The Ironmaster's Tale (30)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

Not that this business of restored conjugal felicities was a matter that could be quite immediate addressed upon his return, fatigued as he was by the tiresome journey by the stage, and faced by the exuberant greeting of the family at the door. But he could see that all were in health, and that indeed Eliza was as well as ever was, nigh on her old bustling self.

He had excellent news for Frank that all was entire in order for him to proceed in due course to the East India College – would be a civil thing, Josiah suggested, did he pass through London, to go call upon General Yeomans, that had been so exceeding helpful in the matter.

'Twould be an entire pleasure! cried Frank, have I not read of his fine heroic actions in the campaigns against Mysore &C?

Why, is a very fine old fellow, though somewhat run-down in health these days, said Josiah. Will not go brag upon his triumphs, but has very fine tales of his days in those parts.

There was some desire for Papa to play bears, but Eliza declared that it was no time for such games: mayhap when Papa was more rested from his journey.

And there were matters of going to the works to see how matters got on there, and to go converse about the progress of improvements, and looking in upon the new curate, Mr Hammersley, while he was giving the boys their lessons, and asking Eliza whether they might put up Mr Samuels for a few days or should they take him a room at the Saracen’s Head – o, a deal of business that needed to be got under hand now he was returned.

But, at length, he was able to sit down with Eliza and have a quiet conversation with her concerning the intelligence that Madame Clorinda had conveyed to him. Of course, my dear, do you like not the idea – do you have any distaste –

O, Jos'! Can it really be so? What fine knowledge this is. How very thoughtful of her. Eliza looked at him, a little tearfully. O, is’t possible that we might once more –

The first time, after so long, and with these careful preparations, was somewhat clumsy and awkward. But they had not lost the trick of it, their bodies found their old familiar comfort together. Afterwards, they both wept in one another’s arms.

There was still a little worry, until the morning when she came to him with a smile upon her face and said, had come to her after the way of women, and sure 'twas a little painful but showed the proof of these fine devices.

So she reclined upon the sofa with a hot brick to her belly, and they smiled at one another as he passed in and out of the room. After that, 'twas almost as if they were in their honeymoon days again, their eyes meeting as they went about their business during the day with promises of the night. Mayhap she was not entirely that wild girl she once was, after five children and all that had come to her, but she was still a very fine woman.

He remarked upon this, with some detail as to the ways in which she manifested the matter.

Why, Mr Ferraby! Is this the sober fellow that is so noted for his prudent business enterprizes and his careful dealings over improvements? No, 'tis that wild lad that came running onto our land with the keepers at his heels –

So be you do not have a shotgun to give me greeting, I will be that young fellow you confessed to have watched wrestling at the fair –

And a very fine sight you were too, my love.

They laughed, and kissed, and their bodies had soon grown once more accustomed to one another and found the old pleasure they had thought lost.

All was a deal happier in the household, and he conceded to play bears with the children, and went on walks with them, and gave in to Harry’s pleas to come and visit the works, and he did not, very often, think about Madame Clorinda and what she might be about.

The boys begged to go with him in the trap when he went to the Saracen’s Head to meet Jacob Samuels, and he could see no harm in it. They had been diligent of late about their lessons, had not brangled more than a very little with their sisters, had played very pretty with little Quintus, so he was inclined to give them the treat. And while there could be a rough crowd about the place when the stage came in, they would be with him.

So he drove down to the coaching inn, just in time for the fine sight of the stage coming in.

There were several passengers got down, and one was indeed Jacob Samuels, and there was some matter of making sure his luggage, that contained his surveying equipment, was not roughly handled, but they got it into the trap, and he got in, and introductions were made.

Why, said Samuels, looking about him, this is a fine town you have growing up here.

O, said Josiah, 'tis none so bad. We go about to get all done convenable and in good order.

Fine local stone, remarked Samuels.

Indeed, though there is also a brickworks. But I daresay we can show you about tomorrow – I daresay you are somewhat weary from the journey.

'Tis a little arduous, even with good turnpike roads, Samuels agreed.

It was very agreeable to see Samuels’ appreciative but respectful gaze upon Eliza, and the very mannerly way he bowed over her hand and hoped he did not put her out.

Not in the least! – sure 'tis agreeable to have visitors. Frank, come you over here – Mr Samuels, let me introduce my cousin Frank Hallock, that goes shortly to the East India College and thence to Madras, Frank, this is Mr Samuels that comes give us the benefit of his understandings of geology &C towards the expansion of the works.

She looked over at Bess and Meg: and permit me to present my daughters Elizabeth and Margaret – the girls made little curtesies. And there upon the rug is Quintus, that is not yet of an age to make social introductions.

The next day was getting down to business – taking Samuels to the works to meet Dalgleish and to look over the site where they purposed expansion, and to walk more generally about the town.

And the next day he immediately began upon his own work. Papa, said Harry, might Josh and I go with Mr Samuels to see him surveying? Would it not be very useful instructive?

Josiah laughed. Why, I daresay 'twould be, and I will ask him does he mind taking you along with him. But is he agreeable, you must be careful not to get in his way, and is there anything you may be about helping with, I hope you will do it, as carrying things, or holding a string while he takes measurements.

This answered most exceedingly, and Josiah confided that the boys also learnt a deal about geology while they were about it. Kept them out of mischief.

It was also pleasing to see that Samuels found himself able to discourse of his young lady to Eliza, opening to her womanly sympathy the great excellences of Miss Knowles, the difficulties they both had with their families’ opposition to the match, their entire determination to wed nonetheless.

Perchance there were one or two about the town that they were obliged to deal with over this or that matters of improvements that at first looked a little askance at Samuels: but could not but concede how very fine his judgements were, and how exceeding his competence at his art. And doubtless reassured some to see him at church of Sunday.

It seemed a prudential thing to concede to Evenden’s pressing invitations to come stay with him when he was next in Town: would answer better than lodgings, and he had some fear that the fellow might take a pet did he go take lodgings.

He opened this to Eliza, when giving her the direction to which letters &C were to be sent.

Jos’! Will you not be staying with Madame Clorinda?

Why, my dearest love, now matters are restored 'twixt us –

But –

Of course I shall do all that’s proper – but, sure, 'tis not as though I go cast her off upon the parish.

No, but –

Sure 'twas a very well-run household, entire exemplary, just what you would approve, and I confide you were very happy that I might reside in it.

There was a little frown upon Eliza’s face. She has been so uncommon good and kind towards us –

Why, I quite entirely apprehend that, quite more than one would have anticipated, and I will of course show generous –

Shall you not miss her company? said Eliza bluntly.

My love, I cannot deny that she was the most agreeable of companions, but matters have changed now our felicity is restored. And sure I now have a deal of acquaintance in Town.

Eliza still seemed strangely unhappy in the matter, but said no more.

Comments

[aedifica]

Oh, I love the scene with Eliza about returning to Clorinda's! And yay for the restoration of conjugal enjoyments!

[kate_nepveu]

(I love them all so muuuuuuch)

[adrian_turtle]

Oh, I love this glimpse of Harry the budding engineer! Clorinda sees so little of him.

And it's fascinating how Eliza is helping navigate social connections like the ones with Evenden and Samuels. Even he doesn't have to declare a definite choice between one and the other, drawing closer to one will make the other think less of him. I'm sure it needs to be done carefully, and Clorinda knows how better than Josiah does.

[nenya_kanadka]

Martha! *waves at Martha in the wings* :D Man the S-s have been so happy together for so long that I'd forgotten they were still trying to get married when Jacob first appeared.

And awwww I melted with happiness at the restoration of conjugal felicity and all the flirting! Eliza ogling him wrestling at the fair is the best, omg. And then her "No, but--" about Josiah believing that of course he now has to break up with Clorinda. Eeee. ❤❤❤ OT3!