Unhistoric Acts (19)

Matters that were not about striving and contriving

Maurice Allard looked around his apartment and nodded. Was being kept up to the mark even in his absence. Well, the whole building belonged to him, and he had put it in the hands of agents – for did it get known that one was the landlord, the tenants were like to come bothering about this and that matter – and they were a fine efficient set. Entire worth paying the commission for their trouble.

No, he thought, crossing the room to run a finger along the windowsill and finding no more dust than was inevitable after a day or so in Town, matters at present seemed coming along very well. He brushed his hand against the wood of the sill, glad that Sandy was not there to observe this superstitious ritual.

But this was gratifying news that Mamzelle Bridgette were very like to have the dressing of a fine Society wedding right as Society began its return to Town, and before the rush and bustle of the full Season, so that it would stand out somewhat and be remarked more particular. Here was little cousin 'Sina already demonstrated her entire talent for dressing young women so as to bring 'em out quite remarkable – for sure neither of the Miss Reveleys would ever be considered belles or Toasts, but 'Sina had contrived so that they did not entirely fade into a mass of indistinguishable debutantes.

And one heard there were other matches upon hand – young Undersedge had been paying very marked attentions to Lady Griselda Upweston, that suggested he was prepared to put up with a father-in-law whose conversation dwelt on matters best confined to a physician’s consulting room. At least Lady Trembourne seemed to have considerable changed – or would that last? The Pockinford-Fendersham alliance seemed to have come at some obstacle – and did it come off, the views of the fathers meant that 'twould probably be an austere occasion eschewing vain show. Something pretty in sackcloth and ashes, murmured Maurice to himself.

As for good business! – there had been several occasions upon which Sir Vernon Horrabin had desired the use of Mamzelle Bridgette’s discreet chamber for assignations that had naught to do with adulterous romping but meetings with his female intelligencers. Here one was, being paid to serve one’s nation, and not even having the expense and bother of changing sheets and laundry &C! With no risque of figuring in a crim. con. action.

It also looked exceeding well for the business to have been so forward in collaborating with this philanthropic enterprize to provide remunerative employment for seamstresses during their slack season and the provision of garments for orphans that were going out into the world. Sure it was a hard life for needlewomen! But was the work not there, one could not keep 'em on with idle hands.

Maurice went to the cupboard and took out the bottle of first-rate genever and poured himself a glass.

Was also an advantage that, after a summer spent doing what was a reasonable day’s work in airy light surroundings – a hot midday meal provided! tea in the afternoon! – the hands came back in a deal better state of health than had they been stitching all hours whatever outwork they might have obtained, and eking out that miserable pay with casual whoring.

Oh, he advized his regular hands to put by money in the Savings Bank, and the earnings on the discreet chamber went towards a Sick Fund. But business was business.

And, little dusky molly that had earned his own first pennies by whoring, he was a good businessman. Owned these apartments – had a share in Sam Jupp’s stables – put money into Timothy’s song and supper room – various other enterprizes –

He looked about the sitting-room, that was now furnished entire in keeping with a prosperous fellow the like of him, that moreover commanded a deal of interest in a wide variety of quarters…

Sure it was a great relief to him that Nat was not yet hanged or transported or clapped up in one of these new Model Penitentiaries. Or left dead in a gutter by some rival wishful of taking over the numerous criminal concerns that were under Nat’s hand. No, Nat was back a deal more secure than before, after that trouble last year – making some very useful alliances –

Did one think of trouble, that bother at the discreet club for fellows of the disposition had been quite entire resolved, those that had thought they might add to their already generous remuneration for services rendered by extortion had been give a sound lesson in the penalties for greed.

Then, Ma and Hortense were now in a very good way. Ma would never, he feared, come about to be entirely well, would ever start at sudden sounds and be fearful of strangers, but Hortense said 'twas quite wonderful how the sight of the sea from the balcony soothed her – would sit there for hours upon end watching it. And fine occupation for Hortense, running a home for sickly or superannuated whores.

Marie in a very good way of business – becoming entire renowned for her skill in providing special pleasures for gentlemen.

And little cousin Sophy! Quite the most looked-up-to in her profession! Married to the most doating of husbands, three fine daughters, o, Sophy had done well indeed!

When he thought how desolate they had been, that winter after Sophy’s mother had died, and how suddenly matters had come about –

Indeed things had taken a turn, although there had still been a deal of hard work and effort that had gone into assuring their present positions.

But still, there were some matters that were not about striving, and contriving, and the cunning that little dusky mollies needed to traverse the different worlds they dealt with –

Maurice sat wrapping his arms around himself. If things could come entirely by chance and luck, why, they might equally go away by chance and luck, and there was nothing he could do about it. There was a world out there containing clever, educated young men that, he fancied, turned admiring and hopeful gazes upon Sandy MacDonald, MA.

He refilled his glass with more gin.

He had never been given to jealousy – had been the one over whom, at times, there had been jealous poutings and occasional quarrels. Well, now he was paid out for the times he had perhaps encouraged such feelings in Loppie…

Could not imagine making jealous scenes at Sandy –

Should not sit here drinking like this – must get up and go to a nearby chop-house to dine – certainly coming about that hour –

There was the sound of a latchkey being turned in the lock. Of hat and stick being laid upon the stand.

Came in the dearest sight to Maurice’s eyes, one tall well-set-up red-headed Scotsman, austere features already breaking into a transforming smile.

Your relatives, said Sandy, informed me that you came to Town for a day or two or three upon business, and Euphemia insisted upon making me up a pique-nique to bring –

Entirely her way, said Maurice, will suppose I go starve myself. He rose to his feet and went over to embrace his lover, feeling somewhat tearful. How, he said, his voice muffled against Sandy’s chest, was Wallesfern?

O, Hannah became quite the greatest success – was about examining the library there and Bobbie Wallace, that is his mother’s son, was very ardent that she should join the convocations, that she was persuaded to do, and impressed all mightily, though I fancy most take her as a wonder of nature rather than as an example of the capacities of the female sex – He sighed. Sallington desired me to convey you his regards –

That was very civil of him.

– some excellent discussion and walking, but sure some of 'em are very young.

Maurice looked up and said, sure he failed in hospitality and not offered aught to drink, there was port, or he had happened to come by what he was informed was very good whisky –

Sandy smiled down at him, and oh, why had he fretted?