The Ironmaster's Tale (28)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

She went about most expeditious to hold a soirée. Sure, we shall miss Sir Barton, but needs must, alas.

Indeed it was a convivial group that was remet in her fine reception room the e’en. Josiah was in some converse with Boxtell, that was expatiating upon the merits of his dear Miss McKeown, that he had set up in a very fine establishment, and that at present was looking through her music with Miss Lewis by the piano. Hacker and the General were already at cards with Abby Gowing, that sure gave no look of wearing the willow for Sir Barton. Little Miss Rabbit – Miss Addington – it seemed had quite entire become part of their circle, and was currently being, he suspected, pumped for theatrical gossip by Miss Daniels.

Hector showed in Sir Zoffany – sure he must remember to congratulate him – with Evenden, and a gentleman wearing clerical bands that Josiah did not know. Madame Clorinda went to greet them and introductions were made – the clergyman was one Reverend Mr Thorne, and there was mention of a sketching party Sir Zoffany and some of his artist set lately made to his vicarage, with enquiries as to the health of the wombatt.

Evenden came towards Josiah, very eager to invite him to come see his laboratory, as Madame Clorinda, that doubtless had an intention to introduce Mr Thorne around the assembled company, found herself detained by Sir Zoffany laying a hand upon her arm and desiring some converse. Thorne, that had already been looking rather more longing at the card table than was entirely befitting his cloth, went sit down there most immediate. Miss Gowing began to deal a new game, the bracelet upon her wrist flashing in the candlelight as she did so.

And then came that amiable if tedious fellow Nixon, that kissed Madame Clorinda’s hand most effusive – Josiah observed that this hand-kissing had become the fashion among their set of late – and was now, he had every suspicion, about making long-winded compliments. Smiling with the entirest amiability, Madame Clorinda conveyed him well into the room, motioned to Hector to put a glass of wine into his hand, and went make an introduction to Hattie Daniels.

Josiah and Evenden had moved by now towards the supper table, that Evenden was already sampling with great gusto while continuing to talk of this and that. Excellent fellow, Thorne – Fellow of the Royal Society – studies upon mathematics, an entire virtuoso – a very snug living in Essex, that is in the family, but also had an uncle in the Hon Company service at Bombay, left him an exceeding tidy sum. Takes a passionate interest in natural history: his vicarage has a fine garden where he endeavours grow certain antipodean plants, has several birds from those parts, and a fine young wombatt. Was in hopes of a platypus – sure one would wish to see that curious creature! – but it died on the voyage. Was I in his place, would be very inclined to put in a curate and devote myself to study. He sighed. There are so many matters, he went on, that one would wish to open to the endeavours of science.

Madame Clorinda came, smiling, although Josiah could see that, though she concealed it well, she was a little agitated over some matter. Perchance she feared that at any moment, Mr Thorne would begin upon some matter of preaching and endeavour conversions? But he seemed quite entire engaged upon the cards before him, looking occasional at Miss Gowing but in no way that suggested that he had any immediate intention in the penitent magdalene line.

Evenden turned to Madame Clorinda and remarked that her chef seemed to understand very well the chemical processes that turned uncomestible materials into exquisite delights for the palate. I had not, said she, previously thought in such terms of the matter, and I do not employ a chef, but would match my cook Seraphine against any of 'em.

Oh, replied Evenden, doubtless she proceeds on innate instinct and a little tradition.

As Hector went about taking away empty platters and replacing them with full ones, Josiah could see him rolling his eyes somewhat. Josiah commented that it had seemed to him that Seraphine was constantly developing her art and indeed, was a bold experimentalist of the kitchen.

Really? said Evenden, I should very much desire converse with her.

Madame Clorinda responded that she should have to ask Seraphine whether this would be agreeable to her.

Evenden, thought Josiah, looked a little surprized at this, as though Madame Clorinda should just have ordered Seraphine to do so.

He looked around the room. The card table was deserted, and Mr Thorne and Miss Gowing were seated at the chess-board, that he had never seen anyone previously play a game at, rather than merely admiring the very finely-carved pieces.

Later, when the company had gone, Madame Clorinda sighed and said, well, at least Mr Thorne behaved in entire good ton and did not go preach upon the company, but indeed I was somewhat astonished that they brought him with 'em. Though I apprehend he stays a few days in Town with Mr Evenden, so 'twould have been incivil to leave him at home.

I fancy he is one of those fellows is put into orders because there is a comfortable family living may provide for him –

May well be so! But sure I am not used to having clergymen at my soirées.

Why, I cannot see that there could be any objection even from a bishop: the conduct is ever exceeding genteel, the play is kept within limits, the ladies do not flaunt their charms in a vulgar fashion –

Indeed: though Abby was somewhat décolleté, she was no more so than many ladies of quite the highest rank in Society. She sighed. But, my dear, I did not get the chance to tell you what Sir Zoffany was about asking me. He desires to paint Phoebe as the Queen of Sheba – do you not think she would entire look the part? She may not wish to undertake it, but I think she would show exceeding well.

She would so. And surely there could be no concern was she being painted by Sir Zoffany?

Quite so. Though might send Hector with her, a plan Sir Zoffany quite approved, thinks he might make a fine queen’s guard. I also – did I speak of this to you before? – purpose advance her to housekeeper and bring in an undermaid to train up, as well as a kitchenmaid to assist Seraphine. She yawned. La, I am a sad sleepy Clorinda!

Why, indeed your guests showed every inclination to linger, did not go rush off –

'Tis indeed gratifying. But sure I should not be keeping up Docket up to such hours, should go be readied for bed.

You are extreme thoughtful of your servants.

'Tis a prudent consideration in a lady of my occupation, she said, yawning again. Does one’s household take one in resentment, there will be scandalmonging, and taking of bribes to advance this or that gentleman’s interest, &C. Sure I am no saint.

But as he followed her up the stairs, he considered how often she was kind with no such prudential motive: for what could it benefit her to show amiable to Little Miss Rabbit? – sure she came on, showed a pretty lively creature when not so cowed – except, he supposed, it might be to demonstrate to Pargiter that she was not in the least wounded by his desertion? Though sure he was such a sour fellow she might have been glad to have him off her hands –

No: he confided that it was a true kindness of heart that lay beneath, however she might call it prudence.

He looked into her dressing-room, where Docket was bustling about the business of disrobing and unlacing &C, and said that he would go sleep in his dressing-room, for he was most exceeding weary.

Docket gave him a small approving nod.

La, Mr Ferraby, you do not snore, you may share my bed even do we do naught but sleep.

Docket gave a slight snort.

Why, that would be most agreeable, do I not disturb your slumbers.

Fie, am so tired would go sleep did a regiment with its band go march down the street.

Docket began to unpin her hair and brush it. Josiah left them and went to his own dressing-room, where Hector was already waiting. Sure, Hector, you do not need to wait up for me, I am no fine gentleman that cannot undress himself.

Would wish, said Hector very serious, to do everything proper and in good order. Do you sit and let me remove those boots.

Josiah minded that the new Duke of Mulcaster, having been abroad so long, might be in requirement of a valet and that Hector might quite reasonable desire preferment to such a place. Indeed he showed most exceeding apt at all the tasks.

In due course he found himself in bed, snuggled against Madame Clorinda, very comfortable and familiar, most agreeable. He kissed her, and listened a while to her peaceful regular breathing until he slept himself.

Comments

[aedifica]

Grrr, Mr. E-. But the chapter ended on such a pleasant note!

[kore]

Jos has totally been adopted by Mme C's household and later one she becomes part of his family and they all mix and mingle together in the later generations, it's great to see it starting again here.

[kore]

Abby Gowing, that sure gave no look of wearing the willow for Sir Barton

ahahaha

WOMBATT SIGHTING

Thorne, that had already been looking rather more longing at the card table than was entirely befitting his cloth, went sit down there most immediate. Miss Gowing began to deal a new game, the bracelet upon her wrist flashing in the candlelight as she did so.

OMG, it begins, with the famous bracelet also making an appearance.

But he seemed quite entire engaged upon the cards before him, looking occasional at Miss Gowing but in no way that suggested that he had any immediate intention in the penitent magdalene line.

INDEED NOT (God this is funny).

Oh, replied Evenden, doubtless she proceeds on innate instinct and a little tradition.

(Jackass.)

Josiah commented that it had seemed to him that Seraphine was constantly developing her art and indeed, was a bold experimentalist of the kitchen.

JOS <333

Really? said Evenden, I should very much desire converse with her.
Madame Clorinda responded that she should have to ask Seraphine whether this would be agreeable to her.
Evenden, thought Josiah, looked a little surprized at this, as though Madame Clorinda should just have ordered Seraphine to do so.

I love how Jos sees Clorinda's household as people, ends in themselves, just as she does.

He looked around the room. The card table was deserted, and Mr Thorne and Miss Gowing were seated at the chess-board, that he had never seen anyone previously play a game at, rather than merely admiring the very finely-carved pieces.

//cackles

'Tis a prudent consideration in a lady of my occupation, she said, yawning again. Does one’s household take one in resentment, there will be scandalmonging, and taking of bribes to advance this or that gentleman’s interest, &C. Sure I am no saint.
But as he followed her up the stairs, he considered how often she was kind with no such prudential motive....No: he confided that it was a true kindness of heart that lay beneath, however she might call it prudence.

And she's that way with everyone too. (Except if you threaten her loved ones. But she even gave him a couple extra chances.)

[nenya_kanadka]

Abby and Mr T!!!

*stabs Mr E with some gusto* Though I suppose we do get Julius out of that clusterfuck.

Wombatt!

[kore]

Though I suppose we do get Julius out of that clusterfuck.

Yeah, I think a big theme of this story is life is rough and bad shit happens, but if you have people you can really count on they can support each other and make what good they can out of the bad. Not utopia, but strength from human connections.