the_comfortable_courtesan

Sandy writes to say he had a most delightfull time at the S-s: the company was not large but included various of Mr S-'s scientifick set and some friends of Mrs S-, Sir B- W- and Lady W-, and the young K-s. The latter continue in their much improved ways.

It was his first introduction to the English customs for the night in question: the tokens for King and Queen of the Revels went to Sir B- W- and Miss K-. Sir B- W- adopted a very pretty manner, most courteous and chivalrous, of treating his fellow-monarch as one on the threshold of her debut into society (rather than as one that became quite notorious in her first season). Miss K- declared that as she was so youthfull a queen she would desire a trusted advisor and chose Lady W-. All went off most exceeding pleasant and congenial. Mr S- was the First Foot, being quite the darkest of the company.

In less agreeable news, he hears that Mr O'C- is extreme ill. Mrs O'C still refuses to visit him, even when exhorted by a priest (for the deed of separation means nothing in the eyes of the Romish church), claiming to fear carrying fever from the gaol to her son. Not that he can blame her reluctance.

If I ever have any mysteries or conundrums that require solving, he is always at my service.

I also have letters from my darlings, whom I still miss very, very much. They are not hopeful about any visits very soon, between the very many matters they have on hand, and the adverse season, but think constantly of their dearest and are much concerned for her, would greatly desire to be with her and send their very greatest love and many kisses.

One day I am exceeding pleas'd to have a brief visit from Lord G- R-, who takes advantage of a clear dry tho' frosty day to drive down and give further credit to the rumours of his designs upon the maybe-widow, along with some very kind gifts. He expresses his gratitude at my hospitality to Sandy, keeping him out of mischief during his own duty-absence. He adds that it would seem - he falls into a mimicry of Sir B- W- - that he may not be himself the cleverest of fellows, but, by G-d, he had the wit to appoint a clever secretary.

Indeed he is a very clever fellow, I agree: but sure you are a clever fellow yourself.

Had I a fan, he says with a smile, I should certainly smack you with it as an arrant teaze and dreadfull flatterer.

I tuck my hand into his arm and desire him to step into the warm. Then I turn to Hector and ask him to give me out not at home to any other visitors, which we both understand to mean Mr G-.

His Lordship regales me with Town gossip and his various encounters with the terrifying amazon, for her reconciliation with Miss A- has entirely renewed her forces. However, she has entirely failed at persuading Her Grace to retire from society until an heir is born, for the Duchess has a will of her own too. His Grace, of course, supports his wife in all things, indeed, continues to doat upon her in a fashion most unusual for their station. (Dear Biffle, thinks I.) Mr H- declares that moderate activity is entirely beneficial, providing Her Grace does not overdo.

Sure, says I, I think she herself will be the best judge of what she can do, all I hear of her proclaims her a woman of excellent sense. But how goes Mr P-'s opera?

Mr G- D- has quite the happiest influence upon his notions of what is dramatickally telling and feasible to perform, as well as providing sound contributions on specifickally musickal matters: tho' his idea that Queen Maud might make an opera may be somewhat sanguine. But this Irish work offers quite promising.

I am glad, I say, that matters go on so well after the imbroglios Miss A- set in motion. Sure the world does not require my presence at all. Oh, says Milord, not so long as you can achieve action at a distance; but you are still much misst, and the subject of continuing speculation.

That is gratifying, say I, for sure I had suppos'd I should be quite forgot by now.

Indeed, says His Lordship, I daresay the very wombatt quite pines at your long absence.

Had I my fan at hand I should certainly smack you with it for such arrant flattery, I say, surprized into amusement and laughter.

After he has gone (for he cannot make a long stay but must return the same even) Hector informs me that that parson called: but, madame, I told him that you were closetted with the captain's trusted friend, that called upon some business matter. Very good, say I, this is one day I do not have to put up with his attentions. Sure were it not that it would also prevent any of my friends from visiting I could wish for most immense amounts of snow to keep him hence.

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clanwilliam

Hopefully Mr G- will now do something stupid that will mean Madame C- is fully justified in never being at home to him.

nenya_kanadka

News from town! I can see that our heroine is much fretting to be back at her usual haunts. Though also missing her dear loves. That is the problem with having loved ones in more than one location, I find, you are always missing someone.

And is Lord G- R-'s supposed interest in Mme C- going to drive off Mr G- or make him even more importunate? I hope the former!

As a token of appreciation, I bring more icons (first set here):

I am Patience on a monument