the_comfortable_courtesan

So it was some little while before Josiah was able to set off once more to Town. There was a deal of matter to be about with the works in preparation for the purposed expansion, and some brangles over improvements in the town that required careful dealing to soothe spirits and bring all into harmony. But at least, he felt, he could depart with some assurance that there could be no objection to Mr Hammersley, the present curate, taking the boys for their lessons: seemed an amiable young man that had some notion of the new ideas in paedogogy. And, Josiah thought, took somewhat of an admiration towards Eliza – on his own return from the works could be found taking tea with her and talking of the young lady he hoped to marry when once he had a living of his own.

Also, could be found convoking with Josh over matters of birds and brought in his own treasured copy of Bewick so that Josh might peruse it.

It was therefore with an easier mind – his beloved wife so well, his children as happy and healthy as might be – that he set off for London at last.

He would not presume a welcome at Madame Clorinda’s pretty house, but bespoke a chamber at the coaching inn when he arrived, left his traps there, and proceeded at once towards the place where, foolish but true, he felt his heart tug him.

When he arrived at the door he was in some concern as to how Hector would receive him, but saw an expression of amiability on the dark face, if no actual smile. Madame, said Hector, is at present out, but I confide that she would wish me to admit you to wait for her in the parlour.

Thank you, Hector, said Josiah, handing over coat, hat, gloves and stick. I was sorry to hear of the trouble that Mr Evenden brought to the household. Is there any way I might make it up –

'Tis very good of you, said Hector, but Madame has gone to her man of law, and comes about to make that scoundrel pay up to provide handsomely for Seraphine and her child.

E’en so, said Josiah. Pray, give this to Seraphine with my profoundest regrets, and I apprehend he also behaved very coarsely towards the household in general, so I hope that you will distribute this small recompense.

Hector nodded. Also, you will have heard about the late General’s fine bequest? he went on. Sure we find ourselves exceeding comfortable at present. Do you go into the parlour, and Euphemia will bring you some tea.

He was standing, tea-cup in hand, admiring Sir Zoffany’s very fine portrait of Madame Clorinda in her Hindoo rubies, when he heard the front door open and then the patter of running feet and the opening of the parlour door.

O, Mr Ferraby! cried Clorinda, running to embrace him still in her outer garments, stylish hat upon her head, sure I did not expect you for these many hours yet!

He returned her embrace. My dear Madame Clorinda, he said, can you expect me to attend to any business I have in Town before I set eyes on you once more? How very well you are looking, my dear.

There was then a great deal of kissing that precluded further conversation. Finally he broke the embrace, frowned, and said how heartily sorry he was that he was the instrument of introducing that scoundrel Evenden into the household. He had never supposed that he would conduct himself so ill: had made some belated recompense to her people for the insults afforded them.

Sure, she responded, we had no notion, until Seraphine’s disclosures, the kind of viper we had been nursing in our bosom.

Josiah groaned. Indeed I should have been more careful. But, my dear, I hear you are come to exceeding fortunate circumstance?

O, the dear good old fellow! she cried, finally removing her hat and placing it carefully upon a table. Did extreme proper by his servants – left a goodly sum to Mr Thorne for charitable purposes along with some ivory curios – and the rest of his property to me. There is his mansion in Surrey, that is at present let on very good terms to excellent people, and stocks that were a very sound investment, though perchance I might go discuss 'em a little with you at some time. O, it entire relieved my mind of worry, for I was in some concern that I might have to go retrench, and reduce my household just as we had took on extra maids to train up, and mayhap even sell some of my jewels.

But all is well now? he asked, looking down into her face.

O, quite entirely! And while 'tis an extremely sad circumstance that Lord Sallington returns to Town in order to become Duke of Mulcaster in his father’s place, that did not expect to do so for many years yet, 'tis agreeable to see him once more, but indeed, my dear Mr Ferraby, you must not suppose that he goes acquire a monopoly in my favours.

She clasped his hands in both of hers. Dear Mr Ferraby: I am quite the foolishest of Clorindas –

Tell me who says so, and I will go punch his nose for him.

- and I have the most exceeding fondness for you, sure I was a little desolate when you took your congé, but indeed I would not set myself up as a rival to Mrs Ferraby. O, what a fine excellent woman she is, I quite apprehend why you are so devoted to her –

Josiah laughed. And she greatly esteems you, my dear. Is entirely happy that I should enjoy your hospitality whenever I am in Town.

Tears filled the lovely blue eyes. So you will come stay here?

Why, I did not wish to presume and turn up bag and baggage, have left 'em at the inn –

Sure I will send Hector at once to fetch 'em. She extended a hand towards the bell, but Josiah caught her about the waist and kissed her most exceeding thoroughly before she could ring it.

And mayhap, she said, once this matter had been dispatched, you will think I have gone about somewhat precipitate, but I hold a soirée tomorrow e’en, and His Grace is most anxious to make your acquaintance –

Josiah raised his eyebrows.

- there is some matter of iron-workings upon one of his estates, that have been greatly neglected and that he would desire your advice about bringing about into a better way of things, and also has some intention towards improvements, and Milord has told him what exceeding fine counsel you have give him, and therefore desires an introduction –

I mind that we heard of some bother with Lord Raxdell?

La, less than a seven-day’s wonder! We are entirely upon the old easy terms, as you may apprehend from the very kind way in which he provided me with Mr MacDonald’s assistance over the matter of Mr Evenden. Sure you need have no concern about cuts or callings out.

He hoped that was so, as he began to withdraw the pins from her hair so that the golden tresses cascaded down about her shoulders in the old style.

He was somewhat surprized, as the party began to assemble for the soirée, that it was not Abby Gowing but the pretty Irish widow Mrs O’Callaghan that took banque at the gaming-table: but he confided that 'twas not the proper time to enquire after Miss Gowing’s whereabouts. He greeted old acquaintance very warm, was introduced to Admiral Knighton, a very amiable blunt fellow, and was made known to His Grace of Mulcaster.

Indeed he was a tall handsome fellow, with fine aristocratic looks and a good deal of address, that doubtless came from his time in the Diplomatic – sure it was hard to imagine that he had ever been drunk in a gutter! – and quite the most engaging of manners. Made most exceeding civil to Josiah – 'twas not the time for a great deal of discourse on the matter, but showed a very promising interest in iron and canals and improvements upon his estates, and desired to discuss the matter further at his club upon the morrow. To which Josiah was quite entirely agreeable.

Lord Raxdell, that had joined in their convocation, drew Josiah aside as the Duke turned aside to talk to Mr Hacker. Ferraby! I must tell you, my tailor takes an entire pet that I have not yet solicited an introduction for you, hears that you are entirely the coming man as well as exceeding wealthy and that 'twould be an entire privilege to dress you, quite urges me to bring you for a fitting.

Why, that is exceeding gratifying to hear! I understand he is a most exacting fellow.

O, entirely – why, here comes Sir Zoffany, and, sure, that must be his wombatt that comes with him, that he is said to doat on extremely.

Madame Clorinda went to greet Sir Zoffany, took his hands in hers, then stooped to the floor to make civil to the wombatt, that showed some disposition to nibble upon her gown. La, she cried, what does the creature eat? Hector, do you go to the kitchen and fetch a panful of scraps, will that be acceptable?

'Twill eat most things, said Sir Zoffany, 'tis not a fussy creature that will be particular about its vittles. He scratched behind its ear with a doating expression. 'Twas Thorne’s, he said to Josiah, that was not sure 'twould bear the voyage back to New South Wales, where he goes with the scientific expedition, and – had you heard? – may be cautious of the wombatt’s health, but takes with him some bluestocking mathematical miss that he married very precipitate and discreet just before embarking.

So did not become an entire reprobate about the gaming hells with Miss Gowing?

Indeed not – Sir Zoffany looked about the room – but Miss Gowing is not here? Josiah shook his head. Indeed he supposed there was some mystery in the matter did Sir Zoffany not know what was afoot!

'Twas a late hour when all had departed, entire gratifying.