rymenhild

Beaufoyle Beaufoyle, Duke of Mulcaster – Biffle to his family and close friends – had a particular fondness for his hoyden daughter Bella. Even did it fret him somewhat that she so closely resembled the portrait of that scandalous ancestress of theirs – in the days of the Mad King had played high – driven her own phaeton and even raced it – not merely had duels fought over her favours but was rumoured had fought a duel herself with some rival – horsewhipped a fellow that had published a satire upon her –

That had not been so outrageous as for her to be ostracized from Society, sure manners had been a deal different in those days, she had perchance been somewhat wilder than most, but unlike many ladies of that time, had never brought a cuckoo-child to the marital nest.

But times had changed! Here was Her Majesty setting an example of domesticity and moral family life. Indeed such a life was an excellent thing! Biffle himself had been very happily married to his second wife these many years – but he fancied that there came about somewhat of a narrowness, one could only say priggishness in the general tone of Society. Much of it, he felt, had something hypocritical about it.

Indeed, one could only commend the fiery Miss Ferraby for the way she spoke out on the injustices towards women, and would by no means write her off as a fit mate for Essie – his heir Lord Sallington, child of his first wife – no, not in the least. The Ferrabys had been quite his greatest friends, one would far rather unite with that fine industrialist and yeoman farmer stock than with some of the vitiated aristocratic blood that aimed at a union. But alas, Flora Ferraby considered marriage for a woman servitude, and one must suppose that she would find the life of a duchess-in-waiting confining.

Did not dear Viola sometimes roll her eyes, saying, la, here I must be going about Duchessing? He smiled. These days, no doubt, a young woman of Viola’s intellect would be pursuing studies at one of these colleges for ladies, like their niece Janey. But over the years she had become a respected scholar of the languages of the Orient, and they both found themselves great sympathizers of this new Bengali reform movement.

But Bella, though she had shown surprisingly well at the Miss Barnards’ school, did not seem particularly inclined to intellectual pursuits. Was there an older lady that she was at the feet of, it was undoubtedly Lady Emily Merrett, prime horsewoman, famed for her revival of the antient art of falconry, noted archer, residing on the small family estate of Attervale as quite Lady of the Manor with her cousin Lalage Fenster.

That was somewhat more eligible a model for a young lady than Belinda Penkarding, as she now called herself, widow of the late spurious Marquess of Bexbury, the lunatic bigamist, that she had left long before his elevation but returned to denounce on his attempt to marry an heiress following his succession. Had lived for years with the late Captain Penkarding breeding and schooling race-horses – noted for her skills in horse-doctoring – a fine woman but very much not In Society! Would he dared say be somewhat of a scandal was it known that Bella occasional met her. Though sure there were ladies presented at Court and received everywhere that he would consider presented a greater danger to a young woman!

But here they were at last at Attervale! A very tidy property, one saw that the Ladies of Attervale kept it all very proper – a quaint old-fashioned dovecote, beehives – as they approached the manor house. The mews for Lady Em’s hawks was, he fancied, somewhat more distant.

And Bella standing upon the step! He had been somewhat concerned as to how he should find her. Had been so unwonted languid following the Hackwold Incident, even after recovering from the chill caused by a wild ride on a sleety winter night. Quintus Ferraby had put it to him that she had sustained a shock to the nervous system – that Biffle, who knew more of the whole matter than they had felt wise to disclose beyond the family, felt very likely. A girl like Bella would not have anticipated encountering the like of Gothick villainy whilst attending a house-party at – of all places – Hackwold. Sir Antony and Lady Chellow were known for the excellent ton of their parties, but alas, had been called away to a sick relative, leaving all in the hands of Sir Antony’s detrimental half-brother Mortimer, and an aged spinster aunt.

Of course it was necessary to discourage Gillie from going challenge Blatchett – one feared that would only disseminate scandal – but indeed, knowing Gillie’s skill with a sword, and also a pistol, one was greatly tempted to give his brotherly wrath full range. Gillie might go deprecate the tales that gossip gave out, but there had been that duel in Buda-Pesth in which he had come off victorious – other tales perchance untold –

Bella came up to embrace her father as she had done in younger days. O, Papa! He held her away a little, to see her eyes bright, colour in her cheeks – recruiting here had been quite the best thing for her.

Why, Bella, he said, sure Attervale suits you.

O, 'tis entirely the pleasantest place! And I do not go be idle here – have been putting myself to study, as well learning somewhat of the domestic arts from Miss Fenster – but do you come in and take refreshment.

He fancied that the charming taste displayed in the parlour – entirely fitted to a country place the like of this – was due to Miss Fenster rather than Lady Emily. A fine jardinière by the window – good old-fashioned furniture well-kept-up –

A maid came in with a coffee-service and a platter of scones.

Bella showed exceeding adept at the pouring out and ritual offerings of cream and sugar! Did she at last acquire a little polish?

Sitting back in her own chair she said she supposed that he was on his way to Qualling, on account of this election?

That was something to startle Biffle! Then he saw the pile of newspapers and periodicals on the low table beside the sopha – was that what Bella had been putting herself to study?

What, do you turn to politics?

Bella blushed a little and cast down her eyes. Why, you knew I was reading the writings of Miss Ferraby – and she and Miss Roberts came visit here some little while ago, o, is she not remarkable? Such a mind – such a way of putting things – and got me into thinking of these matters –

Biffle’s mind was cast back to a foolish young fellow that had run about with a crew of debauchees, that had one night been abandoned by 'em incapacitated drunk in a gutter. And a musical voice saying, la, this will not do, 'tis Lord Sallington, I apprehend, let us get him into a chair – and seeing what, though decked in quite the height of fashion, seemed a golden-haired angel. That had took him to her apartments, give him a bath, a bed to sleep in, much strong coffee the morn, and demonstrated to him finer pleasures than he had found with those chaps.

Eventually turning his mind to his position and his responsibilities, and quite firmly arguing that these would not sit well with a flight to Gretna with her.

He had long since guessed that Flora Ferraby was Clorinda’s child – the resemblance was generally supposed to support the common belief that she was some relative of Eliza Ferraby’s. There had been nothing stern about her gentle persuasions towards duty and he dared say that Flora had the same gifts.

He smiled at Bella and said that Miss Ferraby’s powers of mind were only surpassed by her rhetorical capacity.

I know, said Bella, that there are those that deem certain matters upon which Miss Ferraby discourses unsuited to young women: but indeed, she spoke of nothing improper, but that ladies should be informed about the ways things are in society – and that it should not be considered unwomanly to take an intelligent interest in politics and economics &C –

Biffle chuckled. Bella blushed. Sure I have seen that Mama and Lady Wallace in particular – and of course Cathy – understand these matters a deal better than some gentlemen. But I have been wondering – she folded her hands in her lap and looked unwonted sober – whether there is any way I might come about to be useful?

Well! He had been pondering whether he might persuade Steenie to put aside poetry and be of some assistance to Essie during these next weeks, for his eldest son would be hard-pressed – ought to go be dutiful at Nitherholme besides assisting his father – was it only the duller tasks of keeping papers in order and pens sharpened and inkwells filled –

He was saying somewhat of the kind of work that might be wanted, when came in Essie himself, bearing a bundle wrapped up in sacking.

How now, Essie! What have you there?

Essie laid his burden very gently down upon one of the low tables that was not already encumbered. I finally persuaded Sir Hobday Perram to sell me a couple of paintings – two charming pieces of frivolity of the French school of the last century, I am of the strongest suspicion that one will turn out a Fragonard – so that the poor fellow can mend that leaking roof. He was very pressing for me to take 'em – so grateful for the introductions to Davison and Hannah &C – Davison has excellent news concerning the publication of his treatise –

However, I managed to make something of a bargain, by prevailing upon him to have call upon him one of Matt Johnson’s agents – I daresay 'twill be Miss Hacker – to advize upon making his valuable collection of Persian things more secure, for does word get about more generally, one fears 'twill be a temptation to thieves.

Biffle and Bella looked at him with great admiration.

That was very well done!

Essie shrugged. Then grinned. So, Father, has Bella prevailed upon you yet to let her come be your political secretary and one speculates in due course come about to emulate Aspasia in her writings upon Parliamentary matters?

Bella groaned at this brotherly teazing.

Aside from how charming it would be to have Bella occupied in this new fashion, Biffle took the thought that perchance she might in due course take thought towards a political match for which this would be educational instructive!

How very charming, Caroline Kirkstall thought, was Lady Bexbury’s little place in Shropshire! The term ‘hunting-box’ gave one an entirely misleading impression – no doubt had been that when she had inherited from her late husband, but one might see that it had been refurbished by the hand of a lady with the most exquisite taste. O, nothing excessive – quite suited for country living – proper to its purpose as a rural retreat – but one wondered whether 'twould be encroaching to enquire of Her Ladyship whether she had any hints in the matter of decoration.

Supposing, Caroline pondered, that she returned to Mr Brackley’s house and did it up – for now she had ventured so far as to travel to London, and now made this solitary sojourn, she took the thought that she did not have to remain in Droitwich and feel that she was being gossiped upon, and speculations made &C. She was still by no means old, even did she not have such adventurous plans as that Lady Fendersham Lady Bexbury had mentioned, that went a daring voyage to Peru, where her son, that was in the Consular Service, had lately married.

But she might recruit here, in the very pleasant and healthful airs. And to her relief, Merrow was very prepossessed – the two women, Eppie and Dorrie, that looked after the place, might, she conceded, be somewhat countrified, but they kept everything entire spick and span and one could not fault their cooking! The steward, Raggle, most respectful – indeed, Miss Merrow might help herself to anything she fancied from the herb-garden. The countryside very pretty – one was a deal less worried among sheep than cows, was one not? The village a very fine tidy place, better shops than one would have anticipated –

That was reassuring! And also reassuring was the report that Merrow brought back of the local doctor, a Mr Randall – may not be one of your haughty fine physicians but is give out exceeding competent – the cottage hospital quite a model –

Caroline had no particular troubles of health – otherwise she would have took the opportunity of being in Town to consult some leading physician – dared say – well, perhaps not Lord Peregrine himself, but his sister Lady Lucretia or her husband, or indeed the ladies at Mrs Mitchell’s – would have had recommendations – but it was comforting to know that there was a good medical man in the vicinity.

Shops – a small circulating library and reading-room – a school – besides the parish church also a Methodist congregation –

A certain number of what one must consider the better class – besides the doctor, and the parson and the minister, there were the manager of the mine and various others connected with the operation that were of a genteel sort –

And this very day, she found, certain wives had come to leave cards!

Fie, she said to Eppie, that brought them in, do you invite 'em in and we may have tea, and I fancy you can contrive something to’t –

Eppie grinned and said, that we can!

So came in Mrs Marston, whose husband was the manager of the mine, and Mrs Randall, that was the doctor’s wife, and Mrs Parfitt, whose husband was in charge of the smelting-works, and Mrs Carling, that was the parsoness – quite a young woman that Caroline fancied had not been in the place long.

They made very proper condolences upon Miss Kirkstall’s bereavement – my brother-in-law – went with my sister when she married him, to assist in housekeeping – tended her during her illness – remained to support him in his loss – no, they had not been blessed, alas –

Very proper and dutiful, remarked Mrs Marston. There were no prying questions such as Caroline had feared, and she waved them into the parlour chairs.

Mrs Randall advized Mrs Carling not to endeavour to disturb the elderly tomcat Portly that slumbered in a comfortable chair – o, he is quite the local character! Has a deal of temperament but quite the finest mouser are you ever troubled in that way – quite the haughtiest of felines –

Caroline could not help laughing, for that was entirely how they had found him. Not at all a cat to come make obsequious and purring but very much on his dignity. Might in time condescend to come sit upon a lap.

Whereas the little black spaniel Wowzkie was everybody’s friend!

Came in Eppie with the good tea service, and –

Ah, said Mrs Parfitt, I always say, the kitchen here has quite the finest hand with lardy-cake!

One might see Wowzkie look up with a pathetic expression of a poor little doggie that was being entirely starved, an impression quite belied by the sleek well-filled-out coat.

So they sat and drank tea, and eat the good lardy-cake, and what the ladies were most eager to know was did Miss Kirkstall have news of Lady Bexbury?

So she was obliged to say that alas, had seen very little of that remarkable lady – had met her while making a condolence call on Lord Peregrine Shallock at the home of his sister, Lady Lucretia Grigson – Mr Brackley having been his godfather –

This most greatly impressed the ladies and they desired to know somewhat of Lady Lucretia’s house – o, Belgravia? one hears 'tis very fine –

Gave something of a false impression of her Society connexions!

She turned the conversation to enquire about matters in the locality, that sounded to be in a very good way.

The ladies, minding that 'twas a first call, soon rose. In the process of taking their leave, Mrs Marston said that a quiet dinner party could not be improper in Miss Kirkstall’s situation, could it?

While Caroline did not have any authority to consult on the matter beyond her own conscience, she fancied that Nehemiah Brackley would have exhorted her to enjoy a little society, and said that she could not see the least objection, 'twas a very pleasing thought.

Indeed, Merrow was exceedingly gratified at the prospect. Furbished up Caroline’s best mourning wear in the style that had been conveyed to her by that finest arbiter, Miss Coggin of Mamzelle Bridgette.

Will entirely do you good, miss, to get out a little.

So she desired Raggle to put the pony to the gig, and confided that she might manage to drive down to the Marstons’ house herself.

A very eligible residence! Well away from the smoke and fume of the smelting works – that was a fine tall chimney to bear those away, and she dared say thought had also been took for the prevailing winds. Everyone most civilly welcoming – the Marstons, the Randalls, the Carlings, and o, here was a single gentleman, a Mr McAllan that was the chief engineer about the place, that they praised as a most ingenious fellow – would not know how they would get on without him – entire virtuoso in the matter of steam-pumps, had fellows come visit to see theirs –

A Scotsman in early middle age or so, that looked a little melancholy, but made very agreeable to her. Apologized that they had no fine sights to show her other than steam-pumps, to which she responded that the countryside hereabouts was very pretty, but perchance did not compare with his native soil?

Gave a gruff laugh and said that Glasgow in these bustling days was very unlike anything in the works of Scott! but a fine city, nonetheless.

The whole evening most exceeding agreeable – further invitations to come view the hospital – visit the school – take tea at the parsonage – &C&C.

It gave her to wonder whether 'twould be proper to make some return of hospitality, but while she was still musing upon this, a letter arrived under the Bexbury seal, that announced that sure it was very tiresome, and she was put about at having to intrude upon Miss Kirkstall’s solitary retreat, but Her Ladyship was obliged to come look over certain matters at the mine, and thus would be taking up residence for a few days.

Why, thought Caroline, nothing could be more delightful. One supposed that Lady Bexbury would be much took up with the cares of business – for she had been give to understand that she had a very sound comprehension of such matters, not one of your owners that sits in Town and draws dividends, appreciated the importance of investing in machinery &C – but it would be agreeable just to look upon her, quite a refreshment to the spirits.

So here she came, with her black maid Sophy, that Raggle was almost falling over his feet to assist in the disposition of the trunks, and with Leda Hacker, that 'twas very pleasing to see once more. And appeared on excellent terms with Eppie and Dorrie, making jokes about sheep in the kitchen – la, when first I came here they was raising orphaned lambs there –

Enquired whether Caroline had noticed any election turmoil hereabouts? There must be some hereabouts eligible to vote for the county members!

Few enough, remarked Lady Bexbury over her shoulder, that I doubt any agents will consider it worth their time to come canvassing. Cannot recollect any uproar on previous occasions. She sighed. I fancy 'twill be entire different at Tapperbridge –

She turned around. The Mulcasters are old friends, and have invited me to Qualling, she continued. Tapperbridge used to be a sleepy country town, not quite what they called a pocket borough, but they would vote as they thought the Duke would like. But since the coming of the railway has become a very different place.

Sophy came pattering down the stairs, crying that there was hot water brought and Her Ladyship should come and be repaired from the journey.

Merrow soon came on terms of the greatest admiration for Sophy – married to Jupp of the carriage-hire business, but they have the greatest loyalty to Her Ladyship for her immense kindness in the past, would not go sit at home as she could when she might be of service – not in the least haughty – has give me most helpful advice –

Had also, over gathering herbs from the plot in the garden, disclosed that Mr McAllan was a widower, o, a very sad tale – had married a young lady from Glasgow – very happy – then she and the baby died – everyone at the mine wishes he would wed again – not only has a fine salary, holds several remunerative patents –

La, Merrow, said Caroline, blushing, as she was having her hair dressed in this new way suggested by Sophy, do you go match-make?