Challenges (20)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

Already entirely apprized

Mr Alexander MacDonald, MA (Edinburgh) thought gloomily that the finest sight this Scotsman could see, in these days of the Queen, was the receding view of North Bridge Station as the North British Railway train took him towards England and the onward connexion for London Town once more.

Not even, he chided himself, for reasons of human affection. It was not thoughts of chatting to dearest Clorinda over coffee – evenings of warmer passion with Maurice – seeing how his beloved scientifically-begotten daughter Miranda and her mother Hannah Roberts got on –

Nor for resuming the intellectual delights of engagement with his students at the godless institution in Gower Street – the Ladies College in Bedford Square – the Mechanics’ Institute in Chancery Lane –

No, thought Sandy, he had become entirely spoilt by the good practices of Clorinda’s household, and while he could bear with somewhat less of that ideal comfort when he was in full health, had just had a severe cold, and while was now almost recovered, had sorely missed the cosseting that an invalid received there. Even was one not poorly enough to require the services of Hector’s daughter, that esteemed nurse Sister Patience, Dorcas and Prue were entire ministering angels at a sickbed – Euphemia a prime hand at an invalid diet – Hector quite the nicest hand at preparing a hot toddy –

He was made adequately comfortable – this sopha quite acceptable as a resting-place – the little matter of the fire smoking had been resolved – the day was overcast with a dark and gloomy mirk but the house was provided with gas-lighting –

Really, it was quite undue pernickety to feel a little testy that all was not as smooth as would be in Clorinda’s pretty house!

And, mayhap, he did miss having her to talk over these problems that had been sent to him for his cogitation?

He had not considered that he had needed to do anything about the intelligence that had already reached him, until this latest letter from young Sallington. Quite aside from his being one of the brotherhood and a member of the discreet club for fellows of the disposition, Lord Sallington counted, Sandy realized, as one of the family. He had been very much one of the nursery set in the Raxdell House phalanstery in days gone by. And these days was, intermittently, the lover of Flora Ferraby, and the father of her daughter Kate, that was, by adoption at least, a sister to Miranda, as well as Clorinda’s granddaughter.

So Sandy felt in particular obliged to be attentive to his concerns.

He was already entirely apprized of the matter of Bella Beaufoyle’s misadventure, might one call it that – he apprehended that that was fortunately how gossip, doubtless Clorinda had instructed Mrs Nixon in the matter, framed the business – from Clorinda’s own letters. She had had the true story quite as one might say from the horse’s – or rather mares’ – mouth, Belinda Penkarding and Gertie Jupp. While was well-informed of how things went with Bella through her friendship with the Mulcasters.

Sallington recounted the reports that he had heard from other guests at Hackwold that they fancied that Mr Mortimer Chellow had done something during the ride that had set off the skittish mare Thessaly that Lady Isabella had been riding– and Lady Inez Ambert had been trained by her botanist father the Marquess of Offgrange in accurate observation; Lady Leah Merrett was a shrewd young creature and her brother Gerry had become a deal more level-headed of late. While Barty Wallace was not a fellow to make up wild stories.

And then, Sallington wrote, they remark that Blatchett took off after her almost as if he was in anticipation of something of the like.

But now, here is Mortimer Chellow, that was pockets to let and like to be entire rolled-up, reinstated at several clubs having paid up the dues he owed as well as certain debts outstanding to other members. Has been seen at Dumaine’s very flush of funds and playing high, buying drinks all round, &C. Gives one to wonder. For Blatchett has a comfortable estate, even does he hope to improve his fortunes further through marriage.

Her Grace my stepmother is in some mind to take legal advice as to whether a case might be brought against Mr Chellow, for had Bella not been such a fine horsewoman, the tale might have ended a deal more sadly.

That was an interesting thought – Geoff Merrett for the prosecution, perchance, for although he was noted for his abilities in defence, he could also take the other part very effective, as one supposed we were like to see did this bigamy case ever come to court.

But this moved Sandy to take out from the concealed compartment in his traveling desk the earlier letters concerning Blatchett that he had received, and also a little memorandum book, so that he might jot down a few notes.

Item the first: he minded that Leda had mentioned somewhat about a commission: a married lady desiring that certain letters she had sent Blatchett might be repossessed. Less, he fancied, in fear of extortion than that they might figure in a crim. con. proceeding.

Item the second: he unfolded the letter from Sir Godfrey Allder, that he still felt a little squeamish at reading. Some matter of Blatchett having endeavoured to get up an intrigue with his young wife, and then had made a coarse assault upon her virtue, giving her a great shock. And she had now confessed the all, and they were reconciled and Sir Godfrey fancied that they were now on a better footing. Sure he now had the benefit of Lady Bexbury’s sage counsel and understood that he had been sadly lacking in making manifestations of his uxorious affection towards his little Juliet. And Lady Allder now came round to a proper appreciation of Miss Ferraby and Miss Roberts and that fine old lady Mrs Veriker.

Sandy snorted a little. But the tale suggested that Blatchett was perchance – somewhat unsubtle? No Lovelace or Valmont designing an intricate plot for his victim’s downfall.

He found this opinion seconded when he perused Clorinda’s account again: sure I cannot fathom why the wretch would quite immediate go aha like a stage villain and reveal his designs! Was I to put this in a novel, the scoundrel would say somewhat like, la, how fortunate, we have perchanced to come to my little place. Here we may recover ourselves a little, rest the horses, &C&C, then soothe any fears, lull her into accepting tea he had laced with laudanum.

This all came about to lead one to the conclusion that Blatchett had, one dared hypothesize, mentioned his ambitions towards Lady Isabella to Mortimer Chellow, and the latter was the devizer of the plot.

One also hypothesized that Mr Mortimer somewhere had a letter or so from Blatchett that he kept very careful in case of need.

And that Blatchett would find he had acquired a parasite that would not be contented with whatever sum he had already paid.

Sandy looked at the tabulated notes, then returned the letters along with the new one and the memorandum book to the concealed compartment.

Really it was not dissimilar from some plot in one of Lady Anonyma’s novels, and Sandy would not be amazed did some such contrivance figure in one some few years hence.

But what was to be done in the matter? Clorinda had remarked that was a matter of some delicacy: the reputations of young ladies being so very fragile and like that fine muslin that showed every slight stain. While poor Bella was entire guiltless, one could entirely imagine what scandal-monging tongues might make of the business – that she had encouraged Blatchett – that she had succumbed to his advances – just the being under his roof unchaperoned put her reputation in danger.

Sandy blew his nose and gave a testy sigh. He could quite hear the sorts of things Flora and Hannah would say to this, while taking Clorinda’s point about the strictures of Society as they afflicted a young lady of Bella’s rank.

While he was musing upon this conundrum, the parlourmaid came in to say, there was a Mr Fairleigh-Merrett came call, wondered was Mr MacDonald receiving visitors?

A little concerned that this boded somewhat about Flinders Carter, Sandy said that indeed he was at home to Mr Fairleigh-Merrett, kindly show him in, and would also be a kindness to provide tea.

Entered Toby Fairleigh-Merrett, a cheerful well-looking young fellow that was pursuing the study of veterinary science at the College in Clyde Street. Sandy said he would not shake hands for fear that he was emanating a miasma of contagion still, but waved Toby into a comfortable chair at a prudent distance.

Toby condoled over his health, hoped he was on the way to recovery &C, and was extremely grateful to accept a cup of tea when this arrived. Sandy enquired after his studies, and eventually came to whether there was any particular purpose to this call.

Young Fairleigh-Merrett shifted a little in his chair, put down his cup, looked down at his feet, and said, was a matter to do with Flin.

Pray tell me that Mr Carter has not been getting into some trouble –

O no, nothing the like of that, indeed, quite the reverse! No, what it is, Mr MacDonald, is that Flin takes to the study of veterinary science quite exceptionally – finds it of most engrossing interest – considers that it would be quite the greatest boon to have that knowledge and skill to take back to New South Wales –

Ah. Sandy gave a small smile. He has already as ‘twere found his vocation and does not desire to traipse about this kingdom at this adverse time o’year, when he might be advancing his studies?

You take me quite exact, said Toby with an air of great relief. Still has a notion to making that Grand Tour – seeing the Highlands – all the sights mentioned in the works of Scott –

Sandy, that had no great opinion of the works of Sir Walter and the romantic vision of the Highlands, repressed a sigh, and said, indeed there were magnificent sights to be seen, and it would be preferable to see ‘em under a more benign sky. Even were they then like to be attended by midges.

So, there is a party of us purposes that jaunt in the summer – tramping o’er hill and dale –

Excellent well!  Perchance he should wait at least until he was fully recovered before taking the train to England.