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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.

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.