Challenges (10)

Positively cossetted

Geraldine, Marchioness of Saythingport, sighed a little to see the fog that drifted about Town – 'twas not as bad as might be – one could see t’other side of the street! – but 'twas unlike the fine healthy airs of Harrogate. But here she was, entirely improved in health, two daughters but lately married and desirous that she might come reside with 'em in Town, and that had been a tempting prospect.

For she wished to see how they got on – dearest Myo with this very sudden unexpected elevation to the rank of Countess upon the death of her father-in-law in somewhat sordid circumstance – and Cretia to Mr Grigson, that might not boast antient rank, but was very, very, wealthy.

She had deliberated upon which to go stay with, and while she was, she must confess, fonder of Myo, from those years quite cooped up together at Roughton Arching, her husband not having wished to be at the expense of giving a lame daughter a Season, while sending Cretia to be introduced into Society by her elder sister, Marina, Lady Iffling. But here was Myo, very romantically wed to Jimsie Ketterwell, as had been, that had come call during a visit to his neighbouring estate of Worblewood. Had invited 'em both to come stay at Trembourne House so that they might visit the Great Exhibition: and la, it had very soon been wedding bells!

But there was Myo, with quite the most amiable and sensible of sisters-in-law, Grissie – Griselda, Lady Undersedge – and indeed, all that agreeable family of Jimsie’s about her. Geraldine felt that perchance Cretia was more in need of a mother’s companionship just at present –

And sure, she had a certain desire to see this fine Belgravia mansion that Mr Grigson had took!

Indeed, this was a very fine up and coming part – impressive mansions around a square of green – and the carriage drew up outside one of the largest.

A footman most exceeding prompt to help her down – another one asking Petterson about the disposition of the luggage –

Into the brightness and warmth of the hall, and Cretia all smiles coming to greet her, and kiss her. O, Mama, 'tis wonderful to see you! and looking so well!

Her outer garments were whisked away, and Cretia took her upstairs to her bedchamber and dressing-room.

You must say is there anything not to your taste – or anything that you require –

Why, this is all quite magnificent! A great contrast to the somewhat shabby splendours of Roughton Arching, she thought.

Petterson entered with a very gratified expression, saying there was ample hot water brought –

Cretia smiled and said would let Mama recover herself a little from the journey. There would be tea in the Primrose parlour.

In due course Geraldine found her way to the Primrose parlour, guided by one of the very civil and competent footmen, and found Cretia sitting there, reading a book. That was a new thing! She jumped, closed it, and put it down upon the low table, before ringing for tea.

Geraldine went to kiss her daughter and scrutinize her – Cretia grinned, and shook her head. No signs as yet, she said, but law, have been married but a few months.

Quite so! Geraldine plumped down beside her upon the sopha and looked about the room. Everything handsome about you, she remarked.

Very much so.

Came in tea and two well-provided cake-stands.

What excellent cakes, Geraldine commented a little while later, I am tempted to be exceedingly greedy.

O, Mrs Miriam is a paragon of the kitchen! – the daughter of the famed Seraphine – we are exceptional fortunate to have her.

Geraldine wondered when she had ever seen Cretia so cheerful – even before she had gone to live with Rina she had been inclined to mope and pout and even whine, and living with Rina would try anyone’s equanimity – one did not wonder that Iffling kept a mistress.

Cretia even asked about how Lady Demington did – her friends were ever asking after her, Cretia quite longed to meet her – and they fell into agreeable exchange of news about their various acquaintance, until such time as Mr Grigson came in.

Made a most courtly bow to his mother-in-law, with civil enquiries about her health and how her journey had been, hoped her accommodations seemed satisfactory? – and had also minded that she might care for a sitting-room of her own, where she might receive her own friends. Thought that the Lilac parlour might suit.

That was kind indeed! for besides any matter of entertaining one’s own friends – that she was not sure she had very many of, having been so little in Town for so many years – did not wish to put any constraint upon Cretia and her own callers of the younger set.

Mr Grigson offered her his arm to escort her along the corridor to show her the parlour he proposed – entirely charming – a view over the square – furniture in quite the best of taste – an escritoire where she might be about correspondence –

That when she went to look at it was already well-supplied with all one might desire in the way of writing paper, envelopes, pens, ink, blotting-paper, sealing-wax, wafers, even postage stamps.

Cretia smiled and said, had deputed Miss Jupp to see to that, and of course had been accomplished entire admirably.

Miss Jupp?

Mr Grigson’s somewhat saturnine face broke into a grin. Oh, the most useful young woman – was recommended to us to put the library in order by Lady Bexbury –

Geraldine minded that there had been some mention of that in Cretia’s letters.

–  now acts Lady Lucretia’s secretary as well – but really, is quite the entire factotum.

Sure I do not know how I would manage this drawing-room meeting without her aid! sighed Cretia. And keeps my calendar for me, so that I always know where I am supposed to be and when.

What a daunting creature she sounded!

But really, Geraldine’s reception here could not have been warmer or more thoughtful. When she finally went – rather early – to bed, Petterson was all praise for the civility and competence of the household – Lady Lucretia’s woman Grainger very friendly and helpful –

So she fancied she would be comfortable!

The very next day, however, she thought it would be proper to go and call at Trembourne House – make somewhat belated condolences in person to the bereaved Upwestons – and see darling Myo.

She found that, while she had expected that Mr Grigson would already have departed for the City by the time she breakfasted, Cretia too was already out – a fitting at Mamzelle Bridgette’s.

Geraldine swallowed, and thought she had better go consult with the efficient Miss Jupp to find out what Cretia’s further appointments might be and when she was like to return, whether callers were expected &C –

She went into the library to discover a young woman – scarcely more than a girl – with tightly-curling black hair and brown skin, though features of an English cast – pasting book-plates into a pile of volumes. She stood up and made a polished curtsey. Lady Saythingport? Victoria Jupp, at your service.

Geraldine explained her mission.

Had the information entirely to hand – Lady Lucretia has a meeting with Lady Bexbury and certain other ladies of the Helena Fund concerning this forthcoming drawing-room meeting the afternoon –

Geraldine said excellent well, and mentioned her own purpose – Miss Jupp nodded, and said that the carriage was entirely at Lady Saythingport’s disposal to take her there, but would suppose that the household there would be about sending her back in one of their own equipages. And while they were talking of matters to do with conveyance, she had been desired to put in hand the business of finding some suitable mount for Your Ladyship –

Geraldine quite gasped. That was above and beyond thoughtful.

– and this very morn The Lady, that is, Mrs Penkarding, mentioned to me that she has found just the thing, that she has at present in Lady Bexbury’s stables, and you are welcome to come try her paces.

So she set off to Trembourne House – a fine box of coals in the carriage against the chill – feeling positively cossetted. Why, she might go ride in the Row with Cretia, that would be most agreeable.

The hatchment for the late Earl was still casting somewhat of a pall over Trembourne House, but inside there did not seem any great air of gloom.

She was shown into a pretty family parlour, where what might have been a charming tableau of Grissie and her children, Nora at her lace-making, &C, was somewhat in disorder.

Geraldine put a hand to her heart. There was Myo, lying upon the sopha – Jimsie chafing her hands – Nora offering a glass of water –

Grissie Undersedge turned from consigning her offspring to their nurse’s care, and gave Geraldine a reassuring smile. Lady Saythingport! Sure you come upon a most dramatique scene, but I am very like to think it portends quite the happiest news. But of course nothing would satisfy Greg but going quite at once, himself, to fetch Dr Ferraby –

Myo opened her eyes. Mama! Sure I felt a little foolishly faint and dizzy and fell back upon the sopha when I went to rise –

Geraldine exchanged glances with Grissie and nodded. Indeed one was like to think that this was no cause for agitation – though, la, one heard young husbands were like to get into frets in the matter, not a practice she had observed in her own lord – and indeed, apart from Myo’s slight pallor, Jimsie seemed in almost worse case.

One could not, perchance, proceed to a womanly interrogation about further symptoms while Jimsie was there, or, indeed, Nora – and his concern was a very praiseworthy thing.

Myo struggled to sit up and was exhorted to lie still and keep quiet.

Grissie said firmly that that would be quite the best thing, and meanwhile, she would ring for tea for Lady Saythingport, or mayhap coffee might come more grateful?

So there was coffee, and little buns, and an exchange of news and gossip, while Jimsie continued to stroke Myo’s hands.

In due course arrived Greg with Dr Ferraby, that desired that they would leave him with the patient, though sure Lady Trembourne was looking very well for one that had lately been in a faint.

So they went into the China parlour, and Geraldine minded to ask after the Dowager Countess.

Grissie sighed and says, writes that she is quite well – her letters do not say a great deal.

Quite shortly Dr Ferraby emerged, beaming. Sure, he said, 'tis very early days, but I am like to think that the auguries indicate that she goes about to increase –

Jimsie made a strangled sound and they were in some concern lest he too fainted.