the_comfortable_courtesan

At last someone had offered

There had been a serious talk with Papa before Zipsie had departed, along with Ollie, for Nitherholme, at which she had been given to apprehend that an eligible offer for her hand was in prospect. Papa would not, of course, oblige her to accept it did she like it not, but would wish her to know he had no objection – had looked into the young man’s affairs – in a very comfortable way – nothing that might give one concern – excellent sportsman, only that his mother was in fears of accidents until he married and achieved fatherhood –

Had gone to speak with Mama about this, afterwards, and she had made very similar representations – one hears he was formerly in that set about Iffling and Blatchett, but lately is very much in company with Sallington – very fond of music, that must surely commend him to you, my love –

Oh, they were ecstatic that at last someone had offered!

Yet she would concede that she had found Lord Rondegate a pleasant young man – a very nice taste in music – danced well – civil-mannered –

Well-looking –

And she supposed one had to be married –

She went to open the matter to Granda, Sir Oliver Brumpage, in his study, where he was reading the newspapers and snorting somewhat over 'em. She laid the situation before him, and he paid her the compliment of pausing, frowning, and taking some time to give it his consideration.

Well, lass, he said at length, sure 'tis a different matter in this station of yours. Girls bred up to marry – now, 'twas another way with us – was somewhat out o’the common that our Dodo went study music abroad, but why should she not make use of her talents? But would be, I fancy, somewhat of a scandal did you do so. Would be gossip there was somewhat behind.

Zipsie sighed. And, she said, Auntie Dodo studied singing, that is deemed entire suitable for a woman: I do not know whether I would be permitted to study composition &C without I disguised myself like Polly Oliver –

Her grandfather looked at her for a moment and grinned, remarking that he thought she might have some difficulty with that! Zipsie glanced down at her bosom and groaned.

Supposing, she went on, that he did not mind me giving time to my music – as men go he seems amiable enough –

Sir Oliver took her hand and squeezed it. Should you really mislike it, my poppet, do you come to me: I mind what Ferraby did – settled an independence on his daughters, a fine thing – see how Lady Ollifaunt’s theatres flourish!

But, somehow, Zipsie could not see how that might answer – the fuss it would create – and, she thought, here am I bred to be a young lady – 'tis not the like –

But at Nitherholme at least there was that charming musical Dowager Lady Fendersham, that Zipsie had met during her visit to Town, and greatly admired. And she had persuaded Ollie that they might perform one or two things together for the delight of the company –

Really one greatly wished for a woman friend! And this was not the kind of thing that one could talk of to Thea, even was Thea not at present immersed in doing good works in Hughie’s slum parish and one feared contemplating joining that sisterhood there. Zipsie sighed. Was not, she feared, devout enough to contemplate getting her to a nunnery. Nor did she wish to trouble Miss McKeown and Miss Lewis with her frets – she had the impression that they were exceeding fortunate to have comfortable refuge in their old age, due to the generous bequest of some patron.

So with the excuse of wishing to have some private convocation over music, she was able to be closeted with Polly Fendersham in order to open her feelings to her.

Rondegate? said she, lifting her eyebrows a little. Of course, I do not know him well – he is a recent addition to Sallington’s set – I should need to observe him a little, though he seems agreeable enough – mayhap enquire of Sallington –

Meanwhile, Rondegate showed himself attentive without being oppressively so – when there was dancing of an e’en would dance with her but not to a conspicuous extent – would find himself beside her on various occasions – once or twice offered to turn her music when she was at the piano –

Certainly nothing like the way Peter Reveley was hanging upon FanFan! Though, of course, their betrothal had now been announced so that was entirely proper.

When she took the fair copy of the accompaniment for the duet she had composed for oboe and bassoon, for herself and Ollie to perform to Lady Fendersham, the latter greeted her very warmly, praised the work, and offered that she would ring for tea.

My dear, she said, after she had poured tea and offered the sublime scones that came from the Nitherholme kitchen, I think this is a very eligible match. Sure I daresay that Rondegate may have various masculine interests, but do not all men? – and I fancy he is not one that will, unlike my late husband, go about to bore you with 'em. Fendersham would ever be telling me in tedious detail about every hunt or hound-trail he was at, or convocation on local affairs, until I could have screamed. Has a great respect for your musical talents, and a proper appreciation of 'em – she gave a wistful sigh – unlike my late husband –

Though, she added firmly, I should not complain upon him – kindness itself – a model of generosity not only to me but to my dear Mama – but of course was a good deal older than I was – set in his ways – and then there were the stepchildren – at least you will not have that.

And you never contemplated remarriage? For it had been noted during her visit to Town that there were those looked with a certain interest upon a lady still in her prime – and here at Nitherholme one saw Surgeon-Major Hicks being very attentive.

Lady Fendersham wrinkled her nose and said, was it not Dr Johnson who described second marriages as the triumph of hope over experience? Without one takes such a very gloomy view of the matter, one must admit that 'tis very agreeable to be a widow, in health, with command over one’s affairs. A husband, I fancy, might object to a lady jaunting off to Nova Scotia to visit her daughter and grandchildren – and I now consider a venture to Peru to see my new daughter-in-law – that charming Mr Enderby is purposing an expedition to those parts, would fall out very convenable –

Zipsie sighed. Sure the lot of an unmarried lady was tiresome! – few were in that that happy state of Lady Jane Beaufoyle, that had been able to live here at Nitherholme studying the classics, devoting herself to the dairy and the herb-garden, fending off suitors, until that happy time when Admiral Knighton came into a position to offer marriage. So romantic. But there had been some matter of a bequest from a great-uncle conveying her that liberty.

There could be no advantage in discussing the matter with Ollie, that would only praise Rondegate’s capacities on the cricket-pitch and talents on the tennis-court. Though 'twas probably beneficial to have one’s brothers approve of a match!

But it was agreeable to rehearse with him – one heard that brothers could be horrid and teazing, but hers were ever perfectly amiable about her music and would even ask her to compose pieces for 'em – Lord, Zipsie, can you write a spritely jig or some such for the bassoon? –

She said a little severely that he should practise a little more, and he groaned somewhat and said, sure they all knew that none of 'em was Zipsie’s peer as a musician –

Oh, poo, Oliver Parry-Lloyd, are you after some favour?

Ollie blushed and wriggled and at length said, might she put in a good word for him with Thea Saxorby?

With Thea? For had he not but lately been sighing after Chloe Ollifaunt?

O, I know, brought up in Pockinford piety &C, and outranks us –

I fancy Thea would disdain such worldly considerations –

But does she not sing like an angel?

Zipsie nodded. Now she was taking lessons with Miss McKeown Thea had come on remarkably. Well, she said, I will tell her you are not such an oaf as you appear – no, I will cry you up – mayhap promote a duet or so does she come to tea –

You are the best of sisters!

After he had departed, Zipsie went to sit in the window-seat, that commanded a fine view of the gardens all the way to the famous cascade. She took up her oboe and began to essay an air from the Water Music, that gradually drifted into an improvization of her own.

She was almost in a dream, when the door opened and came in Lord Rondegate.

Her music ended on a squawk. She took the oboe from her lips, gave it a shake, and laid it carefully down beside her, then clasped her hands in her lap.

Miss Parry-Lloyd – I apologize for interrupting your musical meditations – but I am desirous of having some private converse with you –

Zipsie endeavoured to put on an agreeable and welcoming smile.

I do not know whether Lord Abertyldd has already spoken to you –

Zipsie nodded.

He looked somewhat relieved. You must therefore have some apprehension of my intentions – that I come to make an offer of marriage – I have the greatest admiration for you –

She blinked. You do not, she asked, mind the laugh?

He blinked back and said, he had quite the greatest horror of simpering and tittering and preferred an honest laugh. I am not, he continued, very familiar with women – no sisters and no girl cousins of my own age – have not spent much time in feminine society – would hope to be a good husband –

Zipsie was moved to see someone almost as awkward as herself in this situation. It was positively comforting.

Why, she said, I should do my best to be a good wife, but I do get caught up in my music –

And a very fine thing that is too. Admirable. He cleared his throat. Is that an acceptance?

Zipsie nodded. He took her hands, bent his head, and kissed her gently on the lips. Really, she thought, that was not awful – one could get used to it – did one have to be married, this seemed answerable.