Unhistoric Acts (33)

Most particular fortunate

Here was Society trickling back into Town, and here it was exceedingly prudent for a crack modiste with the anticipation of some several weddings to fit out to return somewhat earlier than his previous plan from Worthing, so that he might be beforehand in going about warehouses and getting orders put upon hand in advance. For one did not wish a last-minute rush, and perchance matters of extra charges for the trouble. Speak to the seamstresses that were still diligently stitching away on garments to cloth poor orphans, confiding to 'em that there should be plenty of work upon hand very shortly, in case they were minded to go take up places elsewhere.

Told Coggin to take a good rest at Weymouth, for, la, we shall be in a bustle this autumn, such a clamour of wedding bells!

Wrote to 'Sina to be about her sketchbook, for would be quite the primest opportunity to show off their wares.

Most gratifying, thought Maurice, dusting his hands together and locking the door of his workroom. Now, for a brief visit to the club, to see what was ado there, now fellows were returning from their country pursuits.

Company was still a little thin – but there were the love-birds Merrett and Asterley, in some kind of argument –

Geoff Merrett lifted a hand to beckon Maurice over. He took the glass of gin a footman was proffering, and ambled towards them, raising his eyebrows.

Allard, did not T – your Miss Jupp, attend the Miss Barnards’ school, near Hitchin? – Maurice nodded – here is Asterley, has the opportunity to send his young ward there, but takes a concern that she would be subjected to snubbing and standing upon rank &C.

I can see that it might be an excellent thing for her education, said Asterley, and in principle to mingle with young girls of her own age, but –

Maurice sat down in an adjacent chair and took a sip of gin. Why, young 'Sina – Miss Jupp – will entirely praise the place – both for the education she acquired there and the friendships she made – most particular, he nodded to Geoff Merrett, the lady that is now Mrs Merrett, but others, that are most useful connexions –

Indeed they were. One or two were annoying encroachers that expected concessions over bills because they had known 'Sina at school, but others took the very wise line that the acquaintance obtained 'em an entrée that many strove in vain to obtain.

While there are young ladies of high birth at the school, went on Geoff, it is by no means exclusive: the Miss Barnards as it were polish the daughters of industrialists and businessmen – and professional men – while giving them a sound intellectual training. There is even a scheme of scholarships for deserving daughters of penurious fathers –

As it might be, prolific clergymen, murmured Maurice. Or for young ladies that have particular talents – Mrs Knowles has founded a couple for those gifted in music.

Asterley was looking reassured. It would certainly fall convenient, he said. Here is Sybil’s maid Agate – was obliged to return to her family where her sister lay in and her mother had broke her leg – fears it would go hard with them to dispense with her services just yet –

Oh Lord, groaned Geoff sotto voce, here comes Sir Stockwell.

The Club Secretary was looking in very cheerful case, most unlike his usual dour wont. Had just returned from the family estate in Yorkshire, he explained – how thriving was his son and heir! A very forward infant – sits up and takes notice –

He added that motherhood entirely agreed with his lady wife, an entire changed woman – one wondered if that was a shaft aimed at Geoff Merrett, that had been wont to console her for her husband’s neglect in the discreet chamber at Mamzelle Bridgette’s –

Asterley perchance did not know this history – Maurice doubted that Geoffrey had revealed all those tales – and commenced upon his theories as to the benefits of maternity for women. Sighed that had treated certain ladies at Malvern that he fancied would be better prescribed babies was that permissible to their state.

Maurice, that was in the privileged position of being closeted with a deal of ladies as 'twere backstage and with their stays unloosened, was somewhat more cynical – had heard a deal of complaints as to the deleterious effects of bearing upon the figure, the trials that children were, &C, but kept silence.

Indeed, said Sir Stockwell, am minded to provide her with another pledge.

Asterley then mentioned that 'twas advizable to leave some period of recuperation for the vital forces – very deleterious to bear children too close together –

Terence Offerton, that had wandered over to join the conversation, declared that 'twas entire the same case with mares and he entire reprehended the practice that some fellows were in, of putting one’s fine breeding stock to the stallion too soon. Followed with certain anecdotes of an equine nature.

Sir Stockwell said, would keep that sound precaution in mind. Looked somewhat speculative at Geoff Merrett, and one supposed that there were those went scrutinize Janey Merrett to see whether she went increase.

But his attention was distracted from this extraordinary discourse upon obstetrics by the arrival of one he had not quite dared to expect – pausing in the doorway to polish his spectacles upon a clean handkerchief – accepting a glass of whisky from an attentive footman – halting to have a word with Mysell-Monting that came up to him somewhat limping – One must suppose that Mysell-Monting but lately came from a satisfactory encounter with one that understood his requirements.

Dear Sandy – had not ventured to hope – but here he was, looking exceeding well – conveying some messages to Geoff Merrett from his parents-in-law for Janey – so! had been in Hampshire, doubtless discoursing upon classics with Lady Jane, a strange but very long-standing friendship.

Geoff groaned a little, and said, dared say the burning news of the hour had not yet reached 'em –

All looked at him, wondering what news he spoke of –

O, he said, 'tis family gossip and troubles – only lately heard myself when Janey had a letter from m’niece Rachel desiring her to stand Matron of Honour at her wedding.

This was all quite stale news to Maurice, but there was a deal of exclaiming.

As they eventually took their departure, Sandy enquired whether Maurice should mind did they repair to his quarters at Clorinda’s rather than Maurice’s apartments –

Not in the least – matters these days had come about to the point where each kept a change of clothes at the other’s residence – is there some particular reason?

I have promised to accompany Clorinda to wave off the Ollifaunts and their party on the clipper the morn – He waved down a cab and gave the direction.

All the actors herded on board?

Sandy gave a half-amuzed half-annoyed snort. Sure they gave a deal more trouble than the fine rams that Tom Ollifaunt takes to improve the Thornes’ flocks, that I apprehend boarded positively docile. But alas, no-one has yet bred a kind of dog that will herd actors and keep 'em in order. But yes, they are all ready to depart – including Orlando Richardson.

Maurice heaved a relieved sigh. Can he sail from these shores afore one brings a crim. con. action, or without having been done an injury in a dark alley on behalf of a vengeful husband, we may be happy. Wretched careless fellow, though a fine actor. He cleared his throat. Am also like to feel some relief that young Mr Thorne is departing for the antipodes once more – Bert informed me that Miss Emma showed signs of coming into romantic notions towards him –

Let us hope, said Sandy, that she does not imitate that young lady in one of A Lady Anonyma’s tales and stowaway upon the vessel, not to be discovered until they are well out to sea.

Maurice put a hand across his eyes and groaned. Let us pray that she has not read that one.

Here they were at the pretty Mayfair house – entered at the back door of the Library wing – up the stairs to the bedchamber –

Maurice put his arms around Sandy, and considered how glad he was that they were in a situation where their encounters did not have to be confined to the club, comfortable and well-appointed though it might be. They were lucky. This household, that had seen a deal of things over the years and knew the value of discretion. His own apartments, with neighbours that did not pry but maintained a cool civility did one meet on the stairs or in the front doorway. For fellows that habitually committed somewhat deemed a capital crime, even did the penalty mostly come to imprisonment or transportation these days, they were most particular fortunate.