grey_bard

It was a little irksome, had one been away for some years about the business of the nation, and given leave to return to visit one’s family for what one feared would be a short while, to discover that one’s mother, whom one particularly wished to see, was from home. About some tiresome matter to do with his little sister Bella, Gillie – Lord Gilbert Beaufoyle – was apprized by his father the Duke almost as soon as he entered Mulcaster House.

It was entirely clear to Gillie that his father was in a considerable concern that, was he not immediately conveyed the facts of the matter, he might hear some scurrilous gossip upon the business and at once go act the offended and vengeful brother upon the Earl of Blatchett.

Gillie sighed and said, one duel in Buda-Pesth, where these things are taken quite as a matter of course, with a Hungarian hussar, that I may as well reveal to you, was in order to gain an entrée to their circles.

Not quite the whole truth, but at least it would reassure his father that it had been in pursuit of his duties: that were not, as was generally supposed, as a younger son of a Duke in the Diplomatic, merely about being an adornment of Embassies at tea-parties, balls &C. No, Gillie, with his gift for languages, a keen intelligence, and his athletic abilities, was at rather more dangerous work.

So he diverted the conversation into all the news of family and Town Society that he had missed while travelling in the domains of the Tsar and then the Baltic regions. Brother Essie still not married – Rollo still philoprogenitive – Cathy the mother of a promising brood – Steenie a would-be poet that was getting up a magazine –

Sad thing about the Admiral – his aunt Lady Jane came round and now out of mourning – no, not living here – has good quiet apartments near Miss Addington – convenient for her philanthropic operations – no sign of Janey increasing after these several years – has quite the salon for her coterie of blue-stocking young women –

The various marriages among their set – Zipsie Parry-Lloyd got off at last – similarly Saythingport’s youngest daughter, married into wealth rather than rank, now she is out from the shadow of Lady Iffling quite an agreeable young woman, has the greatest admiration for Lady Bexbury – Raxdell now has all his offspring suitably wed –

There was young Jimsie Ketterwell, scarce returned from his honeymoon with Saythingport’s lame daughter, when there is this shocking matter of his father’s death and he finds himself Trembourne quite unanticipated –

I saw somewhat of that, said Gillie, but did not have the full story.

His father snorted, remarking that he doubted any would come at the full story. One must commend Asterley’s very tactful evidence at the inquest, though that had not stopped gossip.

I should go convey my condolences – saw somewhat of the Countess – the Dowager Countess I should say – in my travels –

Oh, she has gone abroad – given out that she recruits from the shock at some spaw, but there is speculation that she has some foreign lover, and really, one could hardly blame her married to that hypochondriacal bore.

Being about the nation’s confidential matters abroad most fortunately gave one practice in concealing one’s emotions. Rosy.  In spite of the difference in their ages, from being colleagues they had become lovers, and he was exceedingly anxious to know how she did.

So he gave a vague smile and said, did not immediate recall any overt scandal or linking with any particular name – but as for scandal, what was the latest to-do in the Fendersham imbroglio?

It was of course imperative that he should go see Sir Vernon Horrabin, provided he could manage to do so with all due discretion, as soon as might be.

That could be, he supposed, accomplished rather more readily in the absence of Mama and Essie and Bella – his father was preoccupied with the weakness of the present Ministry and the impending likelihood of a General Election, and Steenie was unlike to notice anything that did not strike some poetical note. He had made a very proper duty call on Cathy and Phil and their household – would have to journey down to Norleigh Hall to call upon Rollo and Di – ought to go make his bow to Aunt Jane –

But first, Sir Vernon.

There were certain matters to report best conveyed verbally rather than writ down even in the securest cypher – but a deal of the business was his superior expertly gleaning his impressions of a deal of phaenomena he had encountered during his sojourn abroad.

Sir Vernon gave an approving nod and said, was all very well, but there was a delicate matter – knew Lord Gilbert had been obliged to present as the cavaliere servente of Lady Trembourne –

Gillie nodded. A device to enable the communication of intelligence that had started their whole affaire.

– fancied he might have observed whether there was some particular favourite? He sighed. Has quite vanished since her husband was interred – said to be recruiting at some spaw but I can hardly go interrogate Lady Undersedge – very troubling.

Gillie looked pensive, then shook his head. She was very much pursued, but I did not think she favoured one more than another.

One cannot suppose her devastated by the loss of that tiresome fellow. But, to other matters. Before you leave for Paris –

Paris! Gillie could not completely suppress a grin. Quite the accolade. Of course, he not only had a superior command of Parisian French, but also Provençal, Breton, other regional dialects, and was at present studying Basque for his own entertainment.

– it would be advizable to convoke with Miss Hacker over the latest methods in lock-picking, the most recent things in skeleton-keys, &C: I will arrange it.

Gillie had somewhat of a conceit in his skills in such matters but he was somewhat cast down when he met Miss Hacker at the appointed hour. She desired him to demonstrate his aptitude, sniffed, and remarked that he sure required some brush-up to his talents.

He had to concede, watching her at work, that she had an almost supernatural ability with locks. Indeed, very clever fingers.

He had been wondering whether he might apply these skills he was improving to finding out Rosy’s whereabouts.

Except –

Maybe it was a qualm that he should overcome – for in the pursuit of his duties he might well have to undertake the like – but all the sense of honour bred in him from childhood revolted from the thought of sneaking – somehow – into Trembourne House and, once there, ferreting around in Grissie Undersedge’s escritoire to see did she have any correspondence from her mother. The feeling was quite physical nausea.

Don’t, said Miss Hacker, stand staring at the lock – look lively to it!

Gillie started.

It dawned upon him that Miss Hacker was, it was given out, in the employ of Matt Johnson’s investigation agency.

When the practice was over, and she was giving him an inventory of his weaknesses very like a fencing master with a promising pupil, he wondered –

Miss Hacker, do you ever take private commissions?

She narrowed her eyes at him. Private commissions?

To investigate things –

Ah-ha. Investigate things very discreet, nothing mentioned to Sir V, mayhap – She was looking at him as if he were a not very complicated lock. Perchance there might be a lady in it?

You guess aright, said Gillie, though the matter may be rather different than you suppose.

Say on!

There is some mystery about the present whereabouts of the Dowager Lady Trembourne –

Was that a blink?

– that I am rather anxious to ascertain without I bother her relatives.

There are those, said Miss Hacker in very dry tones, saying she had been playing high at the tables at the spaws the late Earl dragged her about.

Rosy had been far too canny to get into difficulties with play, but one saw it made some explanation.

But I can assure you I intend her no harm –

She tilted her head and scrutinized him for some moments. Mayhap and perchance! What’s it worth?

Gillie gulped.

Miss Hacker grinned. O, very like one day I may require a favour from you, or from one you can require it of, and I would rather have that laid up, I am not in want –

He nodded. That was fair. And also, he had not liked the thought of this transaction to discover Rosy being a matter of cash.

Well, you go practise what I have shown you, and I will go investigate.

So there were a few days in which he endeavoured to occupy his mind with practicing lock-picking, studying Basque, and going to a fencing saloon so that that skill did not lapse. He dared say that he ought to be going about Society, but – not yet.

On his next meeting with Miss Hacker, she put down a jangling of locks and skeleton keys as she said, Delft.

Delft? In Holland? What would Rosy do there?

She slid a slip of paper into his hand, that he supposed must be further information as to Rosy’s direction there.

Thank you, he murmured, picking up the skeleton keys.

She perched against a table to scrutinize his proceedings, making the occasional sharp comment. Eventually she called a halt, not before he found his hands beginning to tremble a little.

You will not, she said, glancing at them, be at all like to be at the task so long does it come to it.

He sighed. Does it take that long, should probably abandon it for fear of discovery.

She nodded. 'Tis the wisest course. But you come about to have a nice hand in the business.

Gratifying praise!

She then shifted from foot to foot, and frowned a little, and said, 'twas give out that he was very handy indeed with a sword, but had a notion that there might be occasion when a chiv might be a more suitable weapon.

 Gillie gulped. He wondered whether this was instructions from Sir Vernon or a thought that had struck Miss Hacker quite independent. One apprehended that there might be somewhat rough and tumble came about in the proceedings of enquiry agents….

Later, he had a further thought that perchance she hinted at the Blatchett business.

Pleased with the way things went

Nat Barron permitted himself to feel pleased with the way things went in his world. Here he was, taking his ease over the breakfast table with his very fine wife Ludmilla, that was an excellent spouse for a fellow in his line – bred up in pawnbroking and fencing, able to undertake a little simple forgery was it required – though naught to compare with her uncle Kaminski, that was quite the artist. And beyond these excellent personal qualities, it now came about that her former connexions in Stepney had come to hear of this very eligible match she had made: Nat Barron, that was not only chief of all the criminal enterprizes that went forward in Seven Dials, but had influence and alliances that extended a deal beyond that!

There was the very amiable relations he enjoyed with Ezra Klein’s Bishopsgate boys, and Abe Anglesmith’s Limehouse gang, that he was now bringing into a very useful exchange, by means of his own fellows. That would convey certain matters that the authorities would be looking out for around Bishopsgate over to Limehouse, and similarly matters that might be closely scrutinized about the docks, took over to Bishopgate, where they would look quite innocent upon market stalls.

There was this very profitable accord he had established with the Frawleys of Brighton, that had been Gentlemen of the Trade for countless generations, for could readily dispose of the fine liquors &C they brought over.

Had moved on considerable from the days when Nat Barron had been the fellow to call on was there one or another or so that was wanted teaching a lesson or mayhap even putting out of the way.

Though there was still good business in that! Not that he soiled his own hands with it, but here he was, the one that provided fellows to take care of any sharpers at Dumaine’s gambling-hell, and also to warn off any fellows that were well-paid to provide services at a certain discreet club for gentlemen of a certain taste did they grow grasping and threatening. And even to prevent trouble, as in the matter of rivals endeavouring kick up riot at the Buffle Arms Song and Supper Rooms, where that popular songstress, Clo Marshall, performed.

Then there was the dingers and the ken-crackers, and the whores, and Abbetts’ dog-fighting and ratting ring, none of it, true, what one might call within The Law, but all well-run, giving no trouble, payment made or favours granted in certain quarters –

Why, here you had young swells, come into Seven Dials to see life – would go to Black Tom’s and see the swearing parrot and his learned mate, and gawp at the low-life there – lay bets on a dogfight or so – take a girl to Lil and Joan’s 'commodation house – and nothing worse come to 'em than maybe a purse lost, a sore head in the morn – never a fellow found in an alley with a knife in his gut – crimped as a sailor – no real harm done –

Young Mr Reveley, Nat understood, was now married and would no longer be in the way of bringing his former companions from the country to see Town life himself, but very like his new-made brother-in-law young Osberton would take on the charge. He made a mental note to enquire of Bert Edwards, that now had that very fine situation at Raxdell House, and owed Nat a favour or so.

For Nat’s protection extended over Prancey’s molly-house, and Bert and his particular set found that a very useful spot for their revels.

Law, said 'Milla, sure you are deep in thought the morn!

Nat blinked, and looked at his wife. He chuckled and said, went be positive philosophical these days. And how did she do?

O, I come about well enough! She smiled. There were certain signs lately that she went with child, that was very gratifying, but also some cause of worry – Nat took a fret that perchance she should not be going to assist Grigori at the pawnshop, or climb the rickety stairs to her uncle’s attic to ensure he was well – but she laughed and poopooed his fears. Was not a fine lady that would go lie upon a sopha all those months, and one heard they had hard times of it when it came to bearing – she had rather be up and about her business.

And he had come to find himself in a habit of listening to 'Milla and trusting her judgement.

Indeed, she said, I am well enough in myself, but I heard a troubling thing from Lil and Joan t’other day –

For it answered very well to have 'Milla undertake those matters, for there were concerns that the women were more like to bring to another women. Besides, he had come about to see that women had very nice judgement, not only among their own kind – he must admit that had he asked any of the other whores about that trollop Franzie, they would have told him a tale or two that would have been of great benefit to his interests! – but of men, for men were often very loose-tongued and careless in their company.

Had he took that into consideration, mayhap would never have had that bother with Rodge and Art!

'Milla cleared her throat, and went on, had Larry Hooper come around about an investigation –

Nat looked up sharply with a growl.

– naught to do with any business of ours! No, 'twas to do with that child Binnie that Whipping Marie took to look after her pup Pompey, makes quite a pet of the girl, that comes on to have quite the connexion for walking dogs and brushing 'em &C around Covent Garden, that her ma of a sudden goes wish to have back with her –

Nat snorted. That would be that slovenly Apsell mot – that took up with this fellow and that fellow and now finds herself left on her own resources – never did a day’s honest – nor dishonest! – work in her life. Living hand-to-mouth –

So, 'Milla went on, the notion is that she intends to live on the girl, that cannot yet have even come to womanhood –

Nat growled again. He would not be having that.

So Lil and Joan fathom it that here is Larry goes seek out evidence, so does the woman try taking it to a magistrate, crying and wailing that her dear daughter is being stole from her, 'twill show her bad character –

Nat banged a fist on the table. Magistrate! 'Tis a very chancy proceeding – these police courts –

Oh, those Allards were proud! They surely knew that they might ask him a favour in this matter, but no, mayhap they were thinking they already owed him over the little matter of Thad removing Trembourne’s corpse well away from Whipping Marie’s premises? Was they not the oldest of friends? Had not Maurie quite gratuitous made 'Milla a fine wedding dress and trousseau? Had not Maurie put him in the way of numerous remunerative matters?

He supposed they still thought he had deliberately murdered that wastrel Froggie sot Jacques Allard their father, whereas he had simply seen him lying drunk in a ditch, that had later filled in a rainstorm, whereby he drownded. Nat had foreseen the possibility, but no more than that. They had been glad to have been quit of the fellow – monstrous cruel to his poor wife –

'Milla pushed back her chair and said Grigori would be wondering where she was – should not dilly-dally –

So Nat went to the window and whistled up Bart and Fritz to escort her there, and having kissed his wife goodbye, with a few messages for Grigori, went back to the table to sit and brood.

After a while he got up, and pulled on his jacket and picked up his stout stick with the silver knob, then went find Thad, for the very sight of Thad was like to cause a certain trembling, even these days when he went be quite lovesick over a respectable woman in Matt Johnson’s employ.

They strode through the streets, greeted with the usual marks of respect as they passed, until they came to the low alleyway where Binnie’s ma was presently residing. Nothing like Marie Allard’s fine house in Covent Garden, kept quite separate from her business premises providing special pleasures for gentlemen that she did very well from.

Pausing outside the door they could hear voices within – had she found another fellow, then? No, it sounded like two women –

Nat rapped on the door with his stick.

He was about to rap again when the door opened.

God be with you, said the woman, that was certainly not that Apsell slut: very dark of skin, her hair done up in a cloth, dressed very plain but in good stuff –

Ah. 'Twas that biblewoman, that held prayer-meetings over to Covent Garden for the fine Misses there. And the gossip that gave her out as handsome enough to earn her living like 'em did not lie: not a young woman, but in good looks still.

She continued to look at Nat calmly.

Is Mrs Apsell within?

Indeed she is, but I do not think she is at present ready for company – there has been a deal of soul-struggle, but she comes about to see the light –

There was a sound of sobbing from within.

We come to see her, said Nat, concerning her daughter –

Oh, said the woman, she now sees that 'tis the right thing to leave her where she is –

Mrs Dorcas, Mrs Dorcas, what is it? came the weak cry.

Was the woman – Mrs Dorcas? – tall? Nat could not tell, as she drew herself up and said that 'twould be better did they leave – would only distress Mrs Apsell and very like send her into a hysterick fit.

Nat nodded, remarked that she appeared to have the business well in hand, conveyed her something towards the charities he had no doubt she was engaged in, sketched a bow, and departed.

He shook his head. Law, she has managed to give the old bitch religion. 'Tis a miracle.

Sure marriage was very agreeable! – mayhap was just because this was the honeymoon, but indeed, she and Cecil were not about spending a deal of time in billing and cooing, they were, she fancied, friends that found this marriage a very eligible sensible matter. There was his dreadful mother, nagging and complaining at him to get married and forbidding him to undertake a deal of enjoyments for fear of danger, he being the last hope of his line, and indeed, he agreed, one saw that marriage was necessary as well as ordained &C&C as the service put it –

And here had been Zipsie, that had been out a while, and no offers, somewhat plain, rather awkward in her manner, but the finest musician in all the musical Parry-Lloyd family, and here was a prospective husband that appreciated that – had notions for musical soirées, quite understood that she must have time to give to practice and to composing –

They found they had a similar feeling towards the obligations of Society – might laugh a little at 'em together, and talk over company afterwards.

Was almost as good a friend as Thea – Lady Theodora Saxorby – and without that piety that was something in Thea that she could not share.

Furthermore, Zipsie had been given very proper training in running a household by her mother, Lady Abertyldd, and had soon had matters at Wepperell Larches, that had been somewhat neglected, running entirely smoothly.

After an hour or so on the household books, she might have a little musical recreation! She put the oboe to her lips and played a few notes.

The door opened and came in, unannounced, Lady Samuels.

My dear Zipsie – la, I should say Lady Rondegate –

No, please do call me Zipsie as you were wont, Lady Samuels –

– and do you call me Martha, I do not know myself with this Lady Samuels. But how charming, that you play to the birds.

It might have seemed a little peculiar, given that this was intended as their honeymoon, that they had this visit from Sir Jacob and Lady Samuels, but that esteemed surveyor and authority on forestry had written to say they were passing through this part of the country on their way to undertake some matter in connexion with Lady Bexbury’s Shropshire property, and understood Lord Rondegate was anxious for advice concerning his woodlands. Might they call, was it convenient?

Indeed it was, and even more so when Sir Jacob had pointed out that that neglected quarry on the estate should also be investigated, he fancied it might still come about to be productive with modern methods.

They had had a little concern about how local society would receive the Samuels – for although Sir Jacob’s ancestors had converted some generations ago, he was still of very Hebraic looks. But he was an FRS, and it turned out that the vicar knew his work on fossils, in which he took something of an interest himself, and, after all, had been knighted by Her Majesty as well as being quite part of the domestic circle of Lady Jane Knighton, the sister of the Duke of Mulcaster, the great philanthropic lady that so romantically married the late Admiral Knighton.

While his wife, a noted eccentrique, was perhaps an even greater success. Not only was she the sister of the Duchess of Mulcaster, she was the authoress of those delightful and instructive volumes on poultry that it seemed all the ladies in the neighbourhood read more religiously than the Gospels. So was extensively interrogated about hens – invited to come view this and that one’s chickens – oh, Lady Samuels also painted in watercolours? – there was a pretty ruined well – waterfall – picturesque antient oak tree – that would surely delight her.

Zipsie also entertained the guests at their dinner parties for the local gentry with what she and Cecil privately described as pretty little songs and jolly tunes, but she dared say all they would talk about for the next some several months would be Martha Samuels.

Indeed her works were delightful, and reading 'em, so that she might not show an entire ignoramus in conversation, Zipsie was struck by the notion of composing a Chicken Cantata – would serve very well as an entertainment for Mama’s birthday. For was usually expected that she would provide some matter that her brothers and sisters might perform.

Sure life at Wepperell Larches was more agreeable than she had anticipated, but they both agreed that now they had shown their faces in local society, and got that matter of forestry in hand, they might return to Town.

Do you think, dear wife, we might venture upon a house-party in the summer? The keeper offers that there might be somewhat in the way of shooting, Cecil asked as they drove away.

Zipsie wrinkled her nose. La, there is still a deal of work to do – was about to propose coming down in the summer with the intention of undertaking a good deal of refurbishment –

He grinned and said, sure he had a sad bachelor eye in such matters still!

– but mayhap a few good friends. I wonder might one persuade Grissie Undersedge, that has such a nice eye in decoration – will still be in half-mourning of course –

So they had amiable discussion on the matter, and also considered that they would doubtless be invited about to various other houses, and should not yet make any too definite plans.

Oh, but it was quite delightful to enter into the fine house that Cecil had took in Belgravia, that she had seen and approved before their wedding – such an excellent address – such fine modern edifices – and –

O!

They had already chosen this chamber as the music-room, and her violoncello was there, but also –

Quite the most superior of Broadwood’s pianofortes!

Oh, my dear, that is so very thoughtful!

Why, he said, shrugging a little in embarrassment, I thought you would like that better than some common matter of diamond parures &C.

Zipsie was already trying over its tone – its range – Why, she said, I could sit here all day, but I will not be so selfish, let us go and take tea like a calm and proper married couple.

It was exceedingly pleasant not to have brothers and sisters coming in upon her at all hours asking her to hear over their practice or to compose 'em some piece or play for 'em – had thought she might miss the bustle of Bexbury House but had not realized how much this quieter life would suit her.

Though 'twas very shortly indeed that her mother came calling with along with her sister-in-law, Mrs Brumpage Parry-Lloyd, and her younger sisters Charlotte – Lotty – and Georgianna – Gianna.

Mama looked exceedingly gratified to find Zipsie in good looks – praised the healthful airs of the Marches – all very impressed with her new residence – and to her considerable relief, since Lotty and Gianna were there, no opportunity for her mother to ask embarrassing questions.

And indeed, there was no need for maternal concern! There were no problems to do with the marriage bed!

They departed, leaving an invitation to dinner at Bexbury House, as was anticipated.

Much more welcome was a call from dear Thea – Lady Theodora Saxorby, Zipsie’s greatest friend.

Thea was, naturally, concerned to find out how Zipsie did – see over the house – very proper – admired the Broadwood greatly –

But Zipsie observed that her friend seemed in rather low spirits.

How are all at Trembourne House?

Oh, all are quite well – the children are flourishing – 'tis definite that Myo is increasing – but –

But?

Thea sighed, twisted her hands together, and said, here was her father, had after all this while being quite the recluse at Pockinford Hall, decided to open up the Town house, so Mama, that has been staying with Artie, will go live with him, and Simon – but 'tis no time before he goes to Peru with Mr Enderby – and thinks it proper that I should go reside in the bosom of my family as well.

I do admit, she went on, that it must be the proper and the dutiful thing, but – o, Zipsie, I am very much like to suppose that they will forbid my going to visit Aggie and Hughie and dear Sister Linnet –

Might you not, suggested Zipsie, interest Dump – Lady Pockinford – in the fine charitable work Aggie and that sisterhood are about in Hughie’s parish?

Thea groaned and said, alas, because Mama had been languishing so long in the country, found a great deal that needed her hand upon it in her usual undertakings, and sighs that 'tis very high time that Rachel returns from Harrogate to be her trusted lieutenant –

Zipsie’s honking laugh exploded. La, does she intend to send poor Rachel straight back there? Or mayhap to Malvern to be braced up?

Thea was forced to smile. 'Tis indeed placing rather heavy expectations upon her. Though Artie will say she comes round to flourish – But as well as that, I am in some fear that they will not look with approval at my going to my singing lessons with Miss McKeown –

Surely there can be no objection!

O, Mama has fears of abductions – has ever been so, was the like with my Aunt Lucas before she married, though she was a considerable heiress and perchance the dangers in those days were greater?

Zipsie snorted. But my dear, I have the entire solution to that difficulty!

Thea frowned a little. You do? This is not some wild device?

Tush, said Zipsie, folding her hands in her lap and looking prim, I am a married woman and have a great deal of responsibilities – she sighed – really, a deal of matters taking up time, having to be At Home, and go making calls, &C – and I said to Lord Rondegate, 'twill be a hard business finding time to go for my lessons, and he remarked that it would be quite usual for the Misses McKeown and Lewis to come here – we could send a conveyance – give 'em a meal – 'tis entirely a done thing to have music teachers come to one’s house – and do I have 'em here for my instruction, why, you may come and have the benefit as well.

Thea looked at her with some suspicion. Really?

Really! Is it not entirely answerable? She leaned over to feel the teapot. This is quite cold – let me ring for more – take another cake –

And when all that had been done, Thea nodded her head and said, entirely answerable, could not suppose even Papa could have any objections.

Zipsie had carefully not mentioned any possibility that her brother Oliver might come call while their lessons were in progress!

Clorinda, Dowager Marchioness of Bexbury, was visiting her old friend Mrs Dalrymple, ostensibly to discuss a new proposition concerning the philanthropic enterprize in which they both took an interest that had set up a number of optical dispensaries providing spectacles for the weak-sighted poor, or letters to hospitals providing operations were those necessary. Mrs Dalrymple, that was no longer young, had been having some little problems of health keeping her from recent meetings of the committee.

As Clorinda entered the parlour an elderly pug came up to sniff about her skirts, for had never abandoned the hope that, one day, a visitor would arrive that had happily concealed a rabbit or some such there. It snuffled around for a little while, sighed, and returned to snooze at its mistress’ feet.

No, cried Clorinda, do not put yourself to the trouble of rising, sure we are quite antient friends and need not stand upon ceremony!

They shook hands and Clorinda was waved into the one comfortable chair that was not already occupied by a pug.

The maid came with tea whilst they exchanged comments upon the weather and general matters – they say this government cannot last and there will be an election very shortly – the health of one another’s family and friends –

La, Mrs D had had a letter from her grandson Orlando in Sydney, where he was entirely thriving with his theatre company –

One was relieved to hear that, for not so very long ago Orlando Richardson had gone in some peril on account of the vengeful feelings of the husbands and other lovers of the ladies who had found the young actor most magnetic. Sure he was not the handsomest of men – nothing like dear Hywel Jenkins had been in his heyday – but had a charm that made up for any plainness.

And there was her grand-daughter, naughty Rosalind, that had run away from school to go on the stage under the name of Dalrymple, so that there would not be odious comparisons with her mother, that bright star of the London stage, Clara Richardson, doing exceeding well –

Of course, said Mrs Dalrymple, it gives one great confidence that she is in one of Lady Ollifaunt’s companies –

Oh, indeed, no vagabond player matter! Clorinda smiled. She had known Bess Ollifaunt since childhood, when she had presented the offspring of her dear loves Josiah and Eliza Ferraby with a fine superior toy theatre. And here was Bess now with some several provincial theatres that were agreed quite crack companies.

But, went on Mrs D, sure I might talk of the children for hours, let us to business.

So Clorinda took the papers out of her reticule, and opened the notion that Aggie – Lady Agatha – Lucas had had in her husband’s parish in the East End, that until one might get up enough interest to set up a dispensary, one might arrange for a visiting oculist, once or twice in a month.

One can tell she is Dumpling Dora – I mean, Lady Pockinford’s! – daughter! What a very apt notion. Or, she looked considering, there might be some local oculist that could be persuaded to give some gratuitous time to the work.

They discussed this, and various other matters to do with the charity, until there was a particularly loud burst of girlish laughter from the next room.

Clorinda raised her eyebrows.

La, said Mrs Dalrymple, as I daresay you know, since I apprehend Miss Allard is a connexion of your Sophy –

Clorinda nodded.

– here is that child Binnie that she gives refuge, the mother being most undesirable, comes shelter here a while and keep Clary company, as there is some fear that the mother may go kidnap her so that she can put her to earning her keep. And there she is, already has quite a little business in Covent Garden a-walking dogs and brushing 'em and teaching 'em manners, while being cared for by that excellent woman –

Clorinda fancied that Mrs Dalrymple did not know the precise nature of Marie Allard’s own business, providing special pleasures for gentlemen. Kept quite separate from her dwelling!

– and I daresay the mother wants to put her to making artificial flowers or some such trade, does she not have worse intentions. An agreeable child that has quite the nicest hand with dogs – the pugs doat upon her –

And Clary has not took that fever that had smitten her school?

Not in the least, in quite bouncing good health I am relieved to say.

At this moment the door opened as the maid ushered in Mrs Dalrymple’s son Danvers. That was still pointed to as a fine example of the style of the Regent’s day, when he had been one of the set around Clorinda’s dear friend Gervase, Viscount Raxdell. Had been living in a quite devoted unhallowed union with Clara Richardson for these many years, for the actress had had no inclination to dwindle into a wife and abandon the stage.

And Mrs Dalrymple was too delighted to welcome the grandchildren she had begun to despair of to cavil about the manner of their begetting!

Lady Bexbury! – servant – he bowed over her hand in the old courtly style – hoped he saw her well – how was MacDonald – here was Abertyldd went acquire a son-in-law that would be a great asset to his cricket-parties!

Further pleasantries were cut off by the bursting forth from the adjacent room of Clary, hurling herself at him crying Dada!

Followed more discreetly by Binnie, that dipped a very acceptable curtsey to the visitors. Looked in good health – clad in what Clorinda fancied to be an outgrown dress of Clary’s – one might convey reassuring report to be communicated to Marie Allard –

She exchanged glances with Mrs Dalrymple and they agreed that their business was concluded for the present.

So Clorinda went to where her carriage was waiting, and informed Nick Jupp that they might go straight home, and occupied the journey in making notes upon her convocation with Mrs Dalrymple in her little memorandum book.

Arriving home, Hector, her major-domo, informed her as he took her cloak and bonnet that Mr MacDonald was working in the library but would doubtless be grateful for some interruption.

Why, I will go interrupt him! Do you desire tea to be sent there rather than my parlour.

She passed through to what had become known as the library wing of the establishment. Sure it had been delightful to have been presented with the deeds of a pretty little house in Mayfair in her courtesan days! But when her life and circles expanded following her brief marriage to the ailing Marquess of Bexbury, that had required a widow to take care of certain discreet matters that he did not wish to entrust to the heir he loathed, it had become a little confining. But then the next-door house had fallen vacant, and, most fortunate, was part of prudent investments in Town estate made by an ancestor of her dear friend Biffle – Beaufoyle Beaufoyle, Duke of Mulcaster – that had been happy to make it over to her for a peppercorn rent.

So she had a fine library and a dining room for giving dinner parties, and had had room enough to provide lodging for her dearest friend Sandy – Alexander MacDonald, MA (Edinburgh) – following the death of his lover, and her friend, Gervase Reveley, Lord Raxdell. And also to provide refuge for Belinda, that had been married to the – supposed – Marquess of Bexbury that succeeded her husband, but had left him – set up training race-horses with her friend Captain Penkarding – returned to prevent a bigamous marriage – obliged to manage the estate when the Marquess was declared lunatic – and now, following Penkarding’s death, in business with Sam Jupp’s livery stables in the mews. Also widely consulted for her skills in horse-doctoring.

When Clorinda entered the library she found Sandy seated at the table with some several boxes piled on the floor about him, and stacks of paper before him. He was scowling at 'em.

La, my dear, have you found yet more bigamous marriages of that scoundrel O’Neill?

He looked up. Not yet, he conceded, but a good deal of evidence of debts and exceedingly dubious financial dealings. But what I am at here is trying to disentangle the matter of this lawsuit over Lady Wauderkell’s property in Cork. Occurred to me the notion that did it come about to be resolved in her favour, mayhap she might even go live there –

Clorinda grinned and said sure she would rather go live in Cork, that she understood to be a pleasant small city – healthful airs &C – rather than marry that dreary Evangelical bore Lord Fendersham, that still seemed so ardent to wed Lady W even after her elopement with O’Neill.

Sandy grinned back and said sure that might be exceeding amuzing – he fancied Lady Anonyma might get a novel or so out of the experience –

Alas that I do not have a fan about me to flap you with for impudence!

 –  But what I discover is very interesting. Her cousins brought the suit almost simultaneous upon her marriage to Sir Barnabas Wauderkell –

O! cried Clorinda, that puts a very interesting complexion upon it indeed – that perchance they did not want it to fall into his hands – one may well fancy that there was considerable family feeling against that match – and that tying it up in court proceedings, especial as I daresay he was reluctant to spend time in – I suppose 'twould be the Dublin courts? – pursuing it was one way to keep it safe for her.

Quite – he dies, and there is some compounding of the matter come to, as between family – and here is the widow with this comfortable share in a brewery to sustain her in her grief –

Clorinda snorted and said, that she might quaff the product of and mayhap distribute to the populace while she danced upon Sir Barnabas’ grave, the nasty fellow.

But here, she said, glancing at the table-top, I see Hector has brought in the post, and I should see is there aught of urgency – fie, an epistle from Naples! – I doubt 'tis anything imperative, but I long to hear how all goes on there –

She broke the seal, and sat down to peruse the letter – 'tis Alf goes write – Oh! Oh! Oh! Would you believe it! Who do you suppose has lately turned up in the vicinity of Naples?

Dearest Lady Anonyma, this is not one of your tales and you are not required to create suspense.

Basil Linsleigh!

Sandy swore in Scots. That mediocre artist had quit the realm somewhat precipitate a few years previous after his involvement in an illicit blackbirding scheme was like to be revealed, though rumour gave out that 'twas in fear of prosecution for sodomy.

Hmmm – hmmm – they go put in his way a very handsome confederate of theirs that he will doubtless desire as a model – so that is all under hand, and Marcello has refrained from employing his stiletto, the dear fellow, and we may anticipate to learn does he intend a return to these shores.

I might, however, said Sandy, inform Maurice that the wretch has not been murdered by Albanian bandits or kidnapped by Corsairs. For his lover had had an unhappy history with Linsleigh.