Two weddings and several revelations (24)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

Still a deal of interest and entertainment in the world (2)

At length Seraphine was soothed into some semblance of calmness, was persuaded to have a few words with Sandy about the matter, and eventually despatched in Clorinda’s carriage back to Raxdell House.

Clorinda yawned and stretched. And thought with relief that today was not a day on which she was expected to be at home to callers, and that she need not herself go about making calls, but could stay at home by the fireside in her parlour and scribble upon the tale she at present had upon hand. There was the wife of an invalid India merchant that had got with child by their Hindoo butler; and the child appearing very dark, had given it out as the offspring of her ayah -

Hector came in to say that Lady Sarah Channery was at the door, was Her Ladyship at home?

Clorinda almost growled, then sighed, blotted the page she was writing, just as the son that the merchant had had in youth with his bibi in Calcutta had arrived at the household door, and concealed the evidence of her endeavours in the desk drawer. I am, she said. Show her in and go desire tea of Euphemia.

She went to sit in the armchair beside the fire as if she had been idly beguiling the time, as Lady Sarah came in, a becoming colour in her cheeks and a most unusual smile upon her lips.

Oh, Lady Bexbury! she cried. I am just come from seeing Dr Ferraby, and what do you think? I am with child! I had no supposition!

Clorinda blinked. Why, Lady Sarah, how charming! Do sit down here by the fire.

Tea came most expeditious and Clorinda poured as Lady Sarah babbled of how she had longed for a child – had never come to her –

Clorinda took some suspicion that Lady Sarah did not have a full apprehension of how the matter was brought about: a little gentle indirect questioning led her to believe that this was indeed so, but that, happily, Sir Stockwell had been persuaded to undertake his conjugal duties and therefore there was a likelihood that the offspring would bear a proper resemblance. (Though would doubtless be a deal handsomer was it begot by Geoff Merrett, for all that family were exceeding well-looking.)

I know, said Lady Sarah, that Lady Trembourne said that I was fortunate and that 'twas an entire disaster to one’s figure and children were tiresome creatures, but o, I did so wish, but it never happened – and sure 'tis a great way off yet, but o, will you stand godmother?

Why, should be entire honoured.

You and the late Marquess never - ?

Alas, no: we were married so short a time, and he was so badly afflicted by the mala aria, that is give out very deleterious to begetting. Clorinda dabbed at her eyes with a lacy handkerchief.

Lady Sarah leaned over and patted her hand. I did not mean to rouse sad memories, she said.

Clorinda gave her a wistful smile and said, but do not let me spoil your happy news. Do you perchance go into the country?

Not immediately, said Lady Sarah, and Clorinda recollected that Sir Stockwell’s estate was in Yorkshire. One might well wish for the season to be further advanced before going there. But in due course – 'tis a deal more healthful.

After more happy prattling Lady Sarah took her leave.

Clorinda closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair.

The door opened and there was a sound of throat-clearing. She opened her eyes. Sandy! she said. Let us rejoice that Sir Stockwell has come up to scratch, has gone in unto his wife and known her, and her plenteous womb expresseth his full tilth and husbandry. Lady Sarah is entire ecstatic.

Sandy came to perch upon the arm of her easy chair and took her hand. Dear Clorinda, you sound not ecstatic yourself.

Why, I am pleased that matters have come about thus – but sure, I cannot but recollect how I was used to advize young and even less young women in such case to go talk to my dearest Eliza, that was such a fount of understanding of matters of maternity. But my dear, do not pull that concerned face, I do not go be a tragedy queen – but I will sometimes be saddened at the thought of my losses –

'Tis indeed the like with me.

She squeezed his hand.

And sure, dear silly creature of the greatest wisdom, with one thing or another 'tis exceeding seldom that we are able to convoke of an e’en over port and madeira –

La, 'tis the Season, I am invited about a very great deal and would not seem incivil and haughty by refusing –

- but indeed I miss our convocations. There are ever matters I should wish open to your understanding – 'tis all very well being cried up as one that will discreetly investigate troublesome problems but I doubt those who do so have any apprehension of how much my deductions owe to talking matters over with you.

Oh, poo, my dear, you go endeavour rally my feelings for fear I become melancholic –

Not in the least. But, dearest sibyl, I have lately come to an apprehension – and I daresay you will smile when I tell it – that when one, as 'twere, comes to know another person by way of carnal intimacies, one also comes to new kinds of self-knowledge –

O, indeed 'tis so! cried Clorinda, tears springing to her eyes. I am a foolish uneducated creature, but I find that there are selves that we manifest for very particular people. And I do not only mourn my darlings, I mourn their Clorinda, the Clorinda that I was with them, that I will not be again – Do I entirely rave quite incoherent? She dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief.

Sandy shifted to put an arm around her shoulders. 'Tis a fine thought, he said.

At this moment Hector entered. A note for Mr MacDonald from Raxdell House, he said, the footman waits for a reply, and there is also a note just come for Your Ladyship, but if a reply is required William may go with it.

Sandy stood up and they opened the notes.

As I anticipated, said Sandy, 'tis from Julius, would desire to come talk over this business with me – may I write a reply at your desk?

O, indeed, my dear, said Clorinda, waving a hand as she read her own note.

The matter dispatched, and Hector gone to convey the note to the footman, she began to giggle.

So, dear sibyl, what is ado?

O, she gasped, 'tis from Sir Vernon, that has a mind to re-open diplomatic negotiations and offers that I might care to dine with him tomorrow e’en afore the Mallescends’ ball.

And shall you concede?

Why, unless he goes produce a special licence and a suborned parson to marry us upon the spot, sure 'tis most exceeding unlikely when one thinks of Sir Vernon, that epitome of diplomatic caution, I daresay I may venture dine with him and mayhap commence upon agreeing the terms of a treaty. For indeed he is an agreeable fellow, and it serves me well to have a publicly acknowledged suitor, so that the generality may say, sure Lady Bexbury leads him a merry dance, I daresay she may not wish to resign the title of Marchioness -

Sandy looked at her. It also comes to me, he said, that there may be some delicate diplomatic matter in which Sir Vernon finds he would be most obliged for the cunning contrivances of the fascinating Lady Bexbury.

Fie, you may have the right of it! Sure I am chagrined that I supposed 'twas that he could no longer survive without the enjoyment of my favours.

I daresay that is also on his mind!

They looked at one another with great affection.

Why, said Clorinda, I should not pine, there is still a deal of interest and entertainment in the world.

Comments

[kore]

O, indeed ‘tis so! cried Clorinda, tears springing to her eyes. I am a foolish uneducated creature, but I find that there are selves that we manifest for very particular people. And I do not only mourn my darlings, I mourn their Clorinda, the Clorinda that I was with them, that I will not be again – Do I entirely rave quite incoherent? She dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief.
Sandy shifted to put an arm around her shoulders. ‘Tis a fine thought, he said.


//sobs quietly

[eeyorerin]

That one got me right in the feelings.

[violsva]

Oh, poor C-.

[rymenhild]

I'm glad she has Sandy to hug her. But poor Clorinda.

[nenya_kanadka]

Waaaaagghhhh. ;_;

So beautifully observed, but MY HEART!

❤❤❤

[davidgillon]

Clorinda took some suspicion that Lady Sarah did not have a full apprehension of how the matter was brought about

D'oh!

I mourn their Clorinda, the Clorinda that I was with them, that I will not be again

This! So well observed.