Well, said Amelia, dabbing at her own eyes, one can hardly ask poor Hattie to undertake it!

Clorinda sighed. Poor Hattie indeed, she said, one wonders whether she may leave Nixon to his own devices at Margate for the while so that she may even attend the obsequies. Sure the old fellow has shown exemplary understanding of the situation these many years –

That was one problem. But here she found that one of their frets was entirely resolved, as she opened the envelope sealed with an episcopal seal, and discovered that dear Bishop Tanton – + Edgar Wyreminstre – was positive eagerly volunteering to conduct the service. Very proper – was one of the patrons of the Helena Fund – had writ on the elevating power of the theatre – known a scholar of the religious drama of the Middle Ages – entirely suitable.

And here was a letter from dearest Bess, saying all that was proper, but also conveyed that here was Beth in a tremendous fret that she had overtired Mr Jenkins when she visited him and desired to hear Friends, Romans and countrymen – and bore a responsibility for his demise.

O, poo poo, murmured Clorinda, was quite the happiest thing for dear Hywel. Though indeed, one hears of sudden rallying that is a precursor to death – but that was not to be laid to her account.

Came in Hector with a most particular severe expression, bearing a telegram on the silver tray.

He stood by while she read it, with the air of being ready to spring into whatever action was necessary at this latest contingency.

O, really, Hector, do not gloom at me like that! 'Tis quite excellent news – Sandy informs me that that excellent young man Oxton is safely on board ship and departed for Nova Scotia.

Hector broke into a grin. Indeed good news, he said, a most deserving young fellow.

So he was, they might reasonably confide, safe from any malign designs of Blatchett’s, since one did not suppose Blatchett the kind of Gothic villain that had the determination – and the abilities – to pursue his victims to the ends of the Earth. Sent off with a well-provided box, a purse, and letters of recommendation. Just in case it would not suit for him to go work for the Collinses and Arbuthnot Wallace.

So, that was one matter resolved.

And while one could not deem it exactly resolved, for it presented certain further problems, at least Gillie had discovered that this matter of finding out secrets and extorting for money was precisely that – there was no deep plot in play as there had been with the Rathe business. Sir Vernon had been quite cock-a-hoop when disclosing this. So I need not fear that one wished Nottinge to steal state secrets – will advize caution and discretion in pursuing his odd pleasure –

She turned to composing replies to her letters.

Really, she thought, looking at the young man sat vis-à-vis to her in the parlour, sure I wonder should I go be worried about my reputation? For while I know the entire inwardnesses of the matter, here is Lord Gilbert given out a very wild and dissipated young fellow, comes call upon me –

He did not look wild and dissipated at the moment, but concerned, as he recounted to her what he had learnt and had not revealed in full detail to Sir Vernon.

Clorinda got up and stalked about the room, trying to cool her furious emotions. Infamous! she said. I wonder who the scoundrel can be –

But, she went on, seating herself, that is a problem for further contemplation. What we have more immediate upon hand is the plight of Lady Gabrielle.

Exactly.

Hmmmm. Had neither he nor Sir Vernon seen the obvious thing here? That the lady displayed certain talents that could be useful to their purposes? That she regularly travelled to France, where the Mallafrey connexion had relatives, quite aside from the matter of her former governess and the child?

Have advized her that she should talk to you – said Gillie.

Indeed that is a wise course! But alas, I must defer any such conversation until I have buried Hywel Jenkins – and sure, while I have you here, Gillie, is a question might address to you. Do you have any knowledge of Welsh?

Gillie looked a little affronted, responding that had spent several summers in Wales in his schooldays.

Why, then, you might say whether this inscription, that Hywel desired for his tombstone, is correctly writ?

Gillie took the piece of paper she handed him and scanned it. It looks entire correct to me – 'tis the Welsh form, from the service for the Burial of the Dead, let light perpetual shine upon him –

Clorinda suppressed a grin inappropriate to the solemnity of the proceeding, for 'twas an invocation well-suited to an actor.

– and entirely correctly spelt.

Thank you. We may go take it to the monumental mason, then. And to return to the matter of Lady Gabrielle, mayhap she might give it out that she comes to Town to consult some physician.

Gillie raised his eyebrows but did not interrogate further.

But all that business had to be put aside – at this season one could not long delay a funeral! – while they put the matter of laying Hywel to rest in fit order.

O, she could not help but recall that very different occasion: when he had so fetchingly expired as Romeo whilst she, a bouncing young creature running around backstage in her salad days, was helping him with his lines, and she had – not fallen backwards but fallen forwards into an amorous entanglement that had concluded with the gift of her virgin treasure.

But la, what was this! Came in Hector to say, Mrs Nixon was at the door.

Hattie!

Oh, send her in at once! Desire good strong hot tea from Euphemia and – whatever other refreshment she has upon hand – and you might also bring up a bottle of brandy.

Came in Hattie Nixon, dressed very sober was she not in actual mourning. The two women kissed.

But my dear, did you abandon Mr Nixon in Margate!

You will not believe it, said Hattie, commencing to weep, the dear good creature quite urged me to come. Said, there was Mr Jenkins had always behaved very proper – never urged me to fly – never any conduct that would lead to an expectation of crim.con. – apprehends that in France these matters are quite understood – prosed on somewhat of that – I never failed in my duties to him – so, dear Lady Bexbury, here I am.

Came Euphemia with tea, a very well provided cake stand, and the brandy bottle, as Clorinda was revealing to Hattie the Bishop’s very generous offer – the church all arranged with the verger and the sexton &C all on hand – several of his fellow-players will be pallbearers – Amelia and I purposed go to the mason about the headstone this very afternoon as is –

And here, indeed, came the Second Siddons apt upon the moment!

Fell sobbing into her friend’s arms – all very affecting, but indeed, 'twas all very well, but they should get on –

Clorinda heard a faint whisper of memory: Abby’s wicked grin through tears, la, Miss Clo goes bustle about disposing of matters – had that not been when they had been obliged to take on all the business of burying Madame Zelide, under her proper name of Johanna Gowing?

She should let 'em have their cry out, dared say 'twould leave 'em in calmer spirits for all the business they would have to manage –

So there they were, mopping their faces and blowing their noses and putting themselves to rights. She poured them tea, and added brandy, 'twas quite entire medicinal, and said that they should eat somewhat, fasting would do no good –

And Hattie was entire welcome to stay here, would just ring for Dorcas about making up the guest bedchamber –

Whereupon Amelia pouted somewhat and said of course dearest Hattie would be coming spent the night with her, that was, Clorinda admitted to herself, somewhat of a relief, as she was in expectation of Bess’s arrival.

Once they had finished sustaining themselves, and all had tidied up after their excesses of emotion, they departed in her carriage, first to the undertakers, so that Hattie might view the departed, and Clorinda herself might ensure that all was in order for the morrow, and thence to the mason’s yard.

The fellow was entirely agreeable to putting the inscription in Welsh – hah, have had fellows that desire some matter in Greek, at least this is in our usual alphabet – and a very superior headstone was chose, and there was somewhat of sniffling but no breaking down into sobs –

She conveyed Hattie and Amelia to the latter’s very agreeable lodgings – where doubtless Maggy was quite bursting to recount antient theatre tales of Hywel –

That minded her, that Maggy had determined to die in harness, but had now conceded the wisdom of bringing on an apprentice in her trade – But that was business for another day!

She returned home to find that dearest Bess had already arrived and had been took up to the dressing-room so that Sophy could provide her with water to wash away the dust of travel and then brush out her hair.

Dear Bess, said Clorinda, going over to kiss her, I hope the journey was not disagreeable?

Bess snorted. First-class – a railway company in which we hold shares – la, they could not do too much for me!

Excellent well!

Over a light supper they spoke of general family matters – one could not in the least object to this prospect of an alliance 'twixt Chloe and Ferry Lowndes – but over port and madeira grew a little confiding –

Bess admitted to having been desperate in love with Hywel in her girlhood days, that Clorinda had guessed at the time, and she went on to reveal somewhat of her own past history.

Clorinda felt tears impend – not just for Hywel but for all the other departed – her mother – the General – Josiah and Eliza – Docket – Milord – Hacker – the Admiral – the Marquess her husband, that she had known so short a time – the Contessa far away in Naples –

Blew her nose, straightened her shoulders, and minded that tomorrow would require a deal of poise. She should defer her mourning.

Cretia was somewhat daunted at the prospect of going a visit to Lady Jane Knighton in Hampshire – one heard a deal of how exacting a lady she was! – that she was somewhat of a martinet among the philanthropic set –

But here was Vicky, that had also been invited, looked upon the excursion as quite the greatest treat – she and Lady Jane already had tremendous plans for reading the classics together – and she has that exceptional fine library that was her great-uncle’s there, the renowned scholar that corresponded with Mrs Carter –

It was quite the most agreeable thing that Mr Grigson had proposed that Vicky’s position in the household should be made a permanency. Sure she did not know how she should do without Vicky! For quite apart from how meticulous she was about keeping Cretia’s diary and her correspondence in order, and advising her as to what she might read, she was exceptional well-informed about the intricacies of the society Cretia was now moving in.

This was most useful, for although Cretia came about to make friends, there were sometimes questions she hesitated to ask. But Vicky’s Ma was the famed Sophy that was Lady Bexbury’s personal maid, and her sister was Miss Thomasine at Mamzelle Bridgette, and la, said Vicky, one will hear all the stories! And my sister Gertie has connexions with the horsey set. Then we have antient schoolfellows – and some make their debut, and others go out be governesses &C –

And Cretia was coming about on considerable terms of friendship with Janey Merrett, now that they were confederates in this plot of Lady Bexbury’s to unmask those sharping vipers Lady Venchall and Mrs Bramby. Janey’s dearest friend was Miss Thomasine, that had been at school with, Cretia heard so much about that school that she was quite in envy.

O, but Miss Thomasine – 'Sina – was also a less daunting figure than she had feared. Did not look one up and down and appraise one’s dress and sigh, but was ever agreeable to giving little hints on style. And so pretty – Vicky was well-looking enough, but 'Sina was, was there not a verse in the Bible, thou are black but comely?

Both the Jupp girls were magnificent equestriennes – fie, we was about stables from babies! –

She dared say that Rina would sneer and pout and make comments but really, they also had very polished manners – a very refined way of speaking –

She remarked on this to Janey, saying supposed it was the effect of that very fine school?

Janey shook her head. Fie, Sophy was ever very particular – just because they were brought up above the stables was no reason to show vulgar – though I daresay at necessity Gert can give fellows quite a tongue-lashing! – that is the middle sister, the one that shows an interest in helping Mr Jupp with the business –

Cretia sighed.

A footman came in with the post.

How delightful! a letter from Zipsie –

Janey looked up from her own letters. I say, Cretia, is there any likelihood that Iffling looks about for a governess for his children? I know several young women that are looking out for places –

Cretia made some calculations of the ages of the Iffling offspring and indeed, it must be coming about schoolroom years for 'em – has not said aught to me, yet, and neither has Rina – but may be in some concern that governesses would not wish to take a post at Anclewer.

Janey snorted. Why, one apprehends these days His Grace is carefully attended and minded, and that anyway, the way his affliction takes him is not towards any violence – sure there are establishments where the head of the house is in his right mind, or supposed so, and one would think twice about sending a young girl there –

Oh, entirely! Would not even molest a rose-bush, but address it very civil. I fancy my sister might be more of a problem, though she takes very little interest in the children. Still, do I have the chance, I will mention the matter to Iffling.

Janey suddenly jumped up, the letters in her lap fluttering to the floor as she went to the window. I would say, why, who is this comes? But I will hazard I know, though 'tis somewhat earlier than anticipated.

Cretia went to stand by Janey. She could see Lady Jane and Vicky, that had been sitting on the terrace with their books, stand up and move towards the portico.

The carriage halted. A footman ran forward with the step, and opened the door.

Oh.

Oh. This was not just an arrival. This was making an entrance, as Miss Addington emerged from the conveyance, paused for a moment, smiled radiantly at the approaching Lady Jane, and stepped down.

The two women clasped hands and kissed cheeks in greeting. One apprehended that they were quite the oldest of friends – Lady Jane an admirer of Miss Addington’s thespian art these many years.

It was ever surprizing to meet Miss Addington off-stage and find her by no means a large person – Janey had explained that she was able to command a compelling stage presence – and one noted this in particular beside the tall Lady Jane.

She turned to greet the rest of the company, and informed Janey and Cretia that she was entire apprized of the plot respecting those harpies and was very happy to assist in their designs. Murmured to 'Sina that did she know of any seamstress that cared to change her position for that of dresser in the theatre, Maggy had finally come about to concede that she should have some assistant – Heard that Vicky had been essaying her hand at translating certain Greek plays but they did not sound like to be agreeable to the Lord Chamberlain?

Vicky grinned and said that there were certain fine strong women’s parts but indeed she confided the like!

Miss Addington took a few days to recruit – la, you cannot imagine what 'tis like, getting a theatre company off on its travels round Lady Ollifaunt’s fine establishments! – as dear Lady Bexbury has remarked, would that one might breed or train sheepdogs to the task of herding actors! – but very shortly braced herself to the task of providing a little instruction to Janey and Cretia for their masquerade.

She sat 'em down at a card-table and they all engaged in play for a little while.

Ah, Lady Lucretia, 'twill serve very well that you seem a little hesitant – unfamiliar with the various games they are like to propose – perchance fumble somewhat with your cards – for one dares say they remember you sitting mumchance in a corner whilst they rooked your sister – So you will not require to act a part, whereas Janey –

O, indeed! cried Janey. Here am I, a bored young woman with an older husband, that has dragged me to live in the desert of Bloomsbury because 'tis so very handy for the Inns of Court – never discusses his cases with me, so I can convey no fine gossip about 'em – I do not think Venchall or Bramby ever had knowledge of him in bygone days but there may be ladies who did, or know ladies who did, and will titter behind their hands –

Cretia blushed.

Miss Addington nodded. That is your character, she said, And mayhap you have quite a conceit of your ability with the cards?

Oh, yes, they may have heard something of my mathematical studies, so I will – oh, not boast precisely, but indicate that there are principles that one may apply does one have that knowledge –

Exactly so!

So they practised, and got on, but there were also fine rides, and Janey took her sailing a time or two in her little boat Hypatia, and a deal of amiable conversation, and sitting on the terrace – for the weather was very fine and 'twas a pity to lurk indoors – reading and writing letters.

They also remembered to go feed the chickens, for the Samuels were visiting Tetterdene, where Sir Jacob was advising the Bexburys on forest management, and Lady Samuels had left very detailed instructions about the care of her beloved hens.

Cretia paused daily to admire what was quite a shrine to the late Admiral in the hall: a fine portrait of him in his uniform – his medals – various commissions and letters of commendation – watercolours of several of his ships –

A flying visit from Janey’s husband, 'twixt doing the family dutiful at Monks Garrowby and going to Sir Godfrey Allder’s philosophical convocation at Wallesfern. How very charming he was – one no longer wondered at his reputation – after a conversation in which he had led her to talk a good deal about herself she also no longer wondered at the revelations he elicited in the witness box!

So they were a happy little company all upon the most amiable terms – Lady Jane opened to Cretia about possible philanthropic matters she might interest herself in, that was very gratifying – in the evenings after dinner there was some reading of Shakspeare –

And then, one day, when they were taking tea upon the lawn, came one of the footmen to say, was a carriage coming up the drive –

Lady Jane frowned, and said, had not been in any anticipation of company. She looked about 'em. And they all shook their heads.

– with a crest upon it, cannot yet make it out.

Lady Jane rose from her chair. Will go see what’s ado –

This unexpected intrusion put 'em all in somewhat of an agitation – who could it be?

A little while later, came back Lady Jane, with the Dowager Lady Bexbury, clad in unusually sombre fashion.

Miss Addington started up, a hand to her mouth. Is it – is it – ?

Lady Bexbury sighed and went to put her arms about the actress. Yes, my dear. Hywel died quite sudden – no long-drawn-out deathbed scene – we must consider it a happy release –

The lovely voice quivered.

– I did not want you to learn the news from the morning papers so came quite directly.

Lady Jane rested a hand on Miss Addington’s shoulder, that was shaking with sobs. I know what an old friend he was –

Gave me my first chance when I was a very unformed little actress – we acted together so well for so long –

– And to you too, Clorinda.

For one perceived that she, too, had tears on her cheeks.

And she did not even have the Misses McKeown and Lewis come visit for instruction and gossip! For some kind benefactor that wished to remain anonymous, though Zipsie suspected 'twas Meg Knowles, had very kindly sent 'em for a few weeks to the seaside at Weymouth to recruit their health.

So while it might as a general thing, she felt, be extremely pleasant not to be constantly overwhelmed by Parry-Lloyds, it was most exceeding companionable to have 'em for an afternoon or so at a time.

There was Brump, conveying all sorts of messages from Rettie about what she had found helpful when she was in a like condition to Zipsie, very kind indeed. And Ollie and Folly and Georgie, that had not previously made any great note of it, exclaiming upon her music-room and fine piano-forte, and when were the Rondegates going to give their own music parties?

Zipsie snorted and said, let 'em wait until something like Society was returned to Town!

Lotty and Gianna complaining that Cecil was not there –

La, my dear little piglets, he may not be here with a pocketful of sweetmeats for you, but there will be a very fine tea!

She had been in some concern about how the rehearsal would go, being the first time that Ollie had been present to sing his part, but it seemed that he had, at least, been practising while he was in Heggleton and not entirely wasting his substance in riotous living.

It was a slight enough thing – a Chicken Cantata, inspired by Lady Samuels’ fine works on poultry – but she fancied she had made some telling effects – the girls’ Cluck-Cluck-Cheep-Cheep duet – the trio of roosters trying to outdo one another in crowing – the chorus of fox in the henhouse! fox in the henhouse! And that Mama would like it.

Brump murmured in her ear, as the rehearsal was over and she urged them into the drawing-room for tea, that he hoped she was not overdoing, and she assured him that she was spending a deal of her time with her feet up, and taking gentle walks in the square gardens. He grinned, remarking that Mama had urged him to this concern, but he did not remember her being one of those ladies that collapses upon a sopha?

Nor do I, Zipsie agreed.

She had desired a lavish tea to be laid on, to sustain 'em after their efforts, and had had the cook establish diplomatic relations with Miriam in the Grigsons’ kitchen to obtain her receipt for unparalleled lemon cake to it.

This went over very well! There was quite enough that even Georgie had to concede that he could not manage another bite. There were even enough in the way of remains that they might be parcelled up as a treat for little Danvie, that was still not quite old enough or brought on sufficiently to take part in these birthday performances but showed promise of a very fine treble.

Not a great deal of family news – Papa in hopes that there might be somewhat in the way of cricket at Hembleby Hall once all this election to-do was over – Auntie Dodo and Uncle Casimir gone to Scarborough, Doctor Ferraby considers it very sanitive –

Brump began to persuade the younger ones that 'twas entirely time for 'em to be going home, to a deal of groaning – but we want to explore the gardens! – and finally achieved getting all but Ollie out of the house.

Zipsie, after suitable farewell kisses and embraces, flopped down upon the sopha. La, I daresay 'tis my condition makes me find 'em so tiring –

Ollie gave her a small grin and said, might also be that she was no longer used to 'em? Found that, a little, just after these few weeks at Heggleton –

Zipsie looked at him. I suppose, she said, that you linger somewhat deliberate –

Ollie sighed. Do you hear from Thea? – how is she?

Zipsie raised her eyebrows. Fie, was you not making suit to an actress in Heggleton? Thought you had found some new lady for your heart –

Ollie plumped down into an easy chair. A flirtation I will confess to – had to conduct myself so very careful and proper among the young women of Heggleton society –

Zipsie’s notorious honking laugh burst forth. Oh, indeed, one must quite imagine! A most desirable swain.

– Miss Dalrymple a very charming young woman and dedicated to her profession and furthermore an old acquaintance – you remember the Richardsons? That came to the Raxdell House parties?

She remembered the Raxdell House parties – so much less stuffy than so many of the others they had been obliged to attend – such much more interesting company – why, 'twas there she had first met Lydy Marshall! –

Oh indeed, Mama and Auntie Dodo have been making a fuss. Has she not sermonized you yet?

I have that happy anticipation! Ollie groaned. But, what of Thea?

Zipsie sighed. Has been down at Pockinford Hall this age and one supposes Dumpling Dora keeps a sharp eye upon her correspondence to ensure that she is not writing to Sister Linnet or the Reverend Professor Pusey &C, that must put a constraint upon her pen – it puts a considerable constraint upon mine when I think of writing to her.

She wondered, looking at Ollie – that favoured the Parry-Lloyd side of the family, one did not wonder that he had been somewhat of a cynosure amongst the young ladies of Heggleton – whether, for all this yearning, he was like to make Thea happy? Now she was a married woman, she saw that romantic devotion was all very pretty, but a comfortable friendship was a deal more answerable for working days.

Mayhap she would think differently did she not have her music?

At length Ollie departed, after further expatiation upon Thea’s merits and his fears that the Pockinfords designed a match to some Evangelical lord of suitable station. He was by no means confident that that pietistic scoundrel Fendersham would not renew his suit, for one heard that, even was bigamy proved upon O’Neill, the Wauderkell was contemplating taking the veil –

Zipsie snorted. 'Tis rather too like one of her tales – a lady that has been sorely deceived by some plausible wretch – goes seek the consolations of religion – but then some antient deserving suitor returns from the wars, or prospecting for gold or some such and she observes the worth of a true heart –

Ollie made sounds indicative of nausea.

Quite so. One hears that there is some Irish cousin in Town, with news of some former suitor in Cork, a widower that does not forget –

Fie, Zipsie, mayhap you should go compose operas?

Well, one may see possibilities! – but I do not think that Thea will consider that obeying the Fifth Commandment would lead her as far as marrying Fendersham because her father desired it.

It was agreeable to be alone once more and to recline upon the sopha in her small parlour idly scanning the pages of The Ladies’ What-Not.

She had half-drifted into a doze when the door opened and came in her husband. She started up. Cecil! I was not in any anticipation you might arrive the e’en – or only very late. Is Mr Davison with you?

He came over, took her hands and kissed her. Sallington offered him the hospitality of Mulcaster House – he was in some mind to go straight to Oxford but that is such a tiresome journey on top of all the traveling we have already done –

Why, do you send him a note to invite him to breakfast – no, I daresay luncheon would be better – am still a little qualmish of a morn –

Cecil looked down at her. Really, Zipsie?

She looked up at him. I have been working on the ghazals, and am all eagerness to discuss 'em with him.

He sat down beside her. That is above and beyond civility and kindness, he said, putting an arm around her.

Poo – I hope I may consider him a friend still –

He kissed her. I am pleased, he went on, to change the subject, that I find you in such blooming health – was in a little concern.

She grinned. Why, I am pleased that I look so – have had a somewhat exhausting day of rehearsing for Mama’s birthday cantata – o, we come on, especially now that Ollie has returned to Town – and talking of Mama, I feel I must forewarn you –

Forewarn me?

Zipsie smirked. Now that she has got me off her hands, and 'twill be some years before Lotty makes her debut, here is Mama takes a notion that 'tis her positive duty to give my cousins Edith and Amy a London Season or so.

I daresay I was introduced to 'em at the wedding but I fear I do not recollect –

They are Auntie Cissie’s girls – the Fairleigh-Merretts – by all reports have been quite devastating Herefordshire and the adjacent parts – very well-looking, Uncle Eddie is Nuttenford’s brother – oh, but you may not know the story, that is very pretty though some considered it quite the scandal –

Tell on!

Sir Charles Fairleigh had been devoted to Lady Nuttenford – that was married to the Earl that was eat by a bear in the Americas and an invalid – since boyhood, and when the news came of her widowhood, quite immediate went propose, so that he might take care of her. And since they have no offspring due to her state, made Eddie his heir. That had been a little wild, but sobered down, and married Auntie Cissie, and took to farming –

Very pretty! He kissed her again, and remarked that he should go put himself a little more in order before they went to dine.

But Mama’s hope is, that do we hold music-parties, 'twill offer opportunity for 'em to display their talents for singing, that are considerable.

Why, one can have no objection at all – quite a done thing.

How very amiable a spouse was Cecil.