Someone to fall back on

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.