The Ironmaster's Tale (69)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

 So they got on already to the ground beginning to be broke for the foundations of the house – sure matters moved on very rapid! – and then came a letter for Eliza from Her Grace of Mulcaster begging her to come on a visit to Mulcaster House, and to endeavour to persuade Lady Jane that just because a lady was increasing it did not require her to entirely retire from her usual courses and lie up until she lay in. There was also a letter from Lady Jane in the opposing strain to beg Eliza to come and use her influence to prevent Her Grace injuriously rushing about.

Eliza laughed very hearty and looked at Josiah. My dear, she said, would it not be the most civil thing for me to go this visit? He nodded. And, do I go to Town, I fancy I may certainly also contrive a visit to my dear school-fellow at Carlsbad.

Indeed, my dearest, did you not suggest it yourself I would quite exhort you to it, for one must worry a little about how she does in that place. I have quite the greatest confidence in her household –

O, entirely! It greatly relieves one’s mind to think that they are with her.

 - and that Lord Raxdell and Mr MacDonald are so close at hand – did she not write that they had lately visited? But still, she is our precious darling, we should like to see for ourselves and be reassured that all is well.

And, said Eliza with a wicked grin, hear certain pretty squeeks.

Indeed, said Josiah with an answering grin, hear certain pretty squeeks.

Also, said Eliza, our darling has made certain representations that there are matters in this business of Miss Addington that a lady might sound out –

Has she so!

She has already put Lord Raxdell and Mr MacDonald about the task. Thus Lord Raxdell goes about to wonder if, Madame Clorinda being so distant and no notion of when she may return, Miss Addington might be a suitable substitute mistress, and Mr MacDonald goes about to enquire about her doings to ensure that she will not bring troubles with her, His Lordship being known so exceeding nice in his tastes. Her dresser Maggy proving amenable to a little bribery revealed that her mistress goes visit Mr Dunlop, the surgeon, about some matter, but that that sly creature Dorcas seems more in the secret than she is. Clorinda confides that Dorcas, that is a cousin of Hector and Phoebe and that they give out most exceeding pious and modest, is unlike to be similarly amenable, but perchance is she approached by a lady, well, one might discover more.

Josiah laughed somewhat immoderately. Why, we see that the cleverest of Clorindas does not even need to be in Town to have her hand upon matters and to be about contriving.

Eliza giggled. Indeed she is the cleverest creature! So I will be about that – and sure, can I bring about somewhat to ease Lady Jane’s heart, that I am like to suspect is greatly troubled at the way the little minx goes on, 'twould be an excellent thing.

So he and the girls and Quintus waved her off on the stage, and he sighed a little, but he had too much upon hand to stand around in melancholy meditation.

They had some while since took cards for a subscription ball in the Assembly Rooms for the benefit of the almshouses that had lately been set up. Since Eliza would not be able to attend, and he felt it his duty to do so and show his support for the good cause, while manifesting civility by dancing with certain fellows’ wives, &C, to show that he did not grow proud and haughty even did Eliza go visit with Duchesses, he asked Miss Netherne whether she would care to attend.

Oh, Mr Ferraby! she said, blushing a little. Do you think it a proper thing that I should do so –

Why, 'tis a pity to waste the place, and I daresay 'twould provide a little diversion for you.

He was a little worried, nonetheless, about how the matter would go, and that mayhap she would be a wallflower: but Lowndes was there, and although greatly occupied in noting down the names of all who attended so that he might put them in the paper, found time for several dances with her. Mr Abbott and the new curate also danced with her and Dalgleish, though he did not dance, took her in to supper. So Josiah was not obliged himself to dance with her more than once and it did not look in the least particular.

Mr Bramdon also stepped out with her a time or two, though one noticed him very attentive to Miss Parkinson, that was the elder daughter of the most prosperous builder in the town: 'twould be a most eligible match all round, one might see Parkinson smiling very complacent upon 'em.  Indeed, he slapped Josiah on the shoulder very familiar and said, why, Ferraby, taking the lead again, I see. A prime idea to go move up the hill to that side of the town and build a fine new house – sure it becomes very cramped down here, I fancy 'twould entirely repay a speculation did one venture upon buying up some plots and putting up some houses for the better sort, out of the smoke.

Why, said Josiah, that had had similar thoughts and already invested in several plots, I fancy one could make a good thing of it. Particular do you have young Bramdon make the designs for you, am entire pleased with how he does for us.

Parkinson nodded. Hear you have all modern conveniences going in –

Why, seems the proper thing, Mrs Ferraby was very desirous of certain matters she had seen in other establishments.

She must see a deal of fine houses – and you must too – remarked Parkinson.

Indeed, he said, but a deal of 'em are a sight too fancy for what we should require – and might I have the pleasure of this dance with Mrs Parkinson?

Parkinson, he fancied, was not only planning on a fine development of houses of a better sort, but angling for the contract to build the hospital. He would think upon that.

O, said Miss Netherne as they finally re-entered the house, thank you so much, Mr Ferraby, that was such a wonderful evening.

I am glad you enjoyed it, he said. You work very diligent with our hoyden girls –

They are very fine girls, said Miss Netherne. Nothing of the sly or underhand about them – no tattletale business – hard-working – show excellent apprehension –

I am pleased to hear it – you deserve a little recreation and entertainment.

She blushed. 'Tis not the like in all governess situations, she said. My sister – And then fell silent. But, she said, I daresay they will be expecting me at the usual hour the morn. Goodnight.

Josiah lit his pipe: still a little too restless to go immediate to bed.

Well, one must be gratified to hear such praise of the girls: for sure, they might lack somewhat in ladylike conduct but there was nothing sneaking in their behaviour, they might brangle with their brothers or with one another but it would soon come to a friendly reconciliation.

Comments

[castiron]

sly creature Dorcas

*SPLORT!!* Projecting, Maggie?

[nenya_kanadka]

Right?? I did the biggest double-take there!