the stuff you said

Compromising correspondence

Matt looked across his desk to the fashionable young man opposite – Mr Phineas Taskerville, that had been a hanger-on of Blatchett’s set, but had lately been showing rather cool towards him. Matt sighed a little inwardly – wondered did priests sometimes feel thus in the confessional?

Here was a tale that he had been hearing rather oft of late – perchance not quite the same, but much the like in its essentials. Here was a young chap had been enjoying the favours of another man’s wife or mistress – lord, did no young men these days practise the discretion that had kept Geoffrey Merrett, that well-known consoler of neglected wives, out of the exposure of a crim.con. action? – and came to him about certain letters of a most indiscreet nature.

There was Mr Taskerville, had expectations from a wealthy and pious aunt, that were these disclosed to her would not only cut off her habitual generous gifts at appropriate seasons but doubtless leave her fortune in due course to some missionary enterprize. Alternatively, the scandalmongers had it that Sir Francis Whibsall and his lady were at outs and Sir Francis might well show generous for evidence towards bringing a crim. con.

Matt gave the young man a benevolent and reassuring smile, saying that they would look into the matter – might require additional information once they had, but Mr Taskerville might be confident the business was in good hands.

The latter rose, blushing and mumbling that he had heard a deal of good reports of the Johnson agency’s ability and discretion in dealing with similar problems.

As he left, Matt pulled over and opened the ledger so that he might record that the interview had took place on this day, and then took a sheet of paper to make the more confidential notes. This accomplished, he stepped out of the office to go into Ginevra Frinton’s filing room, where his prime operatives were wont to gather and gossip.

Excellent: there was Hacker, that was exactly the one that he would desire in a matter of this kind, and he requested that she might step into his office.

Once she was seated opposite him he opened the case to her.

Ah. Another one – do we apprehend that there is one particular chap that is making quite the business of it? Mayhap goes about bribing maids and valets – or finding somewhat to threaten 'em with – to get his hands on compromising correspondence.

I think you hit it off very just! This is no common instance of a discharged valet going be vengeful.

They looked at one another.

Hacker flexed her clever fingers. Might one find his hide-out – for I fancy is not the like to hire a bank-box to keep his trove in –

Can one find him first! – hah, suppose I put it to Taskerville that he arranges to meet the fellow, to say he does not have the sum immediate about him –

I doubt he does, he lately did very badly on the turf!

– and must thus go raise the ready, but has that in hand with his bank – and we have watchers about that might follow him when he leaves –

Dickie goes about to become very adept in that matter. And, she continued, a thought strikes me that I may have a way to come at this matter of suborning of valets.

It had been quite the happiest day when he had been persuaded to take on a former pupil of the noted ken-cracker Laffen! Here was Hacker had a deal of skills and quite the nicest insights – made very useful acquaintance –

Why, go to’t! Now, you might send in Frinton, is she not too occupied at the moment.

A few hours later, Matt was just stepping back from taking a glass of ale and a plate of bread and ham at the Lord Nelson, when Dickie quite burst out into the hallway saying, there was an Irishman had come very desirous of an interview with Mr Johnson about a matter of grave importance.

Matt, bestowing his stick in the stand and his hat upon the hook, said he dared say 'twas yet another fellow had had a female relative beguiled into matrimony by the scoundrel O’Neill!

But it turned out to be a different matter concerning the tangled affairs of Miles O’Neill and the womenfolk that became embroiled with him.

The fellow was clearly in some prosperous line of business – handed over his card – one Rory Sullivan of Cork –

They had been in brewing and distilling this age, and here was a bottle of their excellent whiskey as an earnest of their quality for Mr Johnson –

Why, that is a very thoughtful thing, and I daresay 'tis not too early in the day to invite you to join me in a small glass?

So he took the glasses from the cupboard – there was not infrequent occasion to provide a client with a drop or so of reviving brandy! – and poured out, and praised the liquor, and enquired about Mr Sullivan’s journey to Town, &C, and thus proceeded to his reasons for coming here.

Mr Sullivan was a cousin of Lady Wauderkell, that he understood had been quite cleared of any imputation of murder or assault – had supposed that she would at last have retired to her old home, but they had seen naught of her, and had no direction where they might write to discover what had become of her –

Had Mr Sullivan not heard of Lord Fendersham’s determined pursuit of the lady? Or perchance did not wish to apply to such a rigidly Evangelical peer.

Why, said Matt, I am given to understand that she goes undertake a retreat at a convent in Sussex.

Mr Sullivan praised the Blessed Virgin and crossed himself. That is quite the finest news! Would write to the good sisters – dared say there was a Mother Superior that he should address himself to –

Quite so, said Matt, I may find that out betimes.

Mr Sullivan became confidential. It was the matter of the lawsuit over the family business – when cousin Juliana had become so besotted with that wretch Wauderkell they were very loathe to let him get his fingers into her share – would be an entire leech – so they concocted legal proceedings that would cast doubt on whether she had entitlement to any portion – wagering on the likelihood that he was not a fellow that was going to linger about Cork or even stay in Ireland to pursue the case – and there was Jule already selling her little verses and tales, very remunerative –

But now we had rather bring the matter to a comfortable compromise and is she a widow we are a deal less troubled! – why, she might take the veil – would provide her a handsome dowry – or here is Connor O’Reilly, ever had a notion to her, has been a widower some three or more years – has waxed quite tearful over her straits –

Matt nodded and said, did Mr Sullivan indite his direction in Town on his card, would send there as soon as he had the intelligence.

Mr Sullivan departed with effusive gratitude.

Matt supposed that Lady W would be required to give testimony when this matter of O’Neill’s bigamy came to court – they were still awaiting the evidence from Chicago – but sure it would be a happy resolution did she disappear to her natal shores.

That e’en he went dine with Dumaine, that had become quite the regular custom with 'em, for a most useful exchange of intelligence and gossip. There was a deal of mutual benefit – Dumaine still found the services of Leda Hacker in her guise as Babsie Bolton of immeasurable value in the detection of false play at the tables, by the patrons of the establishment, and alas, occasionally by the house dealers. But had also been able to put business in the agency’s way, and to provide information of considerable use to its investigations.

So after they had dined, and were enjoying a glass of very fine brandy and cigars – have quite lately come upon a new supplier, does very well – Dumaine grinned and remarked that he was exceeding glad that Saythingport had decided to drag his heir about the races.

Matt lifted his eyebrows.

I was in some concern that I would have to drop some words that it might come about to having to bar him from my doors – there have been quarrels which did not quite turn into brawls, and I was not hopeful that peace would be preserved – but I fancy His Lordship observed the matter himself and decided to cool his head in fresher airs. So they are not lately about and thus neither is the Delgado bitch.

Dumaine stood, and said, would just take a peep out at the observation port to see that all was well down below – hoped would not have to attend personally until later –

He went to draw aside the panel that concealed a window onto the public premises of the club.

Good lord, there is Iffling, with Marabelle on his arm, brings his brother-in-law, that is a complete contrast to Talshaw, and his friends from Oxford, to see somewhat of high life, well, they will have somewhat to boast of in their college!

Matt went over to peer over Dumaine’s shoulder. And there is Blatchett –

Blatchett and Mortimer Chellow that clings to his side like a shadow! Well, I see no-one has actually gone give him the cut by getting up from the table he has sat down at, but they do not show welcoming. Though he was ever a poor hand at cards – at least one need not fear cogging, does not have the intellect for it –

What about Chellow, though? said Matt, knowing somewhat of the tales about the Hackwold Incident.

Dumaine snorted. O, he has brains enough, but he is fly enough not to try any sharp play here, where he knows there is scrutiny – would be another story at private parties, with the other players well in their cups.

Even after so many

Here was all in order for her soirée – it was that moment before one might anticipate any arriving, when even after so many of 'em – la, must be hundreds, thought Clorinda, even did she omit those in her days as a Lady of the Town – and of course she did not count those card-parties she and Abby had held, with the whispered rumours of staking of favours! – No, those had been entirely business. Even after so many, there was a little nervous qualm.

She looked across the chamber to where dearest beloved Leda was setting out cards and counters, and smiled. Oh, it was still – no, maybe 'twas not, for her, a renewed springtime, but it was all the richness of that season Not yet on summer’s death nor on the birth Of trembling winter. Had never anticipated such a thing – had supposed there would still be certain old favourites, mayhap an occasional passing fancy, but not this delight.

Her daring darling – indeed, some of her exploits caused Clorinda a little trembling, but one saw she came off quite unharmed. But it was less troubling that Leda lately, in her character as Babsie Bolton, prime doxy at Dumaine’s, found an entrée into the society of those very exclusive and discreet doxies that resided in fine villas in St John’s Wood. For here was Iffling’s mistress, Marabelle Myrtle, very desirous that dear Babsie should come take tea, and had become quite part of a set of ladies in a similar condition, and, sure, there was a deal of very useful gossip exchanged!

Also she was able to put a deal of good business in the way of Matt Johnson’s agency, whether 'twas within that  sphere of advizing how to be secure against burglary – la, you should see the sparkle they sport, just for a tea-party! – or certain discreet matters such as letters to old admirers that they would wish back in their own hands &C&C.

But tonight Leda was in the character of, o, she is some connexion of that dear old sawbones Hacker that Lady Bexbury takes up, entire genteel and not in the least encroaching, that took banque at the card-table at her soirées and acted as her secretary on occasion, and none would suspect the other characters in which she was known!

She stepped across the room to give her a kiss, breaking off as she heard the door open as Sandy came in. Well, Sandy had seen more than kissing over the time of their acquaintance!

He looked at her and observed with a grin that Lady Bexbury was sporting the fabled Murrampore rubies.

Why, 'tis some while since I did so – and they are very fine although perchance the setting is coming about to be a little old-fashioned in style –

And 'tis not at all so these young men in Lord Peregrine’s set may boast about Oxford of having seen 'em!

What a pleasing set they are – what an excellent young fellow he is –

Indeed, not what one would anticipate from his father or his elder brother – or what one heard about their forebears.

Came in Lydia Marshall, that said, had been reassured that her harp was here, but would wish to ensure that was in tune –

Quite so, my dear, they were handling it very gentle but 'tis ever wise – apprehend that we shall be hearing a new trio of Lady Rondegate’s composition?

Lydy looked up from her strings and tuning key, saying, o, a very fine thing! and seemed about to expatiate further when came quite bursting in Hattie Nixon –

My poor old Nixon is resting a little at the foot of the stairs afore Hector goes assist him up – my dear, before the crowd arrives, what is this brangle 'twixt Lady Inez and Lady Leah? That were ever closer than sisters?

Clorinda sighed. Lovely twin berries on a single stem. No, 'tis like unto a play – here they are, have the most eligible suitors, were entirely minded to make those most acceptable matches – and then both of 'em fall quite besotted by that romantic figure Lord Gilbert Beaufoyle.

Hattie gave a positively raucous laugh. Along with half the young women in Society and a deal of the married ladies! Gives none of 'em the least encouragement – is never more than properly civil – but sure, is very handsome – has that dashing reputation – rumours of a liaison with some foreign fair – accounts for that air of alluring melancholy –

Poor Gillie, thought Clorinda, that now came to understand some of the inwardness of the matter. Indeed he was handsome, that was hardly surprizing in the offspring of Biffle and Viola, though he lacked the classical perfection of his elder brother Lord Rollo. And those tales of duels &C, that grew more and more exaggerated in the telling, must greatly add to his attractions.

But, my dear, before Mr N comes in, do tell me how Hywel does –

For Hattie continued to visit her invalid lover, the former actor Hywel Jenkins. So she reported upon his health, and the state of his spirits, and wondered whether it might be answerable for him to go to Malvern, or would some other spaw, or mayhap the seaside, be more suitable?

This ever-interesting subject broke off as entered Meg and Sebastian Knowles, Sebastian giving his arm to Mr Nixon, followed by the young Rondegates.

Meg and Zipsie went over to Lydy, Zipsie placing the oboe in its case that she had been cradling in her arms on top of the pianoforte.

Then came quite the flurry of guests – Sir Barton and dear Susannah Wallace – alas that Bobbie and Scilla were at present in Firlbrough – and not accompanied by their lingering house-guest Lord Fendersham! had felt obliged to extend an invitation but Clorinda was exceeding glad he had some conventicle or other elsewhere. Compared to Fendersham, the Pockinfords were positively lightminded even were they of the same Evangelical persuasion.

There were Pockinford and Dumpling Dora, with Artie and Rachel, and Thea, and the Lucases – no Hughie and Aggie, that had some matter a-doing in their parish the e’en – and no sign of the prig Simon.

Sir Vernon, that cast one of his diplomatic glances at her rubies.

The Mulcaster House party – Biffle, Viola, Sallington, Gillie – Steenie and several of his set – Viola with Mr Davison and Surgeon-Major Hicks – we were talking over a Mogul manuscript I have just acquired and sure we quite lost track of the time! – no Chloe?

But here were the Lowndes, and Chloe was with them –

Viola looked around and smiled. Chloe has been spending a few days with 'em in Highgate, and being shown over the press &C, now she goes write for 'em.

Excellent well! thought Clorinda, as entered her beloved wombatt child Flora with Hannah Roberts, Ambrose Joliffe, Janey and Geoff Merrett. She fancied there had been one of Janey’s conversaziones of young women interested in intellectual matters.

The Bexburys with the Horrocks – the Abertyldds – ah, Sir Oliver and Ollie must still be in Heggleton – the Casimirs – Cyrus Enderby – Quintus and Sukey – Harry and Lou –

Lord Peregrine and his friends – the Grigsons had a longstanding dinner with City acquaintance that it would be most uncivil to cut, one quite understood.

Lord Iffling! La, had been civil to send a card, having met him at Cretia’s tiffin party, but had not anticipated that he might come.

William and two of his pupils going around offering various refreshments to the company.

Meg had moved to sit at the pianoforte and was playing some suitably light matter.

Hah! Archie South Worpley and Trelfer, standing watching, not quite gaping, as Leda performed card-tricks for 'em. Darting sidelong glances towards the ladies of their hearts, that were keeping a considerable distance 'twixt each other, with occasional mutual glaring, and endeavouring catch the eye of Gillie Beaufoyle.

There was Agnes Lucas, going to pull at Zipsie’s sleeve – oh, wished to make known to her to Mr Davison. Had there not been some mention of Zipsie setting to music those ghazuls that Agnes had turned into English – or that, rather, Viola had translated and Agnes had transformed into English verse? And had not Hannah remarked upon some piece Mr Davison had writ upon Persian music that would forthcome in The Speculum?

Here, a little later than their wont, were the de Cléraults, Raoul and Phoebe along with their daughter Angelique, also an artist, and their son Lucien that was their business manager. Phoebe came over to explain that they had been somewhat detained in family gossip by brother Hector – o, naught to fret about, he now comes about to boast about Patience and Jessamy after all the fretting he was in.

Another tardy party – Julia Humpleforth and Josh, that very fortunate arrived simultaneous with the Samuels and Lady Jane – Clorinda came into some concern that they were growing indiscreet.

She looked about again –

That excellent fellow Enderby had contrived an introduction 'twixt South Worpley and young Mr Thornton over a common interest in lepidoptera – she perceived Mr Averdale in converse with Biffle and Hicks, perchance over matters to do with India – what, there was Iffling making civil to Quintus –

Quintus wearing the polite expression that she feared was common to medical men assailed for professional opinions upon social occasions, had seen it with dear old Hacker! – dared say 'twas concerning the affliction of Iffling’s father the Duke of Werrell.

Mr Nixon, Sir Barton, Sir Vernon and Trelfer at the card-table.

Zipsie was now at the pianoforte, her husband leaning upon it looking very fond.

Came up to Clorinda Lord Peregrine that thanked her very heartily for inviting his friends – 'tis quite the kindest thing – they will be talking of it for months –

Why, one sees they make a considerable impression! – there were Mr Wood and Mr Smithers engaged in some quite passionate discussion with Sandy and Geoff Merrett – I apprehend Mr Thornton will go visit Yeomans about this possibility of tutoring – but, la, let us go hear the music!

For the trio had just assembled and the company were placing themselves to listen.

Really, a great success! Count Casimir quite rushed up to Zipsie afterwards to congratulate her – Meg remarked that they must certainly play it again at her next musical evening –

And a crowning moment – made an entrance Amelia Addington, come straight from the theatre, desiring supper – for she could never eat afore a performance – and then, she said, surely, dear Lady Bexbury, you will gratify us with one of your famed readings from Shakspeare?

Had planted seeds

Nancy Gaskell had come to consider the offspring of her first husband, the banker Allison’s, long liaison with Bertha Watson quite in the capacity of stepchildren. Their own union had not been blessed, and, since the deathbed disclosure that Bertha had made to Nancy of the clandestine marriage that had took place in Scarborough, just as well. And Allison, that had been a chilly if proper-conducted husband towards her, had shown very well in his testamentary dispositions: had left her well-provided and with an interest in the bank – all the children desired to take the name of Allison and all established in solid professions or business or, in the case of the daughters, well-married.

Except for the youngest, Daisy – la, there were the sons all named out of the prophets of the Old Testament, and the daughters all very pretty and ornamental! – had shown herself such a fine scholar at the very good girls’ school in the town that had proceeded to teach there, and one wondered a little did she have some ambition to go improve her capacities at one of those colleges for ladies in London?

But here it had come to Daisy after the way of the world, that although for some years she had shown indifferent to the some several young men of Firlbrough that displayed an inclination to court her, for her fine looks and character as well as the very agreeable portion she would bring to a marriage, she now found herself looking very kindly upon the suit of the younger Mosstop brother. The Mosstops were incomers, that had arrived quite recently, but their skill as cabinet-makers had led to 'em already becoming well-established tradesmen in the town.

Their sister, that was known as Mrs Williams, there was a sad story behind to do with her villain husband that was now deceased in a street accident, was now the most favoured and fashionable milliner in the place. The elder Mosstop brother, Sidney, was already affianced to Lizbeth Powlett, one of the numerous offspring of the Powletts of Minnie’s bakeries and tearooms, flourishing enterprizes.

An entire eligible match, one could have entirely no objection.

Daisy said indeed, she had no cavils – Habby – her eldest brother Habbakuk, that was now head of the bank – considers it a most respectable connexion. But –

She looked down at her hands wringing together. I daresay that I may teach my own children –

Why, indeed that is a very fine thing, though it is claimed that 'tis also beneficial to children to go to school and mingle with others –

Oh, quite! But is it wrong to feel that perchance one might use one’s talents in a wider sphere, even was one married?

Nancy replenished their teacups and offered the plate of scones while she thought.

Well, my dear, I think you may find that at first – setting up keeping house, and then do you begin upon motherhood – you may find your hands entirely full! – but indeed, there comes about a time when a woman may wish for – there is a fine line of Shakspeare I have heard about virtues going forth of us – for that. And one hears the mothers of the town commend the way you educate their daughters –

Daisy blushed and ducked her head –

– and for some while I have had a notion – have heard of it at other institutes – of classes particularly for women, both on matters to do with health and more general intellectual improvement –

O, said Daisy, blushing more deeply, sure I am no Miss Ferraby –

Why, this would not be mounting a public platform to orate – a quieter matter of talking in a room – discussing questions –

This made Daisy look very thoughtful.

Consider over it, said Nancy. Talk with Mr Mosstop.

You are above and beyond good to us, said Daisy, somewhat tearful. Here is Zephy – her brother Zephaniah – ever praising the fine hospitality that your relatives accorded him in Manchester, made a deal of a difference to a young man living in lodgings – seeing all the horrors in the hospital wards &C – Violet and Pearl crying up the help you have been over 'prenticing their boys – Hosea being brought on in the coke-works –

Why, there is Hosea shows exceeding promising indeed – Mr Gaskell is like to think he should make a Grand Tour of some of the other enterprizes about the country –

As Jeremiah had said to her, did one have no son of one’s own, would feel some security that he was leaving the coke and gas-works in safe hands.

Daisy rose to her feet and said, had took up quite enough of Mrs Gaskell’s time.

Nancy took her hands and leant over to kiss her cheek. I wish you all happiness in your marriage, my dear.

And, she thought, when Daisy had departed, she had planted seeds for bringing about a notion that she, and the other members of the triumvirate of Firlbrough ladies, Vinnie Dalgleish and Hepzie Bramdon had lately talked over, concerning this matter of classes for women. Sure, mayhap Vinnie, that had been a preceptress at a very good girls’ boarding school afore she wed Enoch Dalgleish might have undertaken 'em, but she was very took up with a deal of good causes already!

She rang for the maid to come clear away the tea-things, and went to find Jeremiah.

As she anticipated, he was still in his office along with Horace Bramdon, plans spread out on the table. For Jeremiah was not letting the grass grow beneath his feet and letting this idea of an art gallery be a mere castle in the air! No, it was at the very least convoke with the architect over the practicalities.

Her husband looked up and said, here is Bramdon advances the excellent thought that we might incorporate a museum – there are those cabinets of fossils and insects &C at the institute, very crammed together, could be entirely better displayed –

Is that not very ambitious?

Bramdon, very eager, offered that they might call it the Sir Josiah Ferraby Memorial Museum, and get up a subscription – there were still funds from that attempt to get up a statue, that fell by the wayside during the decline in trade –

And, as Nancy recalled, a deal of brangling over where it should go and selecting a sculptor!

She responded that one felt that the Ferrabys would prefer a museum as memorial rather than a statue –

Quite so –

She stepped over to look more closely at the plans.  Jeremiah put an arm around her as he pointed out various particular merits –

Oh, it was very comforting, the signs of continuing affection that he demonstrated towards her! for she could not ignore the signs of the passage of time, and that she was some years the elder, and that he was still a fine-looking fellow in his prime – just a touch or two of grey in his dark locks that gave distinction – Sure, she was not wore-out with childbearing, had kept her figure, was well-preserved, but sometimes fretted.

Had been the greatest surprize when he had come call, quite early on in her widowhood, and made a declaration – indeed, she could not have failed to notice that there were a number of gentlemen in the locality took a considerable interest in the well-left widow of Banker Allison that was also a great friend of the Ferrabys – but this was different. This was the young man she had observed showing somewhat uneasy and awkward upon social occasions, and gone about to make more comfortable – for one saw that Miss Parkinson, Hepzie Bramdon’s sister, quite failed to set him at ease – and there came in his eyes somewhat she had never found in her husband’s, that had married a woman that provided a provident union into a Manchester banking connexion, and understood a deal about finance herself, and could do the proper in Firlbrough society, but whose warmer affections and passions had long been given to Bertha Watson.

Had never descended into flirtation – had eschewed aught that might give rise to gossip – but, oh, she had looked forward to his presence.

Bramdon said, would leave the plans here, should be getting along, and did Mrs Gaskell have any messages for Hepzie?

So Nancy ceased her reverie, and thought, and recollected that there was some matter of raising money for the Library Literature Fund, that they had not determined upon the best means, and perhaps they should convoke. But this talk of election made everything so uncertain!

Bramdon nodded and said, heard that the Tories were talking of putting up Whitterby, was a very different matter than that sot Birling.

Indeed it was, they agreed when Bramdon had finally left. Here were Mr and Mrs Robert Wallace making a visit, not electioneering as such but going about and taking the feel of the town and finding out what the issues were &C, and generally making themselves known so that they were not seen as strangers. But Bobbie Wallace was not a local man, however well-respected his father, and indeed his mother Aspasia were, whereas the late Sir Josiah and his successor Ned Granton had been. And the Whitterbys had been a county family in these parts since – well, not quite since Domesday, perchance, but a good long while.

And the Whitterbys were well-thought-of, unlike Henry Birling, that had once owned the coke-works but sold them to Ferraby, married Squire Matterson’s daughter and set up to be a country gentleman at Blethersett Hall. That had not done well at, and drank a deal too much, and his wife not much liked.

So did the Tories run Sir Jack Whitterby as their candidate, 'twas somewhat of a serious threat.

But here came Bobbie and Scilla, in exceeding good spirits.

Scilla said she would run upstairs at once to see how the little boys did.

Nancy assured her that there had been no outbreaks of turmoil during her absence: Scilla smiled and said, even so, wished to look upon 'em.

Jeremiah looked at Bobbie and remarked that he looked uncommon pleased with himself.

Indeed, said Bobbie, quite beaming. Imagine who I should meet in company this afternoon but Sir Jack Whitterby – quite assured me that he has no intention of conceding to any persuasions to stand – has quite enough to do bringing the estate about – would desire an introduction to Artie –

A great relief!