Revenants (25)

Would not have wished her to droop

Hector took Bess’s bonnet and mantle and disposed them safely, and said he hoped that Sir Thomas and all her children were well? Bess responded that they all flourished exceedingly, and how did Hector’s? – understood that Harry sent quite the finest reports of Ben?

Hector’s sober demeanour broke into a gratified paternal grin and he said, the boy was showing very well. And here was Patience, had been accepted as one of Mrs Fry’s Nursing Sisters.

That is very fine work! said Bess. And how does William?

William, said Hector, had gone to Raxdell House for some lessoning in the arts of a valet from Jerome.

Bess said that they all did him the entirest credit, and went into the parlour.

Darling Bess! cried Clorinda, rising from the sopha. You are looking exceeding well for one, that I fancy, has been about a deal of work to ensure your theatres will be well under hand once you have departed on this jaunt, and that your preparations are all in order.

Bess sat plump down and said, la, she wished one might have the like of sheep-dogs to herd actors – Clorinda obligingly laughed – but she was in some confidence that she had them all safely penned up with fair contracts for this venture.

Talking of actors, my love, said Clorinda, I lately had letters from the de Serrante-Purdew connexion, that some while since made an excursion to New York, that was for some meritorious cause, but they did not spurn a little recreation while they were there, and went to the theatre –

Bess found herself holding her breath.

And I have saved their letters for you, and they also sent me certain cuttings from the press, and sure, dearest Bess, why should you not keep these records of how well an actress that got her start in your theatres is doing?

She went to her desk and took out a packet and put it into Bess’s hands, just as Hector came in to say, Miss Hacker had just arrived, should he show her to the library?

Indeed so! I will just come myself to make sure she knows what’s what and which is most important –

You shall not mind? she turned to Bess. I am still not quite used to having secretarial help, and while I am sure she does not need my hand upon her, I am a sad anxious Clorinda.

Bess looked up and said, no trouble at all, and when was she expecting Meg?

O, it cannot be long! but she was going to the Marshalls to see about having Lyddie at various of her music parties, and I daresay there will be other musical converse once she is there.

So Bess made herself comfortable and drew out the various documents. Oh, indeed it was gratifying to see the praise of darling Elspeth! One might see that freed from the burden of her husband, she had quite taken wing and fulfilled that promise that had ever been there. Bess might feel a little melancholy – but, no, the thing would have been impossible, this was entirely the right way.

Came Hector showing in Meg – Bess pushed the papers into her reticule, and rose to kiss her sister. They observed at one another – both in looks and health.

But where, enquired Meg, seating herself, is Clorinda?

Giving instructions to this young woman that comes as her secretary, said Bess.

Meg gave a deep sigh and said, sure it was entirely high time that Clorinda did the like, and she fancied one already saw the benefit – was looking a deal better than she had last winter, even after such a quite frantic season. Indeed, she was beginning to take a thought that she could do with similar assistance herself –

Bess nodded. Even with the exceeding competent managers she had to her theatres, and the various deputies she and Tom had at the woollen manufactory and the estate, she had had similar thoughts. But mayhap that was a matter to address when she returned from this excursion to the antipodes!

But, Bess, have you lately heard from Dodo?

Bess shook her head. Not very lately – what, has Count Casimir (for Society had entirely given up endeavouring to pronounce Dodo’s husband the Polish count’s surname) taken the decision to go fight for the freedom of Poland?

Meg positively grinned. Most exceeding timely, Dodo found herself increasing, and presented it to him that 'twould be entirely deleterious to have the concerns over what might become of him did he so.

Bess snorted and said she had no great opinion of Dodo’s husband’s military usefulness – mayhap he might compose some rousing marching song or so?

Why, one should not discount the value of a fine rallying chorus! said Meg, but sure he does not present the aspect of a fighting man.

At this moment came in Clorinda, and both young women rose to embrace her, and say how very well she was looking, and ask what contrivances she had upon hand.

O, poo, contrivances indeed!

Or mayhap new tales by A Lady Anonyma?

Clorinda allowed that there was a most thrilling tale currently in press, in which she had took some liberties with the accounts of the Sorcerer Earl of Nuttenford to indite a tale of intrigue in the Restoration era.

Came Hector with tea followed by Euphemia with a well-supplied tray of delicacies. She placed it upon the low table and commenced to ask how the sisters did and how were their husbands and children &C. And they responded with like queries, and also remarked upon how well Euphemia’s enterprize with Seraphine in the matter of jams and pickles continued to go – indeed, said Meg, Sebastian told me, did I see you, that he has details of a couple of very eligible sites in Southwark where you might expand your premises.

Euphemia beamed and said, they were much indebted to Mr Knowles for his trouble, and she would convoke with Seraphine about some time when they might go make an inspection. But she would not keep 'em here chattering while their tea got cold!

Bess remarked, nibbling upon a tartlet, that sure Euphemia’s hand had not lost its cunning, even did she also have those cares of business to concern her.

But dearest Clorinda, she went on, what is this matter of you going about Society presenting an almost saintly forgiving aspect towards that viper, that scorpion, Lady Trembourne, that spread such vicious rumour about you?

Indeed, said Meg, I fancy did either of us encounter her, 'twould be no matter of a cut but punching of noses or scratching out of eyes.

O, my sweet hoyden Ferraby girls! cried Clorinda, offering to become a little tearful at the old family catchphrases. But sure, I would not oblige you to do thus, and I will confess, 'tis somewhat of a stratagem –

The sisters burst out laughing. La, Lady Bexbury goes contrive! spluttered Bess.

Why, I have such a deal to do with Dora Pockinford in the matter of philanthropic business, 'twould be exceeding awkward to go about giving of the cut to Rosamund Trembourne should I encounter her about their house – and I may hope to bring her to being more civil to dear Dora than was once her wont. So there is that consideration. But also, my loves, the younger Saxorby generation are about courtship –

Is it so, asked Meg, that Lady Agatha – that could marry anyone, given her rank and her very appealing portion, not to mention very acceptable looks –

Of the pretty plump partridge style! Interjected Bess, for she and Meg had a little vanity over that elegant spareness of form that they had inherited from Mama.

– will marry her cousin Hughie Lucas, that is preparing for ordination?

O, quite so, said Clorinda, though 'tis no more than an understanding within the family at present. But Lord Pockinford, in spite of certain theological qualms – Bess and Meg both groaned – has conceded to approve the match. But he has notions as to how Artie should be disposed of in wedlock that I feel somewhat ill-advized –

Bess and Meg looked at one another, carefully put down their teacups, and commenced to laugh very immoderate.

Bess pulled a face. Fie, and I daresay I shall be under sail for the antipodes when this commedia you are putting in hand comes to fruition.

La, said Meg, by the time you return I daresay there will be a play upon the stage that will have some resemblance to the tale –

Sure I am mercilessly teazed! cried Clorinda, throwing up her hands.

Oh, thought Bess, they had not seen her in such spirits this entire age. Sure Mama and Papa would not have wished her to droop and wear the willow forever.