Two weddings and several revelations (9)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

Conversations at breakfast tables (3) Lady Bexbury's pretty little house

Matt Johnson looked across the table to what, still, was a vision of loveliness sitting opposite him. A fellow that had been in his position knew that it was dangerous to be known too close to any woman, whether in marriage or not: she might be beguiled into revealing matters better concealed, or threats made against her to influence him. But no-one would imagine, no-one would even suspect, a former Bow Street Runner was an accepted favourite, had been these many years, of the exquisite Lady Bexbury.

He still sometimes hardly believed it. As a younger man, he had dreamed of solving some crime and receiving a great reward and daring a suit towards Madame Clorinda Cathcart, that all knew was not moved exclusively by gold: would pick and choose as she willed.

Dear Matt, said Clorinda, you look exceeding thoughtful the morn; do you have some heavy matter upon hand?

He sighed and said, all matters were heavy to the ones they concerned –

Indeed you are right!

- but I mind that you asked me to see might I find out anything concerning this interrogation of Mrs Roberts over the birth of Julius.

'Tis a most perturbing matter, for sure it gave us a deal of trouble that you must recollect, for 'twas how we came about to be acquainted, over that wicked business of endeavouring a kidnapping of Julius when was scarcely more than a babe. But now is a grown man and a fine fellow of his inches and an exceeding reputation in matters of horticulture and botany, I cannot fathom the matter at all.

Well, I have been about seeing who 'tis goes about these enquiries, and I find 'tis Dellamere, that runs a most exceeding reputable enterprize, undertakes work for a deal of lawyers and such, nothing in the least improper in his dealings, have sometimes put work his way myself, and did you have any matter you required looking into and was I not at liberty to undertake it, would entire recommend him. But for that very reason, is very close and discreet.

Clorinda sighed. Am in a little concern will approach Julius, that has ever supposed himself Elisha Roberts’ own son. Sure I think Seraphine should have told him somewhat of the tale, but I am like to think she wished to put it all behind her, especially was she marrying such an excellent fellow as Elisha Roberts, that entire doated upon the boy.

One could see that. But must be known in the family?

I daresay, though I know not how widely among their connexion apart from those that were in my household at the time.

She sipped her coffee, buttered a muffin, deliberated 'twixt blackberry jam and quince marmalade.

Matt put down his knife and fork. Was another matter upon my mind –

Hmmmmm? Clorinda raised her eyebrows.

Mat cleared his throat. I apprehend he is part of Hector’s extensive family connexion, he began, but did not used to be seen around here so often – Clorinda lifted her eyebrows a little further – Maurice Allard –

Clorinda wore one of her demure smiles that meant she was keeping a secret, but one that was not my own to disclose. Why, she said at length, he has money invested in Sam’s stables, and I am in some notion that he is also putting somewhat in to this new business of Timothy’s to expand the tavern –

Only, Matt went on, in his younger days he was known to associate with a very bad set and I am in some concern he has not entirely cut ties -

Say you so! Must we go fear he scouts out the place with a mind to robbery?

He looked at the quivering of the lips that she seemed unable to suppress. He sighed and said, he would not go interrogate, and he dared say she knew her business, and there was no harm in the matter, and did he think further on the matter he confided that he would not be about plotting criminal enterprizes where 'twould affect so many that were his relatives –

The door opened and MacDonald came in.

How now, my dear, cried Clorinda, have you breakfasted? Will you take some coffee? Mr Johnson has just apprized me that the fellow that goes poke about in Seraphine’s history is exceeding well-reputed, naught to do with scandal-monging or extortion.

I am glad to hear it, said MacDonald, sitting down, – indeed some good coffee would be exceeding grateful – for the notion had been put into my head that maybe one went about to create some antient scandal about you –

How so? – O, I come at the thought! That mayhap I had been diverting myself with Hector, or perchance even Titus, and gone borne a child that was too dark to be passed off upon any of my patrons, so prevailed upon Seraphine – why, 'tis a fine notion for a tale but very astray from the truth of the matter.

But we are still at stand as to what it all might import, said MacDonald, taking the coffee she handed him.

Matt grunted. I will go consider upon whether there is any means by which I might persuade Dellamere to disclose what he is about. I wonder, he went on, whether 'tis supposed that Mr Roberts was the father, and only married her in arrears - but why should any care?

Clorinda pulled a face. I might ask Dorcas are there any spites and rivalries among their chapel connexion, and those that would like to cry hypocrite! upon him, most exceeding unchristian.

They all looked around at one another. It all seemed quite entire unlikely.

If these two exceeding clever minds could make naught of it, Matt had no notion whether he could, without he had Dellamere tell the all.

Comments

[catlinyemaker]

I just wanted to say thank you very much for the continuing adventures of Lady Bexbury and her set. When I read my morning webpages, I set these entries aside to savor last after catching up on the news of the day.

[aedifica]

Yes, thank you!

[rymenhild]

I read them first, as a way to get my day started with maximum felicity.

[nineveh_uk]

Me too!

[nenya_kanadka]

I save them to read at just the right moment when I need something special, and they always deliver. :D I love this expanded universe with bits and pieces from non-Clorinda POV too...it's so neat.