prospect of an alliance 'twixt Chloe and Ferry Lowndes – but over port and madeira grew a little confiding –

Bess admitted to having been desperate in love with Hywel in her girlhood days, that Clorinda had guessed at the time, and she went on to reveal somewhat of her own past history.

Clorinda felt tears impend – not just for Hywel but for all the other departed – her mother – the General – Josiah and Eliza – Docket – Milord – Hacker – the Admiral – the Marquess her husband, that she had known so short a time – the Contessa far away in Naples –

Blew her nose, straightened her shoulders, and minded that tomorrow would require a deal of poise. She should defer her mourning.

And she did not even have the Misses McKeown and Lewis come visit for instruction and gossip! For some kind benefactor that wished to remain anonymous, though Zipsie suspected 'twas Meg Knowles, had very kindly sent 'em for a few weeks to the seaside at Weymouth to recruit their health.

So while it might as a general thing, she felt, be extremely pleasant not to be constantly overwhelmed by Parry-Lloyds, it was most exceeding companionable to have 'em for an afternoon or so at a time.

There was Brump, conveying all sorts of messages from Rettie about what she had found helpful when she was in a like condition to Zipsie, very kind indeed. And Ollie and Folly and Georgie, that had not previously made any great note of it, exclaiming upon her music-room and fine piano-forte, and when were the Rondegates going to give their own music parties?

Zipsie snorted and said, let 'em wait until something like Society was returned to Town!

Lotty and Gianna complaining that Cecil was not there –

La, my dear little piglets, he may not be here with a pocketful of sweetmeats for you, but there will be a very fine tea!

She had been in some concern about how the rehearsal would go, being the first time that Ollie had been present to sing his part, but it seemed that he had, at least, been practising while he was in Heggleton and not entirely wasting his substance in riotous living.

It was a slight enough thing – a Chicken Cantata, inspired by Lady Samuels’ fine works on poultry – but she fancied she had made some telling effects – the girls’ Cluck-Cluck-Cheep-Cheep duet – the trio of roosters trying to outdo one another in crowing – the chorus of fox in the henhouse! fox in the henhouse! And that Mama would like it.

Brump murmured in her ear, as the rehearsal was over and she urged them into the drawing-room for tea, that he hoped she was not overdoing, and she assured him that she was spending a deal of her time with her feet up, and taking gentle walks in the square gardens. He grinned, remarking that Mama had urged him to this concern, but he did not remember her being one of those ladies that collapses upon a sopha?

Nor do I, Zipsie agreed.

She had desired a lavish tea to be laid on, to sustain 'em after their efforts, and had had the cook establish diplomatic relations with Miriam in the Grigsons’ kitchen to obtain her receipt for unparalleled lemon cake to it.

This went over very well! There was quite enough that even Georgie had to concede that he could not manage another bite. There were even enough in the way of remains that they might be parcelled up as a treat for little Danvie, that was still not quite old enough or brought on sufficiently to take part in these birthday performances but showed promise of a very fine treble.

Not a great deal of family news – Papa in hopes that there might be somewhat in the way of cricket at Hembleby Hall once all this election to-do was over – Auntie Dodo and Uncle Casimir gone to Scarborough, Doctor Ferraby considers it very sanitive –

Brump began to persuade the younger ones that 'twas entirely time for 'em to be going home, to a deal of groaning – but we want to explore the gardens! – and finally achieved getting all but Ollie out of the house.

Zipsie, after suitable farewell kisses and embraces, flopped down upon the sopha. La, I daresay 'tis my condition makes me find 'em so tiring –

Ollie gave her a small grin and said, might also be that she was no longer used to 'em? Found that, a little, just after these few weeks at Heggleton –

Zipsie looked at him. I suppose, she said, that you linger somewhat deliberate –

Ollie sighed. Do you hear from Thea? – how is she?

Zipsie raised her eyebrows. Fie, was you not making suit to an actress in Heggleton? Thought you had found some new lady for your heart –

Ollie plumped down into an easy chair. A flirtation I will confess to – had to conduct myself so very careful and proper among the young women of Heggleton society –

Zipsie’s notorious honking laugh burst forth. Oh, indeed, one must quite imagine! A most desirable swain.

– Miss Dalrymple a very charming young woman and dedicated to her profession and furthermore an old acquaintance – you remember the Richardsons? That came to the Raxdell House parties?

She remembered the Raxdell House parties – so much less stuffy than so many of the others they had been obliged to attend – such much more interesting company – why, 'twas there she had first met Lydy Marshall! –

Oh indeed, Mama and Auntie Dodo have been making a fuss. Has she not sermonized you yet?

I have that happy anticipation! Ollie groaned. But, what of Thea?

Zipsie sighed. Has been down at Pockinford Hall this age and one supposes Dumpling Dora keeps a sharp eye upon her correspondence to ensure that she is not writing to Sister Linnet or the Reverend Professor Pusey &C, that must put a constraint upon her pen – it puts a considerable constraint upon mine when I think of writing to her.

She wondered, looking at Ollie – that favoured the Parry-Lloyd side of the family, one did not wonder that he had been somewhat of a cynosure amongst the young ladies of Heggleton – whether, for all this yearning, he was like to make Thea happy? Now she was a married woman, she saw that romantic devotion was all very pretty, but a comfortable friendship was a deal more answerable for working days.

Mayhap she would think differently did she not have her music?

At length Ollie departed, after further expatiation upon Thea’s merits and his fears that the Pockinfords designed a match to some Evangelical lord of suitable station. He was by no means confident that that pietistic scoundrel Fendersham would not renew his suit, for one heard that, even was bigamy proved upon O’Neill, the Wauderkell was contemplating taking the veil –

Zipsie snorted. 'Tis rather too like one of her tales – a lady that has been sorely deceived by some plausible wretch – goes seek the consolations of religion – but then some antient deserving suitor returns from the wars, or prospecting for gold or some such and she observes the worth of a true heart –

Ollie made sounds indicative of nausea.

Quite so. One hears that there is some Irish cousin in Town, with news of some former suitor in Cork, a widower that does not forget –

Fie, Zipsie, mayhap you should go compose operas?

Well, one may see possibilities! – but I do not think that Thea will consider that obeying the Fifth Commandment would lead her as far as marrying Fendersham because her father desired it.

It was agreeable to be alone once more and to recline upon the sopha in her small parlour idly scanning the pages of The Ladies’ What-Not.

She had half-drifted into a doze when the door opened and came in her husband. She started up. Cecil! I was not in any anticipation you might arrive the e’en – or only very late. Is Mr Davison with you?

He came over, took her hands and kissed her. Sallington offered him the hospitality of Mulcaster House – he was in some mind to go straight to Oxford but that is such a tiresome journey on top of all the traveling we have already done –

Why, do you send him a note to invite him to breakfast – no, I daresay luncheon would be better – am still a little qualmish of a morn –

Cecil looked down at her. Really, Zipsie?

She looked up at him. I have been working on the ghazals, and am all eagerness to discuss 'em with him.

He sat down beside her. That is above and beyond civility and kindness, he said, putting an arm around her.

Poo – I hope I may consider him a friend still –

He kissed her. I am pleased, he went on, to change the subject, that I find you in such blooming health – was in a little concern.

She grinned. Why, I am pleased that I look so – have had a somewhat exhausting day of rehearsing for Mama’s birthday cantata – o, we come on, especially now that Ollie has returned to Town – and talking of Mama, I feel I must forewarn you –

Forewarn me?

Zipsie smirked. Now that she has got me off her hands, and 'twill be some years before Lotty makes her debut, here is Mama takes a notion that 'tis her positive duty to give my cousins Edith and Amy a London Season or so.

I daresay I was introduced to 'em at the wedding but I fear I do not recollect –

They are Auntie Cissie’s girls – the Fairleigh-Merretts – by all reports have been quite devastating Herefordshire and the adjacent parts – very well-looking, Uncle Eddie is Nuttenford’s brother – oh, but you may not know the story, that is very pretty though some considered it quite the scandal –

Tell on!

Sir Charles Fairleigh had been devoted to Lady Nuttenford – that was married to the Earl that was eat by a bear in the Americas and an invalid – since boyhood, and when the news came of her widowhood, quite immediate went propose, so that he might take care of her. And since they have no offspring due to her state, made Eddie his heir. That had been a little wild, but sobered down, and married Auntie Cissie, and took to farming –

Very pretty! He kissed her again, and remarked that he should go put himself a little more in order before they went to dine.

But Mama’s hope is, that do we hold music-parties, 'twill offer opportunity for 'em to display their talents for singing, that are considerable.

Why, one can have no objection at all – quite a done thing.

How very amiable a spouse was Cecil.

One could get very tired of being addressed as Lord Talshaw, thought Grinnie. But otherwise, it had been a very fine day – even though he had had a general impression that there had been endeavours to ensure that he did not engage in any particular private converse with Miss Wilson.

What a very admirable young woman she was! Had had some concerns himself about how he should convey a great parcel of exceeding delicious jams &C to Worblewood, but 'twas quite a bagatelle to her – send it by the railway, to the nearest station, to be held for collection – entirely a done thing. So they went into the showroom so that he might see what a very fine selection they now had, and why not send one of everything?

He had a melancholy feeling that while an Oxford college fellow that had shares in the enterprize might attain to come upon agreeable conversable terms with Miss Wilson, now he was Talshaw 'twas no longer considered an answerable thing. It was not as though he was anything like his late brother! that one had heard rumours of, concerning molesting maidservants &C. He sighed.

Did not have any great hopes of what he might encounter upon the Marriage Market.

Still, one observed couples that seemed happy enough – on amiable terms – few that were in as mutually doating a state as Jimsie and Myo, but here was Cretia seemed remarkably well satisfied in this match with Grigson.

As he entered the Belgravia mansion the footman said that Lord Iffling had called and left a note for Lord Talshaw.

Grinnie thanked him and went into the small Willow parlour to read it.

It so happened that Iffling was in Town – invited his brother-in-law to dine the following e’en – would send his carriage was this convenable –

Very civil!

He opened this invitation to Grigson over their quiet dinner – Cretia having gone on a visit to Knighton Hall, very gratifying, when one considered how very exacting Lady Jane was known to be – and Miss Jupp invited along with her, so that Lady Jane and she can read Greek together, 'tis quite the recreation for 'em – Cretia can ride with Mrs Geoffrey Merrett – some talk of lessons in acting from Miss Addington, the Merretts doat on amateur theatricals –

It was a set one could quite entirely like Cretia getting into!

Grigson looked considering and said, why, that answered very well, for he had to be at a City dinner the following e’en himself, and would have had to leave Grinnie solitary. Dared say Iffling purposed dining at one of his clubs, mayhap putting up his brother-in-law for membership –

So, here he was, and here was Iffling’s carriage very prompt upon the appointed hour, and he got in.

But contrary to his anticipation, it did not turn towards St James, but bore northwards, and 'twas a rather longer drive than he had expected.

Drew up at length outside a fine villa in St John’s Wood. Grinnie gulped. This was, he confided, where Iffling resided with his mistress, Marabelle Myrtle. Indeed he had met that lady, upon that occasion at Dumaine’s. But 'twas a little shocking to go dine in their establishment! even did he apprehend that Rina was exceeding fortunate that Iffling had decided to eschew the vulgar publicity of a crim.con. suit.

He was admitted by Iffling’s manservant acting the butler for the occasion, that took his outer garments and stick and ushered him into the parlour.

Miss Myrtle rose and curtseyed deeply, as Iffling came over to shake his hand, clap him upon the shoulder and remark that he was looking well.

One perchance did not, in such circumstance, enquire about health of wife and children, but surely could not be at all out of order to ask after the present state of the Duke of Werrell?

Iffling shook his head. Why, does not come about to improve – the quacks are very pessimistic in his case – but he does not seem to suffer – seems contented – I think it is beneficial to his spirits to keep him at Anclewer –

It showed well for Iffling that he did not go have his lunatic father confined in some crack private asylum, or at least in a distant house with some attendant, but let him live in familiar surroundings, with well-remunerated attendants to take care of him.

Miss Myrtle served 'em both with sherry – and excellent good sherry it was too.

Looks in an entire different style from Rina! very fetching – appeared considerable fond of Iffling – while one might have supposed that was what mistresses felt for the men that kept 'em, was it only for the mercenary matters of the fine jewels &C, having heard for so many years of the constant brangling 'twixt his father and the Delgado woman, Grinnie was pleased to see this positively domestic harmony.

And they were very well done by with the dinner – nothing in the least that one might criticize there – and at the end Miss Myrtle rose and said, would leave 'em with port and brandy and cigars and manly talk –

Grinnie took a glass of port but declined a cigar. Once Iffling had lit his and taken a few puffs, said would not make hypocritical condolences over Grinnie’s late brother, had been a shocking detrimental fellow, had been a remarkable fortunate accident came to him.

He cast a meaningful look across the table.

Surely he could not mean – ?

Your father, said Iffling, is a remarkably ruthless fellow. I feel you should be warned. I was beguiled into marrying your sister when the intelligence of my father’s condition became known, and my stock on the Marriage Market plummeted, and at first I considered that a somewhat expensive favour. But then My Lord the Marquess disclosed that he had the token of a foolish prank I engaged in when younger that I should not wish disclosed, and was touching me for substantial sums to keep the matter close, until Sallington – quite the finest fellow – was able by some means to obtain the evidence so that I might dispose of it.

Grinnie leant back in his chair, expelling a breath in almost a whistle. Certain – oh, not even things Mr Grigson had explicitly said – certain sardonic expressions when mentioning their father – but one supposed that a chap that was experienced in dealing with a race that was quite a by-word for wilyness would be up to any tricks a British Marquess might play!

Daresay he holds the power of his purse-strings over you?

Well, said Grinnie, beginning to smile, he may try, but I fancy he is not apprized that my late godfather left me a tidy little competence, that affords me a certain independence –

Iffling was surprized into a laugh. Why, Talshaw, you are quite the dark horse! I will lay odds that you are a deal less biddable than your sire supposes.

He has never taken the trouble to know me.

They looked at one another. Grinnie had already felt he had an ally in Grigson, but here was another that he had not in the least anticipated. And Iffling had an understanding of Society and its intricacies that Grigson was as yet still learning to navigate.

More port? – has he tried to set you up with a mistress yet?

Grinnie blushed deeply. Not yet, but there have been certain remarks –

Iffling nodded. Are you looking for agreeable feminine companionship, I confide that Marabelle has acquaintances that would entirely suit and would not be in your father’s pay.

He gulped. And thought back to that evening at Dumaine’s, and that extremely amiable creature Babsie Bolton, that had sat very close to him, much to his embarrassment, but had been most discreetly helpful over matters of card-play. Indeed he had had thoughts of pursuing that acquaintance!

He mentioned this to Iffling, that whistled, and remarked that Babsie was considered quite the prime filly in Dumaine’s stable, and advized that they should consult Marabelle upon the matter.

Marabelle was discovered in the parlour reclining in a most becoming position upon the chaise-longue, idly perusing a collection of fashion-plates. She sprang up – Tea? Coffee? Mayhap a herbal tisane? Or more brandy?

Once the question of refreshments was settled, Iffling opened the question of Babsie Bolton’s favours.

Miss Myrtle frowned prettily. O, Babsie is an entire darling – naught in the least like that Delgado harridan – exceeding sweet-natured – but one hears that Dumaine has her favours as 'twere reserved –

Grinnie and Iffling raised their eyebrows.

She blushed a little. 'Tis said that there are certain gentlemen that desire a very discreet gallop for the sake of their reputations –

Iffling guffawed and said, hah, the entire committee of the Vice Society, I will wager – half the bench of bishops –

– and that Babsie is silent as the grave. She pouted a little. Even among friends will say naught –

Iffling shrugged and said that he would speak to Dumaine.

Grinnie, feeling very warm, said that he was most obliged.

But he was not lingering in Town, so any assignation could not be an immediate prospect: that was, he must admit, something of a relief.

Here he was at the station for Worblewood – where he ascertained that the crate from Roberts and Wilson had been delivered, and collected, all very much in order – and took the station fly through the very pretty countryside thereabouts.

On a fine afternoon like this, he surmized that most of the company would be out digging, or spectating at the diggings, and was assured that this was indeed the case. Even Lady Trembourne, in her chair.

Well, one could be sure that a great deal of care would be taken not to jolt Myo at all – fresh air and sunshine must be entirely sanitive for her –

Tea in the Dutch parlour?

Excellent well, he thought, and went through to that most agreeable chamber, that indeed looked out in the direction towards the field in question, though it was obscured by hedges.

It was not empty – Lady Eleanor was seated close to the window, working at her lace-pillow. One could not but be reminded of some painting – really, one should become better acquainted with Sallington –

She looked up –

No, do not get up, said Grinnie. You are very industrious.

Why, she smiled a little, 'tis a pleasure. But I promised Aggie some lace for a fancy bazaar in their parish –

He knew that within the family there was a certain amount of sighing over Nora’s piety and reserve. But there was something very admirable about her – and one saw that she doated upon the Undersedge infants –

He persuaded her to put by her work and take some tea.

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.