Growing Good (23)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

Enterprizes on hand

Julius was not going to undertake the more dangerous part of the enterprize – there could be no reasonable explanation for a botanist making nocturnal perambulations at this season! Whereas Elthorne, the hermit of the moors, was well-known for such, and give a wide berth was he encountered by any keeper, or indeed, poacher, for had somewhat of an uncanny reputation in these parts. Doubtless aided by the raven or owl perched upon his shoulder, or the hawk upon his wrist. And Josh could very well plead that he was showing Enderby somewhat of the fauna of their native land – could very like go interrogate keepers about such at tedious length was there any encounter –

But Julius had had a most important role as gatherer of intelligence. It had fallen out that the Gartslades were spending the festive season this year at Gorethdale rather than in Huntingdonshire, and, along with others of the county set, wished to sport their acquaintance with that distinguished man of science, Fellow of the Royal Society, their country neighbour, Julius Roberts, by inviting him to a deal of their revels. Fell out very well for more than that reason –

There had been no occasion to have more than very passing converse with Beauf. Nitherholme quite seethed with company and Julius fancied that Beauf was considerable distracted by his duties as host, even with their dear friend Polly Fendersham to assist as hostess. So he had not been able to disclose that he had been somewhat virtue in danger during the visit of Cuthbert Davison to consider the plan of a Persian garden in the grounds at Nitherholme.

A pleasant and indeed very attractive young man! But one might see, as he yearned, that would be no matter of a passing fancy and a pleasing romp or two and no harm done, but a serious matter. The price to pay for any indulgence would be entirely too high. But he had observed Polly observing certain things, and would have wished to clear the air.

Anyway, Davison had gone pass the season with his family, making excuses to Beauf over his invitation to Nitherholme.

So: here they were in Elthorne’s hermit’s hut, that was in fact a rather comfortable residence, and Josh had took out a flask of brandy and was pouring it out.

Julius cleared his throat and began upon his recital of what he had learnt, sitting over port and tobacco after dinner with the local notables, including the local Master of Fox Hounds and several members of the Hunt, of what coverts they purposed to draw on the New Year Chase –

What the prospects were &C&C&C, lord, they were as tedious as Sir Stockwell!

They looked at the map spread out upon the table, though Julius fancied that Elthorne needed no maps.

And, Julius added, pulling out the bottle, Polly has supplied me with this – has no concerns that Drew has any notion of the quantity of the stuff he has in store –

Enderby leaned over and took it, uncorked it and sniffed. 'Tis, I apprehend, what they use to set hound-trails?

Precisely. Is very alluring to the canine species.

Josh gave a reminiscent grin and said, had proved its effect on previous occasion. More brandy? Let us go plan our operation quite like unto a military campaign.

***

In spite of the somewhat ill-assorted company, Polly confided that the party was quite the success. Here was a betrothal concluded, very charming – sure she had had some qualms, having discerned that Lord Rondegate was of the disposition, but Sallington entirely testified to his sincerity in desiring to marry, beget heirs, and do as well as he could by a wife – And, Polly considered, there were worse things in husbands than a little matter of an inclination to their own sex. One must also be prepossessed by his admiration for Miss Parry-Lloyd’s talents.

There he was, leaning upon the pianoforte as she convoked with Ladies Inez and Leah about certain musical effects they desired for their charades.

For one quite saw that Merretts and Amberts would be about getting up charades were they allowed, and could they rouse enough interest in the rest of the company, was entire expected. There were Bella and Chloe entirely enthusiastic at the prospect – Lord Stephen and his friends offering to compose suitable verses – Oliver Parry-Lloyd prepared to sing –

Archie South Worpley was quite naturally drawn in to whatever recreation Lady Inez proposed! while to the astonishment of all, Lord Trelfer had become smitten to the utmost degree with Lady Leah, la. 'twas quite the case of Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert and Rebecca out of Ivanhoe! So he too was hanging about the endeavour, along with his sister, that Polly fancied would enjoy any enterprize where she might dress up and pose prettily.

One supposed that she was laying out her nets for Sallington but doing so in very incompetent fashion!

There were Peter Reveley and FanFan Osberton making their excuses – were going to spend a day or so at Gorethdale, FanFan’s mother being Dowager Lady Gartslade’s goddaughter. That lady had very kindly given Miss Cheston a London Season, during which she had captured the heart of Viscount Vinwich, one of that very good tonnish set around the late Lord Raxdell.

Meanwhile, over by the fire, Surgeon-Major Hicks was being interrogated – fie, one might not call it quite that! – by Nancy Gaskell, over this undertaking he was engaged in with young Ben Wilson over constructing artificial limbs and superior invalid carriages and other aids for the injured and crippled. His anatomical understanding – Ben’s engineering skills – oh, and here she overheard him praising certain practical knowledge of Ben’s sister, the nurse Patience Wilson, as being of most material assistance. Ah – Mrs Gaskell had certain concerns to do with those that were injured in accidents about the ironworks &C – already had various schemes afoot – and one understood that Ben Wilson was marrying into Ferraby Dalgleish and Gaskell!

Came in Jacob Samuels, saying with a smile that he could not dissuade his Matty from going to see about the poultry-yard and how the hens did –

Rondegate looked up from his conversation with Zipsie, said somewhat to her, at which she made an agreeable nod, and went over to the geologist. She collected that the Rondegate estate in the Marches had fine woodlands – he might well wish to consult such an expert on the management of forests! – had quite brought round Tetterdene.

Oh, indeed, less of a random congeries than appeared!

Here entered Jeremiah Gaskell, that came over to her and said, Sallington had desired him to say to her that had took a notion – was a little worried – to go call upon Mr Roberts to be assured that his fox would be entire secure from the Hunt –

Polly managed not to raise her eyebrows at this – she could not imagine that Julius had not already taken great care to ensure that Foxy could not escape – and moreover she fancied that gloomy Mrs Dunstall would stand ready with a defensive broom against any hounds that came sniff around the cottage! But she was glad that Beauf had found some occasion to go see Julius and mayhap come to some better understanding.

She enquired whether Mr Gaskell would care for some refreshment after that ride out to the coke-works, and he allowed that that would come grateful, but to take no trouble – So she rang for Travers, and very shortly there was coffee – one apprehended that Travers had noticed that Gaskell had a preference for that – and bread, and cheese from the Nitherholme dairy –

After he had consumed that, he said, happen she would not mind did he make a few memoranda of his thoughts about the coke-works? Were in a good way but he saw some possibilities for improvement that he should like to note down while 'twas fresh in his mind.

Not in the least, said Polly, that was very prepossessed with him. One must be very charmed by his devotion to his wife! She saw him cast glances to where she was now listening to Hicks’ tales of the Sikhs, that he took in considerable admiration.

And she understood Gaskell was quite the tale of the Industrious Apprentice – had indeed started as a pauper 'prentice at the works in Firlbrough, and risen to manager, and then took into partnership with Ferraby and Dalgleish. His hands, she observed, though now very well-kept, still bore the signs of early toil.

He closed his memorandum book and stowed it away in his pocket along with the pencil, then commenced upon speaking of how pleased the forward-looking set in Firlbrough were to have such a fellow as young Wallace representing 'em in Parliament – Ned Granton was well enough but of latter years greatly distracted over his father’s health – had long admired Sir Barton – read the writings of Aspasia – must give one some confidence in a fellow to have that breeding – some gossip that he used to be a little wild but one sees he is now very what they call uxorious – your grand-daughter?

Step-grand-daughter, said Polly, I was the late Lord Fendersham’s second wife – but I am very fond indeed of Scilla, quite as if we were blood-relations.

Charming young woman – fancy there was some concern she would be haughty and fashionable but shows very agreeable to the ladies of the town –

Polly could not resist smiling and saying, dear Scilla. She quite bloomed in this new station.

There was a sudden shriek from the charades group, and Polly got up.

Lady Gabrielle offering hysterics, and Ollie Parry-Jones, that she was a-clinging to, saying with some asperity that sure 'twas only one of Her Grace’s mongooses, that are wont to go explore, they are nine times more curious than cats –

Polly made apologies to Gaskell, went over, took the mongoose from Ollie and said, would return it to Her Grace.

She handed it over in fact to Her Grace’s woman Amira, that received it with an admirably blank face, and said she would ensure they were better secured.

Perchance there should be concerns that the hounds might demonstrate some interest in mongooses?

Polly walked slowly downstairs. From the broad landing above the entrance hall, she saw Beauf mounting the staircase, two steps at a time, whistling Whatever can it be?

She met him at the top of the stairs. He grinned at her. I think I may say that what they call éclaircissement has been achieved, and some little misunderstandings cleared up.

I am very pleased to hear it!

Comments

[rhi]

Oh, I'm glad Beauf and Julius are getting sorted out! And Polly is such a lovely POV. Thank you for these!

[cesy]

Excellent!

[rabid_bookwyrm]

I love Polly!

[kathmandu]

"...this undertaking he was engaged in with young Ben Wilson over constructing artificial limbs and superior invalid carriages and other aids for the injured and crippled. His anatomical understanding – Ben’s engineering skills – oh, and here she overheard him praising certain practical knowledge of Ben’s sister, the nurse Patience Wilson, as being of most material assistance."

What an admirable enterprise!