Challenges (3)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

Genteel revels would resume

Bert Edwards was about a mission in Seven Dials. 'Twas, one might say, on behalf of his as it 'twere alter ego the Duchess of Clerkenwell Green, that would not wish to go about such a part in broad daylight.

But indeed, Her Grace became very well thought of among the sisterhood, and when they had been having certain troubles in the place they had been wont to hold their revels, why, her opinions in the matter had been considered very weighty. For these days, they seldom saw The Queen of Sheba, though had lately been a time or two, and the Duchess had succeeded to that place.

Bert had, in fact, convoked with Her Majesty in her daytime person – la, said Maurice Allard, 'tis quite understandable, I am no longer known as I was in those circles, there are those to whom I am quite the stranger, I do not go take any pet in the matter, my time has been took up –

Maurice had quite been able to confirm, what Bert had heard rumoured, that Prancey’s in Seven Dials was one of the safest places for the molly-set outside such places as there were for outright nobs. Absolutely no trouble since that bother there was a few years back – the peelers know to keep away – 'tis all very peaceful.

And he fancied that Prancey would be entirely agreeable to hiring a private room once of a fortnight or so to the sisterhood – and an ancillary chamber for their dressing-room –

But.

Mr Barron, said Bert.

Quite so, said Maurice. 'Tis important to show respect in any transaction you purpose within his manor.

Bert gulped.

But 'twas by no means as fearful a prospect as he had imagined. His good friend Leda Hacker was still on excellent terms with old acquaintance in Seven Dials, and had made no difficulties about arranging an audience with Nat Barron for him.

So one morning he arrived at Grigori’s pawnshop, that lay on the fringes of Nat’s territory, and met there Jem Bell, that punched him very friendly on the shoulder, saying, quite the swell, these days!

Bert allowed as how he got on – a deal better than the clerkship he had been in when he had been obliged to seek refuge in Seven Dials – and how was Mr Bell? and his old mother, that Bert had obliged with writing letters to?

Jem sighed and said, had 'scaped the cholera, but died of an influenza.

Bert expressed the proper condolences.

Jem escorted him through the streets and alleyways – a prudent thought, not just to guide his way but so that he was not beset by pickpockets or worse – to Nat Barron’s present lodging. Where he was received with great affability by that gentleman.

That was looking in excellent fettle – sure he was doing very well these days, but one might also wonder whether marriage suited him! A very suitable young lady, one heard: niece to Kaminski the engraver and forger – bred up in pawnbroking and fencing over Stepney way – and, according to Leda, entirely to Mr Barron’s taste in mots!

Civil greetings were exchanged – sure, young Bert, you go become quite the swell! – and Bert presented Nat with hothouse flowers and fruit for his lady wife, as well as a vial of very exclusive scent, and a bottle of a particular remarkable rum for Mr Barron himself.

For in Bert’s position as social secretary at Raxdell House – that had first been just a matter of assisting poor Lady Raxdell, that had never anticipated to be more than a country squire’s wife, through the intricacies of Town society, and now was more that of a trusted advisor to the family – was in receipt of a deal of presents in the hopes that he might advance various interests. Sure his Christmas boxes had been quite the embarrassment of riches!

Nat said that 'Milla would be delighted with these marks of esteem – had only just left for Grigori’s – goes by way of her uncle’s to ensure he is in health –

A certain amount of mutual compliments went to and fro, in which they both indicated that they were aware of how one another’s business went –

So here is young Mr R goes marry, said Nat. Has been good business for us bringing his friends to see life here – I doubt not that is owed to a word or so from you.

Bert modestly lowered his eyes and said, Here was Mr Peter, had old friends from the country come to Town, all agog to see low life, one would not wish 'em to fall into any real danger.

Nat grinned and said, does very well for us – young fellows that come here to see life – go tell their friends of the swearing parrot in Black Tom’s – the fine dog-fights and rattings Abbetts puts on - &C&C –

Indeed, among those that know, 'tis known how good and orderly matters are under your hand – Nat nodded with a gratified look – and in particular 'tis known how very peaceable is Prancey’s.

They proceeded to the real reason for Bert’s visit, that concluded with Nat in the most genial fashion saying he would walk along with Mr Edwards to the Queen’s Head in order to convoke with Mr Prancey and ensure fair dealings.

Bert observed that they were followed by two of Nat’s boys at a discreet but observable distance.

One saw that Prancey’s was in a very eligible location – one might approach extreme discreet! – and came out to greet 'em in person Prancey himself. Must have been a very pretty fellow in his youth – somewhat showed the ravages of time, but Bert fancied that there were those found a savour in a certain maturity. Made quite obsequious welcoming to Nat, that genially enquired after the tortoise.

La, goes sleep away the winter, I fancy 'tis the reason for its longevity, would we might do the like!

Tortoise? murmured Bert, as at this hint they went indoors.

O, has been here time out of mind – since the days of the old mad king at least. 'Tis a fine healthy specimen, too – Mr Josiah Ferraby came examine it and declared himself most impressed.

Bert allowed that he himself had some little acquaintance with that famed explorer and noted veterinarian – Her Ladyship’s pup has some little troubles of health, I am like to think it lives somewhat too high, but she quite swears by Mr Ferraby.

Prancey conducted 'em into a private room and remarked that on such a day dared say they would care for gin-hot.

Came very grateful! - And 'twas by no means blue ruin that had gone into it.

So after some general exchange of civilities and discourse of how matters went they came to business.

Bert was anxious to emphasize that the revels of the sisterhood were genteel and ladylike – o, there might be an occasional face-scratching or wig-pulling, but 'twas considered very vulgar and the offender shunned – what they required was a room to foregather – a little music to dance to – decent wine –

And an antechamber to serve as dressing-room, for 'tis exceeding perilous to venture in the streets in fine womanly garb, so most of the sisterhood prefer to robe at the premises –

A sound precaution, groaned Prancey. Why, I fancy I can come about to accommodate your requirements – when you have drunk up I can take you to see our upper chambers –

Nat threw down the last dregs of his gin-hot, stood, and said, could see they was coming to a fine accord, and would be off about his own business. Would leave Bart to escort Mr Edwards when he was done.

So Prancey took Bert upstairs, and showed him the rooms there, and there was a large chamber with a fireplace that would be entirely eligible, and a smaller one opposite that they might use as their tiring-room. Bert nodded, and walked about, and bounced upon the floorboards, and saw the shutters were in fine good repair.

Prancey knew of a couple of fiddlers would be very glad of the work – certainly could supply decent wine – Mr Barron has excellent connexions with Sussex Gentlemen of the Trade –

They proceeded to a discussion of the cost, that was perhaps a little more than the sisterhood had been paying previous, but one must consider how very secure this place was reputed – never any trouble since that time some years back when a couple of fellows had thought they might overthrow Nat Barron’s rule.

So they clapped hands on the bargain, and Bert might go away to send out the intelligence that genteel revels would resume at the Queen’s Head at the appointed times.

Then he returned to Raxdell House, and entered by one of the more discreet ways, so that he might go to his rooms and change before proceeding to the small drawing-room that constituted his office. Where he found a deal of post laid out on the tray – the expected acceptances, and some excuses, for the reception Lady Raxdell held for her future daughter-in-law the Honble Miss Frances – FanFan – Osberton.

A very suitable match! Her father, Viscount Vinwich, had been a close friend of the late Lord Raxdell. One had no doubt that had the latter survived rather than being so sadly cut off in his prime he would have promoted his probable heir’s marriage among that set of his – for there had been no sign that he would ever come about to marry the widow of his late friend the Marquess of Bexbury, that he had been entire devoted to. And there was young Reveley’s sister married to Abertyldd’s heir, also entirely suitable.

These matters dispatched, a few other letters placed to one side for Her Ladyship’s attention, he picked up a bundle of newspapers, in order to peruse the Court and Society columns. 'Twas a very necessary part of his business to know what was ado in those circles. And to keep abreast of any gossip that was going about.

Comments

[azurelunatic]

So good to hear from the Duchess!

[genarti]

Oh, Bert! Lovely to see the Duchess and see that she's on top of all the necessary business and social considerations!

[cesy]

Excellent!

[violsva]

I love Bert!

And I also love how you manage the delicate balance between Nat Barron the friendly happily married man running a well-organized town, and Nat Barron, extremely dangerous crimelord.