Revenants (27)

Less regretful than she had imagined

Bella had supposed she might be just a little melancholy and wistful at leaving the Ollifaunts, with the cricketing still in play, but sure, she was a deal less regretful than she had imagined at the departure and kissing Chloe farewell.

There had, true, been some excellent fine cricket, and some enjoyable dancing of an e’en, and some of the company had been very agreeable. But really: one did not wish to see Steenie making sheep’s eyes at Chloe; and one was just a little put about to see Chloe making somewhat flirtatious towards him. Towards Steenie, her most obnoxious brother! Oh, it might be a fine thing to consider that one’s friend had won his approbation – indeed it made Bella think a little better of Steenie that he came about to appreciate Chloe’s merits! – but not when it meant that he was constantly endeavouring to be in her company.

She would concede that Steenie showed a very proper approval of Chloe’s abilities on the pitch, praising her bowling and her batsmanship and her prowess at fielding. For one saw that not all young fellows were of the like, and Ollie Parry-Lloyd had positively pouted at being clean bowled by Bella, and made quite uncivil towards her until spoke to by his father, Lord Abertyldd, that came up and commended her upon her style. What a pleasant old gentleman he was.

And sure Lady Ollifaunt was quite the primest of women – still wielded the finest bat herself and her bowling was magnificent. After the incident with Ollie had took Bella a little walk, and conveyed her into the strawberry beds, where they had eat a good deal of the delicious berries and Lady Ollifaunt said boys were oft thus – though her brothers had never been, and nor had Tom – but with years they usually grew out of it. 'Twas a sore bad sign in a man was he jealous of any accomplishment in a woman, or thought that any they had were lesser.

But, she said with a smile, you have the fine example of your parents before you.

Bella had not even thought about it, but she supposed it was so. Papa was quite immensely proud of Mama’s learning and that scholars came to consult with her.

Well, here they were in the train, and Davis, that had been the maid told off to accompany her, was seated in one corner of the compartment with some handiwork, and Bella was sat in other, and thinking about going to Essie’s museum opening ceremony. That had attended because 'twas a jaunt out on a school-day, and Nora Upweston had begged 'em to come with her, and anyway, Essie was her favourite brother, but had not particularly expected to enjoy such an instructive and edifying occasion.

Sure there had been a deal of tedium, with worthies prosing on about Roman relics that one had to squint very hard at to make out did they look like anything at all, and the antient charters of the place, and a case or so of taxidermied birds and animals that looked very little like the living creatures – and matters of china and silver and assorted nick-nacks that were as nothing to what one might see at Qualling!

But then the party ascended to the upper floor where there was a picture gallery and there was Essie came forward looking somewhat shy to speak about the paintings and thank the generous donors and mention some particular remarkable works, and some local fellow that had painted local sights, and did anyone have any of his canvases in their attics, why, there were now collectors very interested –

There was a little laughter at that.

Then they moved towards a smaller room at the end of the gallery, with a cord across it, and Essie said that this museum was entire privileged to have acquired an exceeding fine collection of historic lace that had been in the possession of the late Lady Trembourne, that had also writ a most authoritative history of the subject. And he clasped his hands and looked thoughtful and said, sure a deal was made of paintings and statues and so forth that men made and required a deal of toil and labour. But here in this chamber one might see the intricate craft and art wrought by ladies in spare moments between the duties of their station, that was also creating beautiful things.

They were greatly indebted to Lady Bexbury for putting them in the way of this collection, and they were also honoured by the presence of the current Lady Trembourne, that they invited to cut the cord. Bella observed Nora squeeze Thea’s hand, that she had been clasping the while, even tighter, and seize Chloe’s besides.

The Mayor of the town handed a pair of golden scissors to Lady Trembourne, that was, Bella supposed, handsome enough in her style. Rather like unto what one imagined Lady Emily Merrett’s hawks must be like. She severed the cord, and handed the scissors back to the Mayor and said that, alas, Lord Sallington’s fine speech made her regret that she had not taken the opportunity to lesson herself in lace-making from her mother-in-law, that had had the finest hand in the art. She turned towards Lady Bexbury and said, but she should say a few words.

Bella would have died did such a thing happen to her! but Lady B was not in the least discomposed, quite glided forward to speak – one must suppose quite impromptu? – upon her old friend the late Lady Trembourne and her knowledge of lace.

Afterwards when all the ceremony was over, Lady Trembourne came over, and made maternal in a somewhat restrained fashion towards Nora, and said, would have desired to take Eleanor and her friends for a good tea, but was obliged to go dine with the worthies of the town.

Miss Green explained that they were very kindly invited to go take tea at Norleigh Hall.

Mayhap, said Lady Bexbury, they might go purchase a treat or so at that excellent confectioners on the High Street?

Nora’s mother blinked, and then fumbled in her reticule and conveyed several golden coins to Miss Green for that purpose.

Why, said Essie, coming up to Bella, I had some mind to make the same proposition, but I see I am behindhand in the matter. She congratulated him upon his speech, as he made civil to her friends and to Miss Green.

And then they had had an entirely bang-up tea! And took a parcel of assorted cakes and sweetmeats back to the school to distribute.

But here they were approaching the station already – and o, there was Belinda, and yes, darling Gertie, on the platform. Davis rose and busied herself about taking down the valise and looked very close at Bella to see her dress was entire proper.

So they stepped down from the train, and Belinda and Davis went to see about the trunks that were in the guard’s van, and Bella and Gertie hugged one another and looked into one another’s faces. Davis got back into the train, for was going on to Town and Mulcaster House, and Belinda conducted the girls to where a stout porter was loading Bella’s trunks onto the trap. She said, did not know whether Bella already knew that there was a new guest this summer –

Vicky’s great friend! said Gertie.

–  Sybil Vernall, a young lady I have been taking riding in the Park – sad story, was living in Calcutta with her mother, that died of some fever out there – comes live with a guardian – excellent fine horsewoman, her uncle is in the Bengal Cavalry –

Very quiet but perfectly amiable, added Gertie, do not pout so, Bella. When we can prevail upon her has fine tales of India.

Oh – well, that made a difference!

But, went on Gertie, tell me how matters went at the cricketing party and how Chloe does.