the stuff you said

A quite heavenly refuge

She had thought this interview would be a deal more difficult than it was turning out to be – what an agreeable man was Mr Johnson! How very soothing his manner! – nothing at all of the sordid about the business.

Caroline Kirkstall glanced around the office as Mr Johnson perused the documents she had passed to him. Entirely inspired confidence – very well-appointed – fine polished desk – good furniture – comfortable chair in which she might be easy while explaining her situation –

Of course, the recommendation by Lord Peregrine Shallock conveyed a good deal of reassurance – understood his brother-in-law, the exceedingly wealthy Mr Grigson, had the highest commendations for the Johnson agency – one must suppose that dear Nehemiah Brackley would have entirely approved this course.

She suppressed a sigh. Wondered if he had quite imagined how besieged a very comfortably left spinster that was still in early middle years would be – see how well she kept house for him after her poor sister died –

Mr Johnson looked up. Why, I can make little enough myself of these prospectuses – should like to place 'em in the hands of our Mr Abrahams, that has a fine nose for smelling out dubious financial matters – is that agreeable to you.

That is quite exactly what I hoped – to place 'em before one that would understand the intricacies – for here these gentlemen come, hearing that I have come into a tidy independence from my brother-in-law,  and tell me here is this very good thing that they have confidential knowledge of, would greatly repay investment, and I do not like to trouble my brother, that is a clergyman and somewhat unworldly – but I find myself in great need of advice.

Quite so. I will go put these in Solly’s hands, and I daresay you might care for tea?

That would come very grateful!

Really, it was like going to a really sympathetic physician, or mayhap what those of the Romish persuasion found with a father confessor? One’s worries not set at naught but one’s mind eased.

Mr Johnson returned with a tray of tea-things, offered that she might pour out, and disposed himself comfortably beside the desk.

Dared say Miss Kirkstall had other business in Town – oh yes, went to call upon Mr Brackley’s stockbrokers, and also Quennells over certain legal matters – for she had rather not, she confessed, go to Magson in Droitwich for somehow, one’s business got all about the town –

Mr Johnson gave a small chuckle and said, indeed!

– and this was hardly within Mr Johnson’s remit, but although she was at present staying at the Euston Railway Hotel with her maid she wondered about seeking rather quieter lodgings for the duration of her stay –

Mr Johnson beamed. So happens that one of my operatives happened to mention to me that there is a room in her lodging-house – that is very select – stands vacant for a short while as the usual resident has been ordered to the seaside by her doctor – would not wish to advertize –

So Caroline went to gather up Merrow, that had been sitting outside the office, knitting, and they were both introduced to Miss Hacker, a plain and sensibly-dressed young woman, that said she would be entire delighted to take 'em to view the room at Mrs Mitchell’s – quiet street in Marylebone – very respectable – excellent good table –

And both she and Merrow immediately noticed when they arrived, impressively clean, that was quite a feat in London. Were somewhat took aback to discover Mrs Mitchell black – but this was London and they had already noted several darker faces about the streets – and she was all that was welcoming.

Showed 'em the room – a good size – we might easily bring in a truckle bed, would not be cramped at all – discussed the rate – very eligible – mentioned that 'twas no great distance to omnibus stops, very convenient –

Above and beyond helpful!

The very next day they moved in – the very helpful odd-job man of the house helping carry the trunks &C – and Caroline was pleased to see Merrow a deal more at home here than she had found herself in the hotel.

The permanent residents of the house a very amiable set – sensible women about earning their livings – some of 'em in a most superior way – there was Miss Coggin that was a partner in a fine Mayfair modiste – Miss Hacker that besides working at the Johnson Agency did secretarial work for Dowager Lady Bexbury –

Fine tales over tea in the sitting-room, and doubtless excellent gossip belowstairs as well.

Was not long before Caroline came round to confide that, besides soliciting her interest in business propositions, she had a notion that certain of the gentleman in her locality were about establishing an interest with a view to courtship once she was out of mourning –

This was considered exceedingly likely!

Miss Hacker remarked that the agency did a thriving business in looking into prospective suitors to discover was they bigamists – in financial straits – keeping a mistress – give to high play - &C&C. Law, they could tell tales!

Miss Coggin recounted the story of a friend of hers that would have been beguiled by a scoundrel had it not been for Miss Hacker and the agency’s acuity.

Mrs Mitchell had suggested that though Miss Kirkstall might take hackney carriages about her various errands, there was a very well-run livery stable – employed several relatives of her own – would job her a conveyance at a very good rate, in particular was she taking one in a regular way.

And just like the lodging-house, the carriage that came for her first journey to the City was admirably clean, with the horses looking well-kept. The young coachman very civil – pointed out sights of interest along the way – handed her and Merrow down very punctilious – entirely deserving of a good tip.

Sure she was here about business but there was no reason why she should not take advantage of being in Town to see some of the sights!

One morn at breakfast, that she was sitting to a little late, Caroline was perusing Mogg’s New Picture of London, when came in Miss Hacker, yawning somewhat, remarking that had been about a commission that had took her out late, la, malefactors did not keep strict business hours alas.

Caroline smiled. Asked was it true that Mr Johnson had been a Bow Street Runner?

O, quite so! Was solicited to join the Detective Branch of the peelers, but declared that was too old a dog for that – even so, there are those there will still come consult him about tricky cases –

She drank off a cup of coffee and cut herself a slice of bread.

I mind me, she went on, before you go about your ways – she nodded at Mogg’s – Her Ladyship mentioned to me t’other day when I was at her house, that she supposed you would go leave your card on Lord Peregrine Shallock.

What? – is he not in Oxford?

Alas, there is still a deal of to-do following his brother’s death –

They both made sympathetic sighs and murmurs of poor boy.

– so remains at present with the Grigsons – his sister Lady Lucretia and her husband – in Belgravia.

One hears that is a very fine part.

O, entirely worth seeing!

Having been provided with the direction, Caroline ordered the carriage from Jupp’s, and decked herself in her finer mourning garments, that she had had some advice upon from Miss Coggin, and looking in the glass, felt the effect was exceeding good. While one should eschew vanity, one did not wish to look the complete provincial spinster!

Why, indeed, she saw out of the window, Belgravia was very fine! Merrow remarked upon the greenness of the squares – may not be the countryside, miss, but 'tis very pretty, is it not? Such houses!

The Grigsons’ was somewhat daunting – very large and splendid, well, one heard Grigson was exceeding wealthy and could afford it – and here was a liveried footman with a silver tray, for her card with the appropriate corner turned down –

Do you wait here, madame, while I see whether Lord Peregrine be at home.

Surely not, thought Caroline.

But he shortly returned to say that Lord Peregrine would be delighted would Miss Kirkstall come take tea –

Caroline looked around at Merrow –

The footman added that the housekeeper would be pleased to give Miss - ? –

Merrow.

– tea in her sitting-room.

So Caroline, feeling considerable nervous, followed the fellow along corridors – how lovely this place was – to a small parlour in which Lord Peregrine, in deep mourning, was sitting in the window-seat, gazing out at the square. He rose at once and came to take both her hands.

Miss Kirkstall! I am enchanted to see you! What do you do in Town? I hope it is no matter of coming to see some crack physician –

O, naught of the like, she cried, as she settled herself in the chair to which he gestured her, and commenced upon explaining her mission in Town. That indeed I am greatly indebted to your good advice for, for certain of the prospectuses are already shown up as very dubious matters.

Entered two footmen with a tea-service and a pair of well-provided cake-stands. Shortly followed by two ladies – the younger one, in mourning, that must be Lady Lucretia, and the other, considerably older, that –

Sometimes one looked at a lady of those years, and thought, she must have been a beauty in her day: but this lady was, still, beautiful.

Lord Peregrine, she said, pray make your guest known to us.

The Dowager Lady Bexbury! As well as his sister – had been about some matter to do with a purposed drawing-room meeting, that 'twas too late to cancel, or move elsewhere, but had found some solution.

Caroline made suitable condolences on the loss of her brother to Lady Lucretia, and the latter took charge of the tea-things – one observed that she and Lord Peregrine did not seem devastated with grief – Lady Bexbury came and sat in the chair adjacent to Caroline’s.

Quite the strangest thing – Caroline found herself quite unbosoming to her, that she had never met before –

How fretted she was going about the town – the speculations as to her relations with dear Mr Brackley – the interest in her fortune – a deal of gossip &C –

My dear, said Lady Bexbury, 'tis alas to be expected. Now, I have a little place not so distant from Droitwich – 'twas formerly a hunting-box but I have undertook improvements – am not using it myself at present –

Lord Peregrine interjected that he and his set had held a reading-party there and it was quite the prime place.

– a very amiable set about the mine and the village – would not be entire solitude –

It sounded like a quite heavenly refuge.

So he had undertook the task in somewhat of a penitential spirit, and was discovering it much more agreeable than his suppositions. Here was Heggleton not just a fine bustling manufacturing town with its prosperity built largely on cotton, but there was a deal of life about the place! An Institute – Assembly Rooms – societies for getting up concerts and choral performances – one of Lady Ollifaunt’s fine theatres – as well as a great number of improvement schemes.

Also a good deal of local society that was very welcoming to Sir Oliver’s grandson, particularly one that was in Society, had a sister that was lately married, a father that was part of an active coterie in the Lords on the side of reform –

Even more welcoming when he was discovered musical, for besides playing the bassoon, that he considered his instrument, Ollie was capable of sustaining a reasonable performance on bass fiddle or pianoforte. So there were invitations to informal gatherings to make music, and he just happened to have brought with him copies of some several of Zipsie’s compositions, that were greeted with extreme enthusiasm.

Sure, he was no innocent, he perceived that there were a number of young ladies who looked upon him as an eligible parti. Granda indeed commented upon it, with remarks upon what they would bring to a match –

I hope I am not the kind of fellow that would make that a consideration!

So do I, but do you like any of 'em, is somewhat to be took into account.

But was not all frivolity and flirtation – was being made acquainted with the business of cotton, that was where their fortunes came from.

Granda sighed, and deplored that one could not yet get by without some American cotton, though he did what he could – and revealed that as some salve to his conscience, sent a considerable sum to the di Serrantes in Boston – what a fine woman is Mrs di Serrante, the Quakers breed a very exceptional type – to disburse in various ways for the abolitionist cause.

Indeed one saw that Granda was not the brutal industrialist at all – had been twitted at first about the conditions in his mills, but had proved that not working the hands to exhaustion – having a school for children – light and air &C&C– came about remunerative in the long run.

So there was that – and Ollie began to see the interest in it all – but there would be a deal to learn!

There were also meetings with the political set in the town, for Heggleton was now a Parliamentary borough, and there was very like an election impending. Ollie did not entirely see that there was any cause for anxiety in the matter – 'twas a very solid Radical Whig seat – but over the course of various dinners, meetings of local societies and clubs &C, he came about to apprehend that there was another matter under advizance.

Here was Mr Oliver Parry-Lloyd, grandson of Sir Oliver Brumpage, son of Lord Abertyldd, that gave him a sound political pedigree – might he not, in due course, consider standing for Parliament? Ollie realized that 'twas quite a reasonable expectation. Had never given it thought before, but, indeed, had been hearing political discussion for some several years – ever since he was of an age to join the gentlemen in brandy and cigars after dinner – had observed Bobbie Wallace take to the business of being an MP quite like a duck to water –

So he attended to the conversations, and ventured an occasional question.

Granda clapped him on the shoulder and said he was glad to see that Ollie was not one of these young fellows that supposes he knows precisely how to set the world to rights, and will tell his foolish seniors in and out of season what they should be doing.

Why, said Ollie, have not give the whole matter the thought I should.

It also struck him that going into politics would manifest a seriousness that might, perchance, appeal to Thea? Or at least, impress her parents that he was no idle wastrel?

Oh, Thea.

Zipsie was a good sister that conveyed a certain amount of news in her occasional letters – well, one could not expect a new wife with all the burdens of that position upon her to indite lengthy epistles like one in a novel by Richardson! – even was that mostly about the music she and Thea were about. Certain songs by the late Miss Billston, that had been Lady Jane Knighton’s cousin, that Lady Jane greatly desired to hear once more –

But was Thea happy? Were her parents persecuting her for her religious inclinations? Were they advancing some suitable match?

It was during a ball in the Assembly Rooms for the benefit of the new hospital that he learnt intelligence that he hoped might be a good omen.

He had no idea how the conversation over the supper table had turned to that topic – had someone asked where he went to church o’Sundays? And that had got on to various parish squabbles – some matter of who would be appointed chaplain to the hospital – and a mention that this new vicar at St Oswald’s was said to have very High practices, positively Romish.

Ollie determined to go to at least one service at St Oswald’s to ascertain whether it might conform to Thea’s leanings.

But before the nearest Sunday he attended a performance at the local theatre. Was teazed by the resemblance of the actress playing Amanda in The Rivalrous Ladies to a young woman – well, had been a girl at the time – that had been wont to be among the merry throng at the Raxdell House parties for young people in the Ferraby days. But the name, he recollected – there had been a brother and a sister as well – had been Richardson and the name on the playbill was Miss Dalrymple.

One had never seen them elsewhere – but indeed, there was a considerable diversity to be found in the parties give at the Raxdell House Phalanstery! – Julius and Hannah Roberts were ever among the young guests, along with the Lowndes offspring – though sure one now saw Ferraby Lowndes received everywhere –

That had been a fine girl – not exactly pretty, but with a certain vivacity that made one overlook more obvious beauties – and had been some matters of boyish stolen kisses during Hide and Seek.

So here he was at St Oswald’s, that was to be found in one of the poorer parts of Heggleton – not that there were any actual slums – and being dutifully attentive to the service and the vicar’s practices, and observing that he had a decent congregation.

Was waylaid by the fellow on his way out, that was clearly a little surprized to see a fine gentleman – Ollie made it clear that he was only visiting – not sure how long his stay would be – felt disinclined to reveal his family connexions just yet –

When a hand came through his arm and a fine attractive female voice said, La, Mr Parry-Lloyd! What a pleasure to encounter you! Might I beg you to be so kind as to escort me to my lodgings?

He looked around and down, and seeing her closer he could not doubt that 'twas Rosalind Richardson – perchance had married? – though he saw no ring – and, blushing a little, said 'twould be an entire pleasure.

So they stepped away from the church porch, and once they had got a sufficient distance she gave a little ripple of laughter and said, had Mr Pringle been at him about work with the young men of the parish?

Ollie grinned. He had not yet quite got to that! Manly recreations to keep 'em out of places of low resort &C?

Quite so! But what do you in this place?

He explained the reasons for his presence. Mentioned that he had been to the play t’other night – praised her performance – had not been sure 'twas her, because of the name –

O, when I ran away to go on the stage, I determined to change my name so that there would be no odorous caparisons with Mama –

Lord, Richardson! that would be, Clara Richardson, only slightly less noted a thespian than Amelia Addington.

– so I took darling Papa’s name professionally, even am I not entitled to it in law.

Ollie came to a stock-still halt. Dalrymple – Danvers Dalrymple, his father’s old friend, that one had ever supposed a sad old bachelor that still dressed as if 'twere the days of the Regent – though still a fine hand on the cricket pitch – ?

I see, she said with an air of amuzement, that you are not apprized of their domestic establishment – are quite Darby and Joan – Mama would not marry and renounce the boards – they live most genteel and respectable with Grandmama and her pugs – a deal more genteel and respectable than many couples that have gone to church –

Do you not mind? Ollie enquired.

Why, Gods stand up for bastards! – I daresay there are stations I might aspire to where it might hurt me, but all I have ever wanted to do is tread the boards, just like my brother, that is now running a theatre in New South Wales.

They walked on a little way, coming to rather more respectable streets.

She said with somewhat of wistfulness that those had been wonderful parties at Raxdell House – but, she added, to his sympathetic expression, we did not go home to sleep in ashes! And here were her lodgings.

They shook hands and she went in.

He shook his head. The encounter had give him a deal to think on.

And had done exceeding well in making connexions for the chaps: there was Averdale, had been very gladly offered a post as secretary by Jimsie, and once had completed his term at Oxford, would proceed to join the Trembournes for the summer at Worblewood. Thornton was all enthusiasm about the prospect of tutoring the Yeomans orphans, and had already commenced upon certain commissions in reviewing. Wood had been invited to spend the summer assisting in the work of the parish at St Wilfrid’s, with the possibility of eventually being appointed a curate. And Smithers was going around quite in a daze having been offered a pupillage in Mr Geoffrey Merrett’s chambers.

Then, as they were contemplating their last few days, here came Mr Gordon Marshall, that was married to the governess at Yeomans, and a reporter for the Lowndes Press, and also, they discovered, the brother of that sensation, Clo Marshall, offering that he could arrange for 'em to attend her performance at the Beaufoyle Arms Song and Supper Rooms!

They were returning from this unanticipated treat in great spirits, to discover most unwonted Cretia and Mr Grigson waiting in the hall, looking very sombre, what looked like a telegram in Grigson’s hand.

His first thought was that Father had died.

Oh Lord – 'twas not somewhat had come to Myo? One understood her condition was delicate.

O Grinnie, cried Cretia, coming up and falling upon his neck, would you believe it? Here is Talshaw, gone fallen down a flight of stairs in a drunken fit and broke his neck.

The fellows all made sympathetic murmurs, and Wood said, quite saw that they should not intrude upon the family at this time, would be about their departure the morn, at which all nodded, and Mr Grigson went over doubtless to discuss the practicalities.

O God, thought Peregrine, patting Cretia’s shoulder. Sure they had none of 'em been particularly fond of their elder brother, but ‘twas a shock. And worse than a shock.

Now he was the heir.

Grigson came over from seeing the fellows off to their beds, laid a hand on the shoulder not occupied by Cretia, and said, Lord Peregrine was entire welcome to stay here while the formalities were put in hand – had no doubt the authorities at the college would be entirely understanding, would send one of his confidential clerks about the matter –

Excellent fellow!

That is above and beyond kind – am still in shock –

Quite so. The best thing would be to go to bed and have a good night’s rest.

Cretia squeezed his hands, as he managed to detach himself and walk with not too much stumbling to the staircase.

These violent delights have violent ends, he thought, as he blew out the candle, and thought that surely, he felt so exhausted, he would sleep like the dead.

But did not. His thoughts were a clamorous agitation. Indeed there had been no particular fraternal affection 'twixt 'em. But he had not in the least been an envious younger brother, resentful of the eldest’s position. He had been exceedingly glad not to be the heir – to be able to pursue a different path –

He groaned. Doubtless his father was already plotting, making plans – one might hope that they would be checked somewhat by the conventions of mourning – surely it would look extremely vulgar to be displaying him about Society with Talshaw barely cold –

All he had desired was to have the quiet life of an Oxford fellow, pursuing scholarship, alleviated by a little recreation in Town made possible by the independence good old Brackley had provided him –

Grinnie sat up. Independence.

He had a modest competence of his own. His father could not flourish the power of the purse-strings over him. He did not have to knuckle down and comply with his demands. It would be – he gulped – uncomfortable perchance to point that out, but far less uncomfortable than being paraded about as a Marquess’s heir, ripe for marriage.

He had no great desire to live lavishly – but already came to an apprehension that Mr Brackley had left him comfortable, and that his enterprize with Roberts and Wilson was doing exceeding well, along with Mr Grigson’s sound advice on investments. He was no poor scholar of Oxenforde, but a gentleman of independent means.

His mouth went to a wry twist. From stray comments of Iffling’s and Grigson’s, very like his father would be touching him for assistance!

Feeling his mind a good deal more at rest, he lay down again, and was shortly asleep.

The following day saw off his friends, that clasped his hand and grasped his shoulder, and said, was there anything they might do, and expressed their gratitude to their host and hostess.

Assured 'em that he intended to be remet with 'em in college, in due course.

Then there was a deal of to-do over mourning-wear – and cards – and waiting upon hearing about the funeral –

And another telegram from Father to say would call the morrow to see Lord Peregrine –

He had already opened somewhat of his intentions to Grigson and Cretia. Grigson gave his small smile, and said, thought the best place for this interview would be the library – no, would not in the least be displacing Miss Jupp –

Not in the least, said Cretia with a sigh, sure there is a deal of correspondence upon my hands – apologies for occasions I must now decline to attend – replies to the condolences that have already started arriving – and you know, Grinnie, we must go call at Trembourne House this very day.

Quite so, he responded, we should certainly not delay going to Mama and Myo.

So here they were at Trembourne House, and receiving condolences from Lady Undersedge – her husband being in the Nuttenford mining districts – and Lady Eleanor. What an exemplary woman was Lady Undersedge – Averdale had taken her in great admiration, quoted A perfect woman, nobly planned, to warn, to comfort and command, one might imagine her the lady in some castle of the Middle Ages, ruling it and defending it whilst her lord was off crusading – it must be entirely the best thing for Mama and Myo to be here.

Mama sighed and said, it was the way of things that she had had so little to do with Talshaw after his infancy – much more so than with you and Lucie – being reared as the heir – but –

She appeared about to say more and then glanced over at Myo and seemed to think better of it.

Myo was looking in health – quite blooming, in fact – Jimsie very attentive –

They hoped that he would come to Worblewood in the summer? They would be very quiet there, and that splendid chap Chilfer was going to come about excavating the Roman villa. Surely there could be no objection?

A very attractive prospect!

It was entirely less heavy a rencontre than he had anticipated.

But he did not look forward to seeing his father.

It has been a most strategic notion of Grigson to suggest the library; putting the encounter as 'twere on Grinnie’s ground. Surrounded by his old friends arrayed upon the shelves.

He was already there, perusing Rasselas, when his father was shown in. He stood up and bowed. Did not expect any manifestations of emotion – no handclasp, no embrace – and was proved correct. His father nodded. Peregrine.

That chair is the most comfortable, he said, going to ring for a footman to fetch – what would his father desire at this time o’ day?

Ah. Brandy. That would account for that unhealthy flush – sure he was looking his years! – Grinnie nodded to the footman and desired coffee for himself.

His father looked around and commenced upon crying up the library at Roughton Arching, that had been writ up in The Speculum – Grinnie doubted his father often visited it but of course that was quite the accolade.

Once they were settled with brandy and coffee, and appropriate sentiments exchanged, he decided to take the Nelson line and sail straight ahead by declaring his intention to complete his final term at Oxford. Somewhat to his surprize, his father conceded this without too much grumbling – showed a very meritorious desire to finish what he had started, a proper seriousness.

No doubt that was a contrast to his late brother, everything by starts and nothing long.

He would, alas, have to decline the fellowship – but was coming about to perceive that one might pursue learning beyond college walls – from the corner of his eye he could see, piled on one of the small tables, the various classical works Vicky Jupp was at present studying. This chap Chilfer sounded entirely up to the mark in matters of archaeology – had not he and his set only lately quite basked in the erudition of Mr MacDonald and Sir Jacob Samuels? Was there not that quite shining example, Her Grace of Mulcaster? Offgrange was noted for his studies in botany - No, he need not renounce scholarship.

There was, of course, the proposition that he should spend the summer at Roughton Arching, a prospect that had filled Grinnie’s heart with positively Gothick gloom. Fortunately he was able to advance his invitation to Worblewood – will be living very quiet – Trembourne still in mourning for his father – Myo in a delicate condition – understand they have also invited Lucie –

His father slowly nodded. And you may ride over to Roughton Arching to meet with the stewards &C – there will fellows coming from Firkins over various matters –

Well, that could not be avoided, he supposed. Provided they did not arrive with a marriage contract ready drawn up! For while one saw that one would have to wed in due course, now that one was not going to live the life of a celibate scholar, one should like to look about a little first. Was it only so that one did not make some terrible mistake and be condemned to the cat and dog life that Rina had with Iffling.

These matters settled, his father did not linger.

It was only after his departure that Peregrine realized that his father had said naught about money and thus must still be in ignorance that he was a young man of means. Mayhap just as well.

And there was Surgeon-Major Hicks, that had devized a system of exercizes – began to think upon these matters when I was in the Punjaub – fancied one might bring wounded men back to nigh about full capacity for service – learnt a deal from certain native practices – that came about to ameliorate matters. Along with occasional champooing by that fine woman Sister Wilson, that had learnt the art from the Dowager Duchess of Humpleforth’s ayah.

Dr Ferraby was greatly reassuring – did not in the least recommend that she should spend the next months lying upon a sopha, but walk in the gardens – and sure, a little gardening would do no harm at all, would be beneficial. Conceded that she might have some particular trouble when eventually brought to bed, but that these days, we had that fine new invention, chloroform.

It was also delightful that dearest Mama, on receipt of this happy news, had declared that of course, was this agreeable to Jimsie, she should move to Trembourne House rather than reside with the Grigsons. Indeed this was a time when one wished the presence of one’s mother – sure, there was Grissie Undersedge, mother of two adorable infants and the most sensible of women, quite in the capacity of an elder sister – entirely superior to Rina! – but even so.

So they were quite the happiest establishment. Oh, even in mourning there were certain duties of rank – especially for Jimsie, that had no desire to imitate his father’s very lackadaisical notion of his duties as a peer of realm, and intended to be conscientious about those. So was having certain quiet meetings with the set about the Duke of Mulcaster and Greg Undersedge’s father the Earl of Nuttenford, as well as reading the newspapers and the reports of the undertakings of Parliament a good deal more closely than he had been wont.

Besides, he – along with Grissie, that had effectively been managing the Trembourne estates for some years – were now able to look them over and think about how they might best be run without having the constant drain of the expense of pandering to the late Earl’s hypochondria. Traveling about spaws all over the continent – visiting quacks –

When Dowager Lady Trembourne retired to the continent following the funeral, it was not said in so many words but there was a belief that there was some highly-placed foreign lover – possibly also had a lucky hand at the tables – able to cover her dress-bills by being known to set the style – 'tis a known thing, Grissie had said – so she was not a burden.

Oh, Grissie would sigh a little over the books, and say that even would it not be somewhat unfamilial to turn Mr Grigson’s uncle and mother out of Carlefour Castle, that was let to them on very agreeable terms, was a still prudent thing.

But indeed, they were all a deal happier.

In particular, Nora – Lady Eleanor Upweston, Jimsie’s younger sister – was positively blithe. Revealed, following her father’s death, that he had been considerably inclined to approve the union being proposed to him by Myo’s father Lord Saythingport, between Nora and his own heir, Viscount Talshaw.

They had all been shocked. Myo had no opinion at all of her eldest brother, that as the heir had been indulged all his life. Lord Gilbert Beaufoyle’s reports of his conduct on the Grand Tour had not been prepossessing, and he had now obtained throughout Society the reputation of a boor and a drunkard. Marry Nora! Quiet, shy, very pious Nora! It was quite horrible.

It also argued how very desperate Lord Saythingport was growing: for Nora would bring no great portion to the match, and it was still being gossiped upon how he had sold Cretia to Cyril Grigson, of no rank at all but exceedingly wealthy from his family’s China trade. However, Cretia seemed very well suited with that match – Grigson a very amiable fellow –

But they could now offer the argument that Nora was in mourning for her father and it would be entire improper to entertain thoughts of marriage for some several months yet.  By which time Saythingport might have contrived to find some wealthy but more lowly born heiress prepared to trade her gold for the eventual rank of marchioness.

So Nora sometimes sang at her lace-making until she came to the realization of what she was about, and blushed at the impropriety.

This particular afternoon the weather was so very fine they had taken their work to the summerhouse in the garden – Nora with her lace-pillow, Grissie with her lap-desk and Edmund and Adelaide playing at her feet, while Myo was about embroidering bookmarks that she might present when solicited for the next raffle or charity bazaar.

For was a day when they were in some anticipation that Lady Pockinford and Thea might call, and 'twas very like that there would be some good cause or other that Dumpling Dora was about!

It was Thea alone that was ushered into the summerhouse.

Mama, she said, has had a message from Rachel Demington that there is some muddle to do with the preparations for the Seamstresses’ Summer Workshops, so rushed off quite willy-nilly to convoke with her on the matter.

She disposed herself in a comfortable lounging chair, and looked about at 'em, and smiled. La, 'tis wicked unfilial in me, but is Mama not here I may enquire whether you, Nora, go visit Aggie and Hughie and see aught of Sister Linnet?

Nora put by her lace-making, so that she might give a lively account of how matters went in the parish of St Wilfrid’s, and add that there was a deal of asking after Lady Theodora.

Thea sighed. Would that I might visit 'em, but I had ado enough over pursuing my singing lessons at Zipsie’s –

At this moment arrived, very welcome, lemonade, just what one would desire on such an afternoon, along with an array of dainty sandwiches and cakes.

After they had refreshed themselves with these, and were still idly nibbling, Grissie remarked that no-one could object to Thea’s joining a married woman friend in her own house for singing lessons.

Thea sighed again. Entirely not, one would suppose. And Mama has come round – but. She looked down into her empty glass.

She looked up again. I am in somewhat of a dilemma.

That was intriguing, thought Myo. Was there some matter of a friend of Lord Rondegate that had spied Thea singing and taken a notion to her?

Thea put down the glass, clasped her hands together, and commenced the tale. Her Grace of Mulcaster had approached Miss McKeown about certain songs that had been composed by Lady Jane Knighton’s late cousin Grace Billston, that she was very desirous of hearing once more. Miss McKeown declared that her voice was no longer fit for the performance – still had copies – mayhap did she ask Zipsie?

So, she had taken the songs to Zipsie, that had been very impressed, and said, why, she could, she dared say, sing 'em, but seemed to her that they were better suited to Thea’s voice. And had tried 'em over with Thea, and they were very lovely songs –

But.

She looked up at her auditors. The words are from poems by Sappho, and was not Sappho a pagan poet?

I apprehend, said Grissie, that she was an antient Greek and thus would not have had the benefits of Christian revelation. But Thea dear, you would not be performing these songs publicly, would you?

Thea shook her head.

Nora gave a little gulp, and cleared her throat, and said, is it for Lady Jane, that is so noted for her good works, and wishes this remembrance of a departed friend, I am not sure one can see any harm. But mayhap I might ask Hughie – and Sister Linnet –

 Thea jumped up to kiss her cousin. That would be an immense kindness.

She desired 'em to tell her of their own news – was there not some matter of looking over one of Myo’s brother’s Oxford friends that might suit Jimsie as a secretary?

Oh, indeed, said Myo, a Mr Averdale, second son of a country squire in the Midlands somewhere – has his own way to make in the world one understands – a very clever fellow that has won scholarships and prizes – already shows a grasp of what the position would entail – proposed that he should come for a probationary period over the summer –

Do you not spend the summer at Worblewood?

Quite so! Will provide a quiet retreat – well, moderately quiet, Mr Chilfer has writ a very kind letter saying that he would be at leisure to come explore what he fancies is our buried Roman villa, and are we having excavations I am like to think Lucie and Lewis will both be very ardent to come and dig – quite aside from the attractions of the trout-stream – Grinnie may have other invitations but of course would ever be welcome –

I wonder, said Grissie with a grin, whether Lady Balstrup intends pass the summer at Attings.

Myo gave a little groan. Though I am more concerned about any gatherings my father purposes at Roughton Arching. At least we shall not be obliged to attend any revels there.

But, she thought, Worblewood was perhaps a little too close to Roughton Arching for Nora’s peace of mind. They had not considered over this problem yet. Mayhap she should go to Monk’s Garrowby with Grissie and Greg though one doubted whether she would find the Merrett uproar congenial.

She would doubtless be happiest with Aggie and Hughie but, the East End, in the height of summer? However, did she stay with the Pockinfords, she was like to feel a persecuted martyr, even was that prig Simon about his travels by then.

But they had never expected to meet some of the names that they had read of in the newspapers – whose writings they had perused –

And all so very civil, nay, even amiable. Perchance novels that depicted Society as haughty and exclusive and snubbing rather exaggerated the matter? – to point a moral and adorn a tale to warn against social climbing?

Humphrey Thornton glanced out of the train window and observed that they were now past the depressing southwards extension of the city’s purlieu, and into the attractive Surrey countryside.

Quite dazzling to the second son of a medical practitioner in a provincial town! – and indeed to all their set, that were of similarly humble background, had careers to make, were not at Oxford simply because 'twas a done thing, had had the deepest suspicions of Shallock until they had become better acquainted and found him a somewhat shy chap that was quite dedicated to the pursuit of scholarship. Far from wasting his substance in riotous living was discovered on rather a meagre allowance eked out by his godfather’s generosity.

Yet one came to perceive that 'twas not just like pretty soap bubbles – there was a deal there that was solid – these were not idle triflers –

Had had the most agreeable discourse with Lord South Worpley, the heir of the Duke of Humpleforth, about lepidoptera, that took a serious interest in – was minded to construct a butterfly house at Maraston Towers. Mr Thornton had perhaps already heard that his step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess – that is her, over there – had set up a menagerie of Indian birds and beasts, to remind her of her childhood, in the grounds of the Dower House?

There was a vague suggestion that he might come visit during the summer, but Humphrey did not make too much of that – it was surely a mere civil social gesture to a fellow butterfly-lover.

It had been daunting to be introduced to Miss Ferraby and her companion Miss Roberts, but really, they were not the terrifying harridans some accounts led one to anticipate – still quite young and very fine-looking women, even did one not wish one’s sisters to peruse the writings of Miss Ferraby, or at least, not until they were somewhat older.

So, here he was, on his way to Yeomans to consider whether he might have a fancy to a post as tutor in their establishment to the orphans they had collected. He must admit, he greatly liked the sound of the enterprize – a deal more agreeable than cramming the sons of the wealthy with Latin and Greek in the approved style. Had already had certain notions about different ways of teaching the classics – and mathematics – and giving a broader education: but had gloomily thought that one would be required to conform to whatever the parents desired.

This was the station – and there was Miss Roberts herself on the platform, very kind indeed. Had fancied he might have to take the station fly – but no, she had had to come into town with the gig, to take certain packages to the Post Office, and collect certain parcels that were waiting in the railway station Goods Office, it was no trouble at all.

They disposed themselves and their parcels in the gig – O, the beggings and pleadings of the children that they might come, or at least one or another might have the pleasure of the jaunt, but we should be somewhat crowded – had not quite anticipated the extent of these parcels –

By the bye, Mr Thornton, Lord Peregrine mentioned that you had some interest in writing for the press? – Humphrey nodded – I fancy a deal of these bundles are books for review, and I would happily pass over some of that task.

He gulped and stammered that would be delighted – did she think him fit –

We may talk of this further later – let us make ourselves known to one another a little better than one is able in the press of a social occasion.

By the time they came to the fine tree-lined drive to Yeomans he was chatting to her with entire ease about his family – his lack of interest in medicine – the excellent set he had fallen into at Oxford –

What a very charming house – and there, on the portico, three women waiting.

A manservant came to take the parcels, as Miss Roberts made the introductions – Humphrey’s mouth quite fell open as he was made known to Mrs Veriker, the noted botanist, an elderly lady with an ear trumpet and quite the kindest expression – and Mrs Marshall – Ellen – the governess, that was, he apprehended, a married lady whose husband was a reporter for the Lowndes press. Miss Ferraby he had already met.

Miss Ferraby conducted 'em indoors and said, had no doubt Mr Thornton would like some refreshment – should he care for coffee?

The most agreeable parlour with a fine view to the gardens, where he could see several children of assorted ages playing very amiably upon the lawn. While they were dressed in what he could see were sensible practical garments, there was no air of their being uniformed orphans.

Mrs Veriker came sit down beside him, turning her ear trumpet to its best angle for converse, and said, understood he was interested in lepidoptera? Had had a notion that one might plant a plot with flowers and shrubs said particular attractive to butterflies and moths –

What a capital idea!

Miss Ferraby chuckled. La, one might write that up in several ways, might one not, Hannah? Very serious and scientific for The Speculum – somewhat a little lighter for The Oracle – and as a pretty notion for the garden in The Lady’s What-Not!

Miss Roberts groaned and said, Indeed one did do exactly the like, 'twas quite a matter of oeconomy, but it was a splendid thought.

Excellent instructive for the children! put in Mrs Marshall.

Humphrey was urged to more coffee and not to be shy about helping himself to cake – that was indeed excellent cake.

He remarked upon the vista from the window and was urged to go take a better look out – Miss Roberts went over with him to point out various features, and to name the children for him –

That is Kate, that is our eldest, very responsible and big-sisterly, we fancy she has artistic talent but would not push her on too fast – Sallington conveys her the occasional lesson –

She grinned at his expression. O, he is quite an intimate of the household! Was very much part of our nursery-set at Raxdell House in childhood – my brother Julius –

Julius Roberts the botanist?

– Quite so! – remains his greatest friend, resides nearby to his estate at Nitherholme undertaking a survey of the flora of the moors – that is Johnny, that at present has a passion for insects and other creeping life, we hope that it may become a serious study but may be the usual passing fancy of a boy –

Jamie is not an entire orphan, but his father is in America, raising interest for the Irish struggle – also has a grandmother, but she is a nun.

There was, Humphrey observed, a certain Hibernian cast to the boy’s features, as well as red hair.

They will be your pupils – as you see, our others are somewhat younger – Theo, that is Ellen's son, Beatrice, and Miranda are but recently advanced to the schoolroom, while Hari is not quite at those years, and Ellen’s Caro is still a baby.

Hari? The still uncut hair swept straight and inky black down his back, and his complexion was golden-tawny.

Miss Roberts smiled. An infant in whom the Dowager Duchess of Humpleforth takes an interest – she was born and brought up in Bombay, still has relatives there –

Ah. One fancied perchance an offspring of one of those unions that were no longer so common, or maybe conducted a deal more clandestine, that the father wished to give the advantage of an English upbringing and education.

What a very handsome child.

Is he not? An Indian boy one might quite imagine the fairy monarchs at odds over.

One of the children – the girlchild Miranda – observing them being observed, stumped over to the window to stare back.

Oh, that is Miranda! Has a great curiosity.

Might I go meet 'em all? he asked, feeling somewhat nervous at the prospect.

Miss Ferraby chuckled. Do you concede do they require you to be a tiger.

A tiger?

'Tis a game of theirs –

'Tis a game we used to play in the Raxdell House nursery, said Miss Roberts. But I surmize Mr Thornton is not a tiger – Still, let us go out.

It was an agreeably warm day with just a faint refreshing breeze. An ornamental fountain plashed gently.

Come, children, called Miss Ferraby, come and meet Mr Thornton.

They were extreme eager to demonstrate to him all the charms of the gardens – and lead him further on to the park – there is a badger, but 'tis very shy and retiring, besides the rabbits –

Miss Ferraby gave a small sigh, and explained, sotto voce, that they were like to think that her brother Josh had rescued it from a baiting-ring, that still afflicted its spirits.

Had he seen the wombatt?

Wombatt?

La, said Miss Roberts, 'tis now a triumph of taxidermy indoors – when Josh was younger 'twas quite the darling of his heart.

That must be Mr Josiah Ferraby, the famed explorer and zoologist and ardent advocate of humane treatment of animals. Really, this was so unusual and so alluring an establishment – he supposed he should talk it over in more sober mood – at present was like being under an enchantment – sure was not Mrs Veriker the entire image of a Wise Good Witch in a fairytale, as she poked among the wild flowers making little exclamations?

Mrs Marshall smiled at him as if she knew somewhat of the sensation.