Some people I know

It was agreeable, thought Sir Oliver Brumpage, to be in Heggleton and to feel work under his hands again. Oh, one could not fault the care he had at Bexbury House! – Charley the kindest of daughters, Abertyldd quite the most attentive of sons-in-law, would come discourse with him of matters going forward in the Lords – every thought took for his comfort – the grandchildren an entire pleasure –

But was not ready to be put out to grass just yet! And there were matters of business, both to do with the manufactories and about the impending election, where action at a distance would hardly answer. But, oh, the fuss and fret that he intended this jaunt – sure, Pa, Barton is entire devoted to you, but he is no longer a young man –

So it had come around that young Ollie – the Honble Oliver Parry-Lloyd, Abertyldd and Charley’s second son – came with him, and was showing very promising. Naturally was invited about a good deal in what was considered Society in Heggleton – an exciting new face, and, Sir Oliver conceded to himself, a handsome one that took after the Parry-Lloyds rather than the Brumpages! also a talented musician that could play the bassoon, the bass-fiddle and the pianoforte. One must suppose that were mothers and young ladies looking him over with great interest.

Was also showing himself usefully entering into the family business, that one might not have anticipated. Had not been particularly educated to that end – his brother, Brumpage, the heir, was showing very meritorious conscientious and practical-minded over the management of the Abertyldd estates, that had give Sir Oliver a little hope that they were not all going to turn out a set of idle fribbles –

Well, had he not supposed George Abertyldd entire the like of that when had first encountered him in Society? Perchance no rake – that set about Lord Raxdell give out well-conducted young men given to sporting prowess and niceness of dress in emulation of him – indeed, he had soon been disabused of the notion that Raxdell himself had no thoughts beyond cricket, curricles and cravats, was the greatest friend of Ferraby, had had the wit to appoint MacDonald his secretary –

And here Abertyldd was, entire dutiful about his responsibilities in the government of the nation – perchance not a deep thinker on political oeconomy but was prepared to listen to the counsels of MacDonald and Sir Barton Wallace – that was advized by that wisest of women his wife – and his own father-in-law.

Had he not said somewhat of his concerns to Dowager Lady Bexbury? Had she not responded that, la, young men would kick up their heels, and she could tell tales of His Grace of Mulcaster when he was Lord Sallington! And look at how young Bobbie Wallace has sobered up now he has married!

'Twas true. But – somehow – as he looked at Ben Wilson, that was making such a notable career for himself as an engineer, he wondered whether one should turn out young men to make their own way in the world rather than eat the bread of idleness. Here was Ben – the black son of servants, even were those the famed Hector and Euphemia – gone work with Enoch Dalgleish in Firlbrough, become sufficiently respected for his capacities that like unto the Industrious Apprentice, was the accepted suitor of Dalgleish’s daughter Lucy –

Became most particular interested in matters of aids for the crippled – improved invalid chairs and false limbs, &C, in an enterprize with that fellow Hicks that had been a military surgeon in the Punjaub and Ben’s own sister, the nurse Patience.

There he was looking over Sir Oliver’s invalid chair, and making certain little repairs and improvements, and commenting that they were coming about to superior models now – a deal more comfortable – smoother in movement –

Did one good, to see that! Remarked that he would certainly invest in one of those – 'twas entire false oeconomy to make do in such case –

Ben nodded, and said, entirely so.

The matter proceeded to some discussion of investment – one did not anticipate to make great profits from such a scheme, but was the finest humanitarian endeavour – one wondered whether there might be got up some philanthropic organization to supply such aids to the deserving poor –

Ben grinned. Have already had Lady Bexbury speak to us on the matter!

Could not do better! There is a lady has fine practical notions of doing good – optical dispensaries &C – and managing 'em very effective.

And was also, he thought, a lady of exceeding kind heart, that had been a fine guide to the Brumpages when he had first been elected to Parliament and they had come to Town, and found themselves somewhat daunted by the company they found themselves in.

Ben began carefully putting his tools away – good practices – sure was one ever took ill one would feel a deal better was one in the hands of Sister Patience! everywhere commended. Said was Sir Oliver serious about investment, would send him the prospectus they were putting up – had had Sir Harry Ferraby’s advice in the matter –

The primest fellow for the thing! Splendid chap – cast in the mould of his father –

There was a little argumentation of the matter of a bill – no, no, it is useful instructive to see how these chairs bear up under use, and 'tis only fair to mend any faults –

Well, was he going to purchase an even better chair, would pay well for that! – and promote the interest of this enterprize.

Once Ben had departed, Sir Oliver returned to brooding upon Ollie – sure he was showing bustling enough about Heggleton, but should he not be returning to Town to assist Zipsie in preparing this celebration for Charley’s birthday? Did he not have a part in the cantata as the Fox in the Henhouse? Might he not take some of the burden of the rehearsals from her, given her present state?

'Twas very strange. Though perchance was Lady Theodora Saxorby not at present in Town – dared say the Pockinfords had gone down to their Shropshire estate for election matters – there was not the magnetic attraction that there had been? He was not sure what to make of Ollie’s yearnings for Thea – had they had somewhat to do with his pulling round into more responsible ways, was to the good, and yet, would aught come of it? There she was, daughter of an Earl, quite the matrimonial prize one would consider, and Ollie the second son of a mere Viscount. Little sign that Thea, that was very religious – more so, one fancied, than her sister Aggie that had married a clergyman, but that had been, gossip gave out, her fixed determination to marry her cousin Hughie Lucas, for better for worse &C – whither thou goest –

Indeed, there were rumours that the Pockinfords had been in some perturbation that Thea might join the sisterhood that was quite flourishing in Hughie’s parish. Quite anathema to Lord Pockinford’s severely Evangelical views.

A shy young woman – she and her cousin Lady Eleanor Upweston known as those white rabbits – not of looks that immediate took fellows’ admiration, but one might of a sudden be struck at her likeness to some Flemish Madonna or other in Sallingford’s collection – was not Pockinford wont to mention the ancestor that came over with Dutch William? And of course, what might be supposed in particular to catch Ollie’s interest, a beautiful singing voice, that she was now taking lessons for, even was she still hesitant over performing in public.

But here came Ollie! Had been at the works, and was anxious to convey a deal of intelligence that he had learnt – the boy came on! – and had been mindful of his grandfather’s instructions about ensuring the putting aside a quantity of the seconds to send to the Seamstresses’ Summer Workshops, that excellent enterprize.

And what did young Oliver intend doing the e’en, Sir Oliver enquired, that had a mind himself to go to an instructive lecture at the Institute, with lantern-slides, on the flora of the nearby countryside.

Oh, Ollie shifted from foot to foot, and said, was Granda going out, of course he would be upon hand to push his chair –

What, did you have some other engagement?

Not precisely, said Ollie in the tone that quite immediately evoked suspicion. Then cleared his throat and went on, well, the fact of the matter is, I was going to the theatre –

Have you not seen that play already?

– well, yes, but 'tis an excellent piece and well-acted – and then taking Miss Dalrymple for a late supper –

Miss Dalrymple? Sir Oliver raised his eyebrows in a most ferocious fashion.

That is her stage-name, Ollie explained with somewhat of a stammer, she is Rosalind Richardson – that I knew from Raxdell House parties –

His grandfather went Humph! Sure, one knew that apart from that little matter of unhallowed union, there was something entire respectable about the household of Abertyldd’s antient friend Danvers Dalrymple and the acclaimed thespian Clara Richardson. Why, his mother – a noted philanthropist and also famed for her wisdom in the matter of dogs – lived with 'em – he entire acknowledged the offspring of the match – sure there were married couples a deal more rackety!

But even so. One remembered young Orlando Richardson, that went to New South Wales some few years ago – with a company of actors, not transported! – that had had somewhat of a reputation as a great favourite with ladies. And that had he not departed for austral shores there might well have been matters of crim.con. cases if not worse brought to him.

Sir Oliver snorted softly to himself. Well, he said, I do not see why you may not sup with the young lady. Do you indite her a note apologizing for your absence from the play, and you may meet her at the stage-door later.

Blushing, Ollie was inarticulately effusively grateful at this concession.

Sir Vernon Horrabin looked across his desk at his colleague. It argues exceeding well for the confidence your subordinates have in you, Carson, that Nottinge felt able to bring this sordid matter before you.

Carson leant back in his chair and nodded. I have quite exhorted 'em to come to me should they have any of the little troubles of youth – they are entrusted with heavy matters of the nation, there are ever those will go probe for any weakness – will not name names but will say there was a sad instance to do with the Board of Control of recent years –

Excellent well! said Sir Vernon, though that was a very foolish habit in Frimleigh of taking papers home, even had his son not been caught up in the toils of that Yankee fellow. But to the Nottinge business.

Pray, he thought, 'tis not a recurrence of the same plot.

Carson folded his hands. Why, here is Nottinge, discovers that a letter from his betrothed, that contains what he calls embarrassing matter has disappeared, and then shortly afterwards he receives a note – that he very sensibly brought to me – demanding payment for discretion.

Embarrassing matter?

Carson could not repress a lopsided smile. It transpired that Nottinge has a taste for dressing in women’s clothing – discovered this when obliged to take the woman’s part in plays at school – and his young lady is entirely confederate in this, advises him upon styles, &C, and in this particular epistle, writes that she has obtained an elegant set of stays that she fancies will fit him after she has made a few alterations –

Sir Vernon chuckled and then, more soberly, said would that more wives and young ladies would show such sympathy towards their husbands’ odd quirks, 'twould mean a deal less trouble –

Then added, but he does not go display himself thus in public?

Carson shook his head. I apprehend that there is no matter of actual masquerade – merely that he enjoys wearing female garb –

Why, one sees that this would be most embarrassing did it get out – I am right, am I not, in thinking that Nottinge is a prime sportsman, noted cricketer, fine shot, hard rider to hounds &C – Carson agreed that this was so – but 'tis in no way illegal. Let me consider over it a moment.

He steepled his fingers under his chin.

Why, this has been so very prudently beforehand that I am inclined to say that we might make a small outlay from the Special Fund as, shall we say, a sprat to catch a mackerel? I should be interested to observe whether, is he seen to pay up very brisk, the demands move on to matters of papers to which he has access.

Carson gave a slow nod. You put it very justly.

And I will keep the note, to see will it tell me anything further. Does it not look to you like a lady’s hand? though one supposes that a fellow in this line of business would also command the arts of forgery.

After the grateful Carson had left – for Nottinge was by way of being a protegé of his – Sir Vernon looked at the note.

Very much like a lady’s handwriting – and a good quality of paper, as well –

He shook his head. Must turn his attention to other business, and leave this until he might convoke with the lovely Clorinda.

Some few years ago he had made the error of supposing 'twas high time they married – felt age beginning to creep up on him – a desire to settle – put matters on a more regular footing. But had come about to realize that, however much a domestic life in that superbly run household appealed, it was far more valuable to the interests of the nation that the widowed Dowager Marchioness of Bexbury should appear as a free agent.

He grinned to himself. It had been Lord Julian Favell’s odd quirk concerning female feet that had first drawn the Foreign Office’s attention to a certain Lady of the Town, that he had found intelligent, first-rate at drawing out a fellow, and also entirely discreet. She had done 'em excellent service in that capacity, and even since her elevation had continued most useful to the nation’s interests.

Had quite the most valuable connexions! He did not interrogate how the little Hacker had come to learn her skills, but her ability with locks and more general legerdemain was quite unsurpassed. One did not, perchance, want to make an open approach to the former Bow Street Runner Matt Johnson and his investigation agency but was often a source of prime intelligence into assorted malefactions of state interest. And there was Clorinda, as 'twere the conduit.

So here he was in Clorinda’s exquisite parlour, and here was Miss Hacker presenting in her capacity as does the occasional secretarial tasks for Lady Bexbury, and all was in order for a fine exchange of intelligence.

Hacker conceded that Matt was entire agreeable to opening the course of their investigations to Sir Vernon – what they had at present was some two or three cases in hand that seemed very much about, I have your secret you would not want known, give me money! – so that they wondered whether 'twas some member of that same set had had setbacks at the tables or on the racecourse –

She explained their reasoning as to how they came at the supposition that it was either some individual in the same circle, or at least mayhap a maid or valet that would have access to the places where they gathered.

Sir Vernon nodded. Remarked that the fellow that had come to his attention was no idle man about Town – had the prospect of a fine career ahead of him – but his breeding and reputation as a sportsman would undoubtedly convey him the entrée to such circles. And was it all gentlemen that had been troubled in this way?

She shook her head. There is one lady – so far – 'tis quite the moral tale – had been lured into a card-playing set – made considerable losses – found herself obliged to pawn certain items of family jewellery that she never wore as frightful old-fashioned – then someone acquires the pawn-tickets and holds 'em to ransom.

Somehow – from a certain flash in Clorinda’s lovely blue eyes – he had a notion that there might be some quite informal investigation undertaken into this card-playing set!

So, Hacker went on, we begin to as 'twere draw a map of the circle in question –

That was very neatly done – and indeed, he could already see that these were acquaintances of young Nottinge.

I do not like to prejudge, murmured Clorinda, but I must observe that these are sets where Mr Mortimer Chellow has lately been seen, now he is so constantly in Blatchett’s company. And while there is a little coolness towards Blatchett, no-one has yet gone so far as to exclude him from their invitations.

Chellow is certainly a noxious creature, Sir Vernon agreed, and this sort of enterprize would not surprize me in him. But let us keep our minds open.

They sipped their tea and nibbled on the excellent cakes that Euphemia had baked and he fancied that there was a further matter waiting to be opened.

Hacker cleared her throat. 'Tis a difficult problem for the agency – how to undertake an investigation in such circles –

Sir Vernon smiled. Why, I was about to come to that. I am not altogether confident that this is merely some matter of raising the ready and that there is not some darker purpose behind which is why my young colleague, that is not particularly well-to-do, has been approached.

Clorinda drooped her eyelashes at him. La, Sir Vernon, are the interests of the nation at stake?

'Tis possible. And thus I volunteer the services of a certain young man about Town –

Hacker grinned. That I have taught the tricks of locks &C? Has somewhat of a dissipated reputation?

I had supposed, said Clorinda, that he was bound for some Embassy.

There is no immediate haste, said Sir Vernon. Is entirely the chap for this mission.

So here he was, looking across his desk at Lord Gilbert Beaufoyle, that had clearly been carefully cultivating an air of dissipation and at present was wearing a somewhat sullen expression.

'Twas understandable! Here he had the prospect of Paris, that was indeed quite the accolade so early in his career, and first there was, let us delay until after the election so that he could go display about the balls &C in the constituencies where there was Mulcaster interest, and now there was this desire that he should go disport in the set about Trelfer and South Worpley –

I doubt, said Lord Gilbert in sulky tones, that they will be extending me invitations. For 'twas still the case that the Ladies Inez and Leah, formerly bosom friends, to whom those eligible partis the heirs to the Duchy of Humpleforth and to the Marquessate of Emberry still aspired, continued to doat on that romantic, positively Byronic figure.

Sir Vernon smirked. They will certainly be inviting your brother Sallington, and does he indicate a desire that the invitation should include you, I fancy they would hardly refuse.

Lord Gilbert groaned. Indeed they will – Trelfer purposes some gathering at Mellonby, and m’brother is not inclined to cut – says at the very least he supposes there will be a painting or so of interest – there is also – Trelfer will boast upon it – an armoury displaying a deal of weapons. That I have some notion were not so much ones that his ancestors drew in the heat of battle but that some forebear collected.

Sir Vernon smirked again and said, indeed, a fine array of duelling swords and pistols!

Lord Gilbert groaned again. Lord. But I will go be dutiful.

I would not expect anything else. But I have been giving some thought to providing you with a dark secret –

He observed that young Beaufoyle was still capable of being brought to a blush.

So here I have just the thing, entire in keeping with your reputation – that evoked lifted eyebrows – a handbill, and some correspondence with a certain quack, that promises very discreet and expeditious treatment, without mercury, for a certain ailment. One may suppose that 'tis entirely the sort of thing you would not want bruited about.

Most certainly not!

And of course a packet of the pills.

Lord Gilbert sighed, and nodded.

So delightful to be going out of Town to dear Worblewood! thought Myo – Hermione, now Countess of Trembourne. Oh, there had been a deal of fuss and bother as to whether 'twas prudent for her to undertake the journey in her condition, but as ever, Dr Ferraby had been entire soothing – the good roads there were these days – modern fine-sprung carriages – 'tis not the old tale of being jolted and tossed from side to side – almost as smooth as taking the railway – providing due care is taken –

So due care was taken and they proceeded at a very cautious pace and there was no matter of being tossed about. Indeed, so calm was the entire proceeding that dear Nora looked a deal less pale and sickly than she usually did when traveling.

Sure they would be quite the party at Worblewood! Jimsie and herself – darling Mama – Nora her sister-in-law, Lady Eleanor Upweston, in mourning for her late father – her brother Grinnie, Lord Peregrine, that she supposed they should get into the practise of calling Talshaw? now he was heir – once their school-terms were over, her younger brother Lord Lucius – Lucie – and Jimsie’s brother Lewis – and they were in anticipation of a visit from that agreeable Yorkshireman and archaeologist Mr Chilfer, with the prospect of digging in the field where it was believed there might be a Roman villa lying beneath.

While Surgeon-Major Hicks would be calling from time to time, to see how she did with the exercizes he had prescribed for her lame leg, and she fancied Lucie and Lewis would quite badger him for tales of the campaigns in the Punjaub – Hicks would oft declare his admiration for the Sikhs, first-rate fighting men, and 'tis a very admirable religion they follow –

Mr Averdale, that would be coming for a probationary period as Jimsie’s secretary, a thing sorely needed. Having left Oxford loaded with academic honours, to hear Grinnie tell it, had gone be admired in the bosom of his family for a little while before he came to Worblewood.

But Myo had quite the greatest confidence in the Tilburys, that were butler and housekeeper, to have everything in the way of bedchambers and sitting-rooms &C already well under hand, while Mrs Apcott, she fancied, would quite delight in feeding a pack of hungry young men!

It was a considerable relief, she must inwardly confess to herself, that being in mourning for her late elder brother she might eschew a deal of going about in local society. Jimsie, in spite of being in mourning himself for the late Earl, would be obliged to go about somewhat, in particular with the election impending. But she might lead a pleasant quiet life in a place that was very dear to her heart – walk a little in the grounds – consider upon the gardens –

Doubtless her father, Lord Saythingport, would be entertaining the local Tory interest at Roughton Arching, that marched with Worblewood, but indeed, her condition – Jimsie’s mourning – would preclude having to have much to do with 'em – Jimsie was very much a recruit to the Mulcaster set, that were radical even among the Whigs!

So here they were, already entirely comfortably settled – Mama had a sitting-room of her own but chose mostly to sit in Myo’s lovely Dutch parlour with its view to the gardens, and while they had picked out a fine light upper room for Nora to be at her lace-making, she found that Myo’s parlour was entirely eligible to the purpose! –

Jimsie went have serious convocation with the steward, and the keeper, &C.

And, such a pleasure! Here was one of the Roughton Arching carriages drew up, gave them a little pause – but down stepped Grinnie, in mourning of course, and Tilbury bustling about instructing the men where to take the trunks –

Grinnie kissed his mother and Myo, bowed very elegant over Nora’s hand, shook Jimsie’s hand, and they drew him into the house.

Lord, this is a deal better! he said, looking around. Had to go do the proper thing and be received as heir – introduced about Father’s set, what a tedious crowd they are – Sir Robert Peel is the very devil to 'em, worse than Russell – at least they did not have their daughters with 'em, 'twas a bachelor party, but there was a deal of discourse of the young ladies –

They came to the Dutch parlour, where by some positive alchemy coffee had already appeared.

That is being somewhat vulgar beforehand, Mama remarked.

Grinnie snorted as he sat down and accepted a cup. O, Father has been exhorting me on the importance of matrimony and the wise choice of a spouse – and how to weigh the several factors of breeding, or interest, or a fine portion – 'tis enough to make a fellow declare himself an admirer of Newman, but to fancy he did not go far enough and become a monk.

Really, Grinnie! said Mama, smiling. Or mayhap that Mr Grigson could put you in way of some very wealthy Celestial lady with exceeding tiny feet?

Grinnie blushed a little as they all laughed. Or perchance, he went on, that one had been converted to the views of Miss Ferraby – but anyway, I have conceded that I will think upon the matter.

They all agreed that there was no harm in thinking on the question – and, Nora ventured, reading over the form of matrimony in the Prayerbook as to what marriage should be, thought those words very beautiful. She then mumbled into a confused blush.

Myo was rather glad that Lucie had not yet joined the party, for was still given to schoolboy humour and would, she feared, have been like to suggest a deal of unlikely ladies as potential brides.

A few days later Mr Averdale arrived, followed shortly by Lucie and Lewis, and then Mr Chilfer.

Such an agreeable man! thought Myo. Nothing of the coarse or encroaching about his manners – one apprehended that he was entire welcomed by those that had antient ruins on their estates to assist at the diggings, in Yorkshire and elsewhere, had acquired a deal of polish or mayhap 'twas native good breeding.

Became quite the greatest favourite of Lucie and Lewis, that even abandoned the trout-stream in order to participate in the excavation – that they were exhorted to undertake very gentle and careful – while he and Grinnie had the most scholarly discourse concerning the Roman occupation and its withdrawal from the shores of Britannia. While Grinnie confided his regret at having to renounce his Oxford fellowship, Chilfer declared that one might do a deal of fine work outside college walls, mentioning certain names.

While Jimsie and Averdale were most exceeding conscientious about getting affairs in order, they too would stroll out to the field to see how matters went – for there had been finds, mostly pieces of pottery, but also a coin or two, that was deemed very encouraging.

One afternoon they had all come indoors to the parlour for tea, as rain showers threatened. Tilbury came in with his card-tray, saying, with a very blank expression, that two ladies had come to call, was Lady Trembourne at home?

They hardly needed to look at the cards to guess that here was Dowager Lady Balstrup – one dared suppose the other lady was La Signora Umberti – returned to Attings from her travels about the country and going to and fro among her neighbours to see what was the news with them.

So they came in, and introductions were made.

Mr Chilfer enquired was La Signora any connexion of the late scholar and patriot, Il Professore Umberti? Had quite religiously read his writings – even managed to make his way through the ones writ in his native tongue with the aid of a dictionary –

La Signora with a slight tearful choke admitted that she was the widow of the late Professore and recounted the tale of their exile following the events of '30.

That had been very fine in the late Lord Raxdell! exclaimed Chilfer – La Signora added testimony to the generosity of the Dowager Marchioness of Bexbury –

That would be the widow of the antiquarian? – La Signora nodded, and mentioned that she had been most conscientious about placing his collections in the British Museum – had read his writings. Greatly inspired by them and those of Il Professore with the greatest longing to go visit those parts – but alas, the cares of business – mayhap, someday, when he could confide the papermill to his son’s hands –

La Signora declared that did he purpose such an excursion, she was still able to provide letters of introduction – had recently done the like for her former pupil Emmy Reveley, now Mrs di Serrante –

As the company desired to know had she lately had any news from the di Serrantes at Naples, came in Averdale, that looked somewhat taken aback. Introductions were made and Lady B, as was her wont, immediately started interrogating him about his family. La, it turned out that the Averdales, country squires in a very modest way in Staffordshire, could by some means be shown to have some remote connexion to the Balstrups. Mama smirked and leaned over to murmur on Myo’s ear that sure the College of Heralds ought to consult with Lady B whenever they were about making up pedigrees!

When he was finally released to be made known to La Signora, he apologized for not being able to address her in Italian – I am able to read it, but alas, have not had any instruction in speaking that tongue.

Lady Balstrup intervened to say that she had learnt Italian, along with French and German, as a girl, and now she and Signora recreated themselves with reading to one another in those tongues, and sure they would be delighted should any of the Worblewood party care to join 'em.

Mr Averdale looked very longing.

Myo sat up a little and said, sure they were very took up with this excavation – when the weather was a little finer the ladies should come see how it went – and of course her husband Lord Trembourne and Mr Averdale were very busy with the cares of the estate –

Lady B looked knowing, for the late Earl’s lack of attention to business while spending a great deal on quacks and spaws was common gossip.

– but sure it could only be beneficial to have a little rational recreation as a break from those labours.

Grinnie reached over and squeezed her hand. 'Tis an excellent argument. I will go put it to your husband.

How very thoughtful of Grinnie. Really, he became so quietly confident – so responsible – in all things so unlike their deceased brother.