Aftermath (9)

Somebody had to keep a hand upon affairs

It was a very strange thing, Grissie thought, but recently – these past few years – mayhap 'twas since she had become a married woman – somehow there had come about an easier relation 'twixt herself and her mother. Sure Lady Trembourne had never been a maternal figure: had been very glad to leave her children in the care of their doating grandparents or with their aunt and uncle Pockinford.

But then there had come the matter of her parents’ disgrace over the slander of Lady Bexbury, even did her father publish apologies in the Press afore there was any matter of coming to court; and their going abroad to hide their shame while her father quacked himself at Continental spaws. They had had to flee back to England when revolution had broke out, and even then, her mother had seemed – different.

Had been unwonted – almost affectionate – when Grissie had revealed that Greg was paying his addresses. Of course, was a very fine match – eldest son of the Earl of Nuttenford, even was there somewhat in the way of antient bad blood 'twixt Mama and the Countess – Grissie quite adored her mother-in-law, so very different from her own mother –

But there had grown up something more mother-daughterly, so that when her parents resumed their life abroad, a correspondence commenced. Was perchance not quite the like of what one might have supposed – more like having an older woman friend – but was agreeable to write of their setting up to reside in Trembourne House, and bringing out Nora, and to read her mother’s surprisingly amuzing tales of the life she saw in spaws –

And here was Mama in Prague on their way to Carlsbad, had sent some beautiful Bohemian amber necklaces to Grissie and Nora, Grissie was almost in tears. Quite the kindest thing. Of course, they had all the Trembourne heirlooms, that were somewhat old-fashioned in style, and her mother-in-law was ever pressing upon her pieces from the Nuttenford inheritance, but it was pleasing to feel that one had somewhat of one’s own, that did not come with the weight of generations upon it, and that was not to be held in trust for generations yet to come.

Grissie looked down at the ledgers and documents upon the desk and sighed. Somebody had to keep a hand upon the affairs of the Trembourne estates, and surely 'twas time Jimsie took some thought to doing so? After all, she had no enduring interest in 'em, in particular now she was married and like in due course – though supposed very far in the future, her father-in-law being in extremely hale condition – to be Countess of Nuttenford.

Would that Jimsie would look about and take unto himself a wife, preferably one that had been trained up with the prospect of managing the estates she would marry into. But showed no likelihood of so doing. Or even would he emulate cousin Artie and start taking a serious interest in agricultural matters. But had Jimsie ceased his course of what she had feared was reckless debauchery – out until all hours, rising late, they seldom saw him at all – it was only to mope about Trembourne House and take but a very desultory interest in the social round.

She put by her mother’s letter with a smile, and, growing serious, took up the letter from the steward at Worblewood. Had had a most excellent tenant, a quiet fellow with gout that was not about leading a wild life but pursuing mild antiquarian studies, but the gout had finally took him off. Now they would have to look about for another –

She pursed her lips. Were affairs in such a state that they might hold off on letting it a while, and offer to Jimsie that he might go hold parties there over the summer for his set? would that cheer him up, perchance? Had a notion that the shooting was acceptable – there was a fine trout-stream – a bowling green –

Greg entered and came over and kissed her. She opened her thoughts to him.

Does it stop him moping around as if had lately received gravest news from his physician – though indeed I wonder should one encourage him to go consult Ferraby – could do no harm, surely – fresh air and healthful exercize – my only qualm is that the great house in the vicinity is Roughton Arching –

Grissie wrinkled her nose and said, was that not entirely under the hand of Lady Saythingport, that very seldom came to Town? Not as though Lord Saythingport held routs there, kept his business with opera-dancers &C in Town.

Greg remarked disapprovingly that that sort of thing might have done when Her Majesty’s wicked uncles were on the throne, but times had changed.

Well, I will open the thought to Jimsie – but, my dear, the most charming thing! An invitation to dine with Lady Bexbury!

Greg’s rather severe expression softened into a broad smile, and he said, Delightful! one may quite anticipate excellent company to match the fine table that is ever set there. We must certainly accept. But what I came into to tell you was, that m’father has some fellows come down from our mining district, and would wish me to be present at their discussions, so I am bound to Nuttenford House

Very proper, agreed Grissie. Convey him my warmest respects, and likewise to your mother do you see her, though I daresay she may be out, with Leah such a butterfly.

As he departed, she sighed a little that Nora did not seem to have the same circle of other maidens upon the Season that were ever about making expeditions en masse in a giggling throng to go shopping – visit places of interest – walk in the parks – &C – No, Nora and Thea tended to cling together – mayhap one should ask Leah to invite 'em – was as important – perhance even more so! – to make connexions with other ladies as to display upon the Marriage Market –

Well, she would go take Nora this lovely necklace from their mother, and see what was ado with her.

She found Nora in her favourite refuge, that had been Grandame’s lace-making chamber, with excellent light for her task. Her lace-pillow, with the piece she had been working on when she died, was still kept there, along with a collection of bobbins.

Nora was. though not venturing to use those hallowed articles, herself about the business of making lace, that they had both learnt at Grandame’s knee, but only Nora had persisted with.

Why, you are industrious!

Nora looked up, blinking, and said, was for this Fancy Bazaar, for the benefit of the optical dispensaries –

Very creditable! - indeed, it was gratifying to learn that Nora was taking some active part in that enterprize –

 – but look, Nora, what Mama has sent you from Prague!

Mama?

Indeed, said Grissie, holding it out to her sister, she writes that there is a deal of very fine amber to be found there, and of course Bohemia is noted for its craftsmen.

Oh, sighed Nora, taking the necklace, it is beautiful. I hope Thea is not jealous.

Did I not see that it has been entire conceded by her parents that there can be nothing improper in her wearing that exceedingly fine pearl set? The most suitable thing in the world.

Nora smiled and said, Lady Bexbury told Thea’s mama that pearls should be worn, 'tis most beneficial to 'em, 'tis harmful to lock 'em up out of sight.

She then sighed and said, wished that Leo – Mr Harper – had not had to go to Sweden – O, Grissie, do not look thus! I am not pining but he was like a good brother should be – would make sure Thea and I were not wallflowers, was thoughtful and companionable – we do miss him.

Grissie sighed inwardly at the implicit criticism of Jimsie, that should have been performing the like offices for Nora.

Well, she said, I will leave you to your lace – comes on very pretty – have business to be about –

O, Grissie, cried Nora, jumping up and kissing her, sure you are troubled with many things!

Grissie smiled at her and said, better that than to be one of those idle ladies consumed with boredom.

As she passed by the door to the library, it opened, and Jimsie emerged, much to her surprize since she had never known him to visit that fine part of Trembourne House. He blushed a little, and mumbled that was just looking at the latest Oracle, Steenie Beaufoyle had a poem published in it under a pen-name.

Grissie blinked, and desired him to show it to her. They went into the library, where various newspapers and magazines were laid higgeldy-piggeldy upon the table, and Jimsie opened The Oracle at the page in question.

Really, one would not have supposed it of Steenie Beaufoyle! One had been used to imagine Gillie the studious one, until he became so exceedingly wild and was sent abroad. But really, was quite the like of a real poem.

Jimsie sighed and said, was a great pity Harper was gone away – had encouraged Steenie to the risque of sending it to the editor – would be very pleased to see it. Sure one missed the fellow.

He had certainly made himself a general favourite, thought Grissie. Well, one could not imagine that any protégé of Clorinda Bexbury’s would be some provincial hobbledehoy or Tony Lumpkin, had been a very proper-mannered young man.

Steenie will have it, Jimsie went on, that Leo discovered some dark secret concerning Rathe’s enterprize and for his own safety was obliged to flee the country – but one hears Rathe has expired following a falling out 'twixt thieves –

Mountfort James Ludovic Upweston! That is quite the tale for the penny parts and mayhap Lord Stephen should try his hand at those as well as verse! But now I see you, minds me I had a plan to open to you concerning Worblewood –